THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 15, 1995 TAG: 9503140106
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Thomas Porter will be a long way from his homeland this St. Patrick's Day, but he'll likely be lifting his pint of Guinness nonetheless.
As president of the Irish American Society of Tidewater, he'll ``be soaking up the atmosphere'' at several activities aimed at the wearing of the green this weekend.
A retired chief petty officer, with a lingering accent and a 170-pound Irish wolfhound named Willie, Porter came to the States in 1958 specifically to join the U.S. Navy. He landed in Virginia Beach after he retired, but even though he loves his adopted country, he'll always have a soft spot for Ireland.
Full name: Thomas Henry Porter.
Hometown: Londonderry/Derry City, Northern Ireland.
What brought you to the Beach? U.S. Navy.
Birthdate: July 12, (forgot).
Occupation: Civil service - Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Center at Dam Neck.
Nickname: Never had one.
Marital status: Married to my wife, Monica.
Children: Two beautiful daughters, Sonia and Michelle.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Meeting with my friends of the Irish American Society.
Last smart thing you did: Went to work for Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence.
Last dumb thing you did: Told my wife she was wrong.
Favorite meal: Fish and chips.
Favorite movies: ``Quiet Man'' and ``The March Hare.''
Favorite song: ``Danny Boy.''
Last book read: ``A Journey in Swift's Ireland'' by Joseph McMinn.
Hobbies: Walking my Irish wolfhound, dancing and going to the movies.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My age! Seriously, try to take life a little more seriously.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Do you think I'm going to fall for that one?
Secret vice: Chocolate.
Favorite restaurant: The Street Cook in Virginia Beach.
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner (with a pint of Guinness) at the White Horse at Pembroke followed by a movie.
Favorite TV shows: Anything on PBS.
Favorite sport: Soccer.
Last vacation: San Diego, Calif.
Pets: Willie, my Irish wolfhound.
Worst job: Never had a job I didn't enjoy.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Being married 35 years.
What would you like as your epitaph? If you see someone without a smile, give him one of yours. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB