Volunteers are Heroes

I'm thankful for the spirit of volunteerism that drives Patrick County and makes this beautiful county the greatest place on the planet (admittedly, I'm biased). With limited resources, this rural county couldn't afford to pay for the services provided by volunteers in all walks of life. Thanks to these volunteers who provide 'service above self' with their donations of time, energy, and their personal resources. Volunteers are our community's unsung heroes! God bless Patrick County's citizens for their spirit of volunteerism.

Burrrrrrrr!!!!

One of the coldest winters in years is expected to keep a firm grip on our area for at least the rest of this week. On Mon. morning, Jan. 4, 2010, I observed our WHEO weather instrumentation to record wind chills as low as 13 below zero. Thanks to these frigid temperatures and almost unbearable wind chills, some of the snow and ice from the major snow storm that dumped over a foot in Patrick County still lingers around. There is a 40% chance of snow on Thursday night and Friday but otherwise just blustery and cold with daily wind chill values as low as 2 above for the rest of the week. Be sure to dress warmly...check on the elderly...and make sure your pets have unfrozen water and a warm place. It's already the roughest winter we have in recent memory.

I shudder to think what our power bills will be in the next few months. An Applachian Power rate increase was implemented on an interim basis (subject to refund with interest if later disallowed by the State Corporation Commission) in December. That coupled with the bitter cold snap may send electric bills into the stratosphere and posing a hardship for some of our citizens. Despite our trials and hardships we are richly blessed and should all start the new year with gratitude in our hearts and great hope for the future. God bless you in 2010.

Happy New Year!

I feel blessed at the start of 2010 to have wonderful friends like you who are always there to offer encouragement, support, and hands to help bear my burdens. My resolution: to more closely submit myself to God allowing Him to guide me to becoming what He would have me to be in the coming year and to better serve others. My prayers are with each of you as we 'ring in the new'. Happy New Year! Auld lang syne!

Thanks for Your Encouragement

I'm thankful for the encouragement and support that I receive every day from friends and loved ones. The challenges and burdens of life can be overwhelming but we are blessed that God provides us strength and encouragement either directly or through those people who touch our lives and lift us up each day. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. You are a blessing, my radio listeners and friends! Happy, healthy New Year. God bless you all in 2010.

Back Home on the Airways

I have been blessed with a wonderful Christmas and a nice vacation at the same time. After 9 days off, I return to the airways this week. Listen for "The Great Day in the Morning Show" Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO. It has been great to get away for awhile but I am looking forward to coming home to my radio family. Thanks to all of you who've said you missed me being on the air during my Christmas vacation. See you on the radio! : ) Happy New Year to all my beloved radio friends. Be well and prosper!

Accentuate the Positive

Let's seek to warm hearts on this cold day! We'll start with a smile and a positive outlook and allow God to guide us that we might make a difference in our little corners of the world. As difficult as it may be, let's try to look for the good in everybody and every circumstance...and expect a blessing of our own as we seek to be a blessing to others. Be safe, be happy!

Remembering Victims "A Day that Will Live in Infamy"

Today, I am honoring the memory of the more than 2,400 courageous American service people who gave their lives for our freedoms 68 years ago at Pearl Harbor. Today marks the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as "a date that will live in infamy".

The attack on Pearl Harbor was an unannounced military strike by the Japanese navy against the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which resulted in the U.S. becoming militarily involved in WWII. The attack sank 4 U.S. Navy battleships (2 of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and damaged 4 more. The Japanese also sank or damaged 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, and one minelayer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused personnel losses of 2,402 killed and 1,282 wounded.

We are indeed indebted to these soldiers who died on that fateful day in the line of duty and service to our country. I honor their memory and pray for our American service men and women who are poised today to give their lives too to defend the way of live that we hold dear. Today, 68 years later, continues to "live in infamy". The victims of the Pearl Harbor attack, however, did not die in vain and their sacrifices are remembered today and always. God bless America and its people.

