Richard Thomas, PhD:
CLASS OF 1981
Firestone High SchoolClass of 1981
Akron, OH
Georgia Institute of TechnologyClass of 1984
Atlanta, GA
Johnson & Wales UniversityClass of 1983
Providence, RI
Litchfield Middle SchoolClass of 1978
Akron, OH
Fairlawn Elementary SchoolClass of 1975
Akron, OH
Richard's Story
Life
I have been quite successful in my endeavors. I am an ordained 3rd Degree Gardnerian High Priest, with PhD's in World Religion and Metaphysical Parapsychology. I run a Healing-Counseling practice, am a Human Rights activist since graduating Firestone and have been involved in quite a few Human-Civil Rights-Tolerance objectives. I teach Religion and lecture on Religious and Civil Tolerance. I have definitely come out of the broom closet and taken hold of the reins. I am not the quiet, shy person that was picked-on constantly as the local geek. I have made a name for myself and live a very comfortable life. I am happy with my life and those with whom I share it. I don't miss anything about my High-School days or any of the people that were there.
People often ask, 'What would you do if you could relive your past?'
My Answer: "If I was forced to re-live those days... Firestone Senior High probably would have become the first Columbine Incident!"
I know that sounds horrible, but that is how I felt about FHS. I have grown both mentally and spiritually since those days. I hold no mean spirits or demons, just bad memories of days gone by!
School
All through Junior and Senior high I was the brunt of everyone's jokes. I was teased and picked on in the cruelest of ways. I was called names like Ricky-Retardo, Queer-boy, Fagget, amongst others that cut like a knife. I tried to get along or mingle and was cast aside like scrap meat. I disassociated myself and became an introvert. The only person who seemed to care was Sharon Seigel, one of the cheerleaders in the Class of 1980, then she was murdered at Lawson's near Kent State University.
I have maintained a contact address through my father, Dr Bill E Thomas, and have not once been contacted for a single reunion. It has been 25plus years and it still hurts to think about how spoiled, unkind, and cruel were the vast majority of the students at Firestone Senior High.
College
Upon graduation from Firestone, I was one of only seven students fro...Expand for more
m the state of Ohio accepted to attend Johnson & Wales College in Providence, RI where I majored in Culinary Arts and Nutrition. I then enlisted and was inducted into the US Army. While serving in the Armed Forces I attended GA Tech where I earned an MBA in Business Management. After leaving the service with an Honorable Discharge for six years of service, I attended Bryman Medical School in Oakpark Illinois for Pre-Med and nursing and became a certified M.A.S.T..
Workplace
I am the founding Pastor-High Priest for Aquarian Ministries, ULC and the Director of Aquarian Manor, ALC. I worked as a Certified/Licensed Security Enforcement Officer for the Department of Defense as Captain and Chief of Security at Patrick Air Force Base and Port Canaveral until 2007. I had worked in the Security Industry since 1999. I set up Aquarian Manor, Assisted Living Centers in 1986 as a Home for Adults and Seniors needing assisted living. It has since become more of a mission for those needing refuge and guidance, thus the name change to Ministries. It doesn't pay the bills, hence the work in Security! I worked for AmPro Corporation as their Executive AA until they liquidated under Chapter 13. Currently I am a Professional Traveler making paths Internationally. Yes, my work history has been varied but quite interesting and fulfilling, never boring... and I have many different paths I can fall back on if needed. My resume definitely makes for interesting reading material!
Military
I enlisted in the US Army in September of 1982. I went to Ft. Knox, KY for Basic Training were I completed training as the Honor Soldier for my Company. Advanced Individual Training was at Ft. Lee, VA where I graduated as the Selected Superior Graduate. I was stationed first at Ft. McPherson, GA then Yongsan AFB in Seoul, Korea. After 6 years of service I became a civilian once again. I enjoyed serving my country, but had to lie on the induction paperwork and interviews... such a shame my country won't allow people like me to serve openly!
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Reunions
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