A Fallen Rose

Lawrence Walters

I am 80 years old. I was raised in a small town in the 50's. I served twenty-one years in the Marine Corps as a Maintenance Data Analyst. I was a Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, Champion horseshoe pitcher in 1980. In 1972 I was among twenty-six Marines selected (out of 180,000 Marines) to attend Palomar Junior College on the Marine Corps Associate Degree Completion Program. I obtained a Batchelor of Business Administration from Chapman College in 1978. After my retirement from the Marine Corps in 1980 as a Master Sergeant, I spent ten years as a Senior Claims Adjuster for Safeco Insurance in Spokane, Washington. As a Bicycle Advocate, I worked with local governments and law enforcement agencies to design bike lanes, in bicycle accident investigation, and bicycle rack construction and location. I directed a Bicycle Transportation Alliance in Spokane, Washington. As the Bicycle Safety and Education Director for the Bicycle Federation of Washington State, I worked with state legislators and the Bicycle Lobby to complete the 1991 Washington State Bicycle Bill. I was a Veteran bicycle racer for thirteen years, winning both road race and trial state championships. After retiring from racing, I toured the US by bicycle and led bicycle tours. As a League of American Wheelman Bicycle Safety Instructor, I taught safe cycling to both adults and school children. I ride my recumbent bicycle (even though I am "confined" to a wheelchair.) After I rededicated my life to Christ in 1995, I was active in Men's Ministry, served in church offices as Council, Board Chair, and Treasurer. I re-entered the work force as an Insurance Inspector in 1995. I served as the Administrator for Helping Hands Homeless Shelter, I was an avid skydiver, completing seventy-two free falls. I was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in 2003. I have written an (unpublished) book, "Stop the Anger - The Fourth Generation,”), and a pictorial paperback about my four children, entitled “Passing Thoughts Along the Way.” My wife, Carol Ann and I were married in 1996. Carol is the most wonderful person in the world and is also a wonderful care-giver. I stand in awe of the wonderful life God has blessed me with, as chronicled in my latest book, “Counting My Blessings.” I am currently contemplating my next book. more…

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