the most important thing that you need to know about me is that my family has and always will come before anyone or anything else in this world. being in the navy for over 6 years now, it has been challenging (to say the least) to always be there for them. for those of you who know me well, know that i do not have much family, but the family i do have i will forever cherish and hold on to with all that i am. my little sister shannon is absolutly the most amazing person ive ever met. there is not a thing in this world that she cant accomplish, and has been able to battle back from unfortunate circumstances that most people would have just gaven up on. i love you with all my heart shannon. my bubba buck has always had my back no matter what, and you will never meet a harder working, more dedicated and caring man than he is. even if he is a little too cocky sometimes. his wife dez, (my bestest friend and closest thing to a mother ive ever had) is my anchor. when ever life throughs me a curveball she is the one that always knows what to say to put me back on the straight and narrow. she has the biggest heart and cares deeply for loved ones. just dont get on her bad side! i have 3 handsome nephews and 2 beautiful nieces. these kids are my world, and will always have their uncle paulie's heart. i swear that if anyone should bring harm into their lives you will have me to answer to. even though i have not known my dad, momma sandy and my sister stacy for very long, i do want to say that i love you and miss you! cant wait to see you again! there are a few others in my life that i consider to be my family, you know who you are, and i love you too! i have a second family, they are my brethern in the navy. for those i have not seen in a while, i miss you guys like crazy and will always remember all the great times we had. leaving the uss alaska was definately one of the hardest things ive had to do. walking down that pier for the final time left me with tears in my eyes. thank you for all that you guys did for me, whether it was keeping me out of trouble, or helping me get something done at work so that we could go out and go find some trouble! i can get a little crazy from time to time, me + alcohol = crazy-all-night-till-the-sun-comes up-chaotic-fun! i wouldnt call myself an alcoholic, (ive never been to any meetings) i just love having a good time! hey, its in my blood! i never seem to know when enough is enough, and i always have such a great time, i never want it to end. there are plenty of people that can testify to that! i am very proud to be a member of the worlds greatest navy. it is who i am, and what i intend on being until they tell me i am too old to serve any longer. the navy has helped me to go from nothing, to something to really be proud of. god only knows where id be today if i hadnt been able to join. it hasnt always been easy, but it has been the most rewarding thing in my life. i am extremely proud to call myself a sailor, and more importantly a submariner.
