Yeah, so about all this…
If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about who I am—or what motivated me to start this publication. I’m a retired federal worker, but that’s just part of my story. My path here hasn’t been straightforward; the twists made life more interesting than I planned. Like an aging lion with a scarred face, I recognize that it’s the scars that have given my life meaning and me character.
Before everything was a quadruple government form, I wore a different uniform. I served in the United States Marine Corps until my honorable discharge. That time shaped me. I learned grit, loyalty, and sacrifice for a greater cause—lessons no classroom could match. The Marine Corps taught true discipline and what it means to stand for something.
Along the way, I raised a kid on my own. Suddenly, I was a single dad with little backup—except for grandma, when possible. Solo parenting has no manual; just late nights, coffee, and learning as you go. Looking back, it’s the hardest job I’ve loved, and still do.
School has always been important to me. I’m fascinated by how people learn and how they function. I hold a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Government Pre-Law. Both fields taught me to listen, think, and always ask questions, and to know that I’ll never have all the answers, but hope to have enough mental curiosity to ask the right questions.
Before all that, I was the youngest Eagle Scout in my county at 13. Scouting taught service, keeping promises, and perseverance. Those lessons stick, even when you think you’ve outgrown them.
Things are quieter now, but I’m never alone. My rescued Rottweiler, Tanny (who also answers to “Tanny Bannany”), usually sleeps at my feet. He thinks I exist to provide all the chicken he can eat, and he’s probably right. A rescue dog’s loyalty is special—he rescued me as much as I rescued him. (Update: since this magazine’s inception, Tanny “Bannany” and I have had to say goodbye. It broke my heart. At the age of 14, with arthritis, pain, and dementia-he was ready. I was not, but saying goodbye was my last act of kindness to a friend who deserved his best life. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Rainbow Bridge when the time is mine.)
Family has always mattered. I’m proud to be a good son and brother. Family isn’t just blood; it’s about showing up and lending a hand. I’ve always tried to do that.
My other beliefs are simple. I value the First and Second Amendments—free speech and self-defense. Those aren’t debatable to me. I dislike it when people take those rights for granted. And as an aside, the only “suckers and losers” I’ve met were those who refused to put their own lives aside for just a moment of theirs to defend their country and our democracy.
I’ve worn many hats—Marine, dad, public servant, student, Scout, and dog owner. Through it all, I’ve learned that showing up, doing hard things, and keeping your word matter most. That’s who I am, and that’s the story behind boomerznews and the person at the keyboard.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you return… often.
Stay well!
Peter Kevin Connell, Sr.