Chris Buckley moved into his new Stallion Springs home in August when he arrived back in the United States from Japan for his new assignment at Edwards Air Force Base. Chris is an analyst for the Air Force. As part of the Air Force Test and Evaluation Squad, he is actually based in New Jersey but has spent most of his career in the Air Force traveling around the world. Chris said he expects the assignment at Edwards to last about four years.

Chris was born in Fort Worth, Texas and is one of seven children. He has one brother and five sisters. He admits he was a real nerd growing up. He played baseball but loved Dungeons and Dragons and other computer games. He even learned early how to customize a PC. He still loves gaming but has now added woodworking, leather-work and “locksmithing” to his skills. Hiking is also one of his passions and he knows he will make good use of the surrounding area’s hiking trails.

For the first years of his Air Force career, Chris said he was stationed in Texas and New Mexico. Since then he has been sent to Louisiana, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, Qatar, Washington, Michigan, New Jersey and Tennessee (not necessarily in that order). His last two assignments were three years in Korea followed by three years in Japan.

Joining Chris in his move to Tehachapi is his 6-year-old son Archer who lives with him during the school year. When I asked Chris if the name Archer may have come from his gaming days, he said “perhaps” but he really wanted his son to have a name his teachers would remember and pronounce correctly. Completing their little family is a cat named Stubby.

Chris said he is looking forward to renovating the backyard of his new home, adding that the potential of the yard was one of the reasons he chose the house. “Welcome to Tehachapi” Chris, Archer and Stubby. May you enjoy your time here.

If you have moved to Tehachapi within the last six months, Hilltop Welcoming Service has a bag of information about the Greater Tehachapi area, including local activities, events, government and facilities. There are always a few coupons and gifts, as well. It is a great way to learn about your new community. Being part of this column is strictly optional. If you would like a visit from the Welcome Hostess, contact our office at (661) 822-8188.