Steve Mehlman
1965
I'm not quite sure how to begin my life after GCHS, because that journey began when I was in the A-11.The only person, other than my closest friends, who knew what I was going through was my basketball coach. Coach Lee knew something was up and one night he confronted me after the "Athletic Awards Banquet" during my senior year, when for the third time no family members were there. Words cannot do justice to how he helped me graduate and succeed in life.
I wasn't homeless, I just didn't live with a family, and I hid it well. In my junior year, my father moved away with his third wife and left me living within two blocks of high school, and once a week he would go shopping and leave me groceries. That was the extent of my parental supervision. Soon a Kegger Refrigerator appeared in my garage, and the par-tee began! My grades went from 3.5 to 2.4 my senior year. Coach Lee sensed something (or the Vice Principal told him to ask me what was up), after numerous swats for missing homeroom. Coach Lee dubbed me the 10 o'clock scholar and took me under his wing very quietly. So, I graduated on time with a sore butt and enormous love for Coach Lee.
I wasn't homeless, I just didn't live with a family, and I hid it well. In my junior year, my father moved away with his third wife and left me living within two blocks of high school, and once a week he would go shopping and leave me groceries. That was the extent of my parental supervision. Soon a Kegger Refrigerator appeared in my garage, and the par-tee began! My grades went from 3.5 to 2.4 my senior year. Coach Lee sensed something (or the Vice Principal told him to ask me what was up), after numerous swats for missing homeroom. Coach Lee dubbed me the 10 o'clock scholar and took me under his wing very quietly. So, I graduated on time with a sore butt and enormous love for Coach Lee.
Now
Three weeks after graduation, just six weeks after my 18th birthday, my draft questionnaire arrived. I didn't have a high enough grade average to apply to a 4 year college, so I decided to go to Pierce. Before September rolled around, I had already been given a physical exam date for the draft. I dodged that bullet by early enrollment until the end of my first semester and with 11.5 units completed I was again 1-A. I immediately went down to the recruiting office on Sherman Way near Reseda Boulevard, to see if I could get into anything but the Army Infantry. Needless to say, the Navy, Air Force, all the Reserve Units, and the National Guard just laughed. So, as I was leaving the building, I passed the Army recruiter's office, and behind the Sergeant was a poster that read; "High School to Flight School, a New Breed of Cat". Knowing I was going, the only choice to me at that point was to die in a rice paddy or in the sky, I chose the sky, and enlisted to go to helicopter flight school.
Fast forward two-and-a-half years and I didn't die! 1250 combat hours, mostly medivacs and assaults, a little blood spilled, and I was safe and sound at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. I was sent there because almost my entire tour was spent with MACV-SOG CCC. Not much I choose to share except a picture of my ship with my close buddies from the Studies and Observations Group. (Google SOG) Yes, there is one thing: that year in combat, with my Brothers in Arms, no my brothers, were some of my proudest moments, (excluding meeting Genie and the birth of my son Jon). Welcome Home, fellow Viet Nam Vets. The first place I went after coming home from the war was to a basketball game at the Cleveland High Gym, where I hugged and cried with the Man, Coach Lee.
I left the Service in April of 1970, and banged about for a couple of years doing many odd jobs until one wonderful night my roommate introduced me to Genie Galina, my love for 42 years, married 40 of them. What I had missed all my life I finally had: family! Went back to college and was within a quarter semester of graduating from Cal-State LA, to become a social worker, when I took an upper class course called "The Field of Social Work". What I saw the first day was unnerving: the pay I would get without a Masters Degree, and then what I would earn with a Masters. I was closing in on 30 and had no desire for more school, so Genie and I bought a lunch truck. This was back in the day when they were called 'Roach Coaches', not the hip GPS tracking, twitter blasting, gourmet wagons of today. Genie drove and I cooked; 'nough said about that.
In December of 1981, my wonderful son Jonathan was born and the family was complete! Around that time, I became involved in sales, which eventually landed me a job with my present company, Minerals Research & Recovery, Inc., where I have worked the last 25 years. We specialize in recycling, and value- added minerals in roads, on roofs, in nuclear shielding (instead of lead). The job has taken me around the world to Tokyo, Paris, London, St Andrews, Scotland (my favorite), and throughout Mexico and Canada. In 1994, after the Northridge earthquake, my offices were destroyed and my owners decided it was time to bring me to Tucson, Arizona and made me Vice President. So why retire? I enjoy my career, it's needed for our world, and I work out of my house.
