By Jennifer R. Hill
Several area agencies and organizations gathered Tuesday to celebrate those in the World who do “what’s right” at the 11th United Way of Athens-Limestone County Day of Caring.
Everything we do effects someone else around us, said United Way executive director Kay Young McFarlen.
“In the south it’s not six-degrees of separation, it’s two,” she said.
This year was the first in several years that there was not a torrential downpour, however there was probably not a dry eye under the tent at Fitness Park in Athens after keynote speakers Col. Clif Broderick, Katie Stowe and Tim Kennum shared their stories.
Broderick, the executive vice-president and chief operations officer for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and decorated colonel for the U.S. Army retired, honored members of the armed services with the story of Mike Christian. Christian’s story was made famous by now republican presidential hopeful, John McCain. McCain and Christian were prisoners of war together in Vietnam. While imprisoned at the POW camp Christian kept his comrades’ morale high with the American flag he had sewn on the inside of his shirt. He fashioned the flag with scraps of material and a bamboo needle. He and the other prisoners would say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag everyday before eating.
Displaying the American flag is of the utmost importance, Broderick said after telling Christian’s story.
The United Way Board of Directors honored Christian’s brother, Huntsville Fire and Rescue Captain Larry Christian, and nephew Michael Christian, who is named after him, with a plaque and gifts of thanks.
Next, Stowe, the Central Gulf Coast Region Communication Specialist for the American Red Cross, celebrated community volunteers, law officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel for doing the right thing and in turn saving her life several years ago.
Stowe’s story is well recognized throughout the Tennessee Valley because of the volume of news media coverage of her near-death experience as a senior at Madison County High School. She was driving to school on May 15, 1996, lost control of her car and crashed in an irrigation ditch. Though she had a broken pelvis and other severe injuries she managed to dial 911 on her new cell phone.
Stowe’s car caught fire as she was on the phone with the dispatcher, but she could not get out.
“The 911 dispatcher cried on the phone. When she started crying I knew I was in trouble,” Stowe said.
She managed to pull herself out of a window but was still within the flame’s reach. Before emergency personnel could pull her from the fire, more than 80 percent of her body was burnt.
Stowe was in the hospital for six months, five of them at the burn center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
The community held fund-raisers for her family to assist them with medical expenses and so her mother could stay with her in Birmingham, she said.
She had several surgeries, one she recalled where she received 12 pints of blood.
This is one obvious factor in her drive to work for the Red Cross.
Her life was saved because several people did the right thing and gave blood, she said.
Keenum, pastor of Sardis Springs Baptist Church, spoke next.
“Well, if I was at my church I would give the invitation right now,” he said as he took the spotlight.
He reemphasized the message “Do what is right. Do what is good.”
If everyone in Athens and Limestone County stopped doing what is right and stopped doing what is good, it would be a mess, Keenum said.
“Sometimes the only way anyone will ever know [what you do] is if you don’t do it,” he said.
Jackie Greenhaw was master of ceremonies, Limestone County Probate Judge Mike Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance, Athens Mayor Dan William sang the National Anthem, invocation was given by pastor Larry Lockett and Chairman of United Way Board of Directors Stanley Menefee gave closing remarks.
The Birdie Thornton Center Singers brought home the message of how everyone influences another’s life with their rendition of the song “Lean On Me.”
The event may have been one of the best programs for the Day of Caring, said Menefee.
To volunteer with the United Way of Athens and Limestone County or find out more information about its agencies call (256) 233-2323.
