Rick Barton:  

Life I was born in Nashville TN in 1955. My Mom was Nashville song writer Marge Barton (Marjorie Inez Barton), my dad was W.E. Holman. I lived with my grandparents from late 1956 until 1960. I lived with my dad and his wife from 1960 until 1973 when, at 18 years old, I was reunited with my mother and my 4 maternal siblings. I served in the U.S. Marine Corps all over the world from 1973 until 1986 in various assignments. My basic MOS was Aircraft Engine Mechanic-Jet designated. I got out in Jul 1986 and went to school at King's School of Aeronautics in Nashville for a year. I obtained my Airframe and Powerplant license and have been "doing" airplanes in one form or another since. I've been on the Inspection end of Aerospace Manufacturing for the last 24 years. It seems since joining the Marines, I've spent most of my life around salt water, sand and seagulls. Who woulda' thunk it? An East Nashville "hick" like me... My life has been a wild ride - it reminds me of the old Wild Mouse fun ride at Nashville's Fair Park! Marriage and young 'uns I raised my two girls pretty much alone since my first divorce in 1985. They're grown and Married now with kids of their own. That's right, I'm a Grandpa! I realized they wouldn't come back to the nest anymore, so after missing it for well over 30 years, I headed back to my native home...Nashville Tennessee in 2003. High School I majored in Commercial Arts at Hume-Fogg tech, starting as a sophmore there in 1970. I usually hung out with Teresa and Phyllis Whitby, who were also from East Nashville. In the mornings before class, we could be found at the Sundry Cafe on 7th ave, the Stand & Snack on Capital or the Krystal on Church St next to Candyland. on cold and rainy mornings we usually hung out in the Sam Davis or the James Robertson hotel lobbies on 7th ave across from the school, drinking coffee or hot chocolate and watching TV until the school doors opened. College In the evenings while serving in the Corps, I attended Mira Costa Community College In Carlsbad CA. I took basic coureses and a few entreprenuership and business classes. I also attended King's School of Aeronautics, taking Aerospace Maintenance Management and Airman courses. I tested at the FAA Flight Standards District Head...Expand for more