Oh, and there are six golf courses within three miles of my house.
Fore!
Fast forward two-and-a-half years and I didn't die! 1250 combat hours, mostly medivacs and assaults, a little blood spilled, and I was safe and sound at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. I was sent there because almost my entire tour was spent with MACV-SOG CCC. Not much I choose to share except a picture of my ship with my close buddies from the Studies and Observations Group. (Google SOG) Yes, there is one thing: that year in combat, with my Brothers in Arms, no my brothers, were some of my proudest moments, (excluding meeting Genie and the birth of my son Jon). Welcome Home, fellow Viet Nam Vets. The first place I went after coming home from the war was to a basketball game at the Cleveland High Gym, where I hugged and cried with the Man, Coach Lee.
I left the Service in April of 1970, and banged about for a couple of years doing many odd jobs until one wonderful night my roommate introduced me to Genie Galina, my love for 42 years, married 40 of them. What I had missed all my life I finally had: family! Went back to college and was within a quarter semester of graduating from Cal-State LA, to become a social worker, when I took an upper class course called "The Field of Social Work". What I saw the first day was unnerving: the pay I would get without a Masters Degree, and then what I would earn with a Masters. I was closing in on 30 and had no desire for more school, so Genie and I bought a lunch truck. This was back in the day when they were called 'Roach Coaches', not the hip GPS tracking, twitter blasting, gourmet wagons of today. Genie drove and I cooked; 'nough said about that.
In December of 1981, my wonderful son Jonathan was born and the family was complete! Around that time, I became involved in sales, which eventually landed me a job with my present company, Minerals Research & Recovery, Inc., where I have worked the last 25 years. We specialize in recycling, and value- added minerals in roads, on roofs, in nuclear shielding (instead of lead). The job has taken me around the world to Tokyo, Paris, London, St Andrews, Scotland (my favorite), and throughout Mexico and Canada. In 1994, after the Northridge earthquake, my offices were destroyed and my owners decided it was time to bring me to Tucson, Arizona and made me Vice President. So why retire? I enjoy my career, it's needed for our world, and I work out of my house.
Oh, and there are six golf courses within three miles of my house.
Fore!
Steve Mehlman, Chief Warrant Officer (1967)
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My helicopter in Viet Nam, with SOG fighters (1968)
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My mother-in-law and son (2009)
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Genie Galina, her mother Sophia and Yours Truly (1973)
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Comments
Steve,
Who knew! Glad there was an adult figure to help you through to graduation. From there you seemed to have a self determination to make the best out of what life dealt you. I'm glad you made the most out of your situation and became a successful person. From flying in the military, to having a family and your business success, you are a great person. I hope to see you at the 50th next year.
Dick Eyster
Who knew! Glad there was an adult figure to help you through to graduation. From there you seemed to have a self determination to make the best out of what life dealt you. I'm glad you made the most out of your situation and became a successful person. From flying in the military, to having a family and your business success, you are a great person. I hope to see you at the 50th next year.
Dick Eyster
Response to Dick from Steve:
Dick, I appreciate your comments, and I might add that smile of yours has been contagious for over 50 years. I remember you well. I really debated about the first two paragraphs in my story. After I read, Ron Garland's tribute to coach Stan Oken, I really wanted to thank coach Lee, and let everyone know, what a wonderful man he was. I actually discussed whether or not to include that part of my life with Pete. Everyone has a story, and some are not quite 'Ozzie and Harriet'! I knew many of my friends who had tough times, and they busted through the mud and are doing great; trust me on this, you knew them too. I edited out a lot of what I typed, and left out one story, that I believe you may have been involved. The summer of 1972, 2:00AM in the morning, I was driving ' Cheech and Chong' style eastbound on Vanowen near Tampa. All of a sudden, there pops the Christmas Tree lights of a bona fide Los Angeles Police Car. What the hell, I muttered, I'm only doing 20 mph! I was two years removed from the military, and probably hadn't cut my hair in a long time, and yes I inhaled, and yes my car wreaked. The Officer approaches my door and guess who of all people was the gendarme; Dave Buck! I was informed that my license plate light was out! Bored Cop violation? Dave shouts out, Mehlman? Yup! It was at that point, I believe he called out your name. Did you ever ride with Dave in the West Valley? Thanks again and I hope to see you next year. PS. I got a well deserved pass that morning! Pulling pitch, dipping the nose, and pushing left pedal!
