Born at the end of the baby boom, he was born as a 100% All-West German bastard. Yeah, as a bastard. His biological mother (Ilse) was a bit of a loose cannon (free Love, Spirit thing). Well, during one of these romps with a U.S. Army GI (who she names as Michael Cache'), she becomes pregnant. She's already a once divorced single mother at 20yrs old, she did not need this headache either.
Well, he was born anyway and his first official language was toddler-German his first breaths in a small town in Breitenbrunn, Germany, . He doesn't remember any of this, but his "siblings" do since they were all older than he was. He knows that his grandmother (Oma - JoHanna) was a big influence in his tiny life, but he doesn't know why. His first memories were of him attending kinder-garden, but not sure if it was a German or American school. So, who was Dad?
Biologically, who knows. Paternally - well that distinction went to a kind hearted G.I. stationed in the area where he fell in love with Ilse and her 2 children (Tammy and Michael). That huge influence was Patrick F. Michael doesn't quite remember life before there was a Patrick F., but his older sister (actually half-sister Tammy) did and stayed in Germany with Oma. Patrick married Ilse in and suddenly Michael and Ilse were American citizens.
Michael remembers that he was not a very good son. He remembers that he used to kick his feet in a steady rhythm or knock his head against a pillow in a steady rhythm. He also used to suck his thumb in a weird way. The family (which went from 6 kids to 8) tried to break him of the habit, but were not successful. He had a temper and was not afraid to use it.
Michael remembers being moved around quite a bit when he was young, just not sure where. He remembers Hawaii, Germany, Texas, Kansas, Colorado. His true and lasting memories started in Prairie Village, KS - and some details have never been spoken of before.
Michael and his closest step-sibling (Alice - born 3 days before Michael) attended 2nd-4th grade in Prairie Village. Those were some wild times. This is where Michael was introduced to: smoking cigarettes; sex; marijuana; using a lawn mower; climbing huge trees; acting like a robber with a fake gun; breaking school windows; staying up late and the worst - lying through his teeth.
Patrick F.'s business took off and he took us away from Prairie Village to Shawnee, KS. We moved into this huge house, had a creek in the huge back-yard. I remember was moved in the summer and I wanted to play football, like his big step-brother did. So, between my older brother, Mom and "Dad", they worked out that I can play for the local YMCA team: Eagles. I was enjoying the crap outa it.
Well, I thought I would. My first practice, I remember running faster than the rest, taking charge and encouraging kids during practice (no pads yet). I still didn't know the game of football. So, when the coaches saw me do all the cool/quick/smart things, immediately I was selected as a half-back.
So, still not understanding the game, after 2 practices trying to find either the 1, 4 or 3 hole, I failed miserably. I was soon that kid who watched the game from the sidelines. I remember our very last game of my first football season and the defensive coach called me into the game. His lead linebacker was hurt or not well or...probably tired. The coach said: Murf, I want you to go in there and tackle their guys who have the ball. You need to sacrifice your body. I really didn't know what it meant running out on the field - then it dawned on me: who cares about getting hurt? Hit 'em harder.
Well, that's all it took - Sacrifice your body - last game of the season - so I did. QB sacked. An interception and multiple tackles. Un-friggin stoppable at 10yrs old.
So, even though I was new to the school, this gave me celebrity status in 5th grade. All the cool kids who didn't play football, suddenly started asking me about it and I hit cool-kid status. 6th grade comes around and I'm a mighty veteran of football now. I am the lone star linebacker, along with my buddy Thumper. I continue through the 6th, 7th, 8th grades as the star linebacker.
9th grade. Not sure what happened here. As the season started, I noticed some of the guys I used to knock on their ass, were suddenly harder to hit and actually hurt. I noticed they were getting bigger and I wasn't. I noticed they talked about lifting weights and I talked about swimming or diving or ... better, I was out stealing cars to joy ride.
I started it. One night while lying in our sweltering house, I got up, looking for some butts to smoke. I saw my Dad's car keys. Hmm...I can drive. So, I did. I drove his big ass Oldsmobile around the neighborhood, stopping at my friends house, calling him out. I was scared to death, but we had a good time.
