A Year In Review: FFA--A Legacy

FFA: A Legacy

I would like to thank all of the people that participated in this blog post.  It was very special to me, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed putting together.  I appreciate everyone for taking the time to participate in it.  I also would like to say "thank you" to Mrs. Dale Anderson, Rheba, Brooke Ward, Laura Fowler, and Jenny Rowland who assisted in reaching out to some of the participants in this blog.  And as always, thank you to Chris Rogers, who is always willing to help me with photos.  You guys are the best!

What made you want to become an FFA advisor?

Mr. Deas, Mrs. Marcia Smith, and Miss Sarah Trimm (a former student who is now teaching Ag at Suwannee High School).  The photo was taken at the FFA Alumni Food Fest.

"As a high school freshman, Mr. Deas the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Bronson High School, sought me out to take an agricultural class and join FFA. My mama was not too keen on that idea. She thought ag was just for boys, but since my best friend Judy Beauchamp was taking ag, she relented. Over the next few years, through Mr. Deas' encouragement and belief in me, I was able to take advantage of many of the opportunities FFA had to offer. He saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself. He pushed me to be my best. When I was elected as a State FFA officer in 1981, I then realized that I wanted to be able to do the same for other students. I went to UF, earned my bachelor and masters degrees in agricultural education, and have taught and been an FFA Advisor for 30 years. During that time, I have thoroughly enjoyed helping my students reach their highest potential. One of the things I am most proud of is the number of former students and interns that are now agricultural educators themselves. Teaching agriculture won't make you rich monetarily but I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of so many young people's lives. I can only hope that they feel as blessed as I am to have had the opportunity."
--Marcia Smith, Bronson FFA Advisor

Dallas Locke

"The reason I wanted to become an Ag teacher has evolved over the years. I decided to become an Ag teacher in the 11th grade. Back then, it was because I wanted to show cattle forever, still kind of is. After high school, as I pursued my degree, my desire changed as I had both good and bad Ag teachers and I wanted to be able to offer opportunities to students that I never even knew about. The competitive side of me is another reason...for the FFA part. As I finish up my 12th year teaching, I have never once felt as if I had to go to work, I know a lot of people can't say the same and that must be horrible."
--Dallas Locke, Chiefland Senior FFA Advisor 

Sarah Trimm with her FFA members

"I wanted to become an FFA advisor because I wanted to impact and make a difference in the lives of students.  I reflected on what my FFA Advisor, Marcia Smith, and other wise owls like Mr. Denny Voyles taught me and how they made me feel...special.  Like I could do anything I set my mind to.  We formed such a bond that I could never replace.  I want to be that person for someone else.  I want to live out my passion every single day and enjoy life.  Who knows?  Maybe one of my students will walk in my shoes someday and the legacy of agriculture will carry on.  I can only hope."
--Sarah Trimm, Suwannee Senior FFA Advisor

Colton, Harleigh, and Heather Rucker

"I have a love of agriculture that was instilled in me from my grandpa, who was a farmer.  I love seeing the kids learn and grow as advocates for Ag themselves!"
--Heather Rucker, Trenton FFA Ag Advisor

Katie Quincey

“I consider myself blessed to have grown up in Trenton. To this day, I believe it one of the best Ag programs in the state. I was taught by 3 different Ag teachers (Steve Broker, Erin Verplank, and Heather Rucker), who had the same common mission: encouragement and opportunities. They used the FFA organization to teach myself and the other members about leadership, belief in ourselves, the importance of helping others and so much more. They encouraged us to pursue our dreams and gave us the opportunities to develop our skills. I believe that my experience in FFA and the Trenton Ag program is what inspired me to become an Ag teacher. It seemed the best combination of the things I am most passionate about: our youth and agriculture. I just hope that I can have half the influence on the students I am blessed to teach and advise as my FFA advisors had on me.”
--Katie Quincey, Suwannee Middle School FFA Advisor

What was your favorite FFA memory?

Laia Gore and Lauren Bartholemy

"Well, I think my favorite memory would be in 9th grade when the high school Cedar Key FFA Chapter was first started, and I was elected Vice President. That was a pretty big deal for me. Also, that year, we hit the Ornamental Horticulture Demo contest really hard.  We had late night practices (all of our teams, probably 8 or so) and we just stayed in the Ag room for hours, practicing our flower arrangements and fruit carving and speeches. My team (Lauren Bartholemy and myself), took home First Place in the state for the Artistic arrangement division. It was one of the happiest days of my life because all that hard work showed in the CDE, and it really paid off."
--Laia Gore, Former Cedar Key FFA member

Emily Rutter

"Traveling to state and national conventions are my favorite memories from FFA! I'm sure a lot of people would answer the same way...but the experiences I got and the people I met through those trips were incredible, and I wouldn't have been able to have them any other way."

