Wagner Memories: Sven Aunapu '79

This is a repost of an article Sven wrote in 2009

What was your first impression of Clark and Wagner?  First impression:  It Sucked.  It was hot and rainy and I was stuck in base VOQ's because a house wasn't available. My family went off base the next day, jet lag and all, and visited a number of 'subdivisions', finally settling on a complex called Carmenville.  I remember the rain and little shacks made out of what looked like soda cans, rain, carabaos, and muddy roads. 

I was tired, already sick of the rain, walking around with that 'teenage' attitude, angry about leaving my girlfriend behind ... but then realized on my first day at Wagner that I had a wonderful "experience opportunity" ahead of me.  I was lucky to get it so fast ... it made my two years in the P.I. some of the best of my life.

What surprised you the most about the Philippines? What did you like best about living there?  The camaraderie.  Not just in sports but in neighborhoods, theaters, classrooms, hall ways, okay ... you did have to try to break down some of the ridiculous cliques ... but even then it never took more then a 'How ya doin' to be welcomed. 

I even came to enjoy the rain and that foggy smell and feelings that accompanied it ... but all said ... it was the people, Airforce/Civil Service families that made the two years a learning and memorable experience.

Did you really miss anything from the States and if so, what? Don't laugh ... commercials.  I definitely do not miss those AFRTS public service announcements. I still wake up with nightmares of people saying "I'm a special person" (if you remember that one, you know what I mean!).  When I got back stateside, I watched the commercials and switched to another channel when a 'show' started.  Funny how you change ... now I DVR to avoid the commercials.

Who were your good buddies?  My best buds were my 'Baby Dolphin' bros - "Mad Dog" Jerry Floro, Jack Lobac (forgot his alias), "Cherry Boy" Dixon, "The Beast" Richard Kaylor, "Doc" Richard Lopez and God rest his soul - "Dele' " Dale Anderson.  We tried to mix it up a bit - painting the Water Tower, wearing paper bags and togas to class, changing the sign on the "Chicken Coop" to "Chicken Poop" ... harmless stuff that we thought was funny even if no one else did.

Where did you hang out? Primarily the 200 wing ... but Jerry Floro and I tried to make the rounds.  Never liked being labeled a "200 Winger".

Who was your favorite teacher/class? Without a doubt, hands down Dr. Antonio Carmone (Honors English).  He made me read Chaucer ... and actually enjoy it.  Through laughter and focused attention he taught me to embrace learning.  I have the opportunity to be in front of large groups these days and my style has been taken directly from him. 

Dr. Wilder was second ... I was not his favorite by a long shot and the fact that I was in Honors Chemistry must have burned him to the core ... but I respected him immensely for giving me a shot and challenging me. He eventually welcomed me to his class.

Did you have a part time job - what was it? In the summer, as a Dental Assistant.  The rest of the year it was either Soccer or I was a bum.  I was going to be a smart ass and say that my job was being a Boyfriend ... but my girlfriend was as low maintenance as you could ever get.

Did you have a crush on anyone? You know ... there were a couple of young ladies that caught my eye ... but 30 years later I can honestly say that no one captured me as Clarissa Esquivel did.  Classiest lady I ever knew. 

That said, the ones who caught my eye? ... Melissa Munoz (may have even gotten in trouble with Clarissa over that one), Leslie Gilchrist (I haven't forgotten her) and a young lady whose name I cannot remember ... she left in 78 I believe. 

I remember her because she was one of those sad cases where she lived with a rep that she did not deserve.  When she left Clark, I was the only one to say good bye to her and that was a sad thing.  I've actually wondered many times what might have happened had she not gone stateside.  Never had a relationship with any of these ladies, but they must have made an impact for me to remember them.  I hope they are well and loving life.

How did your experience living overseas change you? Certainly made me more 'worldly' from a 'world experience' perspective.  I walked away from Clark/Wagner with a great appreciation for the Filipino people and, interestingly, for all the advantages that the U.S. and being an American gave to me. 

Give us a brief update on your life now: I live in the Atlanta area and I’m divorced but blessed with three wonderful children (daughter 13, two sons 15 & 11). An exciting career in fashion eventually led me to Inventory Management Software where I am a principle and EVP of Sales with great friends (have known them all for more then 15 years). 

I am active in my Church (if possible, too active), and an active member in the Tres Dias community. When I have free time, my hobbies are skydiving (my girlfriend is getting upset ... may not be a hobby for long), cooking, fishing and hiking in the Georgia Mountains (they are hills to the rest of the world).

If anyone knows of the whereabouts of my 'buds' above, I'd love to hear about it (I am in touch with Jerry Floro).

 #1) Sven's senior picture. #2)Front row: Terryl Jones, Sue Corey (78), and Sven Aunapu (79). Back row: Heidi Young (78), Paula Tsatsos (78), and Doug MacIver (80). #3) L-R: Jeff Forsyth, Lloyd Johnson, Sven Aunapu, Barry Fritz, Mark Fitzgerald  #4)Rich Kaylor, Richard Lopez, Sven, Rick Dixon, Jerry Floro.