I've been interested in the military and in the hobby of scale modeling for as long as I can remember. Born into and raised by a military family, I was able to get first hand knowledge of the military as a child. The United States Army taught me at a very young age, how to drive and also how to handle small arms. It was there at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts that I got my first AFV ride in an M-48 Patton Main Battle Tank, and my first flight in an OH-13 Helicopter. I was hooked! Needless to say, I spent every minute that I could on post, hanging out with my dad and his staff. I could go out and get dirty climbing all over everything, then I could go to my father's office and take a nap, however there always seemed to be something moving around out in the field, so I'd be off and running towards the sounds, hoping to be able to jump on board.

I started my own military career in 1972, after having drawn the number 48 in the draft lottery of the previous year. Instead of waiting for the letter from the President to arrive, I decided to enlist. It was something that I have never regretted.

Over the next 20 years, I had accumulated almost 12 'point' years towards a retirement, but due to the Reductions in Force (RIF) in the early 1990s, I ended my career in 1992 as a Staff Sergeant with the title of Assistant S-3 Air NCO, but my area of expertise was, and always will be, Light Weapons Infantry.

Over those roughly 12 years, I got to see a lot of places, met many friends, got to qualify and familiarize with all kinds of weapons, flew in various aircraft types and 'traveled' in many kinds of military vehicles.  Serving in the Army was for me, the most rewarding time of my life. There were a few bad times, but I only seem to remember the good times and the good people that I served with. Those times, the people and the Camaraderie I will never forget.

I've been scale model building seriously for over 25 years now, having entered my first competition (and taking my first award) at the 1983 IPMS Region 1 Convention in Albany NY. I have since accumulated over 100 trophies, plaques, ribbons and medals. My primary area of interest lies in 1/35 scale Military Vehicles, but I have also dabbled in other scales as well as some off-the-wall Sci-Fi rockets and Wargamming subjects even though I am not a Wargammer.

The Bunker...

This is where I do all of my model building. Fairly neat and tidy as it was recently cleaned up after a recent project. "The Bunker" is quite comfortable year round...warm in the winter, cool in the summer, moisture free and has stereo. A nice place to go.

The Woodshop...

I have a small woodshop and over the years, have built display and book cases to support this hobby as well as for various household projects. The display cases have protected my models well over the many years that I've had them. My early 1980's builds are still looking almost new.

My 'Other' room...

This is where I started building after we purchased this house in 1989 and before I had put up the walls to the Bunker. This room is 1/2 of the attic and has evolved over the years. Quite comfortable although a little chilly during the winter and somewhat warm during the summer months. It is a great place to go to do some reading. The majority of my reference materials and unbuilt kits are stored there.

The display cases are constructed out of pine and measure 48 inches Wide x 45 inches High x 12-1/2 inches Deep. Stained with an oil based stain and sealed with multiple coats of Polyurethane. The glass shelving is 45 inches Long x 10 inches Wide. The backing is a knot free grade of 1/2 inch thick plywood sheet, primed and then painted with a Latex paint. Almost time to build another one... 

Many years ago and during the height of my competition years, I did manage to get a couple of model photos published in two well known modeling magazines. "Fine Scale Modeler" came about when I submitted a photo to the reader gallery and to my surprise, the photo made it to print! However; the highlight of my modeling hobby came about at the AMPS Nationals of 1999 when Steve Zaloga, a well known modeler, author and historian, snapped a photo of my BRDM-1/AT-3 and published it both in "Boresight" and the UK produced "Military Modeling" magazines.

Hire A Veteran -
"They are trainable. They are intelligent. They know what the words... and responsibility and... do it now mean. Who wouldn't want to have them as an employee. All they want is a chance."
- Joe Davis, spokesman for Veterans of Foreign Wars

Several years ago (2004) and via a great friend, I had the opportunity to reminisce on Ft. Devens where I (and others) got to do some fun off-roading in both the M1A1 Abrams and M113A2 APC. Being that Ft. Devens was a major part of my childhood, this opportunity to go back and to stand on the very spot that I took my first helicopter ride was so very special to me.
Thank you Rob for a great time!