--Emily Rutter, former Bronson FFA member

Reagan Hudson and Mollee Beauchamp as they are recognized at State Convention for their OH Demo

"My favorite FFA memory would have to be when my partner, Reagan Hudson, and I won the State OH demo competition. Our demo was in the artistic arrangement category: we made herb gardens in a lot of different ways. We practiced for months! Since we were competing against 12 other district winners, we thought we would be lucky to place in the top three. We were on the edge of our seats and utterly shocked when the announcer called our name! I didn't even believe what I had heard. Reagan nudged my shoulder and said, 'That is us, Mollee!' Best of all, we would later be recognized on the stage at state convention!!!! Hard work really does pay off!"

--Mollee Beauchamp, Chiefland Middle FFA member

Sara Spivey showing at the Suwannee River Fair.

"My favorite FFA memories were made at the Suwannee River Fair."
--Sara Spivey, former Bell FFA member

Rheba on the far right, along with her fellow officers.

"Out of all the memories I could choose: winning State (multiple times), Nationals, becoming President...By far, my favorite FFA memory was during Senior year. It was the night after my Dad died, and I was trying to take a relaxing shower and clear my mind. Aunt Angie knocked on the door and said 'There’s this red-headed kid outside and he refuses to come in.'  I got dressed thinking 'who in the world is she talking about?'  I went out on the porch to find Shermie (Harold Tillis) waiting on me along with half of my officer team. I asked why on Earth they wouldn’t come on in and got the response, “D. Locke said no one can go inside until we all get here.” As if I didn’t already know, that night I realized that FFA was never a club or organization for us, it was a family. Although we had all grown up together, FFA brought us closer than we ever would have been otherwise. They stayed for hours that night reminiscing on old memories. Memories that drew laughs out of me when, otherwise, I would have been holding back tears. My senior year, Meagan Morgan and I both lost our fathers. I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the rest of that school year without the love and support of my officer team, Ag teachers, and Alumni. They were always there when I needed a laugh, listening ear, or shoulder to cry on. The friendships I made through FFA are those that will last a lifetime."
--Rheba Sheffield, former Chiefland FFA member

'93-'94 Dixie FFA Officers

Back (Left to Right): Joyie Millican, Brooke Davis Ward, Jobi Mayo Taylor, Kenny Stemple, Tonya Long Overstreet, Mandy Higginbotham Brock, Carla Delaney Underhill, Rob Hatch, Jaime Landrum NesSmith, and Pearl Infinger Millard.  Front: Dixie FFA Advisor Matt Cravey.

"I have so many great memories of FFA, it’s hard to pick just one. Mr. Matt Cravey was our advisor and my most influential teacher without a bit of doubt. I learned early-on how to “re-create” his signature and was able to unearth that skill once I became the Creative Life Skills superintendent at the Suwannee River Fair by signing entry forms in his absence. As a Sophomore I attended National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Cravey rented two Cadillac’s for our adventure. His wife Maureen and their 3 boys, who were 7 and younger, joined myself and three other members on our adventure. Our friend, and past state vice president, Kristi Harrison joined us on our trip up. We stayed the night in St. Louis and visited the Arch. Later that night, we locked the keys in the Cadillac while the engine was running. Which led to us taking an emergency trip to the airport to get a key from the rent-a-car folks to unlock the Caddy. When we arrived in Kansas City at the Rodeway Inn it was a dump! The entire Florida Association booked at the “Roachway;” and after one night of Mr. Cravey walking the halls to run the prostitutes out, we moved out of the “Roachway” and found better accommodations. The trade show at Bartle Hall was my favorite part of convention. Each state sets up a booth highlighting their most popular crops and commodities, along with major tractor corporations and leading vehicle manufacturers to name a few. It was an amazing site, that sea of blue jackets from all over the United States and Puerto Rico gathered in one location! My favorite contest was the Forestry Contest. It was our first contest of the year and we spent most days after school combing through trees and bushes, hunting forestry diseases and pests. I could spot a fall web worm from a mile away and was always hoping to find signs a twig girdler or a gall wasp nest. Mr. Cravey did a phenomenal job of individualizing with us rough neck kids and identifying our strengths. Under his leadership Dixie County FFA was alive again, beginning in 1991, and continues to thrive today with support from their Alumni and supporters. Dixie County FFA has 9 American Degree recipients to-date according to the National FFA awards history database: Travis Cooper and Danny Watson, 1996; Chad Crews and Rob Hatch, 1997; Matt Frierson, Mandy Higginbotham Brock and Brooke Davis Ward, 1998; Heather Driggers Rucker, 1999; and Shelbie McCall, 2016. All but one (2016) were awarded during the Cravey-era. Looking back, SRF, State Convention at Greenleaf, LTC, Sub-district contest, Moultrie, Ga. and Forestry Field Day at LCCC…the vast majority of my favorite memories include FFA."
--Brooke Ward, former Dixie FFA member and Chiefland FFA Alumni Member

