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Biographical Information: (2009). Marquis: Who's Who in America (Vol. 1 {A-L} 63rd ed. p.889). New Providence, NJ: Marquis Who's Who LLC.
I'm pretty much just a simple, family oriented southern man who sincerely enjoys his southern roots and heritage. Having grown up around the Arkansas, Louisiana,and Texas (The ArkLaTex ) area, I feel a certain affinity to each of the three states. Even so, being a true Arkansan first and foremost, I find that I still have to root for the Razorbacks ...even though that's not always as rewarding as it should be....or as I wish it was.
, My working years have been fairly diverse. I developed an early interest in radio while in high school. Instead of just dreaming about doing it however, I took the initiative to obtain my commercial broadcasting license as soon as I could legally obtain it. For me, working in radio was a lot of fun and probably instilled a bit of confidence that, at the time, I was probably lacking a little too much of.
Right after high school I joined and served in the Marines. Through the early to mid eighties I worked on a drilling rig for a south Arkansas drilling company. When the regional oil boom began to decline somewhere around the mid-eighties, the Reagan era defense buildup days were going strong. I then hired on with LTV Aerospace & Defense working on the warhead assembly line. There, I worked in what was called the grenade to foam area, loading out warheads for multiple launch (MLRS) missiles ...and man let me tell ya...I armed and loaded out a LOT of those things. I fondly remember those days, primarily because I worked with a darn good crew. Those were some of the most safety conscious and patriotic people that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. As the defense buildup era came to a close during the early 90's, I decided to pursue college full-time.
While at Southern Arkansas University I began work toward a career in education. I first earned a bachelors degree in secondary education, then a masters degree in public school administration and supervision.
I suppose that the main reason that I chose education as a career is because, to me, teaching our next generation of kids allows me the most direct access to improving society overall. When you think about it, an educated populace is really the most fundamental and essential ingredient in preserving, protecting and improving the world that we live in.
Throughout my teaching career, I have taught at serious offender juvenile facilities, "at risk" schools and have been assigned duties ranging from classroom teacher to off campus suspension director. Needless to say, these assignments have put me in direct contact with some of the most behaviorially challenged children out there today. These kids exposure to, and fascination with, gangs, drugs and senseless violence is, in my opinion, the most serious threat facing America today.
While I realize that I have many things to be thankful for, I'm most thankful for my family and my friends. Like any worthwhile father, my children mean more to me than anything else. Since my lovely daughters have now expanded the family a bit, it's my pleasure to welcome their husband's to our family as well.
I'm also very thankful for my parents (particularly my father) and how he always insisted that I show people respect and courtesy. I'd sure like to think that these values have remained with me throughout my life. Even though I often make my fair share of mistakes, my constant hope is that I never let him down as I strive to set the best example that I can for my kids and others around me.
In conclusion...it may even seem silly to add (particularly since he's gone now) but I'd still like to thank my dad for those lessons all the same. All in all, dad helped me to realize that it is our character which determines our destiny.
Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to stop back in just anytime. You'll always be as welcome as a sweet summer rain.
As Time Goes By
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