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mpearce
06-20-2006, 04:47 PM
I have been on this site now for 2 years and 2 months, and I have owned my Marauder for 2 years, and 1 month. When I first joined up, I was affraid to post anything for fear of looking like a moron...but as time has gone by, I've noticed plenty of noobs asking just the same questions I did at first.

This site has done so much for my knowlege of cars, I can't even explain it. The friends I have met on this site are all top notch, and you know who you are. I call you all my friend, regardless of what supercharger you have, or how many MM's you own.

Marauderville 2, and Marauderville 3 were a dream come true. Caravaning with 10+ Marauders anywhere is a great time...and seeing 70+ Marauders together...whether if it's somewhere in Indiana, or on the famous Woodward Ave. in Detroit it's awesome.

This site, it's vendors, and it's multitude of performance modification choices have done wonders for my obsessive compulsiveness. Sitting up at night thinking about which headers to buy, or which stall speed to go with was something I never thought I'd be doing over 2 years ago.

The countless trips to Detroit for Marauder mods, the countless times I've taken my Marauder down the strip, the back yard parties, the car cruises, Woodward visits, thumbs up on the highway, burnouts, mod comparisons, arguments, congratulations, 2 10-second Marauders, caravans, race gas, Maraudervilles, etc, etc...the list goes on and on. It's been a fantastic 2 years I must say, and meeting new and enthusiastic people just makes it better every time. I just love this site, it's people, and everything that goes on. I can't help but constantly log on to see what's new. Learning new things, especially about the car I love is very addicting to me, and I really enjoy it. This place makes it all possible.

However...

I have not made a post in over a month. I have taken a break from it, because I've been feeling my life was about to take a turn...a turn for the better in fact. In anticipation...I've been directing my obsessiveness toward other things for the past month. I stopped at post 999, but I did not realize that PM's "upped" your total post number...so whatever on that. I'm treating this as post # 1000.

The good News!

My wife Heather, and I have finally received our "Firm Offer" letters from the Federal Government regarding our jobs. We have both been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to join their Air Traffic Division, as Air Traffic Controllers!! I started this whole thing 6 years ago...and it's finally happened. All of the tests, medicals, schooling, checkrides, flight time, etc, etc...it's all paid off, and we're both IN!

We start up the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma July 13th of this year. Which then begins another set of rigorous schooling, tests, and checkrides. I hope I can remember my left, from my right! The Academy takes 11 weeks, and once complete, we're given 1 day of travel back to our facility.

Our facility will be Cleveland's Air Route Traffic Controll Center (ARTCC) a.k.a. "Cleveland Center" which is an FAA level 12 facility...which is the highest level facility (busiest) there is. Cleveland Center is one of the busiest, if not the busiest Air Traffic Control Facilities in the world. Check out the facilities website... http://www.faa.gov/ATS/aglzob/zobartcc.htm

http://www.faa.gov/ATS/aglzob/FACILITYOFYEARDETAIL.htm

So by the end of September, Heather and I will be back at Cleveland Center going through more training. The Center is located out in Oberlin, Ohio...which for you race fans...is only 20 minutes from the famous "Norwalk Raceway"

Any of you who fly commerically, if you live in Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, etc etc, fly trans continental (NY-LA) or go into and out of Chicago...chances are...my wife and I will be handling your flights.

The both of us are thrilled this has gone through...and look forward to all the fun stuff that lies ahead. Life was on hold for way to long...now it's time to have some fun!!

This has been a fantastic place to hang out the past few years...I hope it keeps getting better!

Mat & Heather

Hotrauder
06-20-2006, 04:51 PM
Good on you guys. Please keep us posted. Dennis:)

LCSO34
06-20-2006, 04:52 PM
I will keep an ear open, just listen for "Reach xxx" or "Ruler xx", C-17 heavy:D

MikesMerc
06-20-2006, 04:56 PM
Awesome!! Congratulations to the both of you! Good stuff like this couldn't happen to nicer more deserving people!!