Emily Hallman

“My favorite memory of FFA was participating in creed speaking. During Creed Speaking, I found my appreciation for the FFA and it was by far my favorite contest. I ended up placing third in the State Creed Speaking Contest.”
--Emily Hallman, Chiefland Senior FFA member

Scotty Tucker

"My favorite part of FFA was working with the animals. One of my fondest memories would have to be the time I spent with "Big Pun", he was the Trenton High School FFA fat steer. I was picked to show him during the livestock fair. The experience was both a challenging and rewarding one."
--Scotty Tucker, Former Chiefland FFA member

"My favorite FFA memory...Dang. That's so hard to choose! I have two that are my favorite but for different reasons.  The first would be when I got a thank you letter from the local food pantry after I had donated a hog I had raised for the fair. They said it fed something like over 80 families, which in our community...because it's so small...is a ton. It really touched me, to know that so many people so close to you are food insecure and reliant on a food bank. And to help those is the greatest feeling in the world. It really changed how I saw things. Shortly after that was when I, and really the whole Chapter started focusing on food insecurity.  We did a summer seminar, and filmed with a TV crew, for the farmers network channel...it was so much fun. We met this wonderful reporter named Tyne Morgan and her crew was awesome and hilarious.  Getting to be on tv was so cool...We spent the day talking about what we wanted to accomplish, and we set goals, and we really learned about how many people don't know where there next meal is coming from. It was part of the Food For All Program.  Overall, that was one of my favorite memories.  We put on a workshop at state convention, and a presentation at national convention.. reps from our chapter spoke in Iowa, we helped a lot of people with out project and the memory is priceless."

--Taryn Epperson, former Cedar Key FFA member

How did FFA influence you?

Jake and Wes Sache, photo credit: Ashley Lynn Photography

"FFA helped me through SAE projects.  Also, going through interviews for Star Green Hand and Star Farmer.  It was beneficial to be on teams, and work together, and use what was learned on those teams."
--Jake Sache, Former Chiefland FFA member

Mr. Scott Mills

"The FFA has been a great learning influence on my life. I am currently a mechanic and I do a little farming. I began my FFA experience when I was in middle school and it has positively impacted my life since. I participated in the ag mechanics program which allowed me to expand my knowledge and show off new skills I had learned on how to mechanic on farm equipment. I also competed in tool identification which helped me learn the different tools and what they are used for. I also competed in tractor driving which allowed me to be proficient in operating farm equipment. With my gained knowledge on how to properly fix and operate farm equipment it helped me land my first job which was being a mechanic at Brookins John Deer tractor sales. I worked for 15 years then became a mechanic for my family business Standridge Baled pine straw. My career has been based around my love for FFA and the many tricks of the trade it has taught me."
--Scott Mills, Former Chiefland FFA member and Chiefland FFA Alumni member