Well, one night, already have driven more than a couple times, I went to Scot's house, did a U-Turn, put it in Reverse. Something hit. I think it might have been the tailpipe hitting the high curb. Anyway, upon hitting something, I panicked and floored it -- still in Reverse. I nailed a fire hydrant and a light pole, tearing up my Dad's car.
I limped it back to the house - then - getting balls from somewhere - actually told my parents.
(This is probably the shortest blog ever. Since I can't get any money, I have a negative balance in my account, I've been mooching off the Chase credit card my ex wife opened. I just tried to use it to buy some "dip"...Declined. LOL. That's fkg awesome. My only source of food. My only source of sanity left in this world).
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Retired? LOL
The guy is 50yrs old and can barely remember to take a weekly shower. He is fixated on reading internet news, or hell, reading anything on his Nook. He's a "retired" U.S. Army First Sergeant (1SG) that is stuck in a Catch-22 and nobody is listening.
Sound familiar? We know plenty of these guys, but crap, when did I become one of those guys? The story is familiar and here's how I'll outline this:
* 1982-1985: U.S. Army Military Police - rose to the rank of Specialist (P)
* 1985-1986: Tried to go to college, but type-A, partying took over.
* 1986-1994: Rejoined Army - Got married same year way too young bride and immature Soldier. Went to college for Information Systems Management with a keen interest in x86 systems (think pre-Windows = DOS)
* 1994-1995: Fulfilled life long goal of becoming a certified and sworn police officer
* 1995-2003: Couldn't continue making only 21k/year as police officer; submitted resume to SunTrust Bank and hired immediately.
* 2003-2014: Could not stand on the sidelines watching 2 x wars (Afghanistan and Iraq), re-joined military in the Georgia Army National Guard
* 2004-2006: Deployed for combat operations in Iraq
* 2009-2010: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
* 2011-2012: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
* 2013-2014: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
His final deployment, 2013-2014 was the most taxing. During all deployments, he had the trust and confidence that his wife could make the best decisions financially and supplied her with a General Power of Attorney on all deployments. She did good things, such as having a screened in porch installed and bought me a shed. He never took a look at money, she did it all (she was a non-employed mother). He was easily taking home over $11k per month.
So, what about SunTrust? Where do they play a part? Fantastic military support. Per their internal policy, they will pay differential pay to any employee who is called to active duty (there's a bunch of codes and mumbo jumbo, but all was legit). So, here he is, at the pinnacle of my career with SunTrust on the "Fast-Track" (namely because I was bringing in x86 technologies to a mainframe based world) manager. Each time he deployed, it was within SunTrust policy and support.
So, back to the last deployment. His wife really does leave him. Unknowingly to him, she has racked up over $50k in credit card debt, left their home completely abandoned without electricity (not a good idea in the deep south), moved out of state with their daughter. Still unknowing - when he returned from his latest combat deployment, 14FEB2014 (Valentine's Day anyone?).
He's an E8/1SG now, that means he's in charge of over 140 Soldier Souls on combat (along with his Company Commander - a Captain). As he gets everyone ready to march into the gymnasium, he does not see his family. He scans the hundreds of family members, but cannot find his wife or children. As a matter of fact, he doesn't see any family.
As the shock wore off, he quietly asked an E3/PFC for a ride home.
Returning to an empty home was a nightmare. All the power was out and as he entered the home, the smell of mold and mildew was overpowering. A check of the power showed the main breaker was shut off. Mold and mildew had permeated the basement, where everything will either have to be disinfected or thrown out.
15FEB2014: day after returning combat - a deputy sheriff knocks on the door and hands him what? Divorce Papers. All finalized June 2014 paying 2500./month for child support and alimony.
