Jeff Knight:  

After graduation, I spent a few hours with friends and family before heading to LA. Spent the next 4 years in the US Army with the 82nd Airborne as a Squad Leader, and when needed took over as the Platoon Seargent. During 1978 to 1979, was given the opportunity to work with Special Forces along with D.O.D. after returning home, worked as a civilian for Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Met an ole friend that I knew from Jr. & Sr. High school, we knew her as Sweet Ellen. Six and a half years later, & the threat of having the Shipyard closed by Congress I was offered an Engineering position with Rockwell Intl., and then bought by Boeing. Twelve and a half years later, worked as contract labor repairing electronic equipment for record labels, church's and live concert systems. It has been fun and exhilerating given the opportunities. I went from 6 foot 1 inch tall, 109 pounds and short hair to 175 pounds with hair down the middle of my back. However throughout the years, I became knowledgeable about the true condition of my spine. During my stay at the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg, I made 3 jumps where winds picked up to over 75 MPH. The actual damages were to several ruptured discs along the upper/mid/lower areas of the spine. The L5S1 was the worst and required immediate surgery. Unfortunately the now calcified discs are cutting through my spinal cord. I have limited mobility and constant pain. In 2008, no one would hire me due to the medications. So in 2008, I became disabled with the injuries noted as during military service. Now if I can get the service and care I need. The VA is really atroshise in the LA/LB areas. I have been blessed in locating and renewing friendships. P.S., a previous picture, while teaching at Long Beach City and another more current. Currently I’m in a battle for my life. Seems Vietnam, Korean and WWII living Veterans are all being denied these days. Each year millions of dollars return to congress as unspent monies. Actually they’re illegally syphoned monies to support illegal government programs and bribes. Meanwhile thousands across America are dying in misery while rich p...Expand for more