ABOUT ME




I originally came from England as an Air Force brat. I joined the Navy at 17 way back in 1973. I retired with 30 years in August 2003. My first 8 years I spent as a Personnelman and the last 22 years in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community. I retired as a Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (EOD/MTS) and Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. The EOD behind the rank stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and the MTS is Master Training Specialist. I also held the classifications of Curriculum Developer and Command Career Counselor. Since my retirement the Navy has chosen to make EOD a rate; like Yeoman, Boatswain's Mate, etc. so they no longer have the EOD designation behind the rank. EOD is now the rate/rating, i.e. EOD3, EOD1, EODC, etc. I know. It can get a little confusing.

I've lived in England, New Mexico, Kansas, California, Maryland, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida and now Idaho. I went completely around the world on the USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) back in 1983. Other places I've been include the Philippines, France, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. It was really fun to get to see and enjoy other cultures. I highly recommend the Navy as a first job for our young people.

If you've known me for a while you may not know that I've been fighting some type of muscle disease which first started with my arms in June of 2000. It progressed to my legs the day before Thanksgiving 2001. At present I'm barely able to walk any distance or do much of anything repetitive with my shoulders, arms, or hands. My broad scope diagnosis for now is metabolic myopathy. I've also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Restless Leg Syndrome. The VA rated me 100% disabled and Social Security found me totally unfit for any type of employment. As of March 2006 we are still unable to find the cause of my severe exercise intolerance. My muscles easily fatigue to total and complete failure resulting in paralysis or partial paralysis of the stressed muscle group. The adverse affects can last for 5 or 6 days. Click HERE to open a new window on my medical web site I call "Searching For A Diagnosis". My main personal web site is located at http://www.rodgersweb.net/idaho. More info about me and lots of Government/VSO links.

It's been a long and frustrating journey so far. Contrary to popular notions, the Government came through for me, both the VA and Social Security. I did what they wanted, when they wanted, and provided exactly what they asked for. Well except for having to get a lawyer after two Social Security turn-downs. But even then once the Judge saw me there was no doubt as to my entitlement. Having my online diary really helped with the whole process. There is no way I could have remembered the sequence of events with any accuracy without it.

I originally started shooting when I joined the military in 1973. In the early 80's I started personal shooting in my off-duty time. Hunted many a goat on Kahoolawe in Hawaii. Mice too but that's another story. I began shooting again after I came down with this muscle disease, mostly for self defense. It was also a good opportunity to share something with my son. I've introduced him to shooting and he enjoys target shooting as well. On a "good" day I can usually hang for a few hours or so if I take my time; a little longer if I sit most of the time while shooting. Mostly slow fire. Rapid fire quickly wears out my hand muscles. I can't go out that often but all in all, it's worth it to me to be extra sore for a few days afterwards. I've definitely had to cancel more shoots than the times I've actually gone just because of muscle or fatigue issues. Shooting is a great sport with lots of different types of competitions for those so inclined. Of course if you carry a firearm for self defense you'll want to maximize your practice time.

Shooting in any form is a good way to keep your mind sharp. Hand/eye coordination is essential and so is mental concentration. Personally I think I just like hearing the bangs! ;)

For those of you on the front lines in the war on terror, my prayers go out to you.

John 15:13 ~ "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."