A Christmas Tradition to Cherish

I think that the experience of cutting a live Christmas tree is one of the richest and most family-friendly of all Christmas traditions. In an outing that took me back to my childhood, I visited a Patrick Co. Christmas tree farm to do a radio feature for my morning radio show recently. At a time when many of our customs and traditions are fading away, it is refreshing that many families still cherish the fellowship and closeness to God and nature that accompany a holiday outing to search for the perfect Christmas tree. This is a wholesome annual ritual that has been passed down for generations in many families. Despite the growing popularity of artificial trees, ...there's nothing like getting that perfect tree the old fashioned way, cutting it fresh as a family! Here's wishing you all a Merry CHRISTmas and one that is rich in family tradition.

Keep CHRIST in Christmas!

I would like to publicly commend Grace Baptist Church for its efforts to keep "Christ" in Christmas! Hearing news reports that the White House will have a "holiday tree"" as opposed to the traditional Christmas tree, the church purchased 100 "Merry Christmas" badges and is selling them for #1 each with proceeds going to the church building fund, according to member and friend Betsy Wilds. I'm wearing one, proudly and wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas"!

In these times of political correctness when the government and society tries not to offend anyone, it often seems that our society tries to take God out of our culture altogether. That very much offends me! Even though I fail Him every day, it is in GOD that I trust and upon JESUS that I depend for my salvation!

Let's resist these persistent efforts to take God out of our schools, institutions, and society and stop this movement to take CHRIST out of Christmas. Christ is Christmas! The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the very essence of the Christmas season. This 'happy holidays' greeting is humbug. How can any holiday or any other day be happy without Christ in your life and without the joy that all Christians should feel in knowing that by trusting in Christ, by the grace of God, we have eternal life. That is something to be "merry" about in Christ. So I say very loudly and clearly....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Honor Our Veterans

Today and every day let's seek to honor our veterans here in Patrick County and throughout the United State. They are to be commended for their efforts to secure and maintain the freedoms that we enjoy but all to often take for granted in this great nation. I salute the veterans of Patrick County who are living and honor the memory of those who have given their lives in service to our country. As we honor our veterans for thei sacrifices, let's pray for the U.S. troops who are stationed around the wold today to defend, with their lives, the freedoms and way of life that we as proud Americans hold dear.

An Inspiring Lady

Today, I'm trying to follow the example of an elderly Patrick Co. lady who inspired me during Friday's 21st annual Health Fair. With her positive attitude, I "just keep going", said 96-yer-old Etta McGhee when asked the key to her long healthy life. Let's all smile and think positively as we 'keep going' forward thanking God for the blessing of this day!

Ms. McGhee is a true community treasure. Alert and full of sweetness, she just "keeps on going" and inspiring others with her zest for live. Bless her heart. Bless you too!

Your morning radio friend,
Richard

A Busy Tourist Season

Tourism is one of Patrick County's greatest economic assets. That has been most evident during eh month of October when the tourist season annually reaches its peak. It was inspiring to visit Meadows of Dan and the Blue Ridge Parkway this past weekend and to see the many visitors who crowded shops, restaurants, stores, and roadside produce stands. The mountain foliage was a little past its peak but tourists and local folks came to the mountains in droves to savor the flavor of fall in picturesque Patrick County.

Some of the stores and shops in Meadows of Dan business district on Sunday (Oct. 25) were so crowded with people that you could hardly walk. There was a throng of folks enjoying the scenery, entertainment, and restaurant at Mabry Mill. Rocky Knob was crowded with picnickers and hikers. The Lover's Leap overlook was jammed with visitors taking pictures and enjoying the breathtaking view of th valley below the mountain. At the Meadows of Dan Community Center, more than 5,000 patrons were served during the two Sundays of the annual Pancake Days co-sponsored by the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club and the Meadows of Dan Fire Department. Visitors from as far away as Canada and the Ukraine came to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Patrick County this fall to feast on buckwheat and buttermilk pancakes and to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and rustic scenery.