Laci Cooper

"It’s been almost eleven years since I zipped up that blue corduroy jacket, and just over 16 years since I first sat in an agriculture class. I surely didn’t know what I was in for when I sat there in Mrs. Smith’s room; a very shy, and easily intimidated, 7th grader. It was painful to talk to strangers, and I most definitely would not stand up in a room full of them and deliver a speech. Handle a cow in a show ring? I think not. Lead a group of peers in prayer? You’ve got to be kidding me! These things were the furthest from my mind of possibilities. Well, fast forward to the end of my senior year and there I was standing in front of fellow FFA members, parents, teachers and other supporters leading the Open and Closing Ceremonies for the final time as Bronson FFA Chapter President. So much- too many events, contests and awards to even mention- had taken place over that period of time. Somehow, shortly into my journey with the FFA, I was roped in as an alternate on a team. I had to memorize a small speaking part just in case one of the other members couldn’t make it. I ended up not being needed at that time, but it was enough to spark my interest for the next time. With a little (a lot) of persuasion from my mother and my advisor, I began to step out of my comfort zone and take on bigger tasks. I stood up in front of crowds, bigger each time. I competed on new teams that I could have never imagined myself joining. Literally- I judged everything from livestock, vegetables and soil, to speaking about water conservation and soil stewardship. I traveled across the state and to other parts of the country to learn about various agricultural practices and commodities, and I was honored to teach what I had learned to children from local elementary schools and beyond- all the way to Louisville, Kentucky. I lost track of the leadership conferences, camps and conventions I was fortunate enough to attend. Actually just a month or so ago I decided to part with the mound of FFA conference workbooks I had been hoarding. I glanced through them out of curiosity. These books were filled with recurring themes of how to be a leader, how to work together with your peers as a team, and setting and achieving goals. There were names of new friends and their AOL and MSN Messenger handles- some of which I am still friends with, some I don’t have a clue who they are! So what did all of this mean to mean? The conferences, the contests, the livestock fairs and traveling, it honestly all is a blur at this point. It breaks my heart a little because FFA was truly the best thing that happened to me during my youth and I hate that the memories are beginning to fade. Not just the FFA, but my advisor, my parents, my friends’ parents and others willing to teach, organize, critique, chauffeur- all of them- they helped shape me into the person I am today. That might sound cheesy but it’s totally true. My advisor and my mama pushed me to step out of my comfort zone- something I still have to make myself do. They believed in me, they pushed me, and they critiqued (sometimes when I didn’t ask for it.) This organization taught me how to believe in myself, how to push myself, and when to take chances. The FFA taught me how to lose, but then how to brush myself off and try harder the next time. There were a lot of victories throughout the years, but trust me, there were a lot of tears and heartache. Every win and loss was monumental, though I didn’t understand the significance of the losses at the time. There’s a lot about those years I wish I could go back and do again. It was truly a blast- except maybe the tears and heartache parts! One of the lines from the FFA Closing Ceremonies pops in my mind from time to time, 'As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone, and above all, honest and fair in the game of life.' If FFA members take nothing else from this organization, I hope they take this. Oh, and I’ll leave ya’ll with a recurring statement that my advisor pounded in our heads (and one I still haven’t quite mastered after learning it almost 2 decades ago), the 6Ps: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance! Anyone coming from the Bronson FFA Chapter should be able to recite that in their sleep."
--Laci McGinty Cooper, Former Bronson FFA member

Kinsey Ward (Photo was taken in Washington DC at the WLC Leadership Conference)

"FFA, as a whole, entails the future of agriculture with faith in young people. As a 6th grade kid, FFA was where I found my passions after being cut from every sports team I tried out for. Little did I know that what I saw as a "last resort" club would take me all the way through high school and now even some of my college experience. FFA not only taught me how to be a leader, with strong morals and grace in front of crowds, but also how to interact one on one with people, deal with my own business endeavors, and be able to take pride in all of my attempts. FFA showed me the importance of diversity in agriculture, and in general, to make a functioning team of people. Most importantly, though, FFA taught me to embrace the way I was raised and love the agriculture industry, my 'inborn fondness for those associations which even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.' In October, I will follow in the footsteps of my great grandfather and past state vice president Lynn, my grandfather Joe and my mother Brooke to become a 4th generation recipient of the prestigious American Degree."
--Kinsey Ward, Former Chiefland FFA member

Hunter Parrish with Miss Harley Parrish

"From the time I was a young child, FFA has always been a major part of my life. For me, it began by seeing my older cousins wearing the blue and gold while showing calves at Suwannee River Fair. From that moment, I was hooked. I joined FFA in the sixth grade and have never looked back. FFA has taught me the importance of the agricultural industry. I have learned, first-hand, the value of a hard-earned dollar. I will always be appreciative to the FFA for helping to shape me into the man I am today."
--Hunter Parrish, Former Trenton FFA member

Cale McCall

"Growing up, I was always taught that you give back to whatever or whoever poured into your life. When I joined FFA in the sixth grade, I was outgoing but I never really found 'my place.' I didn't fit in with the 'cool' kids, or play any sports; so, when we were made to take an agriculture class in the sixth grade, I learned about the FFA. I can still recall what it felt like to attend my first meeting, and the anxious nerves of unpacking my very first FFA jacket. As my career progressed in the FFA, I met some of the most amazing people, and mentors. People who have poured their entire heart and souls into my life, and have shaped me to become the person I am today. To say the FFA changed my life, is an understatement and misconception. FFA made me who I am today, by taking the kid who didn't really have a place and giving him a place to flourish. The reason I ran for state office was for all the kids that felt the same way that I did, I wanted them to know that FFA is a place for everyone; that no matter where you come from, how you identify, what race, religion, or culture you claim...the FFA accepts you. I ran so that I could give back what they gave to me and build up the organization for future kids like me."
--Cale McCall, Former Dixie FFA member

Brooks Parrish, 2015-2016 State FFA President

“Growing up, I was surrounded by agriculture. From growing watermelons in the spring time, to baling hay in the summer and fall, I have developed a passion for the agriculture industry. When I joined the FFA in sixth grade, I had the opportunity to learn leadership techniques and develop my public speaking ability. My participation in a prepared public speaking event helped me discover my desire to pursue a career in plant genetics. The FFA has established my abilities as a leader and gave me voice to advocate for the agriculture industry.”
--Brooks Parrish, 2015-2016 State FFA President

Tenlee Beauchamp and Jared Twombly

"I don't think that I could choose one FFA memory. There have been so many, but to me, FFA is the long nights spent studying for a contest, conventions, conferences, road trips, and very close friendships. FFA has taught me the value of hard work and dedication. Had I not joined this amazing organization as a sixth grader, I would not be the person I am today."

