I’ve been writing professionally since my retirement from the FBI in 2004, but that’s not the sum of what I do. At 62 years of age I still have a lot of living to do. I continue to involve myself in law enforcement, teaching classes concerning use of force and firearms to police departments, federal agencies, and military personnel.
Having been a SWAT/Sniper, fitness, defensive tactics, firearms and tactical instructor with the FBI and Chicago Police Department, I continue to leverage that knowledge in retirement.
I hold a personal trainer certificate which allows me to train individuals, as well as author articles on training and fitness. Some of my career was spent working undercover in the FBI. One of the long term undercover projects involved steroids. For nearly three years I travelled around the country buying steroids from unwitting individuals at gyms, nightclubs, from veterinarians, doctors, and athletes. Based upon my experiences in that case, I became an NCAA authorized speaker on the dangers of steroids and drugs. I deliver my presentations to student-athletes all over the country.I’ve found that writing and teaching in retirement ensures mental acuity. But challenging yourself mentally isn’t enough. In order to prolong one’s life chronologically you must also exercise your body as well. I routinely do some form of exercise for one hour each day. This regimen enhances the quality of one’s life.
The old axiom, “Retirement is not for sissies,” is true. Maintaining good health requires putting in the work, not just sitting on the couch watching television. I am embracing the golden years, not ready to collect Social Security.
John M. Wills
