Military:

The Army changed my life by educating me in the real world. I learned there was a lot more to life—things to see, things to learn, places to go, and that you must fight for what’s right. I was trained in Aircraft Instrument repair and On the job trained (OJT) into Camera Instrument repair. Our company was sent to Okinawa to help them get caught up. Where I was OJT’d again into Electrical instrument repair. I went to Vietnam to work as a repairman on a traveling instrument repair and calibration team. I sat in a gunner’s seat on a Huey Helicopter during some of my travels. I loved the view but felt like a target. One minute we were looking down from high, the next minute we were skimming the rice paddies dodging gunfire. Saigon was a beautiful city, especially the ivory shops. Except for the fighting, it was a beautiful country. I bought a monkey from a local as a pet. I think he was just a kid who caught a monkey and sold it to me in a cage. 😊 It was a mean little devil. I was going to take it home, but when I was getting on the plane, the pilot told me the monkey was staying, or I was. I gave it to the first GI who would take it. I was a short-timer, and all I wanted to do was go home to see my little redhead who was born after I left.

Back Home:

I got back home and returned to IBM, which was still a good place to work, but I was different. I had to find my world, so I moved on in business. After eight more years, I still had itchy feet and moved on from marriage. I guess I have been wandering ever since.

I have always been in business, from retiring as an independent Auto Repair Shop owner to owning and operating a small airport, to being a Tow Boat Captain with Boat US Charlotte Harbor, to running an Airboat business on the Peace River, and now a realtor with my family here in Lexington, KY. Now I am also learning to sell online professionally. I have done it before, but not to this level.

Boats: I’ve owned several boats, but my favorites were the Boston Whaler, Scarab Center Console Cuddy 26, Warlock 28, Silverton Convertible 34, and Heritage East 44.

Travel and RV Living: I traveled extensively and lived in my RV for a while. I had a 5th wheel and a Pace Arrow RV.

Motorcycles: I’ve had many motorcycles, with the last being a 2007 Harley Davidson Classic.

Planes: I owned a few planes, ranging from an Aquilla weight shift trike to a Cessna C150. I miss flying around the islands of Lee County, Florida.

Hybrid Vehicles: I recently purchased a Toyota Hybrid to play with. I believe hybrids are the future in automotive, at least until affordable flying cars become a reality.

Airport Ownership: When I first got into planes, I needed a place to keep them, so I bought a small airport on Pine Island. I fixed it up and lived there for nearly 10 years until Hurricane Charley wiped it out in 2004.

Friends and Safaris: I met many great friends and learned a lot about planes. One friend from South Africa invited me to his wedding, and I had the opportunity to go on numerous safaris. These friends will forever be family in my heart.

Unique Experiences: I’ve petted White Lions, a Wart Hog, an Ostrich, a Badger, a Giraffe, and even rode a big white horse on safari. In Thailand, I rode an elephant and visited many Buddha temples. I’ve also traveled to Tokyo, Okinawa, Vietnam, Africa, Mozambique, Belize, Cayman, San Pedro, Hawaii, and soon will be going to Roatan and maybe Europe.

Scuba Diving: I am a PADI Certified Master Scuba Diver. I’ve dived in many places, including Kentucky, the Florida Keys, San Pedro, and the Cayman Islands. I’ve swum with sharks, manta rays, eels, and tons of beautiful fish. I’ve seen many wrecks and coral and met many great people, including photographers for National Geographic.

White Water Rafting and Kayaking: I’ve been white water rafting on the Gauley and kayaking on the Cumberland below the falls, Elkhorn Creek, Ocoee, and Nantahala. I’ve also canoed many rivers.

Airboat Tour Business: I had an airboat tour business in Florida, taking people on alligator tours and to bird sanctuaries on the Peace River. Driving an airboat is way different from any other boats, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Family Cruises: My daughter organizes a family cruise each year. This year, she wants us to go to Europe on a river cruise. She and Scotty started their own travel company and organizes my travels now. I highly recommend her – https://www.facebook.com/travelwithnewby

Tell her Daddy sent you 🙂

Updated 3/2025