Tell us a little about yourself:
(My Elevator Speech)  I’m a retired Systems Engineer.  During my career I learned to make sense of complex systems and processes.  In retirement, I learned as a volunteer tutor of Basic Literacy (reading) and ESL to listen for the story that belongs to each of us.  My wife and I have three grown children. I am 73. A lot of stories.

What is your favorite aspect of the unit?
The challenge of mastering the complexity of Arma 3 team gameplay, using realistic weapons, equipment, and tactics.  I also enjoy the challenge of mastering 3rdID’s complex organization and procedures, which provide training and support modeled on the US Army.   You get not just simulated combat, but a simulated military career, helping to improve your squad and the unit as whole. Finally I value the experience of getting to know, working with, and fighting alongside my buddies and the rest of this international unit.

Any favorite/funny/memorable moment throughout your whole time in the unit?
A thick scottish brogue murmurs, “Bluehair, you’re going the wrong way.”  All the time.

Any advice to give to your fellow soldiers?
There are no stupid questions.*  Learn to ask for help. Follow your Chain of Command if possible, but feel free to ask anyone.  If they can’t help you, they should help you find someone who can. Learn to communicate with your squad and the unit, using your squad Discord, TeamSpeak, Steam Chat, and Private Messages and the Forums on the 3rdID website.  And learn to help others. *Except in combat!  Unless it’s critical, save it for the AAR.

What army value is the most important to you and why?
Integrity.  Do what’s right.  That includes telling the truth.  Even if that lets everyone know that I have failed.  Even if I look like a fool. Telling the truth builds Situational Awareness.  Telling the truth lets me ask for help. Without truth, there is no trust. Without trust, there is no team.  A close second, Respect. Respect others and yourself.

Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit?
As you may know, I have OCD.  I tend to think too much, analyze too much, do too much, and worry too much.*  3rdID has given me a challenging, but safe, opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, have fun, and make new friends. *And talk and write too much!