BIO
Hey, my name is Derek, I was born May 17, 1983 in Wooster, Ohio. I graduated Loudonville High School in 2002 with strong interests in law enforcement and auto racing. After being in the Delayed Entry Program for a year, I joined the United States Marine Corp. leaving behind family, friends, and a fiancé. Boot camp in South Carolina for 13wks. School of Infantry for 8wks. in North Carolina and I was stationed in 29 Palms California for the rest of my enlistment. I've been to Iraq twice and spent over 18months between there and Kuwait. I also spent two months in Okinawa, Japan. (More of my military life is on the USMC page). After the first war in July of 2003, I broke off my engagement. It was a troubling time, but in the end I made the right decision. Currently I'm in Iraq for the last time. I'll be back in the states sometime in March 2005, hoping to never return to Iraq. In June 2006, I'll be out and I have many options as to a career.
In High School, I wanted to be a cop or US Marshal. After joining the marine corp. I realized what I had taken for granted in life. Friends, family, and simple things. Most people have no idea what it's like to sleep for 2-4hrs. per night for three months, trying to drift away to the sound of gunfire. In Iraq I realized I wanted to be home for my parents and my family. I wanted to be home to raise my own family and I've missed too much of my friend's lives being gone. So law enforcement turned to automotive. I researched colleges and was ready to go to become a BMW technician. While it is still an option, it's not as much of a passion now. I've come back to looking at law enforcement as after 9/11 huge changes have been made in the law enforcement community. The pay is better, there's more respect, and it's what I've been doing for the last 4yrs. anyway.
While being home in Dec. 2004, I received a job offer by coincidence from a gentleman who is the head of security for a private family. An amazing job opportunity with great benefits all around, the only problem is 7days a week with only a few days off a year, I would be a bodyguard. For the money, the reference, and some other benefits, it might be worth putting off a family for a few years. We'll see, I haven't decided yet. Other job offers have come along anything from international security to local PD. More info on my law enforcement page. Currently I'm single, so I'm leaning toward a few years of high pay, etc. and little time home. But that just depends on what ladies make themselves available.
I've always been a big fan of cars and racing. In 2002 I bought a 1999 Mazda Miata. Not the quickest car, but the best handling and most fun factory car under $50,000 in the last 30yrs. After spending money outfitting the look of the car and the suspension, I've done basic engine modifications. Not nearly advanced as I originally planned for the car, but much more practical. Now, like any car and racing lover, I need a sports car. Currently this is done with a 1/64 scale corvette making Vroom-Vroom noises in the bathtub. Sometime in 2006, that will change to a real corvette. Probably a blue or silver 2001 or 2002 Z06. While I know I'm getting one, the model changes. More on my Corvette Page
I'm 22yrs. old, I'm a hopeless romantic, sweet and caring. I have a wine taste on a beer budget. I love getting dressed up for a 5 star restaurant or shopping for designer clothes. I'm an only child, but not spoiled at all. Really. I listen to all types of music, though I'm not a big fan of rap. I love being outside hiking, running, or just exploring. I don't smoke, don't dip, and only drink on social occasions. I do go out and party, but usually sit back and watch everyone else get drunk and make fools of themselves. I watch movies occasionally, but rarely watch tv, except the Speed Channel.
Alicia and I started talking four years ago, and have been good friends since. When I was home, we decided to go out on a date. Better then I could have ever hoped for, we had a great night and agreed to go out again. After pictures at Kingwood Center and visiting Shelby's fireworks, we sat down for a great night of talking and goofing around. Truly a great night.
RIP
Lastly, I'd like to say thanks to all the service members that I have served with, and all those that have served. Thank you for risking it all for our freedoms. I want to remember those that I knew that are not with us today for reasons only god knows. They left us with Honor and Dignity and will always be remembered and missed.
John Calla and all the evenings spent together whining about how much we hated the corp.
Tory Gray the only marine from Lima Company killed in my two years there. He died trying to save another marine. A man always with a smile and a story to tell. All those nights in Japan sprinting back from the phones to the barracks after midnight hoping to not get caught.
Ricardo Mateo, a marine with me in regiment that I had done more then a few working parties with.
Christian D. Gurtner, One of the fabulous 6 renegades when I was in school. Many evenings were spent being goofy eating pizza and talking about how we wanted to go to Iraq and fight for our country. Christian, I miss you the most, and Eric and I have both taken revenge on losing you. I love you, and I'll see you someday.
Mark Evnin and Venegas, I didn't know well, but I do think of them every day.
Miata Home Corvette Law Enforcement USMC