By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
I am back. After a two-week break as we prepared for and then executed the move of our Piqua Daily Call offices to our new home on Fox Drive, I can finally, along with my co-workers, sit down and take a breath.
I would like to look at food for this week's column.
First, I believe that there is some acknowledgement due to some working people out there who rarely hear a good word.
Most of us take the fast food industry for granted. When we do make
mention of the industry or the people who work in the trenches, it is
usually to complain.
I am no different as I sometimes find myself looking at an order that
I thought was given in simple, easy-to-understand English, yet received
looking nowhere near my instructions.
Granted, the fast food industry sometimes does not attract the most dedicated members of our work force.
There is another side to that, however. I have been fortunate to get
to know some of the folks whose responsibility is to manage and operate
some of our local fast food restaurants.
The time, knowledge and responsibility necessary to successfully run a
store is mind boggling. They are just like their counterparts in any
other profession. And, I use the word "profession" quite deliberately as
they are true professionals in their chosen career field.
These professionals have a wealth of knowledge about the food products that they serve. They deal with inventory, maintenance,
cooking and cleaning on a daily basis. They also must deal with the
occasional disgruntled customer, who like so many of us when we fail to
get an order that meets our expectations, tends to treat even the
management staff in a condescending and rude manner.
In addition to the same headaches that all management people face in
any business, managers in the fast food industry face personnel issues
seldom seen in most industries. The turnover rate of a largely high
school age and young adult staff is astounding. Add to that a
generation or two of a work force that has no work ethic whatsoever and
you have one of the more stressful jobs in the market.
The bottom line is that behind the counter at our fast food
restaurants may be a handful of kids who are working at their first job.
They may be just putting in their time. But, behind them is a core
group of hard-working professionals who are dedicating their life to
their chosen profession just as we do ours. They do care if our order is correct. They do care if we are happy with the service and that the room is clean.
Every one of us likes to know that the work we do is appreciated. I
would venture to say that our professionals in the fast food industry
get a "well done" far fewer times than any of the rest of us.
Maybe the next time you visit a local fast food restaurant, you might
take a minute to thank the folks behind the counter for a job well
done.
Wouldn't you like to know that the simple smile and thank you that
you give might be the one positive thing that someone takes home from
work to share with their own family?
Friday, October 5, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
America - and Americans first (And welcome home to Ryan Ullery and Bravo Battery. Well done, soldiers!
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Today (Saturday) is a wonderful day.
As many of you are reading this, my family and I are at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, meeting our son, Ryan, as he and his fellow soldiers from Bravo Battery return home from their year-long, or perhaps I should say "long year" deployment in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
As a parent of a United States Army soldier, I am so very proud of our son for serving his country. As a citizen of the United States of America, I am equally proud of each and every man and woman who wears the uniform of one of our armed services and stands ready to defend our freedom.
This was our son's first deployment. For many Bravo families this was the second or even third time that they held down the fort on the home front as their soldier went to a far-away land to protect those of us at home.
As our son returns home, I find myself asking if the year that he spent away from home, was worth it. Like soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of past generations, he made personal sacrifices during his tour. He got married days before shipping out. He did make it home for mid-tour leave just in time to attend the birth of his daughter, but had to leave again within a couple of days.
Granted, there are many who would argue that these sacrifices are not the same as those who were wounded or killed defending our country. By the same token, each and every man and woman who goes to war puts themselves in harm's way. Yet, they knowingly and willingly put on the uniform and stand their post.
No matter, all of us are grateful for the safe return of Ryan and Bravo Battery.
This is an election year ... not that any of us needs to be reminded with all of the campaign garbage we are forced to endure daily.
Without getting into the "us vs them" part of the election rhetoric, I will simply say that I believe that it is time to look back at the virtues of isolationism. I know that we have a world-wide economy in this 21st century. We cannot cut ourselves off from the rest of the world, nor am I saying that we should.
I am saying that we need to have a new policy of "America and Americans First."
For decades America has been trying to be do the right thing, (sometimes even for the right reasons,) and help those who are less fortunate. All too often the recipients of our benevolence take what we have to give and then give us the finger as they walk away.
