About the Author

Wes Choc grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he lived until 1965 when he joined the Marine Corps during the Vietnam Era. After the end of his military service in 1969, he worked for the American Automobile Association for over forty years. In 1992 he was appointed president and CEO of AAA MountainWest, overseeing business and club operations in Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. After retiring from AAA in 2008, he and his wife, Carol, moved to Arizona.

canyonWes is also an active community volunteer. With his TEFL certificate in hand, he spent three months teaching English as a second language in Ecuador. Back at home, Wes tutors English regularly for new US residents. He also mentors homeless and troubled youth. Wes has worked with veterans in Montana and Arizona, especially with veterans returning from overseas with PTSD or other disabilities. He is currently an active volunteer at the Tucson Veterans’ Hospital, helping recovering vets. In the spirit of legacy, Wes committed 25% of his book sales in 2016 to the Arizona Fisher House.

Wes enjoys writing and has recently established his own publishing platform aptly named Chosen Journey Media. With his initial success of Just Dust – An Improbable Marine’s Story, Wes went back to work and is delighted to have completed Inconspicuous – Walter Rothwell’s Undercover Journey During the Cold War as a life story told to him by a friend who also served the United States proudly in uniform. One of Wes’s stories was also featured in Baby Shoes: 100 Stories by 100 Authors. Carol and Wes Choc currently make their home in Tucson, Arizona.

 

16 thoughts on “About the Author

  1. I read your bio in the Bridge newsletter. We have similar backgrounds tracking with the Vietnam War to retirement. I am still teaching at a local college but have been thinking of getting my TEFL cert and taking the leap somewhere in Latin/South America. One of my teaching cohorts, an English teacher. just got a great contract in Japan through a Canadian company. He and his wife, who was also hired will be moving to Tokyo next month.
    I have two questions for you.
    1. Is it difficult to find a job at our age? It seems as though most of the teachers are young, recent college grads. In Japan, most companies won’t hire foreign teachers over the age of 30.
    2. This may not apply to you but how difficult is it to bring a spouse along on a teaching gig? What kind of visa would she get?

    I’d like to correspond with you. My email is danilew2004@yahoo.com. By the way I have published five novels since 2004.

    Regards

    Lew Lambert

    1. It’s nice to hear from a fellow Vietnam vet. I hope you have a chance to review my book titled “Just Dust” (you can look here on this website for more information, or go to Amazon.com for an in-depth description and reader reviews.

      I highly recommend getting your TEFL certificate for two separate reasons. First is the one you’re considering. I have to add here that I used my TEFL certificate as a volunteer rather than a paid teacher. Still, when in Ecuador, I meet several US-born teachers who were “living” there. They taught in grade schools, and were certainly enjoying their assignment abroad. The pay was not substantial, but it was adequate to live on (I was told) …not to mention the value of being American and respected for speaking and teaching the language. Americans seemed always to be very well-received in Ecuador. The second reason I like having a TEFL certificate is how I’ve used it here in Tucson teaching English to immigrants and refugees living here. They are so remarkably eager to learn, it grants much value to what I’m able to “give away” to them.

      Regarding your two questions. I’m told it is not overly difficult getting a paid assignment in South America. Usually, such assignments are for one “school year” and it’s true that most all teachers are in their twenties (but not all). There is a greater respect for age in South American than we typically see here in the US, so that in itself should not be a deterrent. But it’s a good question to ask upfront …not all opinions by local school administrators are the same. Regarding your spouse question, when I came to Ecuador, I brought my wife with me and we “touristed” for two weeks and she flew home …I stayed on and taught for almost three months. I could have stayed longer! But I didn’t meet anyone who actually brought a spouse with them during the teaching gig. Nevertheless, I’m not sure why you couldn’t since you would be living on your own (in most typical situations) anyway. Again, that’s a good question to ask if you were to seek an assignment. Good luck with your adventures yet to come.

  2. Hello Wes!
    this is Nova Sipe. We met today at the Children’s Museum.
    I was trying to purchase Inconspicuous for my Kindle, and it is not available on e book. Your card mentioned that it is available, so I thought I would let you know. I was hoping to get it and read it on my trip next week, but will wait until I get back and order it in paperback. I like books a bit better than the Kindle, but both are good.

    1. I’m happy to report, the book “Inconspicuous” is now available in Kindle edition. Just go to Amazon.com and you can find it there. Sorry about the gap in availability, but all’s well now! Thanks for letting me know.

  3. Wes, I just finished both of your books; I greatly enjoyed each of them and would encourage you to continue your literary efforts!

    We chatted a couple of times at the KSV reunion in Cleveland. I’m the 1st Cav (US Army) guy. We are cut from the same bolt of cloth, my friend.

    Joel Nelson
    Marietta, GA

    1. Joel…

      I’m so very pleased that you read both books, and I’m even more gratified that you enjoyed them both. I certainly recognize that there are many untold stories out there, and mine may be just a couple more perhaps; but, being able to share these with others is important for me at this stage of my life …so I very much appreciate having shared them with you.

      War has so many definitions. It often isn’t just shooting or being shot at that makes it meaningful. Our lives are impacted by the numerous “little things” that move through our eyes …that make us who we are for the the rest of our years. In Cleveland, I listened to several such stories …and it seems each time, I learn something I didn’t know before. It was good to meet you, and it’s my hope our paths cross again. I hope Irma didn’t linger around your home as well. Take care.

      …Wes

  4. Hi chaz. I sent you a message but it appears I’m unable to post anymore. Send me an email if you would like..

    Nice website, by the way! I’ll have to read through it.

  5. Hi:
    Just on a whim and I googled your name and lo and behold, I found you. I just downloaded “Just Dust” on to my Kindle.

    Semper Fi!

    Drew

  6. I met and spoke with you while out staying with my cousin Betsy in Nov! I had from 1969 to 1975 flying in and out of Nam. I was a C-141 and a C-5 Loadmaster in USAF. We always said we hauled bombs in and bodies out. Did a lot of AirEvac, bringing wounded soldiers back to Travis AFB, CA, where I was stationed. We also did what was referred to as The Dope Run, these were guys that were all strung out on drugs. We also did a Ball and Chain run, Guys that were headed to Leavenworth that had been sentenced by a military court. It was a pleasure to have met you!!!
    Jim Miracle

    1. Hey There…

      Jim…
      It was really nice to meet you too, and it appears we have a few things in common as well. Although I was in Khe Sanh in 1967, I can relate directly to your assignments. My wife was there with the Red Cross in 1969 and was attached to several air force bases. Your paths may have crossed too. I hope you get a chance to look over the book “Just Dust” for more details about my times there …it is not a “Rambo-type” book either, rather it’s more introspective about things that don’t get reported, about reactions, and about certain perspectives. Take care, amigo. I hope our paths cross again.

      …Wes

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