July 2019
Hey man, have you seen Feeeedel today? David McLain got this question a lot when traveling the world with the Air Force and after his crew discovered he grew up in Cuba.
David McLain was actually born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and spent a few “early years” in Las Vegas, NV before the family settled in Cuba. His dad owned an auto repair shop and David learned a lot about wrenches by handing them to his father while his father worked on cars. He actually must have learned a lot about cars also because when his dad decided to go into the cement business David took over the mechanic shop and ran it for several years before joining the Air Force. David notes, “Yes, it was an interesting experience running the mechanic shop. I liked working on cars but the customers—ah, not so much.”
Running the mechanic shop convinced him he needed something different and he joined the Air Force. “The Air Force allowed me, a kid from Cuba, to travel the world." I asked, “Did you like it?” David said, “I must have, I stayed with them for 27 years.” During that time and at various colleges David earned several associate degrees and a BS degree in Technical Management.
David retired from the Air Force then took a civilian job with (guess who) the Air Force at Kirtland in Albuquerque.
David is thoughtful. I asked “What is your best car experience?” He quickly responded that he spent about 4 years assembling his red 1950 Ford. He was in Wyoming with the Air Force during this period. He said the sense of accomplishment and pride of driving his car the first time was his best experience.
David joined many car clubs as he traveled. He liked the club atmosphere. Most of the clubs were multi car groups like street rod clubs. The Tumbleweed Club is his first club devoted to a specific car gender. He likes our club but notes that we don’t do as many community activities as he would like to see.
David met a young lass about 14 months ago, we know her as Debbie. On an early date, they went to a Dinner Detective Show at the Marriott Hotel and enjoyed it so much they decided to make it their special events date. David is a sly fox. For Debbie’s birthday in June of this year he took her to the Marriott to see a show. Little did she know that David had conspired with the actors to write him into the script. When he pulled Debbie onto the stage during the play, and asked for her hand in marriage she must have been surprised. Fortunately for David she was not too surprised to remember to answer “Yes”. Beth asked David, “When is the date?” He said, “I did all the work to set up the proposal so now it’s her job to plan the wedding.” I’m thinking to myself, this is starting well. Congratulations, David and Debbie.
