Captain Dingo
This is Captain Dingo. I am at work right now, and my mission journal at home contains his real name, so I will add it into this post later. When I was in Shelbyville, Tennessee as a missionary (back in October 2007) my companion and I ran into this guy one night, sitting on a bench in the town square. He was the COOLEST guy ever. Oh yeah, and he was also a hobo. I say "was" because I don't know where he is to this day or what he's doing. Apparently, he rides all around the country on trains and just plays his guitar for people. Really really nice guy, and played us a little song. We were so impressed that we ran and bought him some Arby's food, and I gave him my little red cute-sized pocket book of mormon, and a CD of "Nashville Tribute to the Prophet." No, we didn't think he was taking advantage of us. In fact, I don't even think he asked us for food or anything, we just thought he was so cool, and he deserved some tasty arby's food. The real reason I'm writing this blog is because I really want to know where he is and what he's doing, and maybe if he's full of himself, he'll google his own name (if he happens to use a computer, which is unlikely I think), and run across my blog. My google searches on him have yielded no way to contact him, so this is my only shot. Apparently, he's been on David Letterman and such, so he's kind of a big deal.
posted by HLR | October 12, 2012
42 Comments:
He's painting a house for me in Panama City, FL. and yes he is still full of himself.
just spent a few mins with a special kind of person headed to a hobo convention in MO. looks like him and never stop telling of the wonderful things God has done and is doing in his life. If you see a guitar walking north of Malvern AR stop pick up the ride of your life.
He is still traveling, from Kerrville,tx west
Thank you all for your comments, it's good to know he's still running around doing what he loves doing and helping people out.
I crossed paths with him two months ago, in Gila Bend, Arizona, while I was on a cross-country bicycle trip. "Men of Water and Wind" was my favorite song of his. Great guy.
Met Captain Dingo outside of the McDonalds in Willcox, AZ. Got to know him and contributed to his wellbeing. Gave him a ride to Lordsburg, NM and got to hear more of his story. He is a most interesting person!
I met him tonight at 12:30 a.m. in LaCrosse, WI. He was most intriguing so I got home and googled him. We talked for half hour and he was on his way. Cool guy.
Met Captain Dingo couple days ago outside Columbia MO. He is on his way to Arizona. Very interesting and god fearing man (Hobo). He sang a few tunes for us at the campground and I gave him a ride to town. He has an amazing life story, helps entertain our veterans with his music/comedy and loves God and people. Meeting him made my day!
I have known this con man for several years. War veteran, music teacher, business owner millionaire, hobo. Also a compulsive liar, petty thief, and self promoter. Beware
Talked to him today in Yuma, AZ......
I met him yesterday August 6,2016. I was getting on 16th St. off Interstate 8 in Yuma Az. I stopped at the stop light where he was and asked him a question and in one minute he had me in tears as he ran the stats of our American homeless and suicide rates.
Concur with above post,
I have seen him quite frequently this year (usually on Sunday mornings). this morning on my way to work he happened to be at the I-8 and 3E off-ramp (heading west) so I felt directed to stop and talk with him. Seemed like a nice guy and we spoke for about 15 minutes on homeless and what he is doing and has done. We prayed together for him and his family and I headed into work. Hope he continues to do well.
Semper Fi
Basically, he's harmless. If he begins to tell you stories of him being a Vietnam War veteran, don't believe him. He was inlisted into the army by his divorced parents back in the early 70's because he was under age (17) and needed to avoid jail time for committing several minor crimes. Most of what he says (95% of it!) is harmless bs. I only take offense to him masquerading as a war vet. It does a terrible disservice to those who fought and lost their lives or returned home damaged in many, many ways. Making up stories of valor and pretending to be a member of the armed services is considered a crime in many circles. Hiding behind the honor and bravery of our veterans is shameful.
"Captain Dingo's" real name is David Dale Goodchild. Born 1/24/1953 in Evanston, IL. Spent most of his time growing up in the north suburbs of Chicago; mainly Evanston and Glencoe.
