Tonight we went to a concert, which was actually like a really cool PBS Special. My very first guest on my radio show, Katie's Community Connection was a man named Hugh "Doc" Mc Campbell. He's a vet for large animals and has a resume more diverse than the United Nations! Honestly, I didn't know what to expect tonight! I know Doc is always full of surprising stories to tickle the funny-bone. And I know he can play the piano (he plays at church nearly every Sunday...) And he can play the banjo and sing, (Doc recorded a song that I used for my show's intro theme music!)
Doc went from recognizing veterans, to the pledge, to "God Bless America!" seamlessly. A favorite funny was the randomly chosen audience/quartet singers who sang a 60's love song, unrehearsed while Doc accompanied on the piano! A little-known but beautiful piece written by Doc's mom conveyed the close-knit family which Hugh was raised in...
Doc and Marty, his wife of nearly forty-four years have put on this concert annually for the last five years. It's a community service event in may ways... First, it's a family friendly, redemptive and entertaining show! Second, it's a fundraiser for the Mc Campbells' dearly held causes. Doc is a cancer survivor; some of the money raised goes to cancer research. A bit of a "pay-it-forward." The Boy Scouts of America, yes, Hugh was a Cub-Scout AND an Eagle Scout (much like many of the early astronauts), and the third beneficiary of tonight's ticket sales is the Sweetwater Council for the Arts.
After a beautiful reception at the Mc Campbells' home, I finally got my moment with the Star! "Doc," I said, "This was such a special event...I know you do this and so much more to support the community, you should be Volunteer of the Year!" After belaboring the point, Hugh walked me back to where there was hung a BIG plaque... It read:
Doc and Marty have become dear friends to our family. In the last six months, Marty has been the driving influence behind a new English-As-A-Second-Language school and two Bible Studies for women. Doc is contacted regularly to appear on TV or radio for his various talents, and still practices veterinary medicine full time. They have a growing number of grandchildren; many are homeschooled.
Kudos to everyone in Sweetwater who condoned this event. As we were leaving, I saw the Mayor of Sweetwater usher a disabled man into his car to give him a ride home from the concert. What mayor does that? One I want to re-elect, that's for sure! What a blessed family we are, what a blessed community we have here in East Tennessee. I'm so thankful for the Mc Campbells and especially that Doc survived cancer! Here's to another sweet memory and many successful fundraising concerts!
Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz
P.S. If you would like a CD of Doc's music or would like to support Doc and Marty's fundraising efforts, send me an email at KatieSmithCommunityConnection@gmail.com
Doc went from recognizing veterans, to the pledge, to "God Bless America!" seamlessly. A favorite funny was the randomly chosen audience/quartet singers who sang a 60's love song, unrehearsed while Doc accompanied on the piano! A little-known but beautiful piece written by Doc's mom conveyed the close-knit family which Hugh was raised in...
Doc and Marty, his wife of nearly forty-four years have put on this concert annually for the last five years. It's a community service event in may ways... First, it's a family friendly, redemptive and entertaining show! Second, it's a fundraiser for the Mc Campbells' dearly held causes. Doc is a cancer survivor; some of the money raised goes to cancer research. A bit of a "pay-it-forward." The Boy Scouts of America, yes, Hugh was a Cub-Scout AND an Eagle Scout (much like many of the early astronauts), and the third beneficiary of tonight's ticket sales is the Sweetwater Council for the Arts.
After a beautiful reception at the Mc Campbells' home, I finally got my moment with the Star! "Doc," I said, "This was such a special event...I know you do this and so much more to support the community, you should be Volunteer of the Year!" After belaboring the point, Hugh walked me back to where there was hung a BIG plaque... It read:
"Hugh Mc Campbell, Volunteer of The Year 2010".
I was pleased and so was Doc. Doc went from frame to frame on the walls, sharing stories. (He must eat a lot of cucumbers or something because his memory is as good as my nine-year-old's!) My jaw dropped as I read a personal letter from President George W. Bush to Doc! (It's seems that I am just one-person removed from the Bush family lately. See my post about "Let it Rain".) Well, then Doc told me they were cousins and I laughed. Then he showed me the genealogy map and I wasn't laughing anymore!Doc and Marty have become dear friends to our family. In the last six months, Marty has been the driving influence behind a new English-As-A-Second-Language school and two Bible Studies for women. Doc is contacted regularly to appear on TV or radio for his various talents, and still practices veterinary medicine full time. They have a growing number of grandchildren; many are homeschooled.
Kudos to everyone in Sweetwater who condoned this event. As we were leaving, I saw the Mayor of Sweetwater usher a disabled man into his car to give him a ride home from the concert. What mayor does that? One I want to re-elect, that's for sure! What a blessed family we are, what a blessed community we have here in East Tennessee. I'm so thankful for the Mc Campbells and especially that Doc survived cancer! Here's to another sweet memory and many successful fundraising concerts!
Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz
P.S. If you would like a CD of Doc's music or would like to support Doc and Marty's fundraising efforts, send me an email at KatieSmithCommunityConnection@gmail.com