The two of you both reaching a goal like this together sounds like a dream come true. Simply outstanding!

Congrats again to both of you. I hope your good fortunes continue on!!:beer:

2003DOHC
06-20-2006, 05:03 PM
The best of luck to you both!!!

Smokie
06-20-2006, 05:07 PM
This is the kind of post that makes this place special, good things happenning to good people, congratulations Mat & Heather.:beer: :banana2: :banana: :woohoo:

KillJoy
06-20-2006, 05:09 PM
Congrats Mat!

Congrats Heather!

That sounds like a LOT of responsibility! Don't think "I" could do it! Good luck in your training, and study hard!

Best of luck to you both!

KillJoy & the Misses

MM2004
06-20-2006, 05:23 PM
Congrats to the both you!

Mike.

bigslim
06-20-2006, 05:33 PM
Congrats to both you. It is really nice to be able to call you and Heather my friends. I know that both of you will do very well in your new ventures.

Logan
06-20-2006, 05:36 PM
This site, it's vendors, and it's multitude of performance modification choices have done wonders for my obsessive compulsiveness. Sitting up at night thinking about which headers to buy, or which stall speed to go with was something I never thought I'd be doing over 2 years ago.


You'd think I'd be rich by now wouldn't you, with all that goodness going on?? I wish.. Sigh...

Seriously though, don't screw up, I fly through Cleveland Center all the time god damn it and don't need some rookie directin' my AA flight into some schmuck from Toronto...

:lol:

Good luck guys, always good hearing good things happenin' to good folks... :D

Seriously though, drink lots of coffee pls... Thanks. :pimp:

kj31067
06-20-2006, 05:45 PM
best of luck to you both. go after what you want and give it hell!!!!!!!!!!

MI2QWK4U
06-20-2006, 05:55 PM
Hey you guys, heartfelt congratulations! Thats great news. Something you guys have been working towards for a long time. You both deserve it for all the hard work. Good luck in training and hope to see you both soon!

Cobra25
06-20-2006, 06:06 PM
It's good to hear some good news. Congrats to both of you, it's good to hear that your Dream's are coming true!:congrats:

rayjay
06-20-2006, 06:23 PM
Thats great news! Congratulations to both of you and best of luck on your new career!

MarauderTJA
06-20-2006, 06:31 PM
Congratulations :beer: ! It is always great to hear that your hard work and dedication has paid off. Best of luck to you both.

I hope you guys can get the time to come to Marauderville IV in Orlando. Would love to meet you both.

Bluerauder
06-20-2006, 06:43 PM
Congrats to Mat and Heather !!! :2thumbs:

Good luck in your ATC schooling and your assignment to the Cleveland center.

:congrats:

Did anyone else out here in MM land think that he was gonna make another kind of announcement? :baby: :high5:

:dunno:

jgc61sr2002
06-20-2006, 06:47 PM
Congrats and Good Luck with your new positions.:D

Bigdogjim
06-20-2006, 07:06 PM
Congrats to Mat and Heather !!! :2thumbs:
Did anyone else out here in MM land think that he was gonna make another kind of announcement?

Yes I was thinking along your lines?

Congrats to you two.:up:

CRUZTAKER
06-20-2006, 07:15 PM
Now perhaps...once you two have trained and settled in...

Better hours?
A house?
A S/C (for Mat of course)
Kids...:P

The possibilities are endless!

Congratulations you two. :up:

Daily 03
06-20-2006, 08:14 PM
Matt and Heather,
Congratulaions.
Sometimes results seem like they take forever to arrive, but in the end are well worth the wait.
Dale and Nellie

teamrope
06-20-2006, 09:37 PM
Congratulations you two. It couldn't have happened to a nicer couple. Meeting you Heather at Detroit is one many happy memories I have thanks to this car and this forum.

