My Pronoun is Gangster! Paperback – March 11, 2026

Over the years, many friends have complimented me on the variety, hilarity, intensity, and originality of my many stories. As my former XO (Executive Officer) of HML-776, Harold "Hal" Walker was writing his book "Gangsters in Paradise" (with co-author MGySgt Ted Szewczyk) about our former unit's deployment to the Philippines it started me thinking. At his request I wrote a brief biography for his book. The original reason for this book was as companion effort to Hal and Ted's book, with less of the strategic viewpoint and more of the enlisted Marine's day to day experiences. My book is not meant to compete with "Gangsters In Paradise" in any way, but only to compliment and enhance it. As the writing went on and the stories were laid to paper, I decided to open the view of my book to include my childhood, varied military career, aviation career up to the present and not just that portion of my military service during HML-776's time in the Philippines. Though I must admit, my service with HML-776 was the highlight (by far) of my military career.The three best story tellers I've ever met were my Uncle Bob (Robert Beach), my Sgt. Major at HML-776, MGySgt Ted Szewczyk, and former American Airlines Avionics Mechanic and Crew Chief Mike Reynolds. They all had that ability to draw you into their story with pizzazz, energy, delivery, and wide-eyed enthusiasm that made a story jump. They also had one other necessary ingredient in their stories: good subject matter. There are a quadrillion stories out there, but only a slim percentage are worth telling a second time.Come with me and take a voyage into an energetic, optimistic, and happenstance world of not too long ago. These are the exploits and adventures of the young and impressionable Marine Corps Lance Corporal Christopher Andrews, before, during, and after his military service. Hold on tight! Read more