We have become the laughing stock of the world. We are, of course, much to blame for our plight. Unions, greed, laziness and downright arrogance on our part have put us where we are today.
This sense of entitlement that has a death grip on today's younger generation is endangering our way of life.
I hear loud cries of "we must take America back," from many folks who will be going to the polls in November. We cannot take America "back" until we stop giving everything we have to those in other parts of the world.
Our leaders need to get our troops out of Afghanistan and other theatres of conflict. If those people want to kill each other ... let them. If they want to chant "death to America," let them ... as long as they do it from a safe distance. That's right, we don't need them in our country. Yes, it is time to put the clamps on our borders.
As with any bully, not all countries get the concept of "If you leave us alone, we will leave you alone."
We need to maintain a strong military but we do not need to send troops to far away lands as sacrificial lambs. If a country commits an atrocity or an act of war, we respond quickly and decisively while putting the fewest number of Americans physically in harm's way as is possible — we have the technology.
America — and Americans, first! If we don't do it, no one else is going to do it for us.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Today (Saturday) is a wonderful day.
As many of you are reading this, my family and I are at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, meeting our son, Ryan, as he and his fellow soldiers from Bravo Battery return home from their year-long, or perhaps I should say "long year" deployment in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
As a parent of a United States Army soldier, I am so very proud of our son for serving his country. As a citizen of the United States of America, I am equally proud of each and every man and woman who wears the uniform of one of our armed services and stands ready to defend our freedom.
This was our son's first deployment. For many Bravo families this was the second or even third time that they held down the fort on the home front as their soldier went to a far-away land to protect those of us at home.
As our son returns home, I find myself asking if the year that he spent away from home, was worth it. Like soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of past generations, he made personal sacrifices during his tour. He got married days before shipping out. He did make it home for mid-tour leave just in time to attend the birth of his daughter, but had to leave again within a couple of days.
Granted, there are many who would argue that these sacrifices are not the same as those who were wounded or killed defending our country. By the same token, each and every man and woman who goes to war puts themselves in harm's way. Yet, they knowingly and willingly put on the uniform and stand their post.
No matter, all of us are grateful for the safe return of Ryan and Bravo Battery.
This is an election year ... not that any of us needs to be reminded with all of the campaign garbage we are forced to endure daily.
Without getting into the "us vs them" part of the election rhetoric, I will simply say that I believe that it is time to look back at the virtues of isolationism. I know that we have a world-wide economy in this 21st century. We cannot cut ourselves off from the rest of the world, nor am I saying that we should.
I am saying that we need to have a new policy of "America and Americans First."
For decades America has been trying to be do the right thing, (sometimes even for the right reasons,) and help those who are less fortunate. All too often the recipients of our benevolence take what we have to give and then give us the finger as they walk away.
We have become the laughing stock of the world. We are, of course, much to blame for our plight. Unions, greed, laziness and downright arrogance on our part have put us where we are today.
This sense of entitlement that has a death grip on today's younger generation is endangering our way of life.
I hear loud cries of "we must take America back," from many folks who will be going to the polls in November. We cannot take America "back" until we stop giving everything we have to those in other parts of the world.
Our leaders need to get our troops out of Afghanistan and other theatres of conflict. If those people want to kill each other ... let them. If they want to chant "death to America," let them ... as long as they do it from a safe distance. That's right, we don't need them in our country. Yes, it is time to put the clamps on our borders.
As with any bully, not all countries get the concept of "If you leave us alone, we will leave you alone."
We need to maintain a strong military but we do not need to send troops to far away lands as sacrificial lambs. If a country commits an atrocity or an act of war, we respond quickly and decisively while putting the fewest number of Americans physically in harm's way as is possible — we have the technology.
America — and Americans, first! If we don't do it, no one else is going to do it for us.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Local war hero deserving of new/accurate markers
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of (his) life above and beyond the call of duty.”
Those words describe the actions taken by those who are recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery and service that our country can bestow upon a deserving warrior.
