I haven’t been around of late, due to many issues. Now, before I get into those. Some specifics, please no awes or feeling sorry for me, as the whole point of this is really just a way for me to let you all know how very much I care for you, and how very much you mean to me as true friends even though we’ve never actually met. Ok, so this year I turned 60 and God only knows what a blessing that is to me, God knows, given my early drug use throughout the late 60’s 70’s, along with 20 years of military life, well lets just say I’m lucky to still be here, as I’ve lost all the wonderful people who’ve ever meant anything to me, the last of which was my childhood best friend.
I entered My military life in late 76 at the age of 16, hehe yeah 16, despite listening to my father who warned me to “stay the hell away from the Infantry”, I joined as a cook, and choose to go to Hawaii as my station of choice. Well, little did I know I was placed in a special forces unit, and much of what I did my first 3 yrs, had little to do with actual cooking, and that’s about all I can say about my first 2 1/2 yrs, as a reward for my service I was made a lifeguard and posted on Wikiki Beach for my last 6 months and promoted to Sgt. Now to the nuts and bolts, I was barely 19 years old when I was given my first command of soldiers and equipment ranging from 6 to 45 or so soldiers and equipment and buildings in excess of over millions worth in dollars, I was responsible for training, health and welfare of such, while in support of anywhere from 150 to 5,000 soldiers, all in support of rapid deployment Infantry units and divisions. And God forbid I became one of the best in my field, surprising even myself. I did and was involved in combat operations more than I care to remember, and never lost a single soldier, but in honesty sacrificed more of myself than I probably should have. God knows I had many peers that sacrificed seemingly nothing more than a good appearance, but did just fine, some better than me. Nothing made me more proud, than seeing and listening to the remarks and knowing the pride my soldiers all carried with and among themselves knowing full well their accomplishments. On a personal note I was selected “All Army” and “All European” in 92 and 94 Culinary Competitions, I also received My Certification as an Executive Chef in 95, the same year I retired from active duty. I then embarked upon my hardest mission to become a respected chef as a civilian, but that’s a long other story, maybe I’ll share in the future.
So why the rambling on, well I became disabled in 2008 from injuries sustained during my service, and have not been able to work since, at first I could still do simple housework, prepare family meals, and even yard work. That all ended in 2011 after a series of bad falls, and since could do very little, although I still try, due to tremors and numbness in my hands and legs from the knees down however, I’m pretty much left in bed now. I’m Truly sorry for popping in and out of late, but my last cover took me over a month to finish, and quite honestly my inspiration is lacking.
To be honest, with all I used to be and do, I now feel empty and worthless and know that I’m simply dying inside. So, I’m struggling right now, and feel I need to let you all know just how much I appreciate you, and respect you and yes, love you. As the friends you are to me. Thank you, Thank You, Thank you for all your support over the years. I just don’t want any of you not to know this, in case anything does happen causing me a longer disappearance than I’d like. Hehe, man my shrink is gonna shit the next time we speak.
Anyway, thanks to you, and know that I’m not completely giving up, just very very tired.
Chef Joe (Nick)
PS - Maybe a few requests, but add some newer titles so I can find better images hehe.