JesseOP/John
aka JoHnO
Chat Host
I'm John and I was diagnosed with MS October 15, 2007. Ironically it was two weeks to the day after my 56th birthday. What a birthday surprise, and it wasn't even gift wrapped.
I found MSWorld while surfing the Internet looking for information about MS and attempting to find others with MS with whom I could talk about it. That was in mid-November 2007 and I haven't left yet because it's like my second home.
It's also the reason I wanted to be an active part of MSWorld so that I can help others who are in the same state of confusion over MS or just need a hand to reach out to when nobody else seems to be there or is unwilling to reach back.
I'm originally from a small town in southern Indiana called Clarksville where I attended high school and also spent three years on the police department before going on active duty in the U.S. Army.
In the Army I worked my way up to Criminal Investigator and was able to travel all across the globe. The military allowed me to learn beyond the typical methods of warfare, but in the methods of dealing with people, and how people need to lean on their leadership at times. I was a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Sergeant First Class E-7 when I retired in December of 1986.
With my law enforcement background I went directly into law enforcement in the civilian sector with the State of Kentucky. I was with the State of Kentucky for three years when I hung up my gun and spurs at the urging of my wife.
I intended to one day become either a social worker or a psychologist, so that's why I attended the University of Louisville until I completed my studies in 1991. I am still satisfied that having two degrees is better than having one and I've always appreciated learning. Eventually I plan to go back and get my Master's Degree in one of those two disciplines, but I'm not sure of which one it will be.
I've been very active in the American Legion here in Kentucky having served as Post Commander for two years, Post Finance Officer for one year, and I've been the District Commander for two years. It's been very interesting and challenging to work for other veterans to get the Veterans Administration to do what they should be doing to make sure that ALL veterans are taken care of.
Regardless of how sick I might become, I will always make myself available to help a veteran, talk to them on the phone, make coordination with whomever it needs to be made, or prepare their claim for disability. I'll never get so sick that I can't or won't do that.
I also hold an office called "Grande Lampiste" in our sister organization called the 40 and 8. Without getting too technical, the 40 and 8 is to the American Legion what the Shriners is to the Masonic Lodge. My office in the 40 and 8 is at the State level instead of the District level. Needless to say I enjoy both of the organizations and I'm not letting the MS stand in the way of that.
My wife, Becky, and I live in Louisville, Kentucky where we have lived since I retired from the Army. She's a retired secretary so we have plenty of time to enjoy each other and to think of new ways to aggravate each other. We have four grown daughters ranging in age from 33 to 46. We have nine grandchildren ranging in age from 11 to 27. Now here's the kicker, we have three great-grandchildren ranging in age from 5 to 9.
My wife is an animal nut so we have 3 Golden Retrievers, 1 Pug, 1 Pomeranian, and 1 Jack Russell along with 4 cats. It's an adventure in paradise to get up in the dark and try to get to the bathroom in a hurry. It's also an adventure when your symptoms are taking over and the balance isn't so good. On the bright side, if you fall on one of the larger dogs you do have some cushioning.
Well, that's as much about me as you probably want to know. If you see me online please say hello and if you have questions don't fail to ask me. I'll do my level best to answer them for you.
JoHnO/JesseOP
E-mail me at JesseOP@msworld.org
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