Hollywood Texan update

[hollywood_texan]

For some of you, you probably noticed I have not been around for a few months. The reason I haven't been around is that I joined the US Army.

Considering what I was doing and living in Hollywood for about 7 years, it was a little bit of a change.

Basically, my job had winded down and the musical avenue I was pursuing in Hollywood seemed to indicate it was time to move on with life. Some times, the trick to life is knowing when to cut bait and move on. Unfortunately, all of this happened at the same time the economy collapsed in December 2008.

I moved back to Austin, Texas, looked for a job in finance/accounting in January 2009, but it was tough going. After a few months of looking around and thinking about my life and I what I wanted to do next, I decided to join the Army to go back to school and service to our country.

I want to study history and economics and start writing some books down 10 or so years from now.

I went to Ft. Jackson for basic training and I am now at Ft. Lee for logistics job training, which is basically supply. I know I am going to Germany for my first duty station but the base is not for certain. If it is the base I think it is, it should be a good deal, which I think indicates I will not not go to Iraq or Afghanistan. However, you never know in the Army, and if you do know, then it probably changes...

Just what I have seen thus far.

There are a lot people coming through basic training right now, and from what the SGTs say, a lot of us are going to Iraq or Afghanistan.

All is good except that I may not make it to a Texans game this year.

To say the least, being in the Army thus far has been an experience.

Hope all is well with everyone else.

Later,
T

[gary]

Congratulations and good luck. Be safe and learn everything there is to learn in the army. Keep all of us posted.

[Mr. White]

Thank you for your service, Hollywood.

[jaayteetx]

Army? At 39? Age can't be right or did you get a age waiver? Either way, thanks for your service!

[Hardcore Texan]

Originally Posted by jaayteetx

Army? At 39? Age can't be right or did you get a age waiver? Either way, thanks for your service!

Exactly what I was thinking.

My brother, who had very long hair like you did before, told me the story of getting his hair cut when he went it the Army the barber asked if he would like to keep his hair long and my brother said yes, to which the barber replied "hold out your hands". I'll never forget that, that's why I chopped mine off before going to basic.

Anywho, thank you for you service good sir! And watch your six!

[Joe Texan]

You make me Proud Hollywood, Do not worry we will save you a seat when you get back. GO ARMY.

[hollywood_texan]

Originally Posted by jaayteetx

Army? At 39? Age can't be right or did you get a age waiver? Either way, thanks for your service!

The cut off now is 42.

Age isn't really issue for me from the physical side. The age is more of an issue with working together as a group because there are a lot of young kids and I see things differently and joined from a different perspective.

I haven't had any major issues with anyone though, but it is just stuff that has to be worked through as a team.

[jaayteetx]

Originally Posted by hollywood_texan

The cut off now is 42.

Age isn't really issue for me from the physical side. The age is more of an issue with working together as a group because there are a lot of young kids and I see things differently and joined from a different perspective.

I haven't had any major issues with anyone though, but it is just stuff that has to be worked through as a team.

42? So, will the army let these guys serve a full twenty for retirement? 62 is pushing it for that line of work.

[BigWig]

Thanks for the update, and what a change, I do admire your courage.
I did something similar when I moved to Hollywood to be a musician in 1982, lasted 8 years and while visiting a buddy of mine in Sugarland we listened to Stevie Ray Vaughn, drank beer and ate bbq all at Christmas while it was 80 degrees, so I moved to Austin to keep playing. The only thing I did not do is join the service, but I did end up adopting a beautiful little girl from Russia!

[BIG TORO]

Thank you for your services!

[Kaiser Toro]

I had been wondering where you have been. Best of luck on the new venture.

Mallach may be taking the two seats next to mine. Look forward to seeing you at a game.

[SheTexan]

Welcome back to the board Hollywood, and YES, I wondered what had happened to ya! When you've been around as long as some of us have, you miss those who seem to disappear. Hope you get many chances to keep up with our Texans via TT!! I know these guys will keep you updated!

[Andrew6]

wow, Appreciate the service! Germany is a cool place. Rent a very fast car and enjoy the Autobahn

[bckey]

Its good to hear from you Hollywood. Keep safe and thank you for your service. I'm sure it was a tough decision at 39 but it sounds like you made the right choice.

[GP]

Wow. That's big news, man.

I thought you just went fishing or something.

I am glad you have a chance to do something that gives you purpose. Not that you didn't have purpose before now, but because you were trying to do what you wanted to do and it wasn't working out for you.

Keep coming on this board. And PM me once you get over there. If you can have an American DVD player...I might be able to send you a care package every Monday if you are unable to enjoy the Texans in Germany.

[Texans_Chick]

Thanks for letting us know. Be well and stay safe.

[edo783]

Way to go HT. Stay safe, we will keep the lights on for ya.

[Texan_Bill]

Hollywood,

As someone that served 2 1/2 years in Germany, please take of every opportunity you have to visit all of Europe!!! Seriously, the military afforded me the opportunity to visit Holland (often), Spain, France, especially the Motherland Ireland, England and others.... Soak it up, soak it in and enjoy!!!

Thanks for serving, because I know first hand, how important that is; I thank you my brother. Given our Cournty's needs, I've considered re-upping!!

Good luck and God Bless!!!

[MojoMan]

Hollywood,

You are far and away one of the smartest guys on this board when it comes to big picture financial issues. I hope you will continue to weigh in on those topics from time to time, as I believe you really do provide a valuable public service with your posts here on these topics.

As you are probably aware, we are on the front edge of a debate here in this country about financial system reform in this country. Just today, the Republicans held the line and voted to filibuster the start of the consideration of the Dems proposed bill, which forced the Dems back to the negotiating table. As I am confident you agree, we do need real reform of financial industry regulations to bring our system up to date to address our current day financial situation. Unfortunately, what the Dems are proposing is not it.

The current bill does not include any reforms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it establishes a large $50 billion fund and gives the Treasury department sweeping powers to take over companies in the interest of financial stability (many of which might not necessarily be financially oriented - remember how the big 3 automakers were taken over using funds from the TARP), and it has "consumer protection" measures which are likely to allow the requirement that loans be made to people who cannot afford them.

????????

In any case, we do need financial industry reform, but much like the so-called "health care reform" bill, this is not really reform at all. It is a cynical political ploy by Obama and the Dems to leverage the popular hostility towards Wall Street to the Dems advantage, the effective functioning and the long term health of the financial services industry and the overall economy which it services be damned.

Sorry, but this post turned out to be longer than I expected.

I am inspired by your commitment to serve, and I hope you will continue to participate in our community here at TexansTalk on an ongoing basis. Best wishes in Europe, and God Bless.

[FILO_girl]

I admire your moxie, Hollywood. I know how hard it is to get a job in Finance/Accounting...been there/doing that!
One of my childhood friends is in the process of getting out of the Army after 20 years...she should be done and on the way back to our childhood home on Monday. She is at Ft Hood.

Take care and enjoy all the experiences you can! Thank you for your service!