JACK BERGER:
Berger has two nicknames -- Boomer, and Hans. He prefers the former to the latter. Almost everyone just uses SGT., or Berger, or both...

Physical Description:
He is in his late 30s, with short hair, except for a long wavy ponytail. Recently, Berger has trimmed the ponytail, and is now sporting a haircut that "you could comb with a washcloth..."

Typically wears faded jeans and a jeanjacket. Sometimes uses a civilian hunting poncho (camo) when weather is lousy. This original uniform with the 3/103 illustrates the desperate situation the group was in. His SGT stripes were the USMC variety of a few years ago -- olive drab on a red background.

Another well-liked set of clothes included yet another jean jacket, this one with all manner of patches from at least 10 different militaries. None were in the correct location, and the up-down orientation of several was wrong. Perhaps intentionally.

Since his mission to DIV HQ, Berger has aquired a real US Army uniform, kevlar vest, and helmet. He wears no rank or other insignia on the uniform.

He was somewhat stocky, had intelligent looking eyes, and an easygoing smile, yet sometimes the smile is ironic or sarcastic.

Some of his friends or contacts at the 3/103 include Wu, a longtime college buddy, and Delacroix, his shihan in the Martial Art of Nise Goyu Ryu. Berger is one of the few who is close with Iggy Irvine. Berger hit it off well with Reb O'Herren, and was deeply troubled when he heard of the man's death in the ill-fated Norry Oil Raid.

He considers Sean Cunningham someone to whom he owes his life, after their adventure with the folks at Freeland. He was also fond of the quirky MAJ Von Fischer, and the two shared a few good Civil War tales. Now Von Fischer is MIA, and Berger is not in much of a hurry to form any new friendships. Berger admires the "real" soldiers of the unit -- MAJ Raven, SSG Sherman, and SGT Robinson, and tries hard to learn from them, and not let his opinions/feelings about the war, others in the unit, or COL Stryfe, get in the way of his job.

Career Summary:
Dual Major in College: BS. in Computer Science/Chemistry research track,(Millersville Univ, 1985, transferred from Shippensburg Univ during Junior year). Minored in Music. Held part-time jobs in food services, retail sales, and janitorial services to fund the expensive taste in beer he acquired at Ship. Played in a spandex-optional Heavy Metal Band (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osborne covers and originals).

Met a few famous musicians / entertainers, such as Meat Loaf, Davey Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Adrian Cronauer, Mike Farrell, Chick Corea, and Mike Ditka.

Worked 2 years as a programmer for IBM/Mechanicsburg Distribution Center. COBOL and PL/I programming in an Inventory Control and Parts Tracking facility.

Bored with working out of a cubbyhole all day, he became a part-time Entertainer. Later realized he could do this full time, so he ditched the "real" job, and enjoyed life for a change. Played out 3-4 nights a week for the next 4 years. When the gigs were not so steady, he delivered pizzas, worked in a recording studio, sold guitars and pianos, and worked in a specialty record store.

Returned to school. Earned a MEd in Education(Millersville Univ, 1993). Money was tighter at this point, the economy was worse, and Grad School was more expensive. Drove a forklift in a warehouse, and worked in a Mental Health facility to supplement his meager stipend provided by the college. Began volunteering with the American Red Cross as a First Aid / CPR instructor.

High School Teacher, Lewisburg HS (1993-2003)
(Occasional guitarist at local restaurants during this time)

Lived in Lewisburg area for 10 years. Was passed over by the draft board due to his age, poor eyesight, and bad feet (fallen arches). Helped his wife maintain the school at the 3/103rd camp, from November, 2002, thru January, 2003. Conditions were so severe during this time that the school became a rather low priority. Became a Militia PVT in the 3/103rd, late January, 2003.

Two weeks later was promoted to SGT by LT COL Stryfe to replace losses incurred during the December mutiney. Was going through a rather depressive funk about the time Robbo, Reb, and MAJ Von Fischer joined the unit -- not sleeping, volunteering to cover people's duties, and leading more than his share of patrols. He said he just wanted to learn his job, or that he was looking for his brother Marcus, but others have said he was trying to get himself killed.

Currently serving as BTN S-4 (Supply and Logistics). He has variously led the Heavy Weapons Section (and still does in time of need), as well as 3rd and 4th PTNs when no Regular Army or National Guard troopers were available.

Had an interest in military history from an early age. Participated in military re-enacting "living history" events in the PA, NY, NJ, OH, MD, and VA areas. Interests included French and Indian War, Civil War, and WWII periods of history. Had collected a respectable amount of equipment from all of these eras. Never thought he would be doing this "for real", not even in his worst nightmares.

His wife Josaphine hates weapons but understands their necessity in 2003. His eldest son Jonathan Pitts ("JP", age 14) is becoming a fair shot and trains with the Militia, and daughters Katelyn(12) and Emily (8) assist their mother at the school. The girls have taken a liking to Hannah Mordecai, and assist her from time to time with Camp duties and in caring for the wounded.

Berger loves to drive. He is leary of horses, but with alcohol being in short supply, he really cannot be picky when the road is long and his feet are aching.