Tom Bender

Deep sea fishing -- I put it back

I have been a writer all my life –first trying to write a novel in grade school, then as a student editor in high school and college, then as an editor on a daily newspaper, and then as a speech writer for GE.

My interest in writing was sparked in college, where I met James Jones, the author of the now quite famous novel “From Here to Eternity,” which I happened to be reading when we met.

After college I served in the Army before beginning my newspaper career.

As a journalist working on assignment for The New York Times I reported the first draft card burning in America. I also covered presidential campaigns, the arts, current events – you name it. Flying for 25 hours straight in a B52 bomber I reported what it was like for airmen to carry and prepare to deliver nuclear bombs.

In Jamaica -- I kept this one

While working on speeches for GE, I got a PhD in communication, and ultimately left the company to teach writing and public speaking to MBA candidates at the University of Cincinnati.

My wife Beth and I now live in The Villages, FL. We have seven children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. (Yes, that is A LOT of children and grandchildren. We are blessed.)