As the year winds down, just as every year winds down, I find myself in a state of thought about the previous 12 months. And while 2014 was a great year in my personal life, all of the horrible (and often terrifying events) of this year that have come to life in the public eye have given me a perspective on life and on our great nation like never before. Therefore, instead of offering any opinions on these events and their impact on our nation and on society, I would simply like the offer up thanks as the year 2014 closes out… THANKS to our armed forces and troops who fight to protect our families, our country, and the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness that we were promises upon the founding of our country. Keith Bonnette Jonathan Mitchell Jennifer Varmall Drew Maddox Gerard Smith Collin Maum Joshua Absher Daniel Hennigan THANKS to all of the police officers and emergency response personnel who, despite the many new dangers that they must now face due to their public perception, wake up everyday and go to work with the intention of protecting our rights and freedoms from the ills of opposing factions who are so desperate to destroy these rights and freedoms. Chris Waguespack Mark Fontenot Kevin Galyon Tyler Bray THANKS to all of the tremendous educators who are overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated but are entirely too focused on the job at hand to worry or complain about said issues. A special thanks to the group of educators that I have come into contact who have had such an impactful influence on my life including Kim DiVincenti Denson David Woods Holly Richards Brandon J. Antwine Sean Fluharty Jim Davis Denyse Hereford Keller Jt Dunbar Gil Didier Barry Jackson Kristin Alfandre Heath Whittington Jay Redmond Jami Longmire Trevor Dupont Jerilyne Theriot THANKS to all of the taxes that come out of my paycheck to support all three of the above, as the future of our country is firmly in the hands of our ability to protect, serve, and educate. THANKS to all of the unbelievably determined coaches who must find time to balance their faith, family, work, and dedication to their team. Especially the ones I have the honor of working with at Louisiana College Bruce Deaton Clay Matchett Brian Wallace Justin Charles Josh Bonadona Stuart Morgan Nathaniel Janzen Patrece S. Carter Dayne Reeves THANKS to all of the mentors who continuously see the great in their pupils when they are unable to see it in themselves. A special thanks to the group of mentors that I have personally encountered in my life so far including the sports team at wafb (Jacques Doucet Erin Cofiell, Steve, and Shareef) who showed me what true excellence in sports reporting looks like. The KALB family ( Lizzie Ellis Scotty Daniels Morrell Mo Carter Brooke Buford Amy Rasico-Ahn Joy Howe Brent Bell Tom Konvicka) who gave me my first opportunity to appear on air and do what I love. Donald Johnson, who first showed me what character behind a microphone looks like. And of course the many influences I have been blessed with at Louisiana college including Willie Tubbs (who has never failed to answer the one million questions I have asked him over the years) and of course Alan Quartemont who I cannot even begin to give justice to in a single paragraph for all of his guidance and leadership THANKS to an unbelievably strong system of supportive and loving family and friends that is, thankfully, too long to list THANKS to a forgiving and loving God whose presence continues to reign over our country no matter the obstacles and resistance we place in His path. And a hope that, despite all the problems, struggles, and obstacles we all face, 2015 can be as blessed for me and those around me as 2014 was. New year, new challenges, and hopefully some exciting and promising new outcomes! - God Bless!
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 12:38:31 +0000