Here's a better explanation of the guy's life:
Quote:
Government records and interviews with neighbors indicate that Dykes joined the Navy in Midland City, serving on active duty from 1964 to 1969. His record shows several awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. During his service, Dykes was trained in aviation maintenance.
Adams said that he, too, is a Vietnam veteran but that he never was close with Dykes. Adams said he recalls last seeing Dykes in the 1980s, when he drove a truck for a company that laundered uniforms.
At some point after his time in the Navy, Dykes lived in Florida, where he worked as a surveyor and a long-haul truck driver. It's unclear how long he stayed there.
He had some scrapes with the law in Florida, including a 1995 arrest for improper exhibition of a weapon. The misdemeanor was dismissed. He also was arrested for marijuana possession in 2000.
He returned to Alabama about two years ago, moving onto the rural tract about 100 yards from his nearest neighbors, Michael Creel and his father, Greg. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/03/16829819-slain-bus-driver-mourned-as-alabama-hostage-standoff-drags-on?lite
Apparently not real close to his family. Also, I gather he's a "Vietnam era" veteran, but he was actually stationed in Japan. (Not to say he couldn't have had traumatic wartime experiences all the same, but the experience would be different there than in Vietnam itself.)