Bales 1

Jackson Bales
Mr. Price
Period 3
3/9/15
Phil
Most Buckingham Charter Magnet High School students know Phil as the guy
who sets up the cafeteria or the guy who tells them to pick up their trash, but there
is much more to Phil Bock.
One thing that many may not know about Phil is that he is a shrine clown. What is
a shrine clown? Shrine clowns perform in parades and other events to raise money
for children with body disfigurements or burn injuries. Phil is not only a shrine clown
but the captain of the Montezuma Shrine Clowns in Fairfield. So, what does Phil get
out of being a shrine clown? This was his answer, I wanted to do something to give
back to the communityIt felt good in my soul. All Shriners must become
freemasons before they can be a Shriner. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization
that believes that temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice should be a part of
our lives.
Another interesting fact about Phil is that hes a certified firearm safety
instructor. Phil goes shooting on a weekly basis at the Twin Sisters Gun Club, owned
by his parents. Phils preferred guns are the Ruger .357 and the Ruger .44 magnum.
Phils family has a long history in the U.S. Armed forces. Recently, his brother
served in the Navy and his father in the Air force. His families patriotism goes
much further however, as at least one of his ancestors has served in every
American war dating back to the Revolution.
Phil has deep roots in Solano County. His first year of high school at Fairfield
High was also the first year of high school for Fairfield High. He was a student in the
first freshman class. Later he transferred to Armijo, and after graduating high
school, Phils first job was at Travis Air force Base cleaning buildings. Phil has had
many occupations, some of which include; working on a nuclear submarine,
electrical work, and working as a school custodian. Phil has done custodial work at
schools in Vacaville for twenty two years. These schools include; Vacaville High
School, Alamo, Jepson, and currently Buckingham. This will be Phils eleventh year
working at Buckingham.
So when students are walking around campus and they pass by Phil, they
should remember that they are not just bumping into anyone. They are bumping
into a self-sacrificing patriot with deep roots in the community.