Leo Cimino enjoys writing about life, people, and places. His novels bring humor, tears, and memories to one’s forefront.
Born on April 13, 1957 in Cristobal, Canal Zone. Leo, a Zonian, grew up playing in the jungle around the Gatun Locks. His father, Leopold, was an Army military police (MP) sergeant stationed at Fort De Lesseps, a coastal defense artillery battery guarding the Atlantic isthmus entrance of the Panama Canal at the beginning of World War II. His mother Josephine, a Panamanian, worked as a secretary. Upon completing the eighth grade, his family moved to Orlando, Florida, following his father’s retirement from the Panama Canal Company.
After graduating from Colonial High School, he attended community college, and then enlisted in the United States Army. Prior to departing for military service, he met Rhonda Watson at his neighbor’s house. They married ten months later, following his completion of Army basic combat training and advanced individual training.
Shortly after arriving to his first duty station at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Leo was called upon to serve as an Army Spanish interpreter to assist with the Cuban Refugee Crisis. Subsequently, he served with the 193rd Infantry Brigade in the former Canal Zone. Twelve years later, he again returned to Panama to take his parents’ remains back to the former Canal Zone. After 43 years of marriage Leo’s father, Leopold, (86) passed away. Nine months later his mother, Josephine, (61) passed away of a broken heart. Leo went on to have a successful career in the Army, retiring as a sergeant major.
He and his wife with their two children and a dog returned home to Altamonte Springs, Florida. During his spare time, while job hunting, he began writing a World War II novel based on a story that his father shared with him about an Axis plot to destroy part of the Panama Canal.
Leo received his bachelors from the University of Maryland University College while stationed in Alexandria, Virginia. After retiring, he attended the University of Central Florida to complete his master’s degree, which he hoped would lead to more job opportunities.
He worked for two organizations in his attempts to find a career as rewarding as his Army service. Despite his optimism with the jobs, his moral principles contributed to his unwavering to settle for anything less. While unemployed his dog passed away. That heartbreaking experience inspired him to write Misty’s Tale.
Leo remains passionate for individuals who serve in the military to protect our liberties. He states, “It is a privilege to serve and follow in the footsteps of those who have previously defended our freedom.”
When not writing or working on a new endeavor, he spends his time with his family and friends. He attributes his upbringing to a good family life, having faith, and moral values in shaping his life. As the years slip away, Leo says, “Be thankful and grateful everyday for your blessing, cherish your time, and be kind.”
Water Survival
While in the US Army, Leo and his training section taught water survival training to his unit’s soldiers at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Being humorous, he informed the troops that they were in good hands with him being a swimming gold medalist. One of the troops responded, “Yeah right, maybe in the Boy Scout Olympics.” Leo smiled, “You are correct, but you are still in good hands.” He taught water survival for three years.
Showtime
During the making of the movie Stripes at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Leo was an extra in four scenes. First, during the filming of an obstacle course. He and his fellow soldiers completed the course superbly. Then in a scene where he and a couple of soldiers received their pay from the military paymaster. Another was at a mortar firing range. And, finally him sitting in the bleachers with a large crowd during the basic training graduation. The only scene that was not cut from the film is the bleachers, but you have to pause the film to see him. He said he had fun.