I started smoking at age 13 but not daily until age 15. I started experiencing coughing, shortness of breath and becoming easily winded as young as in my twenties. I tired to quit smoking unsuccessfully several times starting around age 28. I did not like the physical side effects, the smell, and the negative attention from others. I often tried smokeless tobacco before NRTs became so readily available, as well as prescription inhalants and medications. At age 37 my sister told me about electronic cigarettes and ordered me a kit for around $60.00 at the time. I vaped that brand for about 5 months but then lost my internet and e-cigs still were not very accessible in stores at the time so I began smoking again. At age 38 I was really getting winded, even a walk from one room in the house to another would make me start gasping for air. I was also getting chest pains a lot and was convinced I had some type of respiratory disease. Others also noticed my heavy breathing and lack of stamina so I decided to start using Snus which helped me to reduce the amount that I smoked but not to stop entirely. After about 3 months of doing both I started buying e-cigs at a local gas station and was able to stop smoking entirely. I continued the Snus for about 3 more months and was able to wean off of it as well. I noticed my health starting to improve after just a few short weeks and I was actually saving money buying e-cigs vs. tobacco cigarettes. By this time I had internet again and was able to research more about vaping and felt it was safe enough to continue, especially with no carcinogens! This is when I also discovered other longer lasting devices and more quality e-liquids and flavors. I have now been vaping for a year and a half and feel amazing, as if I could run a marathon. I no longer get winded nor do I cough anymore. I taste and smell better than I ever have, or at least since my early teens. I still prefer tobacco flavors but also enjoy other flavors at times just like people wouldn’t want to eat the same thing every day. I find the variety of flavors, even differences in tobacco flavors keep it new and exciting. I also enjoy experiencing new devices and it has sort of become a hobby collecting what are referred to as mods. Even with this hobby I still save money vs. tobacco cigarettes. In addition to better health and finding a safe hobby that keeps me out of trouble, friends and family don’t mind being around me while I vape. No one has ever complained of irritation making me think that many of these stories against vaping are made up, and my nonsmoking friends and family agree with me. I have also found a huge online community of former smokers turned vapers and we all support and encourage each other. We keep each other informed and up to date on good and bad, bad as in false negative publicity. We also have local vape meets and trade shows to attend. Vaping has changed my life for the better in many ways. My heath has improved, my finances have improved, I have a safe hobby to occupy my spare time rather than watch TV or go to the bars, and even my social life has improved, all as a result of vaping instead of smoking. I was never able to quit prior to vaping and I doubt I ever would have without it. I have vowed to never smoke again. If misinformed government bodies ever make vaping illegal I will first look for means of still obtaining liquid and devices, effectively turning a good law abiding citizen into a criminal, or I will break my vow and return to smoking, only now I am older and it will simply speed up my aging deterioration process effectively killing me sooner. Education and true information about vaping is crucial to the millions of us who have quit smoking for a safe alternative. You would think those that wish to be thought of as intelligent would want to know the facts before making claims that are not true, but thus far they make these false claims based on hearsay which eventually will make them look ignorant, not intelligent. My name is Gary F. Boyer of largo. Florida and I am a former 27-year smoker turned vaper, and my life has greatly improved because of it.