Skydive

No bees at 10,000 feet…..

 This beekeeper’s background:  Within weeks after receiving an MSEE college degree, a low draft lottery number (36) meant one was quickly called for US Army service during our country’s Vietnam war era.  Years later, eventually returning to Naples to work as an electronics engineer for a local company.  Jumping before, during, and after the Army continued through the years, being a USPA certified skydiving instructor-D4466, a licensed Senior Rigger, and a private pilot. The above picture highlights those days of accumulating nearly 2000 jumps, high over Immokalee Airport, Florida as instructor for skydiving first jump courses.  One of those first jump students became the love of my life for the rest of my days (the lady in the  American Gothic photoshopped picture on the honey bottle label).  The beekeeping addiction began in early 2014 when everything got started with a single hive taking up residence where the current 20 plus hive apiary now resides.

Flag day jumping from UH-1H and Loach Helicopters…. That young U.S. Army SP4 on the right and a future beekeeper is somewhere high over the restricted airspace surrounding the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Grounds. That flag above, which long ago flew in Vietnam and now shown below, is proudly displayed at the home of the NaplesBees apiary. Click on the pictures for larger views.
The Random Destiny of the Vietnam War Draft Lottery set this future beekeeper on a life changing course as it did for many. The below book best describes that luck of the draw that affected many young men’s futures.

Click to go to book details

Click on picture for book details


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