--Tenlee Beauchamp, Chiefland Senior FFA member

What has been your favorite FFA project?

Mr. Randy Wilkerson wearing the tiara after winning the alumni show, and Ashley with her hog, Charlie.

"My favorite project would be the hog I showed my senior year, Charley. She was hands down my favorite, of the 10 I showed, because Daddy won the alumni show with her and had to wear a tiara all day!"
--Ashley Dayle Wilkerson, former Chiefland FFA member

Kyndal Bussard competing at the Suwannee River Fair

"My favorite project is my swine project.  It is my favorite because I love showing the pig at the fair and learning what I can do to make my project better for the next year.  I also look forward to seeing my friends show their pigs.  I also like dogs, so I love that I get to work with my dog, a 90 pound yellow lab, Colt.  I enjoy the bond that we have.  We are a team and have to work well together to be successful.  I enjoy meeting other young people and spending time with them and their dogs.  My favorite competition with Colt is agility, because he really gets to show off!  The obedience showmanship and rally are more disciplined...so I like to be able to let him run and have fun!"
--Kyndal Bussard, 8th Grade Dixie FFA member

Sam Mills

"My favorite project in FFA is beef production. I enjoy breeding and raising beef cows for show and maternal quality. I have a show herd of cows that I artificially inseminate to produce show quality heifers or steers for me to show at the SRF and at the state fair and numerous other local shows. My maternal commercial herd I use to produce good mothers and high quality meat. Normally, I sell those to people wanting to breed and raise calves. I throughly enjoy showing my calves and I practice with my calves daily so they will be the best at each show I take them to. I have won several championship titles and numerous showmanship belt buckles. No matter what, I always take away useful knowledge to help me on my next show."
--Sam Mills, Chiefland Senior FFA member

Nolan Benton

"Tool ID and showing my steer in the Fair.  I enjoyed learning all the different tools and their purpose and using that knowledge.  Having a steer is hard work, but I look forward to the Fair every year."
--Nolan Benton, Williston FFA member

This photo was taken right after the Ag Issues and Par Pro Competitions, Sydney is pictured on the far right.

"My favorite project was when we competed in Ag Issues at State Convention. Agriculture issues is a competition based on current events that are causing a problem in our communities. While searching for our topic, we decided to give our presentation on water conservation in the United States. We set up a presentation that was based on a meeting in the US Senate, where four state senators from Florida, Arizona, California, and Nevada got together to pose a solution to our water problem. This project was small, and although we did not place, our project influenced me to be a lobbyist for agriculture to help spread awareness...not only water conservation but the ag industry as a whole."
--Sydney Groom, Dixie Senior FFA Treasurer

A Year In Review: Mr. Bobby Kincaid

Mr. Bobby Kincaid

Several years ago, I was fortunate to meet my friend Julie: a fellow sassy, Southern lady with an accent as thick as molasses, a big belief in “the higher the hair, the closer to God,” and a soul as sweet as sugar. We just clicked.

Now, I tell you that to tell you this…Sometimes I still find myself filled with jitters. That was precisely the predicament that I found myself in a few Saturdays ago, as I drove to my interview. Why? The interview just mattered to me and I was wanting to make a good impression. It was my friend Julie’s father that I was interviewing, and Mr. Bobby had also been good friends with my Papa Cecil. Although I had done several interviews previously, I was still filled with nerves.

Last summer, as I was perusing through the Carter’s outlet in St. Augustine, trying to help Rheba find some cute little outfits for several of her friends’ upcoming baby showers. My phone dinged. A dear friend of mine had sent me a message saying that she knew of the perfect person that I needed to interview. He had been a Vietnam Veteran, and she just thought that his story would make for a great interview. I explained that I was currently on vacation, but would love to. As previously mentioned in another blog post, I was in the midst of my writer’s break, and it took me some time to pick all of this back up.

