Duncan's R/C Sailplane Contest 2007

This is my story, what I would like to be remembered for. However only time will tell my story true. The son of Myrle B. Norrell of West Monroe, Louisiana and Elizabeth I. Crocker of North Zulch, Madison County, Texas. I was born on March 17th, 1948, 11:36am in Dallas, Texas. My father was a Veteran of WWII served in the Army Air Corps. His older brother "Charles" served in Europe in the Paratroopers, and a younger brother "DeWitt" in the Pacific with the Marine Corps.

By age 10, I had lived in 10 different states and two countries. I also spoke two languages. In 1961 we were moving to Los Angeles when, just east of Benson, Arizona our car blown an engine. This took us to Phoenix, Arizona, where I have lived off and on for the past 36 years. At the age of 12 I joined the Boy Scouts of America, by age 15 I had became an Eagle Scout.


April 24,1963	April 2006

I was 13 when I received my Class "C" Ham Radio License "K7ZFJ". My father was into radios one of his hobbies. We both were members of the Civil Defense Unit here in Phoenix. We were with the Communications Department of Arizona. Members of MARS (Military Affiliated Radio System). He also taught me the art of wood model building which I enjoy today.

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I had decided that I wanted to do my part to serve my country. It was funny to me at an early young age. I was taught in the Boy Scouts, "Duty to God, Family and Country." But when I asked my father to sign my enlistment papers, I was sure, he would go through the roof. He stated to me, "No way in hell, was he going to sign any papers for me, to go off to Vietnam and get myself killed." I admit, I sat at the other end of the dinning table from him, and had a clear shot to the front door of the house. I had planned my escape route in advance. I had much respect for my father. So with the help of my grandmother I joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17. My second proudest moment came, when I graduated from Boot Camp MCRD-San Diego Platoon 356 1966.

Me at 19 Vietnam - June, 1967

Me at 19
Vietnam - June, 1967