Began this pursuit of a reunion in November 1997 because, in many ways, it was one of the best times of my life and for over 35 years I wondered, "Whatever became of those guys?".

Reader Digest Version of the last 36 years:

Was retained, went to San Diego and was assigned to the USS Seminole (AKA 104). Left for Pacific cruise in October 1969. In December of '69 was involved in a live fire incident south of DaNang. Was recruited by Special Operations and ended up doing a bit more than a tour doing in-country search and rescue work (apparently the spooks didn't care about a little casual pot smoking in those days). Spent a fair amount of time in Laos and Cambodia as well as Vietnam. Back to the World in July '71, out of the Navy the following November.

From early '72 to late '86 worked, marginally, as an actor. Five years of touring children's theatre as writer, actor, producer, and road manager. Wrote and produced 4 children's plays during the stint (Live Theatricks). From '77 to '86 off-off Broadway, regional theatre, a couple of bus and truck tours, and the college circuit as an actor, primarily in dramatic roles and Shakespearean roles. But as with all actors I also had a myriad of other jobs, too, salesman (encyclopedias and insurance), landscaper, telemarketer, carpenter, customer service (insurance), political campaign manager (twice), etc. ad nauseum.

In late '86, while watching a Jets game, realized I no longer wanted to live out of a suitcase, constantly sublet my NYC apartment, and eat in yet another unheard of restaurant in the middle of nowhere. FINALLY went to college, earned a degree in Anthropology, worked for the Human Resources Administration in NYC briefly doing field research among immigrants. Applied for and attended grad school at Kent State University, where I earned a M.Ed. (Master of Education). Applied for the doctoral program in the same place, at this time I have finished my course work and comprehensive exams towards my Ph.D. in Education, but cannot seem to find the time (or motivation) to write my dissertation.

In '92 I became a part-time faculty member at Kent, teaching a variety of teacher preparation courses, specializing in diversity training, socio-political issues, history of education, and educational media and computer technology. I also do consulting work with school systems involved in reform, in-service diversity training, and in-service training in the use of computers in classrooms, especially in Adult Literacy Programs. Presented my first national conference paper in April '96 at the American Educational Research Association national conference.

Beginning in early 1999 I have begun to design dynamic websites and do freelance computer consulting full-time. I have my own web presence at Project XXI. In addition, I develop web base applications, design and maintain custom databases, and provide various levels of computer training and services for clients.

Since 2000 has been working as an application developer and data analyst for Westfield Group. I specialized in web applications and was the project lead in building our corporate intranet. Most days are now spent developing in-house applications delivered through browsers. I also acted as consulting Information Architect, UI (User Interface) Advisor, Content Management Systems Advisor, and Software Life Cycle Process Advisor (Rational Suite, Agile Process, Xtreme Programming).

In early 2008 I left Westfield and have been working as an independent IT consultant.

Married the first time in '78 (Connie), had a son (Nathan) in '81, divorced in '83. Married again in '90 (Robin).

On May 20th of '97 we adopted our daughter, Meredith Grace Xiaole Eichenlaub. Meredith was born in or near the city of Huazhou, Guangdong Province, China on May 20, 1996. We traveled to China via Hong Kong on May 16th, and visited Guangzhou, Zhangjiang, Maoming, and Huazhou in the process. We returned to Ohio on May 24th. Meredith is an straight A student in the 7th grade, but taking 9th grade math. She loves to bowl, leading her school league in High Game, High Series and High Average (112). She has played baseball (Little League) for 7 years, twice on the All-Star team. Utility infielder (mostly second and shortstop) and a starting pitcher, ace on her team. This year, 2009, Meredith switched to softball (better scholarship potential) and continues to be a team leader and outstanding shortshop.

In July 2001 we adopted our son Kevin. Kevin was born in Cleveland, OH and had lived in the same foster home since he was 1 month old (very unusual). He was united with our family about a month after his 4^th birthday. Kevin love to skateboard, ride his bike, play video games, watch movies, and has earned his Brown belt (2^rdku) in Shodokan Karate and Kodan Judo. [Belt order: white - orange - yellow - blue - green - purple - brown - black] Kevin has twice won the AKJU Ohio State Championship in Kumite (fighting) in his age group. Kevin has been diagnosed with ADD and struggles in school. In the fall of 2008 we transferred him to a charter school that specializes in his learning needs, so far very successful.

Still play bridge from time to time (though rarely anymore), but have become a avid golfer. Bowl Sunday nights with my wife (185 avg.), downhill ski when I can, haven't been on stage since '92.

John
John L. Eichenlaub, Jr., 1190 Collinwood Ave., Akron, OH 44310. (330) 922-4227, Email John