I was at one time a typical young hard drinking fast flying jet jockey who thought he was so cleaver that he was invincible. I did everything at "full throttle" including drinking. I was not alone as many of my wingman were equally "invincible" and we prided ourselves on being able to hoot with the owls and fly with the eagles. Yes occasionally as time went on one of us would prang one in and wind up a smoking hole in the ground. The rest of us would chock it up to job related risks and press on with our well tuned denial system. We all believed it (becoming a crash statistic) would always happen to the other guy. This type of denial system works well in the combat environment to help one stay focused on the mission as opposed to his butt. But with alcohol it leads to further entrapment into the web of a chemical fantasy land.

Over the years my cavalier attitude toward alcohol led into that chemical fantasy land. A land were many people enter and only a few ever leave. The fantasy was the idea that alcohol was my dear friend when in fact it was a sneaky thief who sought to rob me of my entire being - physically, mentally and spiritually eventually seeking to destroy me totally. And of course those who were close to me suffered as well. Fourteen years ago by the grace of God I realized I was dancing with the Angel of Misery and her sister the Angel of Death was patiently waiting for the her turn.

Without belaboring this story any further I'll summarize by saying the last fourteen years have been a wonderful reawakening and renewing of the essence of my heart, mind and soul. Resulting in a remake of my values and spirituality. I don't drink and that's the choice for me today. There was a time when I didn't have that choice. I'm not a crusader against the "demon rum" and I have no problem with people who choose to drink responsibly. I am just a man who knows he's just a man and alcohol is no longer an option.

I live in the NW Florida pan handle near the Alabama line. We have hundereds of back country roads through forests, farmlands and lots of small country towns sporting the best southern cookin one could imagine. If you're ever planning to bike in this area and want a tour drop me an email at fathum22@mchsi.com

I have become aware of the need to keep veteran awareness in the fore front. I wear this patch on my jacket when I ride and have gotten many favorable gestures and comments along the way. If you want to know more about the patch click here for more info.