American CelebritiesSTEVE - The single most important event in anyone's life is birth. Without that nothing outside the womb happens. From that moment on the experiences of light and sound begin to shape our lives in ways we have no control over until much older. My older brother Steve is my first True Celebrity worthy of mention since I have known him all of my life. 
Steve and I along with our two younger sisters grew up primarily in the southeastern area of the country in an extremely poor family. Steve is 13 months older than me and as the typical norm is with siblings we chose distinctly different evolutional paths.
Once you meet Steve you realize he is a man with no enemies. A construction worker from the age of nine he has been known to get caught up in a barfight or two but to my knowledge he never bit anyone's ear off.
Steve is a Vietnam Veteran who these days prefers to leave the carnage behind but would like to go back with a video camera to film the natural beauty of that part of the world. Steve took a break from construction for a few years to be a Deputy Sheriff in Washington state. As happens with many deputies he tired of the politics and returned to construction. Steve's honesty and high moral standards applied to his work have built him a reputation for superior quality in the Dry Wall industry in the Naples, Florida area. Though he has had his financial ups and downs he has never reached out to welfare. He believes in reaching out to family and will give the shirt off his back to those in need.
Today emphasema has slowed Steve down but not beaten him. He holds onto a firm dream of sailing his Hobe Cat throughout the 10,000 islands area of south Florida. Because Steve continues to give to his community with his high quality and fair prices he is my first True Celebrity . . . I have never heard anyone complain about his living up to his bargain once a deal has been struck.
When in the Naples and Marco Island, Florida area say "Hi" to the man I am proud to call my brother when you see him.
Merv Shiner - Who hasn't heard of the kids' song "Peter Cottontail"? Well at an impromptu luncheon in February 2008 I had the wonderful opportunity to meet the fine gentleman who first introduced this very popular song at the Grand Ole Opry in 1952. Basically retired today and living with his wonderful wife Shirley in Tampa, Florida Merv remains actively connected to the country music scene and has even returned earlier this year to Nashville to record a new song he wrote in honor of his love for Shirley. Merv is one of the producers of the infamous 60s hit "Jesus Christ Superstar" and then what country music fan doesn't remember "I Overlooked an Orchid"? Though he has enjoyed over 60 years of success he is still very much in touch with his roots. He knows what it is to be common folk and if you didn't know of his success you would believe him to be just another of the many friendly southern retired folks who have chosen Tampa as their preferred retirement area. Mr. Shiner performed in Nashville as a member of the Country Gentlemen and recorded for Decca Records for several decades. Today you can enjoy some of his music online at Traditional Country Music Radio (www.tcmradio.com). Merv loves his country and his community and for that he is a True Celebrity.
Officer Bob Parton - Photo journalism offers photographers worldwide opportunities to meet people from all walks of life and for me some of the most interesting folks are those who have given their lives in service to their communities. Officer Bob Parton has dedicated 24 plus years of his life in service to the small town of Rock Springs, Wyoming as a respectable member of their police force. Rock Springs has been a mining town since 1862 and today is a major coal supplier to the United States.
With his seniority Bob chooses to spend most of his duty time working out of the Rock Springs airport where he finds enough quiet time to get his stacks of office work moving toward completion. As with all small town police departments (population about 20,000) they are typically understaffed and definitely not overpaid so to remain as an integral member of the force for so many years speaks volumes about his personal love for his hometown. He is also politically active with the local school board and a firm believer that children can and should be expected to learn and that techers should be held accountable.
Recently I was assigned to work at the Rock Springs airport for a few months where I had the pleasure of meeting Officer Parton. Every day I found him to be charming to those who know him and full of humor. Rarely did I not catch him with a smile on his face. I generally referred to him as "Officer Bob" and he is a True Celebrity. If you fly into or out of the Rock Springs airport take a moment to thank him for his duty to his community.
|
He would most likely kick back and have a beer and cigarette with whomever was still standing after the fists opened to handshakes . . . or handcuffs when taken to a sleepover house.
Country legends Minnie Pearl and Hank Williams introduced the young man to the national scene and he has been performing ever since.
