Remembering the Fallen

As an academic, I am challenged daily with a variety of tasks. None more important than the work I do with students at all levels. If it is reading a thesis/dissertation, critiquing a photo, helping with a service activity or simply lending an ear or shoulder, the work is rewarding yet time consuming. However, on this particular day (Memorial Day), one thought/one former student is a constant in my mind. In the Fall of 2001, I began my academic career as a newbie assistant professor of agricultural communications. I taught an entry-level writing course for agricultural communications majors but had students from several other majors also in the course.

Luke S. James was an animal science major. He was in my course to fulfill a writing requirement for his degree plan. Luke had a bright personality and always had a smile on his face. Of course many Americans lost their smile on Sept. 11, 2001. Luke was no different. We witnessed a senseless attack on humanity. I remember vividly talking with all my classes about the events that occurred that day and during the following days. I had class with Luke and his classmates the day following the attacks. We talked about the impact to agriculture, and the way the crisis was handled from a communications standpoint. At one point during the discussion we talked about how America should respond. I remember Luke stating that no matter how we respond, he was ready to serve his country and fight for the blanket of freedom we are provided. At the time, I had no idea he would get his wish and ultimately would lay his life down fighting for the very freedom I/we take for granted every day.

I saw Luke on multiple occasions during the next few semesters as he finished his degree in the College of Agriculture. He always stopped by to say hello or wish me a good day. I remember having a conversation with him in late 2002 about the possibility of the war in Iraq. Again, he said he was ready to serve our country if his name was called. In March of 2003, the United States of America launched an invasion into Iraq. Soon thereafter, Luke was preparing for deployment.

Luke deployed to Iraq in January of 2004, as best I can recall. Unfortunately, his service didn’t last long as he was in an improvised explosive device attack and died on January 27, 2004. When I got word, I was shocked. Luke gave the ultimate sacrifice so that I may enjoy the freedoms I have today. I am forever grateful for his service and his sacrifice. He will remain in my heart forever. Luke led his life with honesty, integrity and courage. For that I am thankful. Luke left behind a wife and child who I pray for this day that they may have comfort and peace.

In the summer of 2004, I visited Luke while in DC. I searched out his resting place in Arlington Cemetery and spent a few moments in conversation with him and God. I thanked him for his service and promised to visit him every time I am in DC, if my schedule will allow. I also promised to reflect often on the sacrifices made by those who put themselves in harms way. Today, I pray for peace around the world. I also pray that those who have lost loved ones or have loved ones fighting for our country will feel a warm embrace of love, compassion and comfort on this day.

Blogging 101

I guess the idea behind blogging is to post new stimulating thoughts and ideas often. Unfortunately, I just haven’t gotten the hang of this blogging stuff. I find it mesmerizing to consider the benefits and uses of a blog but an arduous task to actually write for a blog. I guess my real problem is time. I have few precious moments to try and churn out some stimulating thought. Most of the time those precious moments I get I spend in reflection. However, with all that said, I am going to try and carve out some extra moments to get this blog updated on at least a weekly basis. Time will tell if I am able to make it happen.

What a Great Day!!

After 26 months of working to bring my colleague and friend Assoumane Alhassane Maiga to Oklahoma State University for his graduate work, I am excited to note he has been fully funded on a Fulbright to begin work in the fall. This is a fitting first post for this new blog about my daily endeavors as an agricultural communications faculty member at OSU. My experiences as co-director on a project titled "Nurturing the 4th Estate" were so eye-opening and rewarding. To be able to bring Assoumane to OSU is a continuation of this project and the hard work put into helping those less fortunate in the country of Mali. Assoumane is the individual on the right in this photo. He is posing with some village children and project personnel on one of our trips to Mali in 2007.

Again, I am so excited Assoumane will have this opportunity to join us in the U.S. I can't wait for his arrival this August! What a great day!!