Officer Jeffrey Wilson on faith, family, accumulated trauma, and the support that helps first responders keep showing up For Officer Jeffrey Wilson, law enforcement grew from a childhood belief that public service could make a difference. Both of his grandfathers were Green Berets, a cousin served as a police officer, and family friends included a … Read more
Growing up in a solid Baptist home, dancing was never really discussed. Scottie Leech made sure piano lessons and choir weren’t optional – those were settled matters. Rhythm in our house came from a hymn book, not a hardwood floor. And if that didn’t shape the rest of us, my dad’s reputation in Brownfield certainly … Read more
I spent four and a half hours with Bill Thomas, and I left knowing I had only heard the beginning. That does not happen often. Most interviews eventually settle into a pattern: childhood, career, hardship, lesson learned. Bill does not speak that way. He tells his life as work remembered in motion: cattle gathered, pipe … Read more
Passion and Christ Each time, just before I turn the lights off, I stop and stare. Her uniform is clean and ready for inspection. Belly full of fuel, weapons stowed, and hatches battened down for the haul. She’s ready for battle. The time I spend in my shop prepping the boat for the next round … Read more
Herbie’s Cabin Every generation has that place. The one you return to — not just on the map, but in your heart. For me and a group of high school brothers from Brownfield, Texas, that place was Herbie’s Cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Since 1980, we gathered there — year after year — thanks to … Read more
“There but for the grace of God go I” – John Bradford This well-known phrase is often attributed to John Bradford, a 16th century English reformer, As the story goes, Bradford witnessed a group of prisoners being led to execution and humbly remarked, “There but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford,” He recognized … Read more