Others Before You...

"Without a
sense of
caring, there can
be no sense
of community."
J. D'Angelo


Yesterday, I was one of several people who received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The awards were handed out at our local chamber of commerce/community education annual awards luncheon. Even though I would rather not draw attention to anything I do or have done, I was humbled.

My long-time friend and associate, Jerry Perdue, was named Volunteer of the Year, and I was thrilled for him. He definitely deserves it. He and I have worked together in and out of the music business for the past 30 years, and I have always admired how that every day he makes it a point to put others before himself.

Like myself, Jerry has been through a lot the past few years. Five years ago, I faced the toughest challenge I've ever had to face in my life. In the midst of it all, I found myself overcome with a desire to turn what happened to me around and do something to help others. The same thing occured in Jerry's life. He could just as easily have given up, but he refuses and instead continues to put others first. But, that is his nature, and I am very proud of him.

There are so many things, so many LITTLE things, that people such as yourself can do to help others. Things like mentoring a child, coaching a little league baseball team, caring for an elderly neighbor, joining a civic group, picking up trash, being an active volunteer in your Church or school. One single act of kindness and decency will go a long way in changing America. As my commendation read.....one heart and one soul at a time.

Others before you.