‘Stringbean' is a long-time acquaintance I had been associated with many years before the start of this adventure, which commenced in the mid-seventies. Having been affiliated with a small air charter business, I had become a pilot in the early 60’s and had been an influence on Stringbean’s learning to fly. He used his skills basically to smuggle Mexican pot into Southern California where we both resided While I initially used my flying skills in honest work; I too would become a pot smuggler.

At this particular point in time, Stringbean was flying for a dealer called ‘Poppa Charley.’ Stringbean introduced me to Poppa & his girlfriend that I will refer to as ‘Mom.’  She & I lived in the same neighborhood of Huntington Beach. Mom was a flamboyant lady who loved to party, do drugs socially, and hang out with drug dealers & smugglers. Long-term relationships were difficult for her to maintain, having been married 8 times & giving birth to 3 children. One of her children was Sheldon.

Before meeting Sheldon, I had been a failure with the ladies. I was a liar, a cheat & a playboy. I tried & tried to live out the customary roles society expected of me with conventional jobs & relationships, even marrying my high school sweetheart, but failed miserably because I was so unfulfilled.

I eventually came to realize I was allergic to traditional family life and the drudgery of the establishment, so much so, I abandoned my family, friends & acquaintances in my search for a higher quality of life.

During my smuggling career, I kept in touch with none of my family, making new acquaintances as my career progressed.” ~ Pilot Jack Reed

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