Congratulations, Sonny!

Dear Sonny,

Congratulations on being named sole finalist for Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. It is fitting that in the year that the flagship school of the University System wins the National Championship should also be the year that the Regents select a national champion to serve as Chancellor.

Since I heard the news, I knew that I wanted to write a commentary to congratulate you and I have been thinking about how I wanted to do it. Continue reading

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Meet Bob Bright, WWII POW

January 10 is a special day to Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs proved that Alabama can be beaten as the Dogs won the National Championship.

January 10 is also a special day for 96 year old WWII Veteran, Bob Bright of Cordele, Georgia. It was January 10, 1945 when Bob Bright climbed into the gun turret on his 23rd mission. A short time later, at 25,000 feet Bob was donning his parachute to jump from the burning plane before it exploded.

Of the 9 crew members, only 3 survived. Bob was captured and spent the next six months in a German Prisoner of War camp. General George Patton and his troops liberated the camp and Bob came home.

I had the privilege and honor to talk with Bob Bright and another World War II veteran, Jack Roche. This is Bob’s story.

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Conversation with Jack Roche – WWII Veteran

This week we recognize and remember December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor. That attack brought the United States into World War II. I want to introduce you to a couple of men who served our nation in World War II.

Earlier this summer I video recorded a conversation with Bob Bright and Jack Roche from Cordele. These two men served our nation in the Army Air Corp in the European theater of World War II.

I got to know these two men in the daily prayer time at Christ Episcopal Church. They faithfully show up every morning to pray for the needs in our community, state, and nation. We should never underestimate the power of these prayers that go to God’s throne of grace every morning.

Every day, the number decreases of these men and women who served during this critical time in world history. It is important to hear their recollections and be always reminded of the cost of freedom.

This video conversation focuses on Jack Roche who served as a Bombardier in the 15th Air Force. You will be glad that you invested a few minutes to meet Jack Roche.

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For Such a Time – Tribute to John Wiggins

In the Bible, the book of Esther records these words, “for such a time as this.” Mordecai, the uncle and mentor of Queen Esther, encouraged her to lead in a critical time.

John Wiggins, Chair Cordele City Commission

Four years ago in the City of Cordele, a retired Deputy Sheriff, stepped up to the challenge of those words. John Wiggins entered a crowded field of candidates to run for Chair of the Cordele City Commission.

The citizens of Cordele elected John Wiggins, who also happened to be the first African-American elected to the city-wide post. Commissioner-elect Wiggins posted a statement on Facebook and summed up his commitment in one sentence: “It is my privilege to serve you and I will do everything in my power to always put the needs of the people first.” Continue reading

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My Conversation with a D-Day Veteran

See and hear PFC Julian Parker’s story in his own words.

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, Nineteen-year-old Private First Class, Julian Parker stood in silence with his fellow American soldiers on the landing craft as it churned toward Normandy. Seventy-seven years later, he talked with me about his experiences. Continue reading

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