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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (29)
MagikUnicorn
EXCELLENT
MrsLubner
One of these days, I have to go there. It is so very lit up and busy.
Faemike55
Welcome back Sig! Great picture - classic Las Vegas!
auntietk
Okay, THIS is what I remember when I think about Vegas! The last time I was there was in 1980. Great capture! It's GOOD to see you back, my friend.
lyron
Beautiful image. Great capture!!
bmac62
Must be the neon capital of the world:) Glad to see you back Sig...
jascorpio
Nice to see you back. Lovely night shot!
billcody
Remembering at one of your early postcards in the sixties, when you left Berlin. Can something be more typical for the "Wild, wild west"? Hope you are better, Sig!
kgb224
Wonderful capture my friend.
bazza
Lovely shot Sig but don't think I will ever get there to see it..
carlx
Excellent capture!!!
Alex_Antonov
Very nice!
debbielove
I think of the film...'Casino'.. Maybe NOT the best reference point! lol But this is Vegas! That's for sure and look at those cars.. lol Great shot, welcome back Sig! Rob
flavia49
splendid shot!! Welcome back!!
Sea_Dog
Great historic shot! The good old days in Las Vegas. It's even more glitzy and neon draped these days.
farmerC
Shining shot.
annie5
Glad to see you back Sig! Super capture of Vegas :)
renecyberdoc
long time no see bro.i might be there in 2010 25th wedding anniversary and marry again the same treasure of course.lol.
flora-crassella
very cool image!
drifterlee
really cool shot!!!!!!!!
sandra46
outstanding image
jocko500
good to see you ok. welcome bace and a big hand wave too
thevolunteer
Ah yes, lost wages nevada. Can't wait to go again. You never know unless you try. Aloha
lucindawind
excellent ! Ive never been there in Vegas ... Niagara Falls is a lot like Vegas tho so Ive had a taste lol
emmecielle
glad to see you again, Sig! Excellent capture! :)
Minda
oh sig Great to see u im glad that your back .. hugs.....this is Great capture i love las vegas....:)
amanda_a42
t is always GREAT to see the strip! it looks completely different now though but one thing's for sure - Vegas is my favorite place on earth, what an AMAZING city!
danapommet
You have been missed as has your work. Great shot of the old days and scan. Dana
LYNZ1947
A very nice shot of the true image of what people relate gambling to, great job boy.