Hello and Happy Thanksgiving!

[BigRedBeard]

Hello to all.

I'm a new kilt wearer and a new member of XMTS (after lurking for a few weeks, of course). I live in Stafford, Virginia and recently retired after 26 years in the US Army. I'm currently a professor at the Marine Corps University in Quantico, VA where I teach Security Studies and poke fun at Marines (stand down Leathernecks...I'm also a huge fan!).

As for my heritage, I pretty sure I'm a full-on smorgasbord of European with some relatively strong connections to Wales and Ireland. Whether or not my ancestors chose to skip across St George's Channel for their nookie runs or bred their way around through Scotland, I can't be sure. Therefore, you won't see me fiercely protecting any tartans or clans. I'm in it for fun! (BTW, with a birthday on St Patrick's Day, I've been accused of being the world's largest Leprechaun. Hmmm....)

I've been making beer since 1987, competing in Bullseye Pistol since 2006, and working on my Doctoral Dissertation since the dawn of time...sigh...

My first kilt is a SportKilt Works Kilt in US Army tartan (pictured below along with my obviously-interested girl-dawgs). I will be purchasing a traditional wool kilt in Lewis of Wales Tartan sometime soon in preparation for a formal event in the Spring (look out Rocky @ USAKilts, I'm a comin' for an 8-yarder!).

I really appreciate the professionalism and civility of this forum and look forward to being a member.

Mike

P.S. The beard ain't gettin cut til the dissertation is done (or later)!

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

[Godot]

Welcome! USAkilts is my preferred source for kilts also. Beard-wise, I'm firmly in the "no shave til grave" club, though I do trim from time to time, and I briefly cut it down to chops this year to compete in a handful of beard competitions.

[Tarheel]

Well met and welcome from Oxford, MS. You chose the perfect first kilt to fit all your needs, green infused for St. Patty, tartan for military duty recognition and the right group to share those thoughts with. As far as the beard goes, stand fast like the Army mascot. Enjoy turkey day in VA.

[dougle]

Hi welcome from Worcestershire England

[MacEanruig]

Welcome from Manassas, Virginia.

[Hawk]

Welcome to the XMTS Community Mike......

Hawk

[Spartan Tartan]

from Rhode Island

[rtown]

Hello and Welcome

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, Michael, and welcome to X Marks from another bearded Michael at the bottom end of Africa.
That red beard of yours is fearsome and verra Scottish! Don’t even think of shaving it off!
Regards,
Mike