My name is Ron Craft
back in the day I went by my middle name Joe, which is the name everyone at YoHi knew me by. I am a member of the class of '64, even though I only attended YoHi in '61 and '62 which were my Freshman and Sophomore years.
Here goes my life after High School
actually, after I left Japan.
After my Dad got transferred from Japan, we went to Great Lakes NTC in North Chicago, IL. I went to Waukegan HS my Junior year and North Chicago HS my Senior year. Those two moves made it harder to establish myself in sports or develop friends .. don't get me wrong, I did OK in both, but it would certainly have been better with a little less moving. I think most military brats can relate to that.
After I graduated from HS, I went to Western Illinois University to study Pre-Dental, where, as a 17 year old, I discovered (1) freedom, (2) girls and (3) beer. After two years, my grades reflected these new found interests and my 2S school draft deferment became a 1A letter from the Army requiring me to report for my pre-induction physical. Viet Nam was going strong back then. To avoid the draft (and the Army), I joined the US Air Force in 1966. I did OK as a young airman but lacked maturity and direction so I just did one 4 year enlistment and got discharged in 1970. During that period of time, I met a BEAUTIFUL young lady and got married
oh ... and we had a baby boy. Her name is Janice and his name is David. We were married in Fort Lauderdale, and I was stationed at Homestead AFB. Also during that first 4 year tour, I got orders to Okinawa, Japan and Janice, David and I did an 18 month tour on the rock. Following that assignment I was discharged from the Air Force and set out to find my way in the world.
Since I had the same plan I always had (no plan) I went to work in a Dairy Queen in Homestead, FL. The deal I struck with the owner was that I would work there and run the place, eventually buying out the owner who wanted to retire to the Keys. So my plan took form
I was to become a businessman and own a Dairy Queen. Seemed like a better plan than it actually was, so after about 6 months, and a lot of drama, I quit that gig. Realizing that I needed to feed myself and my family, I rejoined the Air Force. By now I was a little older, a lot wiser and with the responsibility of a wife and baby, much more motivated and
I HAD A PLAN!! I fully committed to making the Air Force my career. Armed with an actual plan, I moved thru the ranks relatively quickly, traveled the world and had another baby along the way
a boy named Todd. So the 4 of us (me, Janice, David and Todd) did my Air Force career together. We traveled to many different states (Georgia, California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi) and several countries (Thailand, Okinawa and Germany) where I served in various levels of responsibility, earning promotions and medals along the way.
The two most notable jobs were the Senior Enlisted Advisor (Command Chief Master Sergeant) at Columbus AFB, MS and my final job in the Air Force, Commandant of the Air Training Command NCO Academy here at Lackland AFB. This final job explains how I got to San Antonio. Following my retirement from the Air Force after 26 years, I still needed to work, so I took a job at a car dealership for about 6 months
learned a LOT about the car business, which has saved me many dollars over the years. But that was only a transition job
ultimately I went to work at HOLT Caterpillar as a Service Manager in the San Antonio store in 1993. I have worked at Holt CAT for 21 years now and, like the Air Force, I've been promoted a few times along the way. In 2008, I was promoted to Vice President
the job I hold today. I am responsible for 26 stores (all within Texas) more than 1,000 employees who generate over $350M in annual sales. Holt CAT is owned by Peter M. Holt, who also owns the San Antonio Spurs
you might have heard of them as they are the reigning NBA World Champions for the 5th time. I will tell you that it's interesting to see the business side of professional basketball and not just the show that everyone sees on TV. Of course we enjoy certain perks due to Peter's ownership of both and I occasionally forget how fortunate I am to be in this very unique position.
As for me now, I'm still married to Janice
soon to be 47 years. David is now 46 and Todd will soon be 41. We have 7 Grandchildren. The oldest is a 20 year old young lady, two sport (soccer and softball) scholarship Junior at Belhaven University in Mississippi, studying Pre-Med and the youngest is another girl
just one month old. Total of 5 girls and 2 boys. I am an avid golfer
which is how I plan to really spend my golden years. Janice and I have a very fast boat that we keep at the LBJ Yacht Club in Horseshoe Bay, TX and I'm an Instrument Rated Private Pilot
we own a beautifully restored Piper Dakota that we use to fly to visit friends, family and take great vacations. Because we do have an airplane, we are able to travel and see our Granddaughter play a couple of games a year while she is in college, which is very special, and I fly friends and family to holidays, vacations, etc. Health is good, Life is good
all in all, I have no complaints.
I will soon be 68 and intend to retire at 70.
Two pretty cool things
(1) My Granddaughter was selected to play for the US National JUCO Fast Pitch Team this past summer playing most of the international teams in Canada. (2) My youngest son Todd and his family were the recipients of an ABC Television Extreme Home Makeover
yeah, that show with Ty Pennington. Now both of those things are pretty cool.
Hope this tells the story in an interesting way
just hitting the highlights.
See you in October.
Ron (Joe) Craft Class of 64
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