OK, I gotta cut this short, 'cuz I'm starting to lose it again. Went back to Active Duty to finish his 20yrs, but traveling 135miles ONE way was taxing. They didn't care. He's seeing a therapist, but got committed to a psych ward instead. Some BS about TBI, PTSD, multiple combat engagements. Admittedly, he couldn't think straight, but nobody listened. So, when it came time for him to retire, what happens? He's essentially given 3 days to GTFO (that means medical screening, turn in gear, VA appointments...blah, blah). He could not get his retirement orders because they forgot. WTF.
At first, this wasn't too bad. He was not only able to pay all of her credit card debt, he was also able to save money. He saved about $6k before the next event.
30NOV2014 - last day of Active Duty - could not fully outprocess (need gear turned in); 1DEC2014 - return to work at SunTrust as agreed. Met with manager in her office and I was provided a "Package" (basically I'm terminated and they are offered a severance to keep the mouth shut). It would have been nice to have been notified prior. Great. So, now I go from TAKE-HOME $11k/month to zero.
So, the questions needed to be answered: why didn't he go back to the Army and finish? Answer: no income, can't afford the gas, has to pay child support. Although he is not opposed to paying child support, he is opposed to paying alimony.
Get another job? easier said than done. Although he has a Top Secret clearance and can manage hundreds and is a technical whiz, he suspects most employers are look at his age (50).
Unemployment Benefits? Georgia denied his original claim, showing he only made $500+/- for 2014. Submitted a lengthy appeal and has yet to hear from anyone.
Is he homeless? Not yet. He has applied to HomeSafe Georgia, but they are asking for a ridiculous amount of paperwork that he has previously supplied - oh - by FAX only. Who the heck uses FAX in 2015?? He imagines he has about 60 more days.
Food/Electricity/Gas/Water? He took one of the (ex) wife credit card to eat with. He hasn't paid anything else.
Transportation? He has a 2003 GMC Sierra that get's 17MPG. It's almost empty.
SunTrust Severance? Yeah, STI wasn't exactly gracious with the package. Attorney contacted, waiting settlement or court.
Sell everything? Get out? He doesn't know how to do that.
What about the VA? 3-days to outprocess - he did not have time to submit a claim; however, he was able to get an appointment 20FEB2015. All this did was submit the claim, but they said they want that DD214 that he can't get.
So, the whole thing here is that this is a Catch-22. He has no energy to fight anymore. He is taking 8 different medications to keep from losing it; developed high blood pressure in the Army. This combat veteran/retiree was caught in a tornado of misfortune. He doesn't feel sorry for himself, but can't focus on more than one task and maybe 1 minute ahead. He acknowledges that his mental state of mind is probably not the best.
Here's hoping he lives through 2015.
Sound familiar? We know plenty of these guys, but crap, when did I become one of those guys? The story is familiar and here's how I'll outline this:
* 1982-1985: U.S. Army Military Police - rose to the rank of Specialist (P)
* 1985-1986: Tried to go to college, but type-A, partying took over.
* 1986-1994: Rejoined Army - Got married same year way too young bride and immature Soldier. Went to college for Information Systems Management with a keen interest in x86 systems (think pre-Windows = DOS)
* 1994-1995: Fulfilled life long goal of becoming a certified and sworn police officer
* 1995-2003: Couldn't continue making only 21k/year as police officer; submitted resume to SunTrust Bank and hired immediately.
* 2003-2014: Could not stand on the sidelines watching 2 x wars (Afghanistan and Iraq), re-joined military in the Georgia Army National Guard
* 2004-2006: Deployed for combat operations in Iraq
* 2009-2010: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
* 2011-2012: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
* 2013-2014: Deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan
His final deployment, 2013-2014 was the most taxing. During all deployments, he had the trust and confidence that his wife could make the best decisions financially and supplied her with a General Power of Attorney on all deployments. She did good things, such as having a screened in porch installed and bought me a shed. He never took a look at money, she did it all (she was a non-employed mother). He was easily taking home over $11k per month.