When one thinks of a hero, he or she needs to look no farther than the 3458 men, and one woman, who have earned our nation’s highest award for bravery — above and beyond the call of duty.
We are blessed to be the hometown of one of those truly heroic individuals. Staff Sgt. William H. Pitsenbarger, a 1962 graduate of Piqua High School, grew up in Piqua.
After joining the Air Force, Pitsenbarger volunteered for service as a para-rescue specialist. For those unfamiliar, a pararescueman knowingly and willingly enters a combat situation where other soldiers have already been wounded, then knowingly and willingly enters the combat zone, putting his own life in danger in order to save others.
During the Vietnam war, Pitsenbarger and fellow para-rescue men, entered situations where American troops were under enemy fire, by being lowered into the chaos and danger from a helicopter hovering above the action.
Such was the case in April of 1966 when Pitsenbarger came to the aid of fallen soldiers engaged in a firefight near Saigon. After giving aide to the wounded, Pitsenbarger refused the opportunity to leave the battlefield and chose to stay to offer assistance to additional wounded.
The Piqua native was killed while offering that aide. His body was found after the battle, a rifle in one hand and a medical kit in the other.
Pitsenbarger was originally awarded the Air Force Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor in combat. In December of 2000, the Medal of Honor was bestowed upon the fallen hero.
What is puzzling to me, and some others in our city, is the lack of acknowledgement or at least accurate acknowledgement. Yes, we have a park named after him. The plaque in the park fails to recognize the highest tribute our country can give. Only the Ohio Historical Marker at the Veteran’s Memorial acknowledges that Pitsenbarger was awarded the Medal of Honor. Is this the best that we can do for him?
A total of 249 Medals of Honor were awarded during the entire span of the war in Vietnam. There have been only 253 Medals of Honor bestowed on Ohio servicemen in the 151 year history of the Medal, only 10 of those during the Vietnam War.
Why then, has one of our service groups or the city, not picked up the guidon and seen to it that one of Piqua’s — and our nation’s — greatest heroes is recognized and honored properly by the latest and most accurate information?
How large of a sacrifice would it be to see that one of Piqua’s own is duly recognized? What of the sacrifice paid by William Pitsenbarger … and his family?
Someone is bound to say that cost is a factor. What of the cost paid by Pitsenbarger?
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) I’m not one to quote Bible verses, but I can think of nothing more appropriate — or deserving.
Don’t we owe this to a man who gave everything for us?
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of (his) life above and beyond the call of duty.”
Those words describe the actions taken by those who are recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery and service that our country can bestow upon a deserving warrior.
When one thinks of a hero, he or she needs to look no farther than the 3458 men, and one woman, who have earned our nation’s highest award for bravery — above and beyond the call of duty.
We are blessed to be the hometown of one of those truly heroic individuals. Staff Sgt. William H. Pitsenbarger, a 1962 graduate of Piqua High School, grew up in Piqua.
After joining the Air Force, Pitsenbarger volunteered for service as a para-rescue specialist. For those unfamiliar, a pararescueman knowingly and willingly enters a combat situation where other soldiers have already been wounded, then knowingly and willingly enters the combat zone, putting his own life in danger in order to save others.
During the Vietnam war, Pitsenbarger and fellow para-rescue men, entered situations where American troops were under enemy fire, by being lowered into the chaos and danger from a helicopter hovering above the action.
Such was the case in April of 1966 when Pitsenbarger came to the aid of fallen soldiers engaged in a firefight near Saigon. After giving aide to the wounded, Pitsenbarger refused the opportunity to leave the battlefield and chose to stay to offer assistance to additional wounded.
The Piqua native was killed while offering that aide. His body was found after the battle, a rifle in one hand and a medical kit in the other.
Pitsenbarger was originally awarded the Air Force Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor in combat. In December of 2000, the Medal of Honor was bestowed upon the fallen hero.
What is puzzling to me, and some others in our city, is the lack of acknowledgement or at least accurate acknowledgement. Yes, we have a park named after him. The plaque in the park fails to recognize the highest tribute our country can give. Only the Ohio Historical Marker at the Veteran’s Memorial acknowledges that Pitsenbarger was awarded the Medal of Honor. Is this the best that we can do for him?