This past Sunday was but one example of the heavy tourist activity in Patrick County during the autumn season especially during its peak in October. Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, said visitors have flocked to Patrick County the last 3 weekends. "You talking about a crowd," said Bishop of the tourist activity this past weekend. I commend Tom Bishop for his tireless efforts to promote tourism and the business community in Patrick County.

Tourism is more important today in Patrick County than ever. It has helped to ease the heavy blow suffered by the county as far back as a decade ago when local manufacturing plants began cutting back or closing and textile and furniture jobs were shipped overseas. Tourism is vital to Patrick County! It is certainly the lifeblood of the mountaintop economy and a rapidly growing economic sector countywide. The most recent figures indicate that tourism brings in more than $21-million annually to Patrick County's economy. It means not only increased revenues for county merchants but jobs for a significant number of people in a county that is no stranger to double digit unemployment. Because of its great economic clout, I think we should do everything in our power to nurture and promote the tourist industry in Patrick County even if it involves investing some of our hard-earned county tax dollars. This investment will pay tremendous long-term dividends.

Thank you to the many tourists and visitors who have graced out county's scenic attractions with their presence this fall. We welcome you to come back often and experience the good life that we enjoy everyday living here in this beloved county that we affectionally call God's Country.

Update on David

An encouraging development in the 2-year long battle of former Patrick County Sheriff David Hubbard to regain his health. Following nearly 6 hours of surgery Tuesday, Oct. 13th, David was able to call me at the radio station this morning (Wed., Oct. 14th) from his regular hospital bed at the University of Virginia Medical Center at Charlottesville. It was a pleasant suprise indeed to hear from this gallant man whose will to live has served as an inspiration to many of us.

In an impromptu interview, Hubbard said he is sore but optimistic about his prospects for recovery from lingering health issues that forced his to retire as sheriff about two years ago. He credited the prayers and support of his family and friends for his life today. David also told me that he has learned that wealth is properly measured by one's relationships in life and not by how much money he has acquired. Hear David's touching story on my news reports on WHEO Thursday, Oct. 15th, and stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for updates on the progress of the former sheriff who serves as President of the Patrick County Farm Bureau and, even in ill health, has worked on his Meadows of Dan farm when able.

Speaking of wealth....our community is much wealthier because of David Hubbard's leadership in law enforcement and agriculture and his example of courage and determination in the face of personal adversity. Please continue to pray for David and his family! Blessings to all!

Richard

Prayer Request for David Hubbard

I'd like to ask everyone in our community to pray for former Patrick County Sheriff David Hubbard. David has been battling health issues that forced him to abandon his bid for re-election and to retire as sheriff about two years ago. Since then, he has courageously battled health problems that probably would have claimed the life of a weaker man. A great example of strength, courage and determination, David has fought back from each setback that he has faced. Today (Monday, Oct. 12th), the former sheriff and president of the Patrick County Farm Bureau is facing another medical challenge.

According to a telephone report from my one of my radio show listeners, David was scheduled to undergo "serious surgery" today (10/12/09) at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Another caller told me that he faced a 10-hour surgical procedure. Both callers requested prayer for David. So please immediately remember David Hubbard in your prayers as well as his wife Gayna and other members of his family who have faithfully stood by him during his repeated visits to the hospital and his often frustrated battle to regain his health. God bless you David!

"The Great Day in the Morning Show" prayer list is a great way to surround your friends, neighbors, and loved ones with a "wall of prayer". Simply call (276) 694-3388 each morning between 6 and 10 a.m. and make your prayer request.

There is much sickness and disease in our community as well as current concern about the H1N1 (swine flue) virus and vaccine...many are without jobs and suffering economic hardships....and there are needs all around us. Let's all recognize those needs for prayer and raise our hands to Heaven on behalf of the many people in our community need our prayers as well as our comfort, support, kindness, and understanding.

May God bless you all with a "great day"!

