As a teenager, he was able to travel the world
“I quit school when I was 16. I didn’t loaf or get into any trouble. I joined the Merchant Marines, and I would catch every ship I could and go just as far as I could...
Author: David Berkowitz
ObamaCare’s arrival is timely for retiree
“When I left the Merchant Marines, I went to work at the U.S. Steel plant and stayed there until they shut it down in 1986. Then I went into business for myself as an AC and...
The Can Man recycles to help support his family
“In December 2008, I lost some of my eyesight because of a detached retina. Then in January, after I had worked 30 years with a company, they eliminated my position as a janitor. I ended up...
He’s making the best of a challenging situation
“I never imagined I’d be in this kind of situation. I thought I’d work long enough to finally retire from my job as a janitor, but then they did away with it. So, here I am....
He’s crazy about cars — especially fast ones
“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always had a thing for cars. As I grew older, I realized just how amazing cars really are. “I knew I wanted a Camaro after my uncle got...
Helping to raise four children can be challenging
“I work inside ExxonMobil as a contractor. I deliver port-a-cans and tanks, and move septic waste. I can literally say that I have a shitty job.” How often do you use that line? “Oh, all the...
Personal changes help make him a family man
“I never wanted to have kids. I never wanted a woman who already had kids. But I met my wife, Aida, who is eight years older than me, and she just changed me. “Sometimes it takes...
Life as towboat captain not always ‘romantic’
“My father was a towboat captain, my grandfather was a towboat captain and all my uncles were towboat captains. I grew up wanting to emulate my dad, since he was my hero. “When I was 4½,...
Looks can be deceiving, 27-year-old discovers
“I’m 27, but people seem to think I’m a lot younger. Just recently, a little girl tried to ask me to play with her when I was out here with my boyfriend. It gets a little...
Avid walker known for her positive attitude
“My grandmother, who is 85, walked everywhere in Baytown. People would comment on how strong a woman she is for walking all the way from Texas Avenue to Walmart and back. Even though she knows how...
