Hi, my name is Tony. I am a recently divorced father of 4. My children range from age 13 to 19, 2 boys and 2 girls. I was seperated for over 2years and my divorce was final on halloween day of this year. The 2 boys live with me. I have shared custody for all 4. I retired from the US Marines 6 years ago with 20 years 2 months active service with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.

I was raised southern baptist so the idea of being gay was never an option. It was simply the devil tempting me. That was during my early teen age years. After I joined the Marines I began thinking for myself and although I opened my eyes, I was not ready to embrace myself. I had a really strong drive to be "normal" and have a family.

Growing up I can remember the other guys putting up the posters of Cheryl Tiegs (sp?) and Daisy Duke but I was never really attracted to them. I often wondered why that was. I was always more into the guy stuff. Funny how things make so much sense to you when you are honest with yourself.

Well anyway, I just wanted to say hi. I am pretty much an open book, if you have a question feel free to ask.

Hello Tony,

I'd like to welcome you, I appreciate your post because there are some things you wrote that definitely rang a bell with me.

I have been divorced now 2 1/2 years after a 15 yr marriage, 3 girls 5-15 yrs old. I too was raised Southern Baptist, father was career army and couldn't agree more with your comment about Cheryl Tiegs and Farah Fawcett among others (for you 70's children).

Although I only served 4 years in the Air Force, I still didn't accept myself either until I began to feel more independent and that didn't happen until a few years ago.

Anyway, welcome to our group!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

Jim

oorah gunny, i'm glad you checked this group out
you'll won't find a bunch of more understanding men - bob

Welcome to the family, Tony. Thanks for your persistance (a site manager who shall remain nameless apparently thought that he had approved Tony's membership... maybe it's true; the mind is the first to go?).

I remember being a child and not having the least interest in Daisy Duke. The girls I liked were not the norm as far as sex symbols. I loved Lindsay Wagner, the Bionic Woman, and it took me many years and much denial before I realized that it wasn't sex that was the attraction. I think it was more of an admiration.

Definately not all, but many of our group here have gone through similar roads and struggles regarding the religion issues. You are among friends who can understand.

I have three sons, ages 10, 13 and 16. You'll find us pulling out our cyber wallets to share pics and tell lots of proud dad stories too. Glad you joined!