Richard

A Bullish Opening of Patrick County Fair

I've heard of grand entrances...but this takes the cake! After cutting the ribbon to officially open the 57th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd, at Rotary Fairgrounds in Stuart, Janice Wilkins, President of the sponsoring Stuart Rotary Club, climbed atop a longhorn bull named Hollywood and rode the stately steer through the gate and entered the fairgrounds in grand styles. What a start to what promises to be the best Patrick County Agricultural Fair in the storied history of this event which has become a beloved family tradition. And that's NO BULL!

Listen to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" each day this week (6-10 a.m.) for the latest information on the fair. Then bring the family and join your friends for what "Mr. Patrick County Agricultural Fair" Henry Ayers calls "Old Home Week" in Patrick County. Perhaps, the most wonderful thing about the fair is the opportunity it affords for reunions of families and friends, many of whom may see each other only during this annual event. Exemplary of the gatherings that are a tradition of the fair was a reunion of the Ayers family on the opening night. Henry and Brenda's son and his family came home to attend the fair as they do every year. That same scenario is played out night after night, year after year...every year at the Patrick County Agricultural Fair.

Among the dignitaries on hand for opening night were former Virginia Governor and native Patrick Countian Gerald Baliles who reminisced the fair's enormous impact upon the culture of Patrick County. Also on hand were members of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, the Stuart Town Council, Del. Ward Armstrong and his opponent in the November election Ed Creed, and State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds.

Hope to see you at this week's Patrick County Agricultural Fair. The thrills, the chill, the exhibits, the the food, the entertainment, the rides, the ferris wheel, the reunions, the gatherings of old frinds, the smiles, the tradition. It's a classic! It's the 57th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair, proudly sponsored by the Stuart Rotary Club. See you there!

A Tinier "Tumbleweed"

To live a healthy lifestyle takes real courage and committment. A stunning example of that determination is the lifestyle change that has been made during the last six months by my friend Tim Collins. Tim is widely known throughtout this area and in the local music community as the former host of the WHEO "Saturday Morning Back Porch Bluegrass Show." His radio nickname was "Tumbleweed." Tim, an avid bluegrass music fan, is a loving husband, father of 5 children, and a concerned citizen who is involved in his community. He is highly involved as a leader in the Boy Scouts and is heads the citizens' organization known as "Friends of Fairystone," a support group for Fairystone State Park.

Physically, Tim, whom I love and respect as a friend and former colleague, has been obese ever since I've know him. In fact, Tim was once so huge that he could hardly queeze into the small WHEO control room. During a recent homecoming interview on my morning talk show "Community Conversation", Tim told me that the weighing devices at his doctor's office lacked the capacity to determine his actual body weight as he always maxed out the scales. In order to get an accurate measurement of his weight, Tim asked and was granted permission to be weighed on the highly-accurate industrial scales at a local recycling business. Whooooa! Tim weighted a whopping 451 pounds!

With a strong desire to improve his own well-being and to be healthier and more active husband and father, Tim decided to do something about his obesity. He determined in February of this year to make a complete lifestyle change. Tim was introduced to the Isometrics Diet and became involved in a competitive weight loss program offered by this "billion dollar" company. In the 6-month period of the competition, Tim lost 115 pounds, earning him and his wife Janie a trip to California where he competed in the finals of the competition. Although he began the competition a month later than other competitors, Tim narrowly missed winning the competition, placing second and earning a substantial cash consolation prize. Since he began his lifestyle change last winter, Tim has lost 150 pounds. On the morning of our Tue., Aug. 25th interview, "Tumbleweed" Tim dropped below 300 pounds for the first time. "I was so excited" at reaching that milestone, Tim said in our radio interview. Tim said he is still considered obsese but he is proud of how far he has come in such a short time and plans to persevere.

