The Author

This section of my website is about myself, who I am and why I created Geer's Country. I was born at Fort Dix, New Jeresy, which makes me an Army Brat. Two years later, after my brother was born, my father resigned his commision. WIthin a year or two, we would move to Long Island, New York. When I was in the thrid grade, my parents moved us to Worcestor, Massachusetts. However, a year later we would move once more. We would move to a city called Gardner, Massachusetts. In my senior year, I would enlist into the US Army Reserves. I would serve in D Troop 5th Armored Cavalry, 187th Infantry Brigade Seperate at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

In my early childhood in New York, my parents gave me a Kodak Instamatic 100. This would became the first of many cameras, I would own. In 1975, I met Joseph Tibaduae, in my opinion one of the world's greatest amatuer competive photograper. Joseph would allow me to work and study with him. What I learned from him in the short time I would study under him, would effect how and what I took photographs. While the Instamatic 100 planted the seed that started my love for photography, I would say that Joe, provided the nurturing care that greatly improved my skills. Throughout, my career in the Army, I would continue to take photographs.

While assigned to CSC 1st Bn. 5th Inf., three events would once again change my views and skills in photography. The first event was being introduced to the Arts and Craft Center which was equiped with a complete photography lab. It provided development of film and print, in the color prints, color slides, and black and white media. The second was being encouraged to enter into the local level of the Interservice Photography Contest. Over the many years that I entered this annual and other non-military contests, I would win many 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mentioned Places. Such as a 1st and Honorable Mentioned in the All Army Photography Contest, a Honorable Mentioned in the Interservice Photography Contest, and 2 Honorable Mentioned at the Monterey County (California) Fair Photography Contest.

During my teens (1970s), I started building models. My main interest was building cars and military models. The cars were in 1/24 scale and came from MPC model company. While the military models were World War II in 1/35 scale were from Monogram. When I joined the US Army in 1976, I lost interest in building any models. But, in the mid 1980s, I regained interest in building models. At the time I was a Section leader in a TOW (Heavy Anti-Tank Missile) Platoon and one of my duties was to teaching armor identification. Having limited and poor quailty training, I decided to start building current armor to use in my classes. Currently, my interest is still strong, I have changed my focus in my building. Now, I am building models to represent vehicles I drove and or commanded, cars that I dreamt of owning, or soldiers representing a time of my service.

Nearly, two years after enlisting in the US Army Reserves later, I would voluntarily transfer and enlist into the active army. My first assignment would be with 1st Platoon A company 1st Battalion 41st Infantry 2 Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. I would go on to serve with in the 25th Infantry Division at Scholfield Barracks, the 7th Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Ord, California (spent over 10 years with this Great Division), the 2 Infantry Division at Camp Casey, Korea, and both 2nd Armored Division, reflagged to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. The funny part of my last assignment at Fort Hood, would be that unit I was assigned to were in the same barracks, I lived in back when I was first to Fort Hood back in the 1970s.

During my tour I would live in 5 different states and 2 countries. I would also get to train in 2 additional countries, New Zealand and Panama. I would also get to visit Japan and Ireland. Looking back over those years the memories I remember the most was the camaraderie among the soldiers, the loyality, lasting friendships. But, most of all I would say the best memories I hold would be from the 10 years I served with the 7th Infantry Division (Light). In my honest opinion, you could find no finer, better discipline, better trained, espirit de corps in soldier or unit then with the 7th Infantry Division (Light). My opinion is based on serving in 6 Divisions and 10 Battalions and I would say anyone would served with the 7th Infantry Division (Light), trained with or against (opposing force) them would agree with this opinion.

After 21 years of service in the US Army, I would retire with my family to a small town named Yukon in Texas County of Missouri, United States. I would become involved with Boy Scouts of America. I would start by serving on the local BSA council Ozark Trails Council's Camp Arrowhead summer camp.Over the 7 years as staff, I would serve as the Shooting Sports Director, Project COPE Director, Climbing Director, Assistant Health Director as well as the Health Director. In 2001, I would be given the honor to serve on the 2001 BSA National Jamobree Staff. In 2004, I would receive my third Woodbadge Bead, by serving as one of the Assistant Scoutmaster for the Woodbadge Course C35-04. Locally, over the years, I would serve in the position as a Cubmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster, a District Unit Commisioner, and currently as the Scoutmaster for Troop 1763 in Houston, Missouri. Over these years, I would be elected into the Order of the Arrow, where I am a Brotherhood member. I would receive the Cubmaster Knot and the coveted NESA's Scoutmaster Award of Merit. In the Tribe of Lone Bear, daughter of the Mic ca Say Tribe, I would be honored with the elevation to Sachem.

Below are links to more personal areas of my website.