"And Jesus said: Go, and do thou likewise."
He was referring, of course, to the parable of the Good Samaritan … someone who went out of his way to help someone else who was in need.
It’s not always easy being a Good Samaritan.
First, it takes a deliberate effort to do so.
And then, we’ve all heard the expression "Let no good deed go unpunished."
A preacher friend of mine in Georgia, says that Good Samaritans are not always appreciated.
And this is unfortunate. Because Jesus said to all of us: "Go, and do thou likewise."
Our recipient of the 2006 Good Samaritan Of The Year Award …
Was born on November 23rd, 1919 in Brundidge, AL.
In high school he was double promoted (twice).
He was teaching high school science by the age of 20.
He went to Medical School.
He served as an officer in the United States Air Force Medical Corp, during World War II.
And in 1949, he moved to Haleyville to practice medicine.
Overall, he was in medical practice for over 50 years.
During that time he delivered almost twenty-one hundred babies, and he still has 5 little notebooks that contain information about each birth.
Even though he treated patients of all ages, he always had the softest spot for children.
On one occasion while working with at the old Wilson Hospital, he was singing in a Cantata at the First Methodist Church right behind the hospital. During the performance he sang a solo, was called to deliver a baby … and got back in the choir before the cantata was concluded!
He used to make house calls, and his children Patsy and Robert can remember going to patients’ homes, but staying in the car while their father went inside to attend to his patients.
Now, at the young age of 87, although no longer in active medical practice ... he continues to contribute to the community, looking forward to any opportunity to help those who are less fortunate.
Twice a month, he faithfully serves as a worker at the Harvest of Hope Food Bank, which serves over 400 families monthly.
He arrives early to carry out his specific job, which consumes over 4 hours of his time each day.
He gives not only of his time, but also of his resources. On a regular basis, he purchases food and carries it to church to be distributed by their Benevolence Committee.
He is admired and appreciated for his giving spirit by all who know him, and they and our special Selection Committee feel he is very deserving of this award ...
Ladies and gentlemen, please make welcome the recipient of the 2006 Teal Award for "Good Samaritan Of The Year" … for his faithful service, caring and giving spirit to those who are less fortunate … Dr. John E. Wood.
RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
1. Elected Officials In Attendance
Judge Bobby Aderholt
Winston County Commission Chairman Jerry Mobley
2. NBC-13
Ms. Patsy Brakefield
Ms. Ruby Cook
Mr. Ricky Clark
3. Chad Fell
Guiness Book of World Records
National Television
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LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR
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Haleyville Police Chief Kyle Reogas said in a letter to our special Selection Committee:
I submit to you an individual whom I think needs to be considered as (Law Enforcement) Officer Of The Year, 2006. This individual fulfilled a lifetime dream when he graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
This individual set his goal in early 2006, when he chose to apply for a position with the Haleyville Police Department. He was accepted to the Law Enforcement Academy in April … and on his first day, sustained a shoulder injury … which forced him to leave the academy.
Still determined to succeed, and having the willpower to overcome the adversities, he returned to the Academy ... And on November 2, 2006, he graduated 12th in his class. Today he is a certified law enforcement officer, a proud member of the Haleyville Police Department, an individual who has fulfilled a lifetime dream. (And) I feel (that he) should be named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2006.
The individual I have just spoken about is …
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the recipient of the 2006 Teal Award for "Law Enforcement Officer Of The Year" … for his dedicated service above and beyond the calls of duty … Officer Nathan Whitman.