In shedding all those pounds, Tim has supplemented his rigid diet with increased physical activity. He rouinely walks 3-4 miles over some rough terrain along the trails at his beloved Fairystone Park. Tim told me that he has targeted joining the 200 pound weight loss club by the end of this year. Seeing the determination in his eyes and the newfound vigor on his face during our interview, I am certain that the Tumbleweed will soon accomplish his personal goal.

As one who has come to appreciate the benefits of fitness and proper diet in recent years and one who works out regularly, I am amazed at what my friend Tim has been able to accomplish. Obesity is a national epidemic spread across the age spectrum. I highly commend Tim Collins for setting a great example for others who are battling the growing problem and facing the health risks associated with obesity. Tim case is a case study of we can do if we believe in our cause and pursue our mission with our full vigor and determination. I'm proud of you Tim! Maintain your passion and stay the course, buddy, and, in the words of an old western classic, "keep drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds."

Lots of love all,
Richard

The Power of Prayer

Not a day goes by that my heart isn't touched in some warm way by the things the people who listen to my radio show and that I meet in the community say to me or do. Recently, I wished one of my most faithful listeners and Facebook friends, Lisa Anne Williams Goins, a happy birthday (Aug. 12th) and also learned that it was the anniversary of the birth of her dear late mother, Patricia Williams. I also sent Lisa a happy birthday wish on Facebook that day. Her reply to my message so touched my heart that I wanted to share it with the readers of this blog. Lisa's Facebook message to me is a prime example of why it is important that we pray for each other. Prayer is powerful. Here is Lisa's story.

Lisa recalled that when she and her sister Kim Young were little their mother would wake them up on their birthdays singing "Happy Birthday to You". When the girls grew up and left home, their mother would always call first thing on the morning of each of their birthdays and sing to them the happy birthday song. "I sure miss that," Lisa told me in her reply message.

Lisa said that in her prayers on the night before her birthday she told God how much she missed her mother's singing on her birthday and how that, knowing it was impossible, it would make her day to hear that familiar birthday song again. Lisa added, "I thanked Him for my blessings and went to sleep."

The following morning (her birthday), Lisa said that after she had put the kids on the school bus to start the new school year, her telephone rang and a lady on the other end of the line asked if it was Lisa that had answered. Lisa replied in the affirmative aand said that the caller immediately started singing "Happy Birthday" to her. "I cried and thanked the lady on the other end and told her how she made my day and she told me she loved me and my family. I didn't even ask her name," said Lisa. Then, as she hung up the phone, Lisa noticed on her caller ID that the call had been placed by one of the ladies of her church, Stuart Presbyterian. "She didn't know how that made me laugh, smile, and cry, but they were happy tears, for she was a part of answering my prayer from God," Lisa told me. Lisa recalled that the same lady had also said a prayer for her three years ago when she was diagnosed with melanoma. At her next doctor's visit, Lisa learned that the melanoma had been completely and successfully removed and that she would be fine.

"I believe in prayer and them being answered when it is the right time and I truly believe in angels," said Lisa, adding, "I have a personal one here in Patrick County and her name is Winky!"

Lisa told me in a later Facebook message that after her mother's death, she didn't want to celebrate her birthday anymore without her. Now she looks at it differently. "Now I have a new faith that it would be alright to enjoy the day again. I know she (her mother) is still with me and my sisters and brothers just like she promised," Lisa concluded.

Thanks to Lisa for listening and for sharing that very touching example of how our prayers for each other can make all the difference in the world. Let's all lift each other up in prayer, including our loved ones, friends, neighbors, leaders, and, especially, those around us who are less fortunate than we are. Prayer is powerful.

Each day on "The Great Day in the Morning Show" (M-F 6-10 a.m.) I honor prayer requests and also share words of praise that my listeners report to me. If you would like to add a name to the morning show prayer list or share with my audience your words of praise for God's blessings in your life, call me at (276) 694-3388, email me at rtrogers@embarqmail.com, fax your prayer or praise requests to (276) 694-2241, write me at WHEO, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171, send me a message on Facebook, of just tell me in person. I often scribble down prayer requests on paper napkins, the palm of my hand, or anything I have handy to write on. Let's surround those in need in our community with a wall of prayer. As Lisa Anne Williams Goins well knows... there is power in prayer!

