family dairy farm. The dairy cow herd was sold in 1986. In 1997 I started working for Albert Bastert, a small dairy farmer. In 1998 I graduated Camp Point Central High. I attended John Wood CC's Ag Center @ Perry graduating in 2000. I then enlisted in the USMCR completing basic @ San Diego, combat training @ Camp Pendleton, and engineer's school @ Courthouse Bay, Camp Lejeune. I was accepted at So
uthern IL university's College of Ag and attended fall 2000-dec.2002. In 2003 activated for Iraqi Freedom and served until fall. Participated in clearing ordinance during laying of 60 mile fuel hose line from Kuwait into Iraq. Resumed education and graduated SIU-Carbondale May 2004. Reactivated and served in Iraqi Freedom II-II Jun.'04-Apr.'05. Was stationed at Al Assad Air Base Western Iraq. Participated in Fallujah Nov.'04. Continued dairy employment at Shupe's Dairy, Mendon and married the love of my life Jody Barnes Oct.
'05. First son Dietrich born Feb.'06, second son Jasper born Aug.'07. Jan.'08 started employment with state of IL @ Rushville specializing in security. Jan.'09 third son Paxton was born. Jun.'09 transferred state employment to Western IL Prison, Mt. Sterling and again transferred to Clayton Work Camp Dec. '10. Jul.'10 Jody completed radiology school @ Blessing Hospital and started employment as x-ray tech. @ Illini Hospital Nov.'10. Bought 80 acres east of Golden Apr. '11 and est. R.J. & Sons. Oct. '13 moved into new house on farm. Aug.
'14 closed on sale of previous residence in Golden and am completely involved in building R.J. & Sons into an ideal small family farm.