SergntMac
06-20-2006, 10:18 PM
Looks like all the neat stuff has been said, so, congrats, and best wishes to you both. Be safe in your endeavors.

mpearce
06-21-2006, 03:45 AM
Thank you all for your wonderful replies! This whole thing was taking so long...it seemed like it was never going to happen.

We appreciate all the kind words!

-Mat & Heather

RF Overlord
06-21-2006, 08:55 AM
Congrats, Mat and Heather!

If there's another meet at Barry's next spring, I'll feel more comfortable flying in knowing that one of you will be guiding us!

SID210SA
06-21-2006, 09:33 AM
Congrats to you both!!! I am sorry I have not had the pleasure of meeting you or alot of others on this board....Hope to change that soon at MV4

pantheroc
06-21-2006, 10:22 AM
Mat & Heather CONGRATULATIONS!!

You scared me for a minute there with the post....I thought you were building up to a "I'm selling my Marauder" punch line. I'm glad your not, and doesn't seem like you'll ever sell.

How long before we can't do lunch (dinner on your hours) near our employers?

Hope to see you guys soon...(Quaker Steak:) )

Later,

Jerry & Diane

ckadiddle
06-21-2006, 10:28 AM
Neato! Sounds like you guys are starting at the top! Remember, the shiny side goes up.

Haggis
06-21-2006, 11:18 AM
Congrats Matt & Heather, keep up the good work. If you keep this up you will steal Chris and mine title of the 'Wonder Twins'.

Best of Luck in your future endevours.

Congrats, Mat and Heather!

If there's another meet at Barry's next spring, I'll feel more comfortable flying in knowing that one of you will be guiding us!

spub
06-21-2006, 12:05 PM
Hey big guy -

Couldn't hapen to two nicer people! Haven't been on in awhile myself,,,,,so this was great news to come back to. Glad your wait is over.

With that said, Carol and I will be flying back to Jamaica in Dec. Don't screw it up :D .

Later bud, and our best to Heather.

Kirt

Dan
06-21-2006, 03:40 PM
Hey Mat,

Congrats. It's been 2 years and 1 month for my MM and I noticed that I signed on the same month you did. Hey, we might be Bro's! :)

Best to you and the wiff. :)

Dan

PS: Only 1K posts, though? Sheesh. :P

GreekGod
06-21-2006, 06:53 PM
I don't envy either one of you. I certainly wish you Godspeed but you must know Air Traffic Controllers have probably the most stressful jobs in the USA. To many people that fact alone makes the job one of the worst in the USA.

Someone has to do it, just like doctors, police, EMT's, funeral directors, nurses aids in a nursing home, etc. I don't envy or covet any of their jobs. I also hope you don't find you are underpaid.

mpearce
06-21-2006, 09:42 PM
I'm amazed at the amount of replies to this thread. They really mean alot. Waiting for this job has been excrutiating for the both of us...but it's finally here.

As far as stress goes...the both of us controlled at a small level 6 tower in Beaver Falls, PA. This is where we took our checkrides for our tower certificates. KBVI to all you "aviation nerds". We catered to plenty of the "weekend warriors", and even got a chance to work some IFR inbound and outbound jet traffic as well.

During our schooling, we both had a 4 month long internship at the airport of our choice. Heather chose Pittsburgh International, and I chose Cleveland Hopkins. After all of the ojt...shadowing etc...the was one thing the both of us had in common after our experiences... We never met one controller who didn't love their job.

Going to Cleveland Center will be a bit of a change for us (we were trained) in Tower, and (TRACON) Terminal Radar Approach Control...but the Center is all en-route stuff...so it should get interesting.

Anyone who flys through the area after september...send me a PM. I'll make sure your flight gets priority handling! If I don't like you...I'll make sure when your pilots request an altitude change due to turbulence, it gets denied, and you have a nice bumpy ride!

Just kidding of course :D

-Mat

Bradley G
06-22-2006, 04:36 AM
Way to go!
Best of luck to you two!