Keep me in yours,
Richard

The Bears of Lover's Leap

Tourists visiting the scenic Lover's Leap Overlook in Patrick County will not only see one of the most spectacular views anywhere but they may see a bear or two as well. Many bear sightings have been reported at nearby Fred Clifton Park where the hungry bruins have ravaged trash cans in search of food and scraps left by picnickers. The bears have become such a problem that the Patrick County Recreation Department is sending workers to the park two to three times per week to clean up the litter and debris left by the bears and to repair damage to park facilities. Just up U.S. 58 at Henrietta Crafters, aka Lover's Leap Birdhouses, at least 7 different bears have been sighted and photographed. The bears of Lover's Leap have become such a spectacle that videos of them have been posted on YouTube, where you can watch them reacting to a sprinkler system, eating peaches from a tree (this bear has appropriately been nicknamed "Peaches"), raid bird feeders, and stand on their hind legs. You weblink is www.youtube.com/user/loversleapbirdhouses.

"There are a bunch of bears", said Patrick County Recreation Director Clyde Crissman in a recent telephone interview on my morning talk show "Community Conversation" on WHEO Radio. Crissman estimated that some of them weigh over 500 pounds. "Someone is going to get hurt if they don't do something about" these bears, Crissman added.

Several other WHEO talk show callers have warned citizens to beware of the bears, especially at Fred Clifton Park, located adjacent to Lover's Leap in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Patrick County. One citizen told me recently that a family picnic was recently prematurely ended when a tourist advised the husband, wife, and their children that there was a black bear behind a tree just feet from the picnic table where they had just spread their meal. The family hastily departed but not before taking a photo of the intruder.

In an effort to thwart efforts by the bears to raid the trash cans at the park, Patrick County officials are trying to develop a bear-proof garbage can but concede that it may be a futile effort. Dr. Lock Boyce, a Patrick County veterinarian and county supervisor, recently suggested on his weekly radio show that relocation of the bears may be the only long-term solution to the problem.

Not only are the pesky bears wreaking havoc at the Fred Clifton Park, a public park facility, but they are also causing damage to crops and gardens of private residences in the mountaintop area. One irate resident of Vesta called my radio show Monday, Aug. 10th, to report that bears have ravaged the family corn crop causing extensive damage to the family's garden. This caller also asked Dr. Boyce, my regular Monday morning guest, if compensation is available from the county for damage caused by bears. No such financial relief is available in for losses caused by bears, the disappointed caller was informed.

One benefit of the increased bear sightings may be hightened tourist activity in the county. Some local officials and residents speculate that the more talk and media hoopla made about the bears the greater the chances that more curious visitors will be drawn to the county to see what was once a relatively rare sight...a bear in the wild.

And those are the bear...I mean...bare facts.

Blessings...
Richard Rogers

Long Distance Anniversary Wish

Something happened on my radio show on Wednesday morning, July 29th that really touched my heart and made me feel warm inside and good about what I do for a living. I was honored to assist an American soldier deployed in the Mideast to connect with his wife in Patrick County via my WHEO radio morning program, "The Great Day in the Morning Show." U.S. Navy Master at Arms J.C. White telephoned my morning radio talk show shortly before 7 a.m. from overseas to wish his beloved wife Melissa of Stuart a happy 20th wedding anniversary today. Truly heartwarming! It is special incidents like that which occasionally occur on my show that make getting up at 4:00 each weekday morning worth the effort.

In our on-air telephone coversation, J.C. recalled that blessed day 20 years ago (July 29, 1989)when he married Melissa and indicated that it was one of the most wonderful moments of his life. Several other callers to my show told me what fine people the White's are. J.C. and Melissa White are the parents of 2 children who attend Patrick County Public Schools and they attend Harvest Worship Center. J.C. told me that he completed a tour of duty in wartorn Iraq just two days ago and that he was still deployed in the Mideast near Saudi Arabia. Melissa is a former dispatcher with the Patrick County Sheriff's Department, according to Brenda Simms one of the callers who expressed admiration for the couple.

