Rick Love's

OLDGUNS

INTRODUCTION

I've loved airplanes ever since I was a kid. I had over forty model planes that I made when I was probably 10 years old, hanging from my ceiling. My interest grew as I did. So my Junior year in high school, I "delay enlisted" in the United States Air Force. After basic training I attended aircraft technical maintenance school. After graduation I was assigned to Bergstrom AFB in Texas. There I took further training to become a "crew chief" on the F-4 Phantom aircraft. After two years in Texas I spent two years at the base in Zwiebrucken, Germany taking care of my plane (they belong to the crew chief, not the pilot) and many times sleeping with it. Upon my discharge I knew I wanted to stay in aviation and to do that, I needed my Federal A&P license. I attended IWCC's Aviation Maintenance Program in Council Bluffs, Iowa where I received my A&P. I have since added licenses to further my career.

My career started out at a small commuter airline as a lead mechanic. I've worked my way "up" and was director of maintenance for a fleet of cargo Metro II's. I also worked for Union Pacific Railroad taking care of their corporate jets. Today I am Facility Manager for Landmark Aviation in Omaha, Nebraska.

Through the years I used to run to alleviate my stress and to relax. Several years ago I lost my Uncle Bob who was my running buddy. Running just wasn't the same without him. I tapered off and eventually quit altogether.

Five years ago my friend and fellow mechanic Roger McEvoy introduced me to collecting and refurbishing old rifles. It has proven to be an excellent stress reliever and I actually learn something every time I research a gun! It has definitely rekindled another lifelong fascination and love of: OLDGUNS.