Back to last Saturday, upon entering the Kincaid’s home, my nerves were completely put at ease. I believe the first words that came from Mr. Kincaid’s mouth after being introduced were “So, you’re Cornbread’s granddaughter?” –Author’s note, because this may confuse a bunch of people. While my dad was ALSO nicknamed “Cornbread,” the original “Cornbread” was my Papa Cecil.—It blessed my heart to hear him talk about my Papa Cecil. See, he died a month before I was born, so I never got to meet him. Over the years, I have heard so much about him, and heard how big of a character he was. Mr. Kincaid told me “You would have loved him had you known him. He was good man.”

It was an amazing experience to sit down and speak with Mr. Bobby.  He was fortunate enough during his service in Vietnam to have a little Instamatic camera.  I was blown away at all of the photos he had taken over there.

Sitting down with Mr. Bobby, Mrs. Violet, and Julie, was just like sitting down with family. They were so warm and welcoming. We laughed, and talked, and as the interview drew to a close, I counted myself blessed to have gained Mr. Bobby and Mrs. Violet as friends.

What is your full name?
"Bobby Bruce Kincaid."

How did you get your name?
"From the Kentucky hills, I guess. My middle name is after one of my uncles. My Uncle Bruce."

Did you have any nicknames?
"No."
Mrs. Violet: "I think 'Bobby' is a nickname. Back then, they named them whatever they were going to call them. If they were going to call them 'Bobby,' they just went ahead and named them Bobby."

When and where were you born? 
"I was born November 4, 1948 in Oneida, Kentucky. That's Eastern Kentucky. If you go straight up 75, and get up to London, Kentucky and turn off, you go about 45 miles to go to where i was born."

How in the world did you make it to Trenton? 
"My mama was a school teacher. We moved to Florida. My dad had one lung and one kidney; we moved down here for the climate for him. She taught school. We lived at Flagler Beach to start with, then we came to Dixie County…to Jena. We lived there, and I graduated from Dixie County High School."

What were the best memories with your father?
"Daddy was a good person. He taught me a lot of things….carpentry work; how to shoot a rifle, shotgun; bees; chickens; squirrels; taught me how to shoot squirrels in one shot…that's all you got."

What were the best memories with your mother?
"There was a lot of them…I went to college with her when she was going to Deland College…Stetson. Me and my sister both did. When we lived at Flagler Beach, she went to Stetson. She'd take us to the beach."

How do you remember holidays growing up?
(He laughs) "When we grew up, holidays were just another day. Christmas was sort of special, we'd get a little hard candy, and an apple and an orange. As far as gifts go, I don't remember ever getting that many gifts. It was just…family."

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Mr. Bobby: "I never did give it a lot of thought. I went to work for Violet's daddy when I was 12 years old. He had a fish house….a fish business. I love working."
Julie:  "Literally….literally. He loves working."
Mr. Bobby: "I loved working for Violet's dad. He was a good man. He taught me a lot about fish…life…doing things."

What was your favorite food that your mother/father made?
Mr. Bobby: "Daddy used to fry some really good pork and potato cakes. And mother could make the best cornbread you could ever eat. She made some fried chicken that could beat Colonel Sanders all to pieces."
Mrs. Violet:  "Well, she was from Kentucky."
Mr. Bobby: "She was about 40 miles from where Colonel Sanders came out with the Kentucky Fried Chicken."

So you said your first job was at the fish house? 
"Yep. I worked there all through high school. And at Dan Stewart's crab plant."

Mrs. Violet and Mr. Bobby

Where did you meet Mrs. Violet?
Mr. Bobby: "First day I ever saw Violet, I was 9 or 10 years old, I guess. I said 'That's gonna be my wife.'"
Julie:  "She said 'no way!' He was fat around as he was tall."
Mrs. Violet:  "I guess he'd come home with my brother, Arthur."
Mr. Bobby: "Yep. I'd gone home with her brother. I went home and told mother and dad that I was going to marry Violet. She was a little older than I was…four years older. We've been married now 50 years."

What was the first thing you noticed about her?
"Just her face. She was just pretty."

Well, I think we've already covered this…but when did you know she was the one? 
"The first time I ever saw her." 

Mr. Bobby and Mrs. Violet on their wedding day in Jena, FL.

Tell me about your wedding.
Mrs. Violet: "It was simple…fast. He'd already joined the Marine Corps. So, we knew if I was going to be able to go see him, or spend any time with him, we were gonna have to get married. You didn't live together in those days. I mean, you got married! We knew we better get married before he left. It worked out, I got to fly out to California two times before he went to Vietnam. I lived up in North Carolina for six months before he went to a school. We lived in a little trailer." 

Mr. Violet in Gainesville.

