My 40th Anniversary in Broadcasting

This Christmas day will mark my 40th year in broadcasting. Actually, it's been a tad over that if you count the time I spent working in radio during college. I have to tell you, it's been a "long strange trip."

I worked a while for a radio station when I was in college, but my real radio career began right here in Lake Charles at KLOU. It was Christmas Day 1976 when I got a phone call from the late Jay Roberts telling me that I would be doing the night show at KLOU starting the next day.  Hard to believe that it was 40 years ago that I got that call. Needless to say, it was a life changing phone call.

In my 40 plus years in this business I've had opportunities that I never would have had in any other profession and I've met some amazing people. Sure, I've met some famous folks along the way, but, when I say I've met some amazing people along the way. I'm talking about regular people here, not movie stars and such.

While the majority of my career has been spent here in Lake Charles, I've also had the opportunity to work in Beaumont, Dallas, Austin and Chicago. Each place I worked was a different and exciting experience, but my most enjoyable times have been spent right here in the Lake Area.

There are so many stand-out experiences that I can't begin to remember them all. Of course, I can't forget Hurricane Rita which, I suppose, was the biggest event of my broadcast career. I got to be in the middle of all the hubbub and insanity. Everything happened so fast during that two week period that my memories are somewhat vague in some cases. I don't recall little details, but I remember how this community pulled together and did a super-human job of recovering. I like to think I played some part in that.

I remember in particular the people of Cameron. When I went to Cameron one week after Rita struck, I knew I would see all sorts of devastation, but what I didn't count on seeing was the incredible spirit of the folks in Cameron. They taught me a lot the short time I was there and their positive attitude picked up my spirits for a long time. Thank you, Cameron!

One of my favorite memories is working with all the kids with Children's Miracle Network. I feel personally attached to each of those "Miracle Kids" and I love catching up on their progress. When I think of those kids, I don't think about any "disabilities" they may have had. Instead, I think about how much each and every one of those kids inspired me. You might say that being involved with those kids enriched my life no end.

Looking back over the whole thing, I have to say that I know I am blessed. I had nothing to do with having a broadcast voice. That is a gift from God and I don't take it for granted. Every day of my life, I get to use the gift that God gave me and I've managed to make quite a career out of it. Again, all credit to God.

Again, thank you for making this wonderful life possible. I look forward to the new year and I wish you nothing but peace and happiness in the coming year. You have enriched my life no end.