Who is the TIger?

TIger comes from my "go-by" name, Tony.

Back in 2003, when I was selected as a Military Training Instructor for the Air Force, My boss referred to me when speaking to others as "Tony the TI", so it evolved into the GRRRRREEEEAAATT name of "Tony the Tiger" and eventually, just TIger (TI capitalized for Training Instructor).  Pretty boring story, not full of excitement like you expected.

However, I do have a good nickname story for you.

I worked with one instructor who took on the fact that I was fast in completing tasks and called me "FLYING VEE", like the motorcycle.  His boss was a very blunt-speaking, intimidating individual.  One day in the hallway, I acknowledged this instructor with his nickname, and he replied "Hey, Flying Vee, how's it going?"  and his boss was standing there and asked "Why do you call him the Flying Vee?"  the other instructor explained that prior to my present assignment, I was on leave of absence as a circus performer for the Air Force.  He said I was a trapeze artist.  NOW, I thought the boss realized he was joking.

The next day, in the cafeteria, I heard the boss' loud voice calling for me:  "VINING!  Get over here!" and I promptly went to speak to him.  (remember, I am almost scared of this individual, anyhow.....)

"Sgt Vining, I was just telling the commander about your being a trapeze artist for the Air Force, and he was wondering if you knew his brother, who......"  I didn't hear anything else but Blah, blah, blah.....

So there, I was, explaining that THE OTHER INSTRUCTOR was only joking, and watching this supervisor sink in his chair looking like an idiot, having just lied to the Commander.

Yes, better than the TIger story, but I don't use the Handle "FLYING VEE" for obvious reasons.