Duane Taylor:  

Life After graduating from High School I joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. There really was not much else to do. Jobs were scarce because Boeing had laid off just about everyone. College was really not an option. I served for six years as a Radio Operator in Mannhiem, Germany and Izmit,Turkey as well as Fort Lewis. After leaving the Army in 1979 I went to work for the Federal Government where I have spent my entire career, mostly as a Telecommunicatons Manager, and retired in May 2011 after 38+ years. I am happily married with no kids and am enjoying life very much. Army Mannhiem was a blast. I was part of NATO assigned to the 97th Signal Batt. For the military this duty was as good as it gets. The time spent in a foreign country was a major eye opener and helped me grow as a person. I had many wonderful experiences and experimented with all facits of life. All these years later I still think of Tim Hennessey, Howard Hervey, Doug Johnson, Arthur Noyes III, Ricardo Morales-Lopez. I really hope all is well with them. Army Fort Lewis was interesting but not the best experience. I had just re-enlisted and I found out what the real military was about and it was not fun. I was in the 9th Signal Batt. which was part of the 9th Infantry Div. Being young and full of anger did not set well with my commanders. I was considered a career soldier and was expected to act like one. It just didn't work well for me given where I was at in my life at that time. I was in trouble from the time I got to Ft. Lewis to the time I was shipped to Turkey. I was put on special assignments until they could get me out of there. Army...Expand for more