Stephen Whitmarsh

Age: 42.

Family: Wife, Tammy; grandparents, Willis and Elaine Chase.

Residence: Yuba City.

Occupation: Manager of Bearing Belt Chain Co. in Marysville. My grandfather is the owner.

Hobbies, interests: I like to fly — I've been flying for 15 years and have a Cessna 182.

What brought you to the Yuba-Sutter area? My work. I was born here, grew up in Willows and have been back for 15 years after spending six years with the Marines.

Where is your dream flight? If we had enough time, I would like to fly to every state.

What is the closest you've been to a famous person? I had the opportunity to have my picture taken with President Clinton, but my friends and I went mountain biking instead. I was in the Marines working with the Pentagon; we had the day off.

What would you do with a million dollars? Ensure my entire family was debt-free.

Who has had a strong influence in your life? My grandfather, Willis Chase. He taught me to fly and taught me his business.

Do you have a favorite memory to share? A moment at the beginning of Marine boot camp when the drill instructor said, "Drill instructors take charge."

Favorite places to go to in the area? Lake Englebright.

Do you belong to any clubs or organizations in the community? I'm on the board of directors of the Sutter Buttes Regional Aviation Association.

What would you like to see different in the community? I wish we didn't have such a drug problem in this area.

What is your pet peeve? When people cut me off in traffic.

What do you like about yourself? That I've been able to accomplish goals I've set for myself.

How did you start flying? I grew up flying with my grandfather. I fly mostly local, to Chico and Paradise, and also go to Oregon and Reno.

Favorite book: "Lucifer's Hammer," about a comet that hits the earth.

Who would you like to see in concert? Pink Floyd. I've seen them before and I would like to see them again.