Joe's Early History

  • Detour to Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Detour to Santa Fe, New Mexico

    August 18, 2025

    My solo 1964 journey is nearing the end. Pretty cool for a 20 year old on his own. It has given me deeper appreciation for what the Greatest Generation did for us.

  • West to Arizona Highways

    West to Arizona Highways

    August 4, 2025

    From Tampa I headed north to Tallahasse and the connection to the interstate heading west. The highway was flat and the traffic was light. I was…

  • Aerial view of a Florida beach

    South to Miami Beach, Florida

    July 21, 2025

    I drove west until I hit interstate 95 South, a big, major freeway. Flat for the most part, I could make good time. Traffic was light. Because…

  • First Flights: December 17, 1903

    First Flights: December 17, 1903

    July 9, 2025

    I was running out of money and I was running out of time. Marine boot camp was only a couple of weeks away.

  • Marine Corps War Memorial

    Marine Corps War Memorial

    June 23, 2025

    “Uncommon Valor Was A Common Virtue”
    —Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USNIn a pensive mood, I slowly walked the half mile or…

  • Apollo rocket blasting off

    Ask not what your country can do for you...

    June 9, 2025

    Once again, I am so grateful to have directly experienced a profound but sad American moment in 1964. As I reflect back 60 years later, it is as fresh and as vivid as if it was yesterday.