Rodney

BALTIMORE BOY

Rodney grew up in the city of Baltimore, MD. He has many, many memories both good and bad of growing up in the city. When he first started growing up, he was the only boy of 4 children. He then became the only child when he moved with his grandparents. Their doberman, Bruiser, was the start of his love for dogs. Buster (Jack Russell “Terrorist”) came later after Rodney went into the Military. Some great food memories with his grandma included learning how to eat crabs (with shells on) and chicken wing tips. She also taught him hard work through the two businesses that she owned after her nursing career. She also always gave 110% and showed him to be proud of his hard work. His grandpa taught him compassion and stability (he uses in the family with his sons). Skateboarding was the name of the game back then to get around and waist time with friends. Rodney has a few scars from these dare devil days. He had a nickname which was Nature because he loved hanging out at the creek in the neighborhood and playing with natures’ critters. What he didn’t know back then was how much that would come into play later on in his life. Growing up in the inner city parts of Baltimore, he saw lots of things that most of us would not want to even imagine. He had 2 options at this end of his high school education……Stay and get sucked into the crazy inner city world or GET OUT! So the military it became!!

MILITARY MAN

21 years in the military turned this Baltimore Boy into a man. 19 years as a paratrooper. I have heard many stories (good and bad) about him and his (military) brothers. One that I remember…the week after 9/11. His company (the largest in the army) was called to come in with duty uniform (BDUs) for at PT formation. The 1 SG (first sergeant) was addressing the company. Everything thing he said including his part about the towers echoed out to the company. At the end of his speech he said “I need volunteers.” Without batting eye or a secondary motion the entire company stepped forward. They were ready to do what was necessary at whatever the cost for their country and the lives lost on 9/11. This was the proudest moment in any organization that Rodney had ever been a part of. This solidified the true nature of call to arms and brotherhood.

To really appreciate what America is about, one must understand the different cultures that make up our society. What better way than to visit the countries where the culture originates. Rodney got the chance to spend time in Korea, Iraq, and Egypt which allowed him to understand and appreciate things he wouldn’t have any other way. He lived in Aviano, Italy (where his oldest was born). He fell in love with mushrooms and olives here because they were fresh from mother nature (not processed). He says there is still nothing that tastes quite like that here. He also learned better (faster) ways to drive in Italy. He wants to take me back there and revisit with him. I can’t wait to go and experience this beautiful country, especially through his eyes and memories.