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First Lady talks about Gurdon's courage

BY AUTUMN PENNINGTON
Published Wednesday, February 27, 2002 in the Gurdon Times

Arkansas First Lady, Janet Huckabee, spoke to the large crowd at the Gurdon Chamber of Commerce Banquet Tuesday night.

Huckabee started her speech by asking everyone where their flags and patriotism were before the terrorist acts on September 11.

Huckabee then asked, "Who in here tonight has served in the military?"

Several people in the crowd raised their hands. Huckabee said, "That makes me so proud of our freedom. I know that in our country people are in the military because they want to and not because they have to."

Huckabee said she just can't learn enough about the military and the people who are in it. She said she has been privileged enough to be able to attend several training exercises with all branches of the military. She has landed and taken off on an aircraft carrier. She has learned to fly, watch a stealth bomber refuel in midair, shoot guns and several other things.

Huckabee also shared a story of rattlesnake hunting in Oklahoma. "I loved it! It was exciting and the tool we had to use to catch them was made in Arkansas. I was so proud. I made sure everyone there knew that someone in Arkansas made that tool."

Huckabee said, "Someone once asked me, "Where do you get the courage to do these things?" I told them; well it's no big deal to me. I love it."

Huckabee's speech lead up to the question, "Why build a school in Gurdon that would raise a 12 mill tax and now you guys are raising money for a new auditorium. That takes courage. And how do you all accomplish these things in Gurdon, Ark.?

You all band together and accomplish it together. It is the courage of a community. One thing I have learned since 9-11 is that it doesn't really matter in the end because everyone bands together and works hand and hand, despite race, religion or gender. Someday, maybe everyone will see this."

The Chamber was fortunate to have such a distinguished guest.

Rita Roe, Gurdon Primary School Principal, presented Vicki Lynn with the Teacher of the Year award.

During Roe's speech, she told of Lynn's dedication to her students. "She has carried children Christmas shopping, she notices the ones without a warm coat and finds them one, she even took in a young boy who was injured in a car accident and has helped him to raise his grades and overcome his injury," said Roe.

Lynn was surprised as she walked to the podium to accept her award. She said, "I was not expecting this. I appreciate it although I just do my job. I have a terrific leader, Mrs. Roe; I work with all my best friends. They are always there for me and I guess I am just bragging on my school. It is terrific and I love my job."

Winnie Clark was this year's entertainment. She sang a song by Kenny Rogers called "Twenty Year's Ago". However, Clark changed the name to "Many Year's Ago" and changed some of the words to fit Gurdon. Her son Brian sang along with her and then sang alone. After Clark was finished Anita Cabe presented her with the Gurdon Citizen of the Year award.

Clark was surprised and said she greatly appreciated the honor.

This year's Gurdon Chamber Member of the Year award went to Wayne Kuhn for his dedication to the Chamber and all its activities.

This year's Chamber banquet was a success with more than 100 tickets being sold.


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