I’m 79 years old, white hair, 205 lbs. I like to exercise with weights. My legs have metal rods in both knees, so I have trouble trying to run. I had the operation done on both knees at once in March of 2004. I was born in Cicero, Illinois (that’s the crime center of Illinois during the Al Capone era). Graduated from high school in 1944 and then enlisted in the Navy in 1945. Trained in Banana River (near Cape Canaveral) in single engine seaplanes, (such as were launched off of Cruisers and Battleships). After 15 hours of solo time, the school closed down because too many enlisted pilots, and trained as an airplane mechanic. I spent most of my time in Hawaii, flying as a Plane Captain, and doing submarine locating and chasing. The planes were much bigger now, twin engine Lockheeds, carrying two torpedoes. Also, I became a machine gunner. I learned pistol and rifle shooting and became a Navy Distinguished Marksman in both categories. I was released in 1948 with a Honorable Discharge and joined the Naval Reserve.
I started civilian life working as an apprentice cabinet maker. Then I was called back into the service in 1952 and served 2 years with a new squadron, back in Hawaii. We had bigger torpedo planes and also 4 engine transports. Beside submarine locating, we also ferried helicopters into Japan with our transports. We were able to get 6 small choppers into our planes, and then on the way back, we carried wounded military personnel and civilians to Hawaii.
I got out in 1954 with another Honorable Discharge. I then went back and finished my cabinet making apprenticeship. After awhile I became an outside carpenter and later formed a construction company. During this, I became a Reserve Police Officer and served 16 years on the police department. Then in 1960, 3 pals and I started a sporting goods store and pistol shooting range. Here we sold stun guns, Mace and other home and self defense protection products. In 1970 we opened another store and then in 1976 I moved to Naples, Florida and opened the third sporting goods store. We lasted roughly 16 years before Wal-Mart opened nearby and then I along with 3 other parties in the sporting goods business were forced to close our doors. So, I took up selling home protection products with my 2 web sites. There is a very good place for this kind of merchandise, especially here in Naples, Florida.
Here, where ladies are prey for muggers in parking lots or if a female is out late at night alone, they should have something for protection. A small canister of tear gas or Mace is very handy to have at those times Stun guns are a very good deterrent also. Home owners can have security systems around their homes with a monitor and several hidden cameras. Or, if there was a burglar, a diversion safe would be of help to put valuables into. This way the burglar won’t notice them. Hidden cameras placed outside alerting you to prowlers, also, taking pictures of movement outside. Some companies use hidden cameras to watch personnel at work, or to check on thieves who pocket small items from shelves in stores. Hideen cameras are also useful on job sites to keep track of deliverys or work progress.
This is a rewarding business because there is a need for some small self protection items, to protect ones self and I am glad that what I sell can and will be of some good. Even if it never gets to be used, at least you have the assurance and piece of mind is there if you need it.
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