I was initiated as Turtle 1996 while visiting my Uncle Jim Coldren at his home in El Cajon, California. I was just 17 years old. My Uncle Jim is retired Navy Man. He had just hustled me in a game of billiards. This of course was while my father, Joe Coldren looked on approvingly. It cost me $20 to learn a valuable life lesson that I’ve never forgotten. To further cement the moment I was then initiated into the Turtle Club by my uncle with my Dad as a witness. I can’t begin to imagine the number of Turtles my Uncle Jim has initiated. He’s worked as a bartender for nearly 50 years since retiring from the Navy. His quick wit and portfolio of jokes and stories are unmatched in my experience. He initiated my dad, brother and more recently, my oldest son.