Hello from NJ!

[TGS]

Hi all,

First, a short introduction: I was raised in the pine barrens of southern NJ. I was given my first shotgun at 8 days of age, and taught to hunt in my backyard at the age of 6. During high school I was in volunteer EMS, my first paying job was mucking horse stalls, and I continued shooting. Went to college in Vermont which was a great, at which point I fell in love with scuba diving. Upon graduating I joined the Marines. Left the Marines in 2011 and moved back to NJ to help offset costs for my sister and disabled mother. I'm currently nearing completion in a grad degree in Intelligence Studies with AMU and am trying to move into the national security field. In the meantime, I got back into EMS and completed an EMT course this summer, as it's been one of the fastest growing industries over the last 6 years and isn't slowing down. The pay is pretty low, but it's something I like and a reliable job for the meantime.

As far as guns, I love long range shooting. My first introduction to carry was during college, as it was a constitutional carry state. I've been carrying full time for a couple years now and hold my permit from Virginia (from when I lived there). I own about 16 different guns, with the highlights being my HK P2000 for CCW, 3 Swiss rifles, a Mauser ES340b target rifle, and my 14.5"bbl BCM AR15. As for CCW training, I've taken 2 classes with John Murphy of FPF Training out of Culpeper VA, 3 classes with Todd L Green from pistol-training.com, and last but certainly not least, SouthNarc's ECQC.

Things have been getting a bit crazy up here, as you might imagine....not to mention I haven't been particularly thrilled in the first place after having lived in places as free as Vermont or Virginia, and spending 30 days a year in north Florida. I've started to discuss moving, and some members on another forum encouraged me to join Texas CHL and make some friends. Given my love for scuba diving, I'm thinking somewhere by Houston would be a good choice as its also a major metropolitan area...giving me a good chance for employment as an EMT. So, is anyone here an EMT? Would you be able to give me some gouge on the industry in Texas? I've looked on some jobs websites and saw a few jobs for EMTs in the Houston area. Since the pay is usually pretty low for EMTs, are you able to pick up lots of overtime in order to make ends meet? As the national security field is pretty competitive it may take a few years to get into, so I'm also planning on using the remainder of my GI Bill for paramedic school.

So, this is just my way of saying "hi" and looking to get some info about Texas since it ranks high on my list of possible places to move to. The response I've received so far has been awesome, and there's already been a couple members on another website offer to put me up in Texas until I get on my own feet. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Regards,
TGS

[Wodathunkit]

Welcome.

I just did a quick search of EMT on http://www.indeed.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and there is 19 new postings in the ouston area. I think some of them list the pay also. Remember that cost of living is significantly less expensive here than in NJ. Please leave any liberal family members back east

[Topbuilder]

Quick entrance exam.
1) When you say "car" will I be able to hear the "R" ?

Kidding. Seriously, you will like it here. Once you get used to the heat. I've been here thirty years, I'm almost there. We could always use someone with your smarts and skills!

[stroo]

I looked at taking a job in NJ about 10 years ago. The cost of living was almost double in NJ versus Texas. I didn't take the job. You will love Texas.

[The Annoyed Man]

I moved my family here from California 6.5 years ago. You won't regret moving here.

[grumble]

I moved back to Texas after a 21 year "brain fart" that led me to NJ to chase the American dream. Kids grew up and out, did the college thing and ended up in FL. At that point, the (ex)wife and I had to stare at each other. Finally figured out where my heart was. Moved back to Texas in 2010. Haven't looked back! 6 months after you get here you'll be asking your self "what the heck took me so long?"

[GeekwithaGun]

Hi all,

As for CCW training, I've taken 2 classes with John Murphy of FPF Training out of Culpeper VA, 3 classes with Todd L Green from pistol-training.com, and last but certainly not least, SouthNarc's ECQC.

Welcome to the forum, your training above caught my eye - John is my wifes cousin, he has told us to come up and get some training from him, but we haven't yet. What was your experience with him? Please be candid, I really wanted to get someones feedback about his training before we commit to go up there. You can PM me if you prefer.

Texas is a great place to move to, we came in 1995 from Michigan and haven't looked back.

[TGS]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. Seems to be a common trend.....I've never met a Texan who hasn't loved The Republic and responded with enthusiasm when talking to someone who is considering relocating.

Welcome to the forum, your training above caught my eye - John is my wifes cousin, he has told us to come up and get some training from him, but we haven't yet. What was your experience with him? Please be candid, I really wanted to get someones feedback about his training before we commit to go up there. You can PM me if you prefer.