Tell me about North Carolina. What part of North Carolina were y'all at? 
Mr Bobby: "In Jacksonville, North Carolina."
Mrs Violet: "At Camp Lejeune. We had no money."
Julie: "It was purely love" (laughs).
Mrs. Violet: "Like I'd said, we stayed in this little trailer. And the first night I got up there, it was Halloween. Well, here come all these kids to our little trailer and they had their sacks and stuff. We didn't have any candy or anything in there! But I did have a lot of quarters! So, I just started dropping them in their bags. (She laughs) Bobby said later 'Boy, you were sure droppin those quarters!' I said 'There wasn't anything else to give them!'"

Julie: "No clean clothes this week!"
Mrs. Violet: "That's true! There, you had to go to the laundromat to do your laundry. It's a good laugh now, but it wasn't as funny then!"

What would y'all say the key to a happy marriage is?
Mrs. Violet: "Forget. Let bygones be bygones."
Mr. Bobby: "You have to live every day like it's the last day you may have together."

What were your memories when you and Mrs. Violet were expecting your first baby? 
Mr. Bobby: "Oh, it was great….She was aggravating."
(Laughter erupts at the table)
Mrs. Violet: "The day before I had Bruce, we were down at his mothers…we had made her a concrete room to put her junk in. I had been pushing wheelbarrows of concrete all day for him to put the blocks up. And he said 'It better be a boy!'" And the next morning, I went into labor. All I could think was: 'It better be a boy!' Then he came to the hospital, and came in the room and said 'Now remember how to breathe like the doctor told you.' I said 'I'm lucky to be breathing, so you just get out of here!' (She laughs) And he went back to work!"
Julie giggles: "He left her!"
Mrs. Violet: "He went back to the Post Office, but he came back in a little while." 

What has been your proudest moment as a parent?
Mr. Bobby: "Birth of our children."

What has been the hardest moment as a parent?
Mr. Bobby: "I guess just seeing them struggle with life, really."

Now what's the best part about being a grandpa?
Mr. Bobby: "Being a grandpa, you want them to excel. I always enjoyed watching them play sports. Kade, Alex, and Zachary. I used to love watching them play football. Now, being a Great-Grandpa…well, that's even better. We've got one great-granddaughter we haven't seen yet, except on Facebook. She was born out in Alaska. She's four months-old now."
Mrs. Julie: "She'll be at Fort Campbell soon, so we'll get to go see her."
Mrs. Violet: "They're in the military, so they're moving there next month."

What is something that you wish you would've known when you were younger?
"I guess…how to manage money better."

What advice would you give a young person? 
"Well, I've tried to point these grandsons in the direction of going into the military and staying."

What would be the legacy you would want to be known for?
Mr. Bobby: "Being a good daddy, I guess."
Julie: "He and mama have that covered. They have been the very best parents. They ARE the best parents. They haven't stopped. They didn't stop with us. They've even had grandkids live with them."
Mrs. Violet laughs and says, "I think we need a vacation. I've never worked this hard in my life." 

Mr. Bobby in Phu Bai, shown with his I-55 Gun

Now, in regards to Vietnam, what is something that most people didn't realize about the war?
"Back then, sugar, we were 19 years old. Ninety-nine percent of the people were patriotic. It was your duty to serve your country. Something that most people didn't realize was that it was hot and then it was cold. Now I see where it was foolish war. A lot of guys got killed for nothing. It's like, with Khe Sanh. We held that for a long time. Then, in 1968, right after all of the siege we went through holding it, they just disbanded it, and tore the base down. Supposedly it's strategic and all that, but I don't know. I guess we'll never know the whole truth about it.

On the left, Mr. Bobby is photographed in Khe Sahn.   On the right, he is photographed with the Sergeant's dog, Auggie in Phu Bai.

When did they tear it down?

Mr. Bobby: "June of 1968."
Julie: "Hadn't you said that in March, President Johnson had ordered them to hold it at all cost? And there were so many men who died when they were holding it. Then, they just let it go."
Mr. Bobby: "Supposedly, the North Vietnamese were going to use it as another Dien Bien Phu. That was when the French got defeated, and they annihilated a bunch of Frenchmen. They were going to use Khe Sanh as other Dien Bien Phu and annihilate us, but it didn't work that way. 

  Gary Groulx and Mr. Bobby in Khe Sanh.  "I got wounded but he kept me from getting killed.  We had started out, and he grabbed me.  The mortar landed in front of us.  I got a piece in my hand, but we didn't get hit directly.  On our way to Dong Ha from Khe Sahn. --In this picture, I have a cookie in my mouth...you had to eat whenever you could."

The top and bottom left are photos of the bridge over the Perfume River in Phu Bai, the bottom right is a photo of a cathedral in Phu Bai City.  All were taken in 1967.

