Jackson Armbrister
Lawrence, KS
Last updated:
03/10/2007
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After LHS
Attended KU in 1966, but did not finish my bachelor's degree
until 1978. Little thing called Vietnam, then work and family,
interrupted. Went to graduate school from 1981 to 1983,
earning a Masters of Public
Administration (MPA) degree.
Employment
Spent 1968-72 as a member of the U.S. Air Force Security
Police, and from 1974-97 in the U.S. Army Reserves (came out
of retirement in 2005). After leaving the Air Force, I worked
at the Lawrence Police Department and then the Sheriff's
Office until 1980. After I got my MPA, I competed for and was
awarded a one year Governor's Fellowship with the State of
Kansas in 1984, which led to my working for the state until
1999. Also, since 1991, I've been teaching evening adult
classes for Baker University in K.C. and Topeka. And I worked
for Sprint for four years, but was laid off along with the
other 10,000 employees in 2003. Now I'm back, working for the
state and looking forward to 85—the number of years of service
plus my age, so I can retire with full government
benefits. After that I'll still work; I still have things I
would like to achieve...am just not sure what they are yet!
Hearth & Home
I got married again this past July to a very attractive and
nice lady, Yang Seop Lee. She is from Korea and is a PhD
student at KU. We met when I became her English conversation partner; then we dated for three years and figured, "why not?"
She puts up with me, and that is important at this stage of
life! I have four delightful and beautiful children, ranging
in age from 14 to 31. Alas, no grandkids yet, but perhaps
soon. Oldest to youngest: Heidi is married and lives in
Springfield, Va., suburb of of D.C.; Adam will finish up next
spring at the University of Washington in Seattle as an honors
student in GIS; Andrew took a year off after LHS and started
his studies at Johnson County Community College this fall; and Kalli is just starting her freshman year of high
school. Fatherhood is the greatest honor, award and
responsibility I can think of. Also makes you realize how much
you do not know. Although she's slowing down a bit, Mom is 87,
still sharp mentally and still is the matriarch of the
clan. Unfortunately, we lost Gale last year to a very rare
brain disease. Sister Pattie is married and still works at the
library. Me? Lots of ups and downs. But overall, life is good.
The Other Stuff
Working still...back in the military...not bad for an old guy
to get back in and pass the physical and the PT Test! Am
pulling duty at Ft. Leavenworth and glad to be able to help
out. We don't always get another chance to feel useful and a
part of something bigger than ourselves. You can disagree with
the policy or politics, but please support the troops. What
I'll do when I grow up? Who says I have to? But, in the
future, I would like to find time to do what I want to do, and
hopefully get reacquainted with my guitar and watercolor
painting. And find some way to make a few bucks, travel to
places I want to see, and spoil the heck out of my (or
others') grandkids!
My Memories of LHS
I have fond memories of all the great times, friends, teachers
and people. And sports, drama class, music and activities,
like finding a parking space (at school and on Friday or
Saturday nights!); meeting the guys at Sandy's after taking
our dates home; being in The Clansmen (I wasn't very good, but
the others were, and I sure had fun playing in the
band)..."the Band man, the Band ..." and The Blues Brothers.
Didn't like the homework, some teachers who were not too nice,
and all the rules...which now seem very minimal. |
