Okay guys, here's my info - don't be too

at my age...
Name: John R.V. Jones
WH Tag: TSD_-Raven-
Age: 48 (as of 8/4)]
Years Gaming: Before most or all of you were born or even conceived
Occupation: Although I'm an Electronics Tech by trade, I'm currently a bum "living off the Gov't tit" as Lt. Dan would say. Before I was forced to retire on disablity in '99, I worked for 9 years as a DOD Quality Assurance Representative, stationed at the various Aerospace contractors in the D.C. area. What the means is that it was my job to inspect and then buy off for the Government any military / government hardware from contractors I was assigned to. When I started, I worked primarily fighter aircraft avionics - F14/15/16, F-111, B1,B2, LAMPS Helo and a few others. After 18 months I was reassigned to work on NASA programs, which I did until I retired. I worked primarily on the Hubble, International Space Station, Astronaut tools like the PGT/PRT, Shuttle Manned Flight ops, and a slew of smaller satellites on the SMEX program, HITCHHIKER and GAS and others I can't even remember unless I check my resume'. Before that, I ran a Integration/Test facility for Honeywell, and prior to that I was a US Navy Sonar Technician (STS1) in the Fast-Attack submarine force for 8 years.
For those that are wondering (don't BS me, I know you are...) why I had to retire, I have spinal degeneration problem that's family related and passed on. Until '96 I was able to deal with disk problems the usual way, but in Nov. '96 I had 2 disks in my neck fully collapse which led to my first surgery. Coincidentally, it was just about 4 months after I got my 1st Dan in Tang Soo Do Karate (that's where the TSD is from - my other profile is TSD_SHODAN for those that understand what it means). If you've never heard of TSD, it's Norris' style and similar to TKD.
In August of '99 my lower back got to the point where I couldn't walk or stand for more than few minutes. Another fusion operation in September helped fixed that, but left me with extreme chronic pain, which I still deal with today. I had another disk collapse last summer which led to 3rd operation last November again.
Aside from having to use some of the strongest painkillers on the planet (if you know what Fentanyl patches are, then you have an idea - I use 2 100's plus a lot of other stuff) gaming has been the one thing throughout my life that helps keep my mind active, focused, and in the last few years, off of any pain the body feels. Martial Arts gave me a really high pain tolerance, so it takes more to keep the really bad days better. In fact, gaming is a sanctioned "medical therapy" for me. Now if I could just figure a way to claim it on my taxes....
Most games I like, except for RPG's. Shooters are my #1 favorite - even though I'm heavy into WH right now, I found time the other day to finish up COD4 (outstanding game, short single player though). Multiplayer could be better - had a hard time ID'ing enemies as you can't see the red until you're within close range.
Aside from gaming, I keep busy with a web hosting and design business I started about 10 years ago. At one point I had a lot of clients, these days I've kept it down to 1 large primary client on the left coast (I'm originally from Cali) and a teen cancer charity site I designed years ago and keep updated free of charge. I also do stuff by referral, but I don't actively seek stuff like I used to. My primary client keeps me busy enough - I posted almost 200 hrs the past 3 months on site updates and consulting. Unlike most people, I do everything a small company does, from layout to coding, graphics, E-commerce, hosting, etc. The consulting is for both computers (HW & SW) and 'net problems.
I guess there's not much else to tell - the only other thing I can think of is that I've been married for 26 years and have a 24 yr old daughter (no you can't date her). I can only say for those of you that AREN'T married yet, that the girl you pick better not have a problem with your gaming habit or you won't last long. If anyone wants the secret of maintaining a long-term relationship (or a long distance one - I've got experience in both, and it's easier than you think) email me separately.
Recently K'Cuban invited me to the 501st and Rotz asked me to join the Elite roster for Warhawk, a game which so far I've done better than average in. I'm glad that at my age people think I'm good enough at some games to invite me to join a group that's worth something, and for those of you new to this clan that don't know your gaming history, you'd best brush up. This clan has been around for a long time - not as long as me, but for a good many years. Those asked to join the 501st should feel honored, as this isn't just "another clan". If it was I wouldn't have joined, and I'm picky as hell who I game with.
I've been playing videogames since they were invented and I'll likely die playing them. At least I'll be happy....
WH/501st Elite - TSD_-RAVEN-
PLAYSTATION G.A.P. MEMBER - CYBERVISIONS
SOCOM 2/3 - SHODAN