Where all were you stationed over there?
"I landed in Danang. I went to Phu Bai. I was in the 155 Artillery Outfit in Phu Bai. Then, I made Sergeant, and I got transferred to a Mobile 105 Outfit in the latter part of November or early December of '67. We went from there, we went to Dong Ha, then we were all up in there: Chu Bai, Kihn Te, Khe Sanh, then all up in the I Corps. That was where I was at. The Quang Tri Province, I think is what they call it, if I remember correctly.

The convoy on the Road to Khe Sahn

Top:  Mr Bobby (center) with Ken Bartels (right) in Khe Sanh.  Bottom left:  "The Jolliest man you would ever hope to meet." (In Phu Bai).  Bottom right (taken in Khe Sanh): "Jim, standing in front of the building that housed all of the radio equipment. This kept us in contact with all the patrols and stuff that we fired support for.  This was linked to the artillery pieces and the radios for the Marines in the field that needed fire support.  We had some of the best people in the world there."

"Those little white patches on their backs, those were for the night.  If you were on patrol at night, you could see the guy in front of you.  We were on patrol outside of Phu Bai there."

The top photo appears to be snow, but actually it is sand.  The bottom photo is of their water supply.  Both photos were taken in Dong Ha.

How was it different from the US over there? 

"It was like night and day. In the places I was at. Now some places a lot of people were at, in Southern Vietnam, there were bigger cities. We weren't in any cities. We went through Phu Bai, which was a city, when we were going to Dong Ha, but other than that, I was never in a city. We went through villages. on patrols, but I was never in a city. Now, when I was in Khe Sanh, there were a big attack on Phu Bai, the city, and a lot of Marines were in that battle. I was in Khe Sanh then.

Mr. Bobby (left) and friends in the 109 Artillery in Dong Ha.

Describe the moment you found out you were coming home.

"Well, everybody had what they called a 'short-timers calendar' that they started at six months. One hundred and eighty days, and you could mark off the days. You'd have the little calendar and you'd mark off that day, until it got down to your day. Then, you were 'going back to the world' as they said."

These picture show how close the Vietnamese got to their base. These photos were taken in Khe Sanh.

Did you ever face any criticism returning from war?
"We had that. I got out of the Marine Corps when I came home. I came home on June 13th, the day before mine and Violet's anniversary. I got out eight days later. Whenever we got to California coming home, at the airports, there were younger people hollering at you. They said we were 'baby killers' and all that kind of stuff. That was false. People didn't do that. It might have happened later on after I left there, but we never had that. I never saw it happen, or any drugs of any kind where I was at. They said later there were a lot of drugs. But I never came in contact with any of that….or anybody with them, that I knew of. See, you had to depend upon your buddy, and he had to depend upon you. You weren't doing anything to jeopardize anybody else's life."

Do you have any specific memories of working at Georgia Pacific? 
"I was fresh out of the Marine Corps, and your granddad (Cornbread/Papa Cecil) took me under his wing. He taught me a lot about millwright work, and welding, and just, in general, if something was tore up, how to fix it. He was good at it. He was patient. He was some of the best memories I had there. I worked my way up from there to a Superintendent at the Sawmill in Cross City. The best times I had there were with Cornbread, James Carraway, and the people I worked with."

"I'd never been so mad as one time with your grandpa. I came to work and saw Cornbread using the jackhammer to break up concrete. He'd just gotten back to work from having a heart attack. I walked into the supervisors office. Shut the door…locked it. I told him that he had two minutes to get Cornbread off of that jackhammer or I was going to beat him (the supervisor) up. I told him that I would do that work, but he was going to get Cornbread off of that and quick."

"All of my coworkers were really just good people."

You've spoke some about working different places, where all have you worked? 
"I worked for the Post Office…boringest job I've ever had in my life. I worked at the plywood plant. When I was going to college, I worked as a jailer at Alachua County Jail. Then, I worked back at GP. The Cross City Sawmill. I worked at some shut downs before…Buckeye in Perry. Then, after GP and Cross City Sawmill, Louis Overstreet and I started a little sawmill right here in Trenton. That's when we actually moved to Trenton. That was in 1980, and we've been here ever since." 

Mr. Bobby and Mrs. Violet (center), with many of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Now what are some things you're looking forward to in the future?
Mrs. Violet: "For him to retire"
Julie: "He still works 60 and 70 hours per week."
Mr. Bobby: "We sold our land to Ron St. John. He asked me to help him…he's planted new groves of olive trees. He asked me to work with him on that. I've been working with him about a year and a half."
Julie: "First, he was mulching up trees, now he's gonna grow them."
Mr. Bobby: "I really like it. It's a learning experience. And it's a full-time job, doing it. It's rewarding, to see the trees growing."