THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 1996 TAG: 9603190094
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
The Navy brought him here, but the Army's got him now.
Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Bill Bort is the sports director at the Fort Story Army post.
He takes considerable pride in running what is considered one of the best athletic programs at any of the area military facilities.
A couple of years ago he entered a new arena, putting on military boxing shows to help raise money for his programs. The cards have become big hits with those stationed at the post and with civilian fight fans.
As much as he loves hosting events, he also enjoys participating in them. If he's not around the office - which is rare - you might find him on the golf course.
Full name: William L. Bort.
Hometown: Bethesda, Md.
What brought you to the Beach? The U.S. Navy in 1957. Passed back through again in 1970, fell in love with the beach and never left.
Birthdate: Aug. 2, 1940.
Occupation: Sports director, U.S. Army, Fort Story.
Nickname: Mr. B or Billy, a nickname that has followed me since childhood. Maybe my friends are trying to tell me something.
Marital status: Married to a beautiful lady for 26 years - whose nickname is Fluffy.
Children: Two fine sons, Bill III and Andy.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? An early morning walk followed by 18 holes of golf.
Last smart thing you did: Thanks to a good friend and a lot of prayer, bought a new car.
Last dumb thing you did: Broke it two days after I got it.
Favorite meal: Anything with seafood.
Favorite movies: ``The Magnificent Seven.'' That's how I met my lady.
Favorite song: Anything by Willie Nelson.
Last book read: ``Rogue Warrior'' by Marcinko and, each day, the Bible. To borrow a quote from Tom Barton - my owner's manual for spiritual guidance and growth.
Hobbies: Walking, bike riding and golf on any day that ends in ``Y'' except Sunday.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Try not to be judgmental and treat others as you would have them treat you.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Ha. After 26 years, you must be kidding.
Secret vice: M&Ms.
Favorite restaurant: Laverne's Seafood Restaurant and Cafe.
Your favorite night on the town: A quiet dinner with my better half.
Favorite TV shows: ``J.A.G.,'' ``Home Improvement'' and ``Touched by an Angel.''
Favorite sport: Golf and football.
Last vacation: Drove across country last year and looking forward to doing it again this year.
Pets: My two monkeys in the back seat of my car. Stuffed monkeys.
Worst job: Cleaning up after the ducks at Mount Trashmore. I had just retired from the Navy. I quit after just one day.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Achieving the rank of chief petty officer in the Navy with only a ninth-grade education, and the sports program ``we'' developed and nurtured here at Fort Story for our young military professionals.
What would you like as your epitaph? Don't weep for me here, for I've gone to a far better place and at last the mystery will be revealed. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
Bill Bort
by CNB