I guess I'll go ahead and fill some of you in, which is kinda surprising as I consider Shorty to be one of the more prolific posters. Take the following with a grain of salt as I'm going off memory.
I believe he's 30, +/- 2 years. Ex-navy, if I recall correctly he's even spent some time in Kosovo due to his squadron's commander's desire to look good for the brass. Currently attends NOVA and has ranted many times about the lack of motivation, work ethic, and maturity of his classmates. Grew up Minnesota, which no doubt causes him amusement and frustration as he watches as people in the DC metro area fumble when dealing with the smallest accumulations of snow.
And now he probably thinks I'm stalking him, but in truth this is what has stuck with me after seeing his posts for so long.