I wish him no harm. I only take offense to his impersonating a Vietnam War veteran. How do I know all if this? Simple. I'm his brother, Scott.
I should also mention that soon after David ("Dingo" was enlisted into the army by his divorced parents, he received a dishonorable discharge for being AWOL more than he was in camp. He never even made it THROUGH boot camp. He just wasn't deemed militarily fit.
I should also mention that soon after David ("Dingo") was enlisted into the army by his divorced parents, he received a dishonorable discharge for being AWOL more than he was in camp. He never even made it THROUGH boot camp. He just wasn't deemed militarily fit.
He has been pushing a shopping cart around Monterey for the last several weeks. Says has been treated locally at VA facility for brain cancer. Planning to visit family in Arizona for Thanksgiving. Has a story about his successful military service with special forces in Vietnam. Claims to be a USO entertainer with his guitar and will soon be off to Afghanistan or wherever as an entertainer.
I run across and speak to a lot of homeless people. They have a variety of stories that they polish over time to elicit the best results. Very nearly gave him $20 to see him on his way for the family reunion. He says the local VA treatment facility cured him of his brain cancer.
Good luck to all, and hello to his real family. He looks healthy and happy enough.
Yes He Is a Con Artist n a Smooch. Mentally Unstable. How Do I Know? I've Known Him For About 15 Years.He Has Stayed At My House Numerous Times n 90 Percent Of What He Says Is Bullshit!!!
I met him in 2013 in Panama City Beach Florida I let him stay the night at my house because I thought he was probably the coolest hobo I ever saw so yeah as an update he's still homeless but he does it by choice.
I met him on the streets of Tucson, AZ in winter of 1992. Saw him again, same place, in '97.
His brother Scott cleared up alot of info for me. So, he never was a Vietnam veteran. How about a volunteer Sheriff's deputy? Or a fireman? He showed me a pic of himself in uniform.Folks are right: he is very nice and would give the shirt off his back to anyone. Super talented musician! Plays harmonica and guitar at same time! Yes, he is a hobo; spoke of the Hobo Convention in Brit, Iowa. He IS homeless by choice.Im back in Tucson and have wondered where he hangs out.Sounds like he's traveling the country.
Captain Dingo is still hanging in Monterey and seems happy and healthy. The city and county as well as local restaurants and the state park system are looking after him and some of his buddies.
He used to attend the Hobo Convention in Britt, IA but was asked to leave and not come back several years ago. Always carried his pack and was the "cleanest" hobo you ever saw that supposedly just rode in on a freight train. What a tool.
He has been a friend of my family for years...ever since I can remember. I would love to see him again! Songbird would also. Sending love from Wisco
Has anyone heard from him lately? And this question includes you, brother Scott.
Dawn
Hello all, I actually helped him to get back to Arizona and during the pandemic. Him and his buddies were camping out by the wharf “protecting” it during the pandemic. I would walk down and bring them coffee every morning for about six months. A lot of the homeless in the area could not even get coffee because all indoor locations were shut down and you had to use mobile order to order coffee. It actually helped me to get through the worst of it to have purpose every morning. Dave did start to share some pretty crazy stories and at first I didn’t believe him but he would be so sincere. Also just an all around nice guy for a homeless dude. Most of the homes less in Monterey are pretty sketch. What I want to know is, is he faking his cancer and the death of his daughter said she died in 9/11 (does he even have kids?). I too would really like to hear from Scott his brother, just to see how far his delusions actually are. Even if his stories are all made up, he is a damn good story teller.
Hey Kali,
Where did you help him get back to in Arizona? Is he in Tucson? And do you know where? I'm close and would like to look him up. He has a friend up in Washington as well that would love to get in touch.
Me? I knew him as a teenager. You seem kind.
Dawn
He was in Tucson but recently left because of the hot weather, here is his number if it is still working. 520-433-1416. I helped him out during the pandemic and a couple of his homeless friends in Monterey but no longer contact because I moved away. Also just too many false stories. I feel sorry for him.