Geek,

No need to PM, John is a straight-forward, very blunt guy that doesn't sugarcoat things. He appreciates honesty. After taking his first course, I sent him an AAR in a format I used in the USMC on things that he should considering improving..and him being a Marine appreciated that very much. In return we went out for steak and he gave me a bunch of books on shooting. I've been in contact with him ever since, and we were even students together in SouthNarc's ECQC. He's a very popular and well recommended instructor throughout Virginia and the bordering states....I can't imagine anyone in the mid-Atlantic region that trains and doesn't know him.

Which brings me to the first point: He's a life long learner, which is a requirement of mine for an instructor. I simply can't respect a man or woman as an instructor who doesn't try to improve themselves with continual education in their skillset. John incorporates new things he learns into his classes, and he trains with new instructors every year.

You will need thick skin and ears that aren't very sensitive if you take a course with him. He's not a jerk or abusive.....it's just his sense of humor, as I'm sure you may have some familiarity with.

The CCSD course is a fantastic foundational course. It's not just dynamic shooting.....about half a day is spent in a classroom going over case studies on violent criminal actors and their crimes, awareness & heuristics, basic legal considerations, ect. A lot of this is stuff that people don't ever learn, and it's 100% negligence in my mind if anyone ever intends to carry a gun and doesn't learn it, and instead goes off their own misconceptions.......because we all know men were born as experts in cars and guns and many think they never need any education in such. ACSD did a few extra manipulations and a couple hours of night fire, but otherwise just built on and solidified what he teaches in CCSD. I took both within a couple months of each other.

The course is definitely worth it, but John is the first guy to admit that he teaches the average joe to defend themselves. He is not high speed, he is not cutting edge, and he doesn't pretend to be. Well above any standard NRA course, he will teach you to 1) Avoid a gunfight in the first place and 2) competently handle a firearm in a dynamic situation using movement, discretion, directed malevolence and safety. Definitely good courses, and nothing against John, but I wouldn't fly to VA from TX simply to take the course because you could probably find a good instructor/course closer by.....but if you're already there visiting family, definitely try and fit it in. During one of my courses there were guys from New Hampshire that had come down to train with him, and he was hugely appreciative and humbled. I recommend him to everyone within 6 hours travel time of his locations who is looking for a solid foundation on using a firearm in self-defense.

Your connection to him just goes to show that it's a small world!

[GeekwithaGun]

Thanks TGS, John is very blunt - its nice to hear from others experience though and not just a family connection.

If we are up in that area I hope to do something with his courses, both rifle and pistol.

[philip964]

Houston is a great place to make money and travel somewhere else to Scuba dive. There is the flower gardens in the gulf. I've never done it, may be great. I have been spoiled and just go to the Cayman Islands. Warm water 200 ft visibility and wall dives that are unbelievable.

Did a wreck dive in Panama City Fl. One time. Too long a boat trip, current, and maybe only 50 ft visibility. Mexico is another option nearby. Cozumel and Belize are favorites, but I have no personal experience.

I understand deep and cold wreck dives are the favorites in NJ.

I came here 40 years ago and have never regretted the move.

[anygunanywhere]

Welcome to the forum. Texas always will welcome individuals such as yourself who want to work and add to our numbers those who believe in the literal reading of the 2A.

I was in EMS back when the Texas 1983 EMS law took effect. I was a paramedic in a rural county for a volunteer service and also worked for a private service.

I have not been in the field for quite some time and I certainly expect that soon one of our board members who are current EMS professionals will chime in to give their 2 cent's worth.

You are correct that the EMT basic pay is horrible. The pay increases as you advance along the continuum to Paramedic as you are aware. I think you would want to do so.

Those who seek the EMS field as careers and go the degree route and are successful in hiring on to municipal agencies amek higher pay than your average private service medic.

SInce you have aspirations to pursue security the medic experience is a plus and can be a significant resume addition.

There are some great EMS schools in the Houston area. I attended San Jacinto College's in Deer Park. They had agreements with Ben Taub, Hermann, Texas CHildren's, and Methodist at the Texas Medical Center. I did my internship under Dr. Red Duke (He still knows my name) and then HFD medical director Dr. Pepe.

Regardless of what is going on nationwide I sincerely think that your best opportunity to pursue your dreams and actually achieve them are here.

Anygunanywhere

[hpcatx]

Welcome to the Forum! Texas is a wonderful place to live!