Howdy from AZ

[Grumpy Doug]

I think I’m one of the original members, I was in the chat group on messenger before the website was created.

I’ve been pretty active in messenger but never posted here before so I figured it’s about time. I want to offer my shoulder and ears if anyone ever needs to talk or grab some coffee but how can you if you don’t know me?

I did try to enlist in the army but due too many traffic fines I never paid and also medical reasons they turned me down.

I grew up in Arizona but moved to Alaska in 1999 when I was 29 years old and went to work in the oilfields. Eventually I ended up helping in the safety department and then on to an on call fire suppression crew. I liked the work and became a hazardous confined space rescue team leader. Luckily never got a call but spent lots of time in real situation training.

Because of the scheduling and remote locations I missed my kids growing up more than I liked and can’t change that. All four of my kids and I talk and I guess are close enough but not as much as I wish.

Now my wife and I are back in Arizona and three of the kids are with in a few hours drive or less. I’m working in commercial property maintenance and home every night.
I opened a gun store with my brother in law and a friend but when our lease was coming up for renewal we decided that we were still not covering our expenses so closed the store just last week. I plan on getting my own business license for myself to continue selling items, just not firearms and continue to offer firearm classes with my NRA instructors certification, I’m thinking about becoming an USCCA firearms certified instructor too.
I’m a very big advocate of the USCCA or at least any self defense legal protection.

I did not grow up with a belief in god or even care to find out but life’s experiences has brought me to a very deep spiritual awakening and foundation that there is a God. I’ve studied many different religions and my experiences fit with the teachings of christianity and after further studies in 2007 I was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I now have a calling as an adult leader in the young men’s group.

I’d be happy to talk about anything or just listen to so you have to share.

I can’t think of anything else to tell you about myself other than if you’re in Arizona or ever come through give me a shout and let’s grab that coffee “Pepsi” for me.

[Blackfire]

Good to know. Look in first section un spiritual guidance. Musings of Roby Evans. LOTS of thought-provoking posts there. Not pushy either.
And yes, you are one of the oruginal 12 in messenger group...

[Roby.evans]

Welcome Doug. Glad you are here.

[airfieldop]

Welcome Doug:
Nice to meet you.
What part of Arizona are you in, I have a son in AZ and also friends there to.
By the way my son in AZ is an oil field guy and I have a grandson in that line of work as well

[7000grain]

Glad you are on