[rookiematt14]

Hey all-

New to the forum, been lurking for a bit and watching Jody's videos.

A little background on myself. I am definitely jumping in. Decided it was time for a career change. I have been in emergency medicine as an EMT and Paramedic for the past 10 years, after my time in the army. At 37, I'm going to welding school and using those GI bill benefits, as I have become disenchanted with dealing with peoples pain, misery and death. I come from a family of Boilermakers on my mom's side (Local 549, Pittsburg, CA), My dad was a tin knocker (Local 104, Burlingame, CA) . I took the apprenticeship test when I was younger, but failed miserably because I can't do math, hence joining up to fight terrorism. The school I have chosen to attend is Arclabs in Columbia, SC. I'm taking their 900 hour advanced welding course, which will certify me in all processes and positions. My personal welding experience is minimal, to say the least. We raced hobby stocks when I was growing up and I'd help my dad fab the roll cages with a really old Miller thunderbolt. If I remember right it was either 6010 or 6011 rod on 1 3/4 0.95 mild steel. I learned young why they call it stick welding. Then a few years ago I bough a HF flux core welder and practiced with it til it got stolen. Haven't picked up a stinger or a gun since. I've enjoyed reading the forum so far, but I'm clueless on a lot of things. I had no idea. I'm hoping that this isn't a dummy move on my part, giving up the illustrious world of emergency medicine, and the 3am stubbed toe calls. It's definitely not lucrative. Anyways, sorry for being long winded... For those of you that take the time to read this, thanks!

[Bsmith]

Good to have to you, nice through intro.

How much is that welding course, sounds pricey but nice. Good luck and ask away if you have any questions.

[Mike]

Welcome to the forum Matt.
Thank you for your service.

[DLewis0289]

Welcome aboard!