I just saw this topic or at least have never looked at it before. Very interesting to read what all do and have done.
I spent 6 years in the Navy as an ELT Nuc. Last ship of course was the Scorpion. Got out and built houses, developed land, and did some small commercial building including a lot of churches. Also built and set up a truss plant and pre-hung door plant. Got back into doing HVAC for a large HVAC company and have had my own small company off and on ever since. Converted a modular house plant into a pre-cut house building operation for a friend and did pretty well until he moved out of state.
Worked for a property management company for several years managing over 600 rental houses, a lot of apartments and a shopping center. Moved back to Iowa and taught vocations for 7 years in a high school for kids in trouble with the law, then worked for 8 years as an EMT and paramedic. I got my paramedic at the age of 60 and was the oldest one in my class. Retired several years later and then did small engine repair for 4 years with a friend and now volunteer part time and work part time for Omaha City Parks and Rec at Freedom Park. I act as unofficial site manager, run the volunteers, handle all the Eagle Scout, JROTC, and Sea Cadets who volunteer with the park and act as gofer and question answerer for all those who help in the park. One of the nicest parts is working with some Naval Sub Officers from Stratcom. Some still on active duty and several retired but working there as contractors. It is really nice to see that our sub force still has the same expertise and attitude that it had when I was in. Also get to do tours with the ships and the exhibits in the park. Working on getting the gift shop open and finding someone to start working with all our books, plans, documents laying around throughout the park and in warehouses throughout Omaha. Now am trying to coordinate several groups who are working to get the sail and rudder from the USS Omaha brought back to the park. In my spare time I do a little for USSVI and some of the bases I belong to.
Viejo