Dick, I appreciate your comments, and I might add that smile of yours has been contagious for over 50 years. I remember you well. I really debated about the first two paragraphs in my story. After I read, Ron Garland's tribute to coach Stan Oken, I really wanted to thank coach Lee, and let everyone know, what a wonderful man he was. I actually discussed whether or not to include that part of my life with Pete. Everyone has a story, and some are not quite 'Ozzie and Harriet'! I knew many of my friends who had tough times, and they busted through the mud and are doing great; trust me on this, you knew them too. I edited out a lot of what I typed, and left out one story, that I believe you may have been involved. The summer of 1972, 2:00AM in the morning, I was driving ' Cheech and Chong' style eastbound on Vanowen near Tampa. All of a sudden, there pops the Christmas Tree lights of a bona fide Los Angeles Police Car. What the hell, I muttered, I'm only doing 20 mph! I was two years removed from the military, and probably hadn't cut my hair in a long time, and yes I inhaled, and yes my car wreaked. The Officer approaches my door and guess who of all people was the gendarme; Dave Buck! I was informed that my license plate light was out! Bored Cop violation? Dave shouts out, Mehlman? Yup! It was at that point, I believe he called out your name. Did you ever ride with Dave in the West Valley? Thanks again and I hope to see you next year. PS. I got a well deserved pass that morning! Pulling pitch, dipping the nose, and pushing left pedal!
Steve,
I remember you from basketball, seeing you practicing in the main gym. After reading your story, I realize how lucky I was to have a family who supported me, and how tragic your years must have been. You are an inspiring man. Your courage and obvious desire to survive fills me with pride at knowing you. It must have been very hard for you to share your story with the rest of us. Thank you for serving our country and congratulations on finding the love of your life. I enjoy your comments on Facebook, too. Thanks for "friending" me, and for having the courage to tell us about your life.
Jeff Davis
I remember you from basketball, seeing you practicing in the main gym. After reading your story, I realize how lucky I was to have a family who supported me, and how tragic your years must have been. You are an inspiring man. Your courage and obvious desire to survive fills me with pride at knowing you. It must have been very hard for you to share your story with the rest of us. Thank you for serving our country and congratulations on finding the love of your life. I enjoy your comments on Facebook, too. Thanks for "friending" me, and for having the courage to tell us about your life.
Jeff Davis
Response to Jeff from Steve:
Jeff, I enjoy your posts as well, and I have the same passion for golf. I only wish I could play the damn game! I'm glad to see you happy and healthy. Gym rats were a funny breed for sure, I still have a passion for basketball. After 30 years a Bruin fan, I am now an avid Wildcat fan, McHale is electrified, like the 60's in Pauley Pavilion. I'm not so courageous, as the line from 'Shawshank'; "Get busy living or get busy dying". I know I can rant with the best, so thanks for reading my sometimes outrageous posts. See ya next year!
Jeff, I enjoy your posts as well, and I have the same passion for golf. I only wish I could play the damn game! I'm glad to see you happy and healthy. Gym rats were a funny breed for sure, I still have a passion for basketball. After 30 years a Bruin fan, I am now an avid Wildcat fan, McHale is electrified, like the 60's in Pauley Pavilion. I'm not so courageous, as the line from 'Shawshank'; "Get busy living or get busy dying". I know I can rant with the best, so thanks for reading my sometimes outrageous posts. See ya next year!
Dear Steve, In the past few years that we have been Facebook Friends, you never hinted at this challenge of Senior Year! I know many of us had dysfunctional lives going on but you may be the first I know of who had to practically raise yourself! I am so amazed at your drive & your character building upbringing! I am so happy that your life has had such a happily ever after change & I cannot wait to meet your wife. You have had my back on FB for quite a while now! It has been noted & so appreciated by me. I will see you both in 2015 & share more face to face! Thank you Steve for such an inspiring story!
Gloria Dorcy
Gloria Dorcy
Response to Gloria from Steve:
Thanks for your kind words. I believe we share many values and I appreciate that you feel that I'm covering your six, because I feel the same. Reading your posts, seeing your passion for family, theater, and young aspiring performers, always lifts my spirits. You can rearrange them in the proper order! I also, look forward to seeing you next year; see you on FB.
Thanks for your kind words. I believe we share many values and I appreciate that you feel that I'm covering your six, because I feel the same. Reading your posts, seeing your passion for family, theater, and young aspiring performers, always lifts my spirits. You can rearrange them in the proper order! I also, look forward to seeing you next year; see you on FB.