Custer-Bates, Michelle
Percussion, Colorguard, Winterguard, 4 Musketeers

I have spent all morning looking through WGI videos and remembering the good old days.  It's great to see Alan
back at Union.  I cna't believe it's been 16 years since I graduated.  It still seems like only yesterday.  I guess because my memories of Union and being a part of the Renegade Regiment and the Union Guard are still a vivid part of my memory.  Guess I can't let it go. eh?  

Anyway...my life has had it's ups and downs over the last 16 years, but here is the quick snapshot.  I met my
husband in 1991, married in 1992, moved to Germany in 1993, had my son Vincent in 1994, moved back to the states in 1996, divorced shortly after, and have been a single mom ever since.  Have been close to marriage a couple times since but can't seem to find the right man.  :)  

My son Vincent is my life and he is the best kid a parent could ask for.  He will be 13 in Sept (2007) and just
started 7th grade.  I can't believe I have a teenager! UGH! He plays competive soccer and plans to join track and
golf this year so that has become my social life.  

I have been in school myself for several years, going full time the past several years.  I just completed my Dual Associates in May of 2007 with my degree in Child Development and one in Paralegal Studies.  I took my Paralegal Certification exam in July and hope to have the results soon.  Man, that was a hard exam.  I am now attending OSU-Tulsa to complete my Human Development - Child and Family Services degree with a Pre Law empahsis.  If I can survive another 2 years of full time school, Law school is next on the agenda.  I would like to go into Child Law and work on legislation for tougher penalties against those who commit crimes against children.  

I have been working at Worldcom/MCI, now Verizon Business, since 1998 and hate every minute of it.  Well, that's not entirely true, but it's certainly not my passion.  

I am hoping to become more involved with the guard world this year.  I have never stopped missing the guard life and would love for it to be apart of my life again, in some form or another.  Alan...Jara...need any help?  :)  

I don't have much contact with anyone after all these years, but would love to hear from any of you.  Tamara and I are still close friends and she lives less than a mile from me.  We are both so busy with our children's lives along with our own that we don't see each other much these days, but still talk all the time.  

I am thinking about going to WGI this coming April 2008 - if I can get the time away and the money to do it.  Anyone want to come with?  We could have a mini guard reunion and all travel to Dayton.  I never did get to WGI...why was that again???  Hope everyone enjoyed the prom.  j/k :)

Email me!  
Michelle

Last updated: 08/07