About Me

Permit me an intro... I got the handle "Gunner" many years ago while serving in the United States Navy. After 8 years of service, I was Honorably Discharged as a GMG1 in Oct 1980. If you are not an ex-Sailor and are wondering or don't know what a GMG1 is... that is a Gunner's Mate (Guns), First Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy. I was called "Gunner" the whole time I served in the Navy, and the handle/name has stayed with me.  I'm very proud to have served, and to be able to say... once a Gunner, ALWAYS a Gunner!

You may sense already that I'm a gun lover and advocate... you are 100% CORRECT! I firmly believe in and support the "Right To Keep And Bear Arms." I won't bore you with a debate on "Gun Issues", but a gun never killed anyone... someone pulled the trigger... PERIOD! If you are a person that does not like guns, or feels threatened by them, just remember how this great country of ours was started. It was started with an armed revolt by the citizens (our Forefather's) who had their fill of other people and a government that was trying to run their lives! Individual rights have been and always will be very important to me. I have always endeavored to respect others rights which in my view equates to NOT infringing on others rights. But... when what you do effects me and mine, it BECOMES my business! It's pretty simple - I can be a persons best friend or their worst ememy - the choice is theirs. "Nuff" said about that.

Moving on, I currently enjoy fishing, competitive shooting in a sport known as IPSC, and tinkering around with this ol computer of mine. I'm old enough to be able to say --- 'been there, done that" about many things, smart enough to be dangerous about other things, but still willing to learn new things. The saying "live and learn" is the best path to knowledge. Life is a teacher. A few years back I decided to go back to work part-time (truth be told I was bored to tears!) and I've been doing that at a local Auto Auction for a few years now. We go pick-up vehicles for the weekly auction and I'm one of the youngest part-time drivers they have. Most of the crew of drivers are 65+ and really good people. I must say I actually enjoy the work! The reason I can say that and the BIG difference is... I go to work because it's WHAT I WANT TO DO verses going to work because it's something I have to do!

I consider myself lucky for many reasons, but right at the top of the list are:

(1) While stationed at Naval Magazine, Subic Bay (1975-1977), I met and subsequently married on May 8, 1976, a pretty little Filipina gal named Alicia Advincula Abrematia, and I could not ask for a better person to share my life with,

Added 01/01/2011 - Note: On December 9, 2010, I lost the love of my life - Alicia. It was unexpected and frankly, my life has changed forever. At this point, I'm not sure if I can EVER be happy again. I miss her so much! Alicia, Mahal Kita forever!

(2) I had 2 great parents, Warren Eugene & Frances Hulda (Miller) Gross, who taught me about right and wrong very early on. They did without things for themselves so I could have some of the things I wanted while I was growing up. That's not unusual for any parent to do, but I want to say here and now I appreciate what they have done for me my entire life. They have been very good to me, and later on, to Alicia. More importantly, they have been good to each other. In fact, December 27, 2006, they celebrated their 59th Wedding Anniversary! Not too many couples can make that claim, and if anyone is counting - that's what I call a real accomplishment! However, prior to their Anniversary, on November 14, 2006, we had to place Mom in a home. We could no longer care for her because of her continuing declining health and it was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do. She held her own as best she could in the home for 2 months and 6 days, and finally her long suffering ended on January 20, 2007. That day was and will remain one of the sadest, most painful days of my life. She is missed more than I can ever put into words. She was buried at her final earthly resting place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetary January 29, 2007. Mom is now in her "Heavenly Home" where she awaits the arrival of her husband and my father Warren, and eventually me and Alicia when our time comes. As hard as the last 9 years were health wise for Mom, we still were deeply blessed by having her as long as we did (79 1/2 years). She left an impression on all who were lucky enough to know her.

Mom, this I say to you: I do believe we will all see you again and all the pain and suffering you long endured will have long been gone from your body. In general, you were a remarkable lady. Specifically, you were a wonderful wife to Dad, a wonderful Mother to me, and a fabulous and loving Mother-In-Law to Alicia. We will always LOVE you and will carry you in our hearts forever! Thank you for all you were to all of us!

(3) In the order that I met them... I was very lucky to have a few people I've called "Partner" in my life to this point. However, the second one is a bit foggy at the moment. The first is a fellow named Dennis W. Hook whom I met while stationed at Naval Magazine in the Philippines in 1976. Denny, his wife Lee and their son Patrick and 2 daughters, Christina and Justina, mean a great deal to Alicia and myself. He is one of those people I can count as a true friend and that, is a very small group indeed.

The second was a man named Willie. I can say that during a certain period of time from 1978-1998 I had what I thought was a "true friend". What I once thought and felt for this man could easily fill volumes. We (mainly Alicia) didn't deserve what she got which couldn't help but spilling over into what we got and I feel like I was played for a fool since 1998. I cannot help but to feel somehow betrayed because of a revelation that was made to me in April 2006... and because of that revelation/confession, the absolute blind trust and respect that is the foundation of a friendship of this nature was shattered! As a result, I felt compelled to walk away, and to be truthful, I'm not nor will I likely ever get over this loss. There is a HUGE void in our lives and I've truly lost more than most people have or will ever find. The worst part is what happened NEVER should have made it on the radar and that must bring all the good years of what I always considered a "special" relationship under a veil of suspicion too. How can I not think that all those "good years" could easily been "smoke 'n' mirrors"! Well, at this point, I'll never know the answer to that one. I have to add I deeply miss this man who I felt was my friend and a day rarely goes by that I don't have a thought or two of him. Had the revalation been made to me sooner, the sting would not have been as bad and maybe, just maybe, "might" have been repairable, but... given the length of the deception, the only conclusion I could reach was... end this relationship and walk away. Alicia every now and then mentions to me that I should contact my former friend, because she knows very well what our relationship once meant to me. One thing for sure, the longer I wait the less likely that will happen. Maybe someday I'll be able to get over the deceit, ask him to forgive me for walking away and together we can move on down the road again. That's a tall order and the jury is still out on that one. But, I guess I'll always hold out and hope that will happen someday.

The third is a man named Richard Dennis, aka "Big Dog", "Hon". I got to know Hon many years ago while doing a shooting sport called IPSC, and that was in 1990. We have remained friends ever since. He has always been there for me when I needed him, and especially was immediately by my side when I called him after losing Alicia. I will never forget that and will be indebted to him forever. A damn fine man!

And the forth, another shooter named Paul Mason from Maryland. I could write much about what I feel for this fella too, but all that needs to be said about these fellas is I'd give up the ghost for them if the need was there. I think that says all that needs to be said.

Fortunately for me, I still have 3 of them and those relationships are as solid as ever.

When it's all added up (aside from the way part of #3 ultimately ended up), I would have to say I am blessed much more than I am lucky.

Well, if you got this far, you now have a small insight into what I'm about. Without further ado, permit me to leave you with this thought... we are only on the "Big Blue Marble" for a brief time, so try to treat others the way you like to be treated. With that said, I wish for you and yours fair winds and following seas, not just today, but always.

Gunner