Tony Vega, Family Man, Patriot and Writer

Q: Give us a glimpse in to your life, where you live, work, school, do you have a hobby, a family, what do you like to do on your off time?

Tony: I'm a city boy with a country heart. I reside in the confines of NYC and after spending a little more than 20-years in the NYPD I retired as a sergeant. I am currently working as the chief instructor for a security training institute. I really don't have a conventional hobby such as model airplane building or anything in that vein but my passion is political discourse. I also maintain a blog.

I am a very lucky man because I have the contentment and peace of mind with my beautiful wife and awesome children. It is a simple life filled with love. Love of God, Family, and Country. And I was never let down by either one.

Q: You've been here at AC for almost a year. What would you say is your goal here if any?

Tony: I had higher aspirations for my time spent on AC, but after spending nearly a year here and consistently hitting a wall with AC staff I certainly don't have any professional or monetary goals here. The only goal I have on AC is to continue the conversation, to have a forum in which we can exchange ideas.

Q: What kind of movies do you enjoy and what is your favorite movie?

Tony: I enjoy a good horror flick, but they are hard to find. It is usually some cheesy production of a scary dude chasing silly coeds.

When I think of a favorite movie, a few come to mind. I enjoyed the historical premise of 300; I enjoyed the action and loyal pursuit in Saving Private Ryan; the action, freedom and patriotic premise of Braveheart and The Patriot.

Q: Would you say you are an introvert or an extrovert? Explain.

A blend of both (is that a cop out?) to be a sport and choose one I would pick introvert. I say that because I like to socialize but I am content staying home. Cabin fever will not be an affliction for me, but once I'm out I love to have fun, joke, and share a couple of sodas.

Q: If you had a Bucket List, what would be the top three things you wanted to do before you die?

I am wired by default to desire the success of my family in all of their pursuits including the dream of bouncing a grand kid on my knee and sharing what I've learned. The more self-oriented items are:

1. This may not qualify for a bucket list entry because it is dependent on current events, but I would love to be an embedded reporter with our Defenders of Freedom.

2. Travel to exotic and historical places.

3. To submit articles/commentary to a newspaper/magazine. No, not a letter to the editor but a column ;-)

Q: Do you have a favorite author (not an AC Producer)?

Tony: I enjoy historical accounts such as the Pirate Coast by Richard Zacks. The fantasy genre master JRR Tolkien and the modern author R.A. Salvatore.

Q: What do you like about writing for Associated Content?

Tony: The most enjoyment I have from writing here is the conversation the content generates and meeting great people.

Q: Is there anything about AC you think could be improved?

Tony: Yes, a responsive non-partisan AC staff.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration for topics?

Tony: History and current events

Q: Do you have a favorite genre to work in?

Tony: Political genre (commentary)

Q: Where do you see yourself let's say five years from now as a writer?

Tony: I always entertained the idea of having a novel published but currently I am not doing anything to realize that goal. Realistically, in five years, I see myself still happily engaged in the exchange, which was the original motivation for joining AC. Hopefully I will have additional venues for my content.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone getting started with freelance writing?

Tony: My writing here was in part motivated more by a grassroots type of venture than a freelance writing gig. I will however advise anyone to stay true to their core values. Don't go against your grain for a buck. Ultimately, a principled direction with integrity will sustain a writer's success.

Q: Which piece of work here on Associated Content do you think is an example of your best work? Please provide the link.

Tony: Mulling it over I offer, Have You Forgotten? http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1027898/have_you_forgotten.html?cat=43

I always intended to pen something every 9/11 commemoration, but was unable to. I often say writing is salve for the soul and I was finally able to write about 9/11 with a brief mention of my time at Ground Zero during the aftermath. May America Never Forget.

I concur, if you haven't already read Tony's article "Have You Forgotten" it's a must read. Thank you Tony.