We all share the same ultimate destination: old age and death. However, what truly matters is how we choose to make our journey count. Instead of merely philosophizing, let’s commit to living life to its fullest—whether in the company of others or relishing solitude.
For me, independence has been a cornerstone of my existence. It has allowed me to explore, learn, and grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Yet, the value of connection and companionship has also been a profound realization. Our age and experience are invaluable assets in today’s rapidly changing world. We possess knowledge and wisdom that artificial intelligence cannot replicate. Sharing these gifts with others while living our best lives is not just a choice—it’s a privilege.
The secret to a fulfilling life lies in balancing independence with connection. We can support each other while still pursuing our unique paths. This balance is not just desirable; it’s essential.
Personal Journey and Future Plans
Throughout my life, I’ve always followed my own path. My immediate goal is to find like-minded individuals who can support me in making a living on my terms. The mantra is simple: dream big, dream in color—there are no limits! Life is an adventure meant to be enjoyed.
I firmly believe in my journey because I’ve lived it. Whether fueled by excitement, fear, or the pursuit of success, adrenaline is the best motivational force. It’s what drives me to achieve great things. As one of my favorite sources of inspiration, Diane Carter aptly put it:
“Ed, it’s awesome to be your favorite ‘Troublemaker’! Your skydiving story is epic—there’s nothing like the thrill of leaping from a plane and soaring free!”
I plan to write stories highlighting my skills and how they’ve been applied in real-life scenarios to solve problems. These stories will testify to my value in any situation or job.
A Lifetime of Adventures and Achievements
My journey began in Vallejo and continued through my formative years in San Francisco and the US Air Force. At 20, I became one of the youngest Instructor Flight Engineers, saving lives and setting the stage for a career filled with remarkable achievements. After my military service, I worked as a Navy A3D Jet Mechanic and quickly rose through the ranks at IBM, Control Data Corporation, and Bell Atlantic. My career highlights include becoming a National Sales Champion and setting a world record in skydiving.
One of my most significant contributions was in crisis management, where I solved complex problems on a global scale, including a critical mission in Afghanistan. Despite facing challenges, such as losing funding for a groundbreaking encryption product, I persevered and continued to innovate.
Looking Forward
The experiences I’ve gained, and the lessons I’ve learned have prepared me for the next chapter of my life. I’m excited to continue proving myself on new levels and setting new records. The best is yet to come!
Inspiration from History
My hero through most of my life has been The Lone Ranger. While traveling alone through many countries and places, I have helped people, in some cases probably saving their lives. I have taken great pride that I followed the example of my hero and simply left and took great pride in not wanting or needing recognition. I always thought of the phrase “Who Was That Masked Man,” which was always asked when my hero left with his sidekick, Tonto. I just found out recently on a post on LinkedIn that the story of the Lone Ranger was inspired by the African American Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. I had never heard that before and it reminds us of the often-overlooked contributions of Black Cowboys and Lawmen. As Reeves made his mark 101 years ago, I’m here to bring a new spirit and energy to the world. Acknowledging our history allows us to step boldly into the future with a clearer understanding of our past. I had even planned to write a book about the assistance I gave anonymously to stay in character but now I want to support all efforts to help humanity and the whole process with the people I have become involved with is providing me the adrenalized fuel to more fully enjoy aging and modeling what is possible. With the AI assistance and Robotics program I am involved in and creating, I plan to help people make the end of their lives productive and a lot of fun.