So, what about SunTrust? Where do they play a part? Fantastic military support. Per their internal policy, they will pay differential pay to any employee who is called to active duty (there's a bunch of codes and mumbo jumbo, but all was legit). So, here he is, at the pinnacle of my career with SunTrust on the "Fast-Track" (namely because I was bringing in x86 technologies to a mainframe based world) manager. Each time he deployed, it was within SunTrust policy and support.
So, back to the last deployment. His wife really does leave him. Unknowingly to him, she has racked up over $50k in credit card debt, left their home completely abandoned without electricity (not a good idea in the deep south), moved out of state with their daughter. Still unknowing - when he returned from his latest combat deployment, 14FEB2014 (Valentine's Day anyone?).
He's an E8/1SG now, that means he's in charge of over 140 Soldier Souls on combat (along with his Company Commander - a Captain). As he gets everyone ready to march into the gymnasium, he does not see his family. He scans the hundreds of family members, but cannot find his wife or children. As a matter of fact, he doesn't see any family.
As the shock wore off, he quietly asked an E3/PFC for a ride home.
Returning to an empty home was a nightmare. All the power was out and as he entered the home, the smell of mold and mildew was overpowering. A check of the power showed the main breaker was shut off. Mold and mildew had permeated the basement, where everything will either have to be disinfected or thrown out.
15FEB2014: day after returning combat - a deputy sheriff knocks on the door and hands him what? Divorce Papers. All finalized June 2014 paying 2500./month for child support and alimony.
OK, I gotta cut this short, 'cuz I'm starting to lose it again. Went back to Active Duty to finish his 20yrs, but traveling 135miles ONE way was taxing. They didn't care. He's seeing a therapist, but got committed to a psych ward instead. Some BS about TBI, PTSD, multiple combat engagements. Admittedly, he couldn't think straight, but nobody listened. So, when it came time for him to retire, what happens? He's essentially given 3 days to GTFO (that means medical screening, turn in gear, VA appointments...blah, blah). He could not get his retirement orders because they forgot. WTF.
At first, this wasn't too bad. He was not only able to pay all of her credit card debt, he was also able to save money. He saved about $6k before the next event.
30NOV2014 - last day of Active Duty - could not fully outprocess (need gear turned in); 1DEC2014 - return to work at SunTrust as agreed. Met with manager in her office and I was provided a "Package" (basically I'm terminated and they are offered a severance to keep the mouth shut). It would have been nice to have been notified prior. Great. So, now I go from TAKE-HOME $11k/month to zero.
So, the questions needed to be answered: why didn't he go back to the Army and finish? Answer: no income, can't afford the gas, has to pay child support. Although he is not opposed to paying child support, he is opposed to paying alimony.
Get another job? easier said than done. Although he has a Top Secret clearance and can manage hundreds and is a technical whiz, he suspects most employers are look at his age (50).
Unemployment Benefits? Georgia denied his original claim, showing he only made $500+/- for 2014. Submitted a lengthy appeal and has yet to hear from anyone.
Is he homeless? Not yet. He has applied to HomeSafe Georgia, but they are asking for a ridiculous amount of paperwork that he has previously supplied - oh - by FAX only. Who the heck uses FAX in 2015?? He imagines he has about 60 more days.
Food/Electricity/Gas/Water? He took one of the (ex) wife credit card to eat with. He hasn't paid anything else.
Transportation? He has a 2003 GMC Sierra that get's 17MPG. It's almost empty.
SunTrust Severance? Yeah, STI wasn't exactly gracious with the package. Attorney contacted, waiting settlement or court.
Sell everything? Get out? He doesn't know how to do that.
What about the VA? 3-days to outprocess - he did not have time to submit a claim; however, he was able to get an appointment 20FEB2015. All this did was submit the claim, but they said they want that DD214 that he can't get.
So, the whole thing here is that this is a Catch-22. He has no energy to fight anymore. He is taking 8 different medications to keep from losing it; developed high blood pressure in the Army. This combat veteran/retiree was caught in a tornado of misfortune. He doesn't feel sorry for himself, but can't focus on more than one task and maybe 1 minute ahead. He acknowledges that his mental state of mind is probably not the best.
Here's hoping he lives through 2015.
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