From Hueys, Props and Jets to V-Twins to Rum Punches and Tequila – Living the Dream

 People ask me what retirement is like.

I usually tell them, "It's a lot like being 20 again...except now I can afford the toys, and I need ibuprofen afterward."

I busted my ass in the United States Air Force for 20 years. Looking back, those were some of the best years of my life. I met incredible people, learned lessons you just can't get anywhere else, and developed a work ethic that followed me everywhere.

Apparently, the military wasn't enough punishment, because I rolled right into another 20 plus years in private industry. Ironically, it all tied back to my Air Force career. Same technologies...just different buildings, different coffee, and fewer people yelling, "Time to Deploy!!"

Somewhere in all that work, I discovered motorcycles.

Actually...motorcycles discovered my wallet.

I've been riding for over 40 years, living life wide open. For nearly 20 of those years, I've been an Indian Motorcycle guy. At one point, I've owned what can only be described as a stupid number of Indians. Seriously, if Indian had offered stock options instead of motorcycles, I'd probably own the company by now.  Well, actually was part owner of Polaris for awhile!

Back then, I was all about the brand.

These days? Not so much.

I've learned something important: it's not about the logo on the tank. It's about the grin inside the helmet. I still absolutely love my personal bikes, but the brand wars? Those can stay on Facebook where they belong.

Today my passion is the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA).

That's where you'll find some of the finest people you'll ever meet—veterans riding every make and model imaginable. Harley, Indian, Honda, BMW, Yamaha...it doesn't matter. What matters is the brotherhood, the mission, and supporting fellow veterans. Turns out the best motorcycle isn't determined by the badge on the gas tank—it's the one carrying a good friend beside you.

And now?

Well...life has entered another chapter.

We're moving into our dream home, and we're making up for lost time by escaping to the Caribbean every chance we get. Give me turquoise water, a cold drink with an umbrella in it, a beach chair, and absolutely nowhere I have to be. We've considered moving that direction multiple times but love the USA too much to actually leave it.

I've traded conference calls for cruise ports and All Inclusives.

Deadlines for departure gates.

Stress for sunsets.

After nearly five decades of serving, working, riding, wrenching, and collecting more motorcycles than any reasonable person should admit to...

I'd say things have worked out pretty well.

So if you see me rolling down the road or relaxing somewhere in the Caribbean with a drink in my hand, don't worry.

I'm not lost.

I'm exactly where I planned to be.

Living the Dream.