User:LUFT17 Beretta

From The Air Combat Wiki

My earliest memories of interest in World War II aviation was drawing RAF airbase locations on a map of England during study hall in the seventh grade. I believe Jim Morrison was still alive. Of course, to have that knowledge, I would have had to have raided local and school libraries, maybe years before that day. I also remember drawing a very nice freehand sketch of a B-17 on my paper school book cover that same year and at the end of class looking up from my project and seeing my friends had been watching my every move. I was an active modeler during school with my favorites being an He-410, Grummand Bearcat and I believe, a Spitfire. During my adult years, I enjoyed an occasional airshow or book about aircraft or pilots. I remember when in the late 80's, my resident city, Midland, Texas was campaigning hard to win the new home of the Confererate Air Force. (Now renamed the Commemorative Air Force) I followed the race like the world series and when Midland won, it was like the Cowboys were back in the Superbowl. My office location was at the Midland Air Terminal and at lunch, I would take walks by the future home. The CAF actively recruted volunteers, but I was working two and three jobs then to support my young family. When they finally opened, I made several visits but even in everyday activites I was touched by the move. I saw a P-51 waiting in the take off line while I was catching a SouthWest flight to Austin. I would see a formation of AT-6 Texans pass over while barbecuing in the back yard. A sight or sound would throw me in the past. When I got a new job and had to leave Midland, it was like losing connection with sommething I needed. Something that made me feel comfortable.

One of the positives of the new job was better pay and, after a few years, more time off. My new career allowed me to purchase a personal computer in 2000 after dreaming of one for years. Of course, my reason for one was gaming. I knew there were flight sims out there and finally I would sit in a vitual cockpit. After trying a few, I found Fighter Ace and a perfect match was made. I flew for a year in off-line mode before diving into on-line play. My goal was to find a German squad and after flying just a few months, I was invited to join LUFT. It has been a good fit.

I am currently a supervisor with Customs and Border Protection, stationed on the Texas/Mexico border. My dedication is still to my three children and my understanding wife who lets my alter ego reveal itself a few hours each week.