J.C. told me in our radio chat, that he longs for the relatively cool weather of Patrick County. He noted that U.S. soldiers regularly have to endure 140-degree heat in the deserts of the Mideast. Asked how they cope with such infernal conditions, he replied the troops drink plenty of water and constantly keep on the move. I pray that J.C. will soon be delivered from such conditions and will be reunited with his wife and family in the cool breezes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their beloved home of Patrick County.

J.C. promised me that he would come on my radio show as a guest when he returns home from his latest tour of duty. That is a day that I pray for and eagerly anticipate. Please join me in prayer that that hope will soon become a reality.

Being a part of the U.S. military, J.C. White can appreciate dedication and punctuality. Ms. Simms, who works for the company that provides tax services to the White family, quoted J.C. as saying, "If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late. If you are late, it is unacceptable." I feel much safer just knowing that a young man of the caliber of J.C. White and other U.S. soldiers like him are constantly vigilant and ready to give their all, even their lives, to ably defend the country that they are proud to serve and protect the freedoms that we all enjoy.

I pray that J.C. White will soon be out of the constant dangers that come with military deployment in a world trouble-spot and that this courageous American soldier will be back at home with Melissa and their children Kaitlyn and Cullen and their families, safe and secure in the freedoms that he and other U.S. soldiers are fighting to maintain and secure. Please pray for J.C. and all United States soldiers defending our great land and our way of life around the world. I also ask you to add J.C. and other U.S. troops and military personnel to your personal prayer lists and those at your various churches.

It was most gratifying to me as a radio host to be able to assist this brave American soldier in getting his message of love to his wife and family from across the miles on this very special occasion. Sure, this loving couple and many others in similar situations are temporarily separated by vast physical distance but their yearning hearts are eternally connected. Happy 20th anniversary to J.C. and Melissa White. God bless you! God bless America!

Richard

On the Road Again....

It is good to be home after another long road trip with one of my favorite gospel music groups, the Southern Prophets. I was honored to accompany the 4-man group and members of their families to the Tennessee hometown of the band's senior member and leader, Denny Archer, during the weekend (July 17-19). Making the trip to Lafollette, Tennessee, were Denny and Marilyn Archer, Bobby and Judy Gardner, Mike Hall, Dwayne and Christy George and their sons Landon and Dillon, and me and fellow Southern Prophets "groupies" Lee and Susan Hazelwood.

We all had a wonderful time traveling together and enjoying fellowship with members of the two churches where the Southern Prophets sang Saturday night and Sunday. One of the churches was founded by Denny's brother. We were also treated to some wonderful home cooking by Denny's relatives and, of course, Marilyn kept us well fed with snacks on the way to and from our destination. I'd like to thank the group for inviting me to make the trip. I seized the opportunity to interview all four of the Southern Prophets as well as the accompanying wives and family members. Like I did two years ago when I went with the band of Ohio, I plan to edit the interviews and and use them to compile a multi-part series on this outstanding gospel group. It will require many hours of work to put together but hopefully it will be worth the wait. I consider the last series that I did on the Southern Prophets based on the Ohio trip to be one of the best of the feature reports that I've done during my broadcast career.

It was great to getaway from the everyday routine for awhile. We traveled through some beautiful country in neighboring Tennessee but we were all happy when we hit the Patrick County line on our return home Sunday evening. The Tennessee lakes (TVA project) and mountains are spectacular (the view from Clinch Mountain is breathtaking) and the people that we met were wonderful but I don't think any place on earth can compare with the beauty of Patrick County or the warmth of its people. That's why we call this wonderful county in which we live "God's Country"!

God bless the Southern Prophets and their music ministry.

Richard