I met him in Ocala Florida on 2/17/22
Same as above post, I met him too in Ocala, just a day after on 2/18/22. Caught him playing guitar, listened to a bit, and just before he left gave him a dollar for his playing. We got into some conversation (I seek it out wherever, I otherwise don't get much social interaction) and came out of it feeling pleasant. Told me he had cancer twice and was in remission for a third (I think, he spoke somewhat quietly so I had to sort of piece together things.) Much like everyone else, he had me look him up and such, and told me he was a vietnam vet and told me bit about hobo culture and the hobo convention. He was a nice guy, but if what's said is true it's a shame it was all just a yarn. If ever I meet any other hobos or those knowledgeable about hobo culture and the such, I will be sure to ask about him.
We had a brief conversation about music, too, and he told me he saw Kiss before they got popular in New Jersey after I mentioned I was from there. He told me he was a great grandfather as well, had 9 police officers in the family and many more in the military. Whether or not any of it's true (In the future, when someone says they are a vet, I will probably end up asking what platoon they were in/what regiment) he was a fascinating dude. I wish him well.
^^ Same poster here, forgot to mention, he gave me a name. James Martin or something similar. I don't exactly remember because I'm bad with names.
Captain dingo is in Ocala regional Medical Center, he suffered a stroke. His name is David Goodchild. If anyone wants to go visit him and show him some love, it be greatly appreciate it.
Oh noooo! I’m so sorry to hear that. Does the poster know Dave’s prognosis? Do his brother and sister know? I’ve seen his brother post on various blogs but I received no response when I tried to contact him last year. David was my first boyfriend when we were young teens. I’d certainly visit but I’m too far away in Arizona.
Thank you for letting us know. :-(
Dawn
According to him. he says he’s dying. He’s talked to his brother in law and told me “there gonna break him out”. I hope so cause he does not like it there. He says he talked to his daughter as well. I wish I could do more for him, he is in Gods hands. I go sit with him when I can. . Trevor
It’s kind of you to sit with him. I’m sure he doesn’t like being confined to a hospital. I hope whatever family he has is in touch with him. Tell him hello for me, Dawn from Phoenix, and tell him I wish him well. If he needs a reminder, we were young teenagers, a long long time ago. ;-)
Dawn
I talked to him in the hospital two days ago and tried to call today but they said he was discharged. Does anyone know where he went? I was going to drive up to visit him. I’m worried. This is Kali and I helped him while he was in California.
I haven’t heard or seen any postings on his whereabouts.
Dawn
He went to Kate’s house in Ocala Florida it is a Hospice.
Thank you for replying. If possible I would like to visit him. Please let him know Kali wants to see him, (pronounced Collie). Or at least talk to him in the phone. My email is kalifontanilla@gmail.com and I will give my cell phone if you email me. I know he would want to see me.
The number is 352-291-5100. It’s spelled Cate’s House and is a hospice. I left my name to see if he’d return my call. I’m so sorry, so sorry.
Dawn Demmon
Has anyone heard anything about Dave? How he’s doing, etc?
Dawn
Dave was transferred to another nursing facility and since I am not family, they won’t tell me where. We called 7 places and still no luck finding out where he is at. He gave me his guitar and his nap sack. Unfortunately the hospital lost his cell phone with all his important numbers so I don’t know if any of his friends or family know what is going on with him. I did visit him once and he has lost a lot of weight. He is definitely dying and I pray he isn’t suffering. He is dying alone. I hope someone can find him. I tried.
I am so very sorry. I think his sister, Kathy, lives or lived in Las Vegas, and his brother, Scott (the one who posts disclaimers about Dave on all possible blog posts), lives or lived in Ft Myers FL. My guesses are from internet sleuthing. I’m not sure they’re alive.
I’m sorry to hear Dave is failing, that’s what hospice means. This must be so difficult for you. I have no connections to his family to help you find him. I only met his dad when we were teenagers. I’m glad someone cares about him.
Dawn
It looks like Dave passed a few weeks ago. Here is the link to his brief obituary. I’m sorry for all who cared for him. https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/fl/ocala/david-goodchild-14965333
Dawn
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