A total of 249 Medals of Honor were awarded during the entire span of the war in Vietnam. There have been only 253 Medals of Honor bestowed on Ohio servicemen in the 151 year history of the Medal, only 10 of those during the Vietnam War.
Why then, has one of our service groups or the city, not picked up the guidon and seen to it that one of Piqua’s — and our nation’s — greatest heroes is recognized and honored properly by the latest and most accurate information?
How large of a sacrifice would it be to see that one of Piqua’s own is duly recognized? What of the sacrifice paid by William Pitsenbarger … and his family?
Someone is bound to say that cost is a factor. What of the cost paid by Pitsenbarger?
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) I’m not one to quote Bible verses, but I can think of nothing more appropriate — or deserving.
Don’t we owe this to a man who gave everything for us?
Friday, August 31, 2012
Goodbye Neil Armstrong. You will be missed.
Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Those immortal words, and of course the feat that set the stage for those words, cemented a place in history for Ohio native Neil Armstrong.
Like most Americans, I followed every step of the Apollo 11 mission as Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins journeyed toward their destiny as the first humans to walk on the moon.
And, like most Americans, all of the members of the astronaut corps were my heroes. Equal in my eyes, especially as I grew older were the test pilots, many of whom joined the corps of astronauts, who put their lives on the line in order to test and perfect the machines that allowed us to become the first nation, and to date, the only nation, to put a human being on the surface of the moon, and more importantly, return him safely to earth.
Men like Chuck Yeager, Scott Crossfield and Joe Kittinger, to name but a few, who tested the machines as well as tens of thousands of men and women behind the scenes are the one who allowed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to turn that “small step” into “one giant leap.”
I must mention the “tens of thousands” because, as was repeated by all who spoke at the memorial service for him at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum this past week, that is exactly what Armstrong would tell anyone who asked. Landing a man on the moon was a team effort. He was just a member of the team.
I was privileged to have the opportunity to photograph and spend time with Armstrong on a number of occasions over the years, through my work as photographer for the National Aviation Hall of Fame, in which he was enshrined in 1979.
His reluctance to speak of his accomplishments and his wish for privacy has been well-documented. I will only say that the time that I spent with him was among the most memorable moments of my life.
He was always gracious and kind. I got to the point where I would apologize in advance before he made a public appearance and tell him that if he got tired of the camera, just say the word I would stop. Not one time did he ever say stop. He would put on that Neil Armstrong grin, then go out and greet hundreds and thousands of folks, to whom Armstrong was a hero above all others.
He regularly represented the National Aviation Hall of Fame at their annual enshrinement and at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, a joint venture for the hall of fame and Rolls-Royce. His kindness and generosity in proudly representing both organizations is just one more example of the type of man Armstrong was.
The mark left in our history books by Neil A. Armstrong, is just as indelible as that first footprint he left in the lunar surface.
In 2004, at the enshrinement ceremony for the National Aviation Hall of Fame, emcee Dennis Quaid asked me to photograph his son, Jack, who was 11 at the time, meeting Neil Armstrong, Quaid had asked me frequently throughout the afternoon to let him know when Armstrong arrived. As we walked over to greet Armstrong, Quaid told his son, “I want you to know that the man you are about to meet is just like getting to meet Christopher Columbus.”
No more accurate description of Armstrong’s place in modern history has ever been spoken.
It was a privilege to have known Armstrong and I can say that I am a better person for having known him, not because he was the first man to walk on the moon, but because he was Neil Armstrong, a kind and considerate human being.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Those immortal words, and of course the feat that set the stage for those words, cemented a place in history for Ohio native Neil Armstrong.
Like most Americans, I followed every step of the Apollo 11 mission as Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins journeyed toward their destiny as the first humans to walk on the moon.
And, like most Americans, all of the members of the astronaut corps were my heroes. Equal in my eyes, especially as I grew older were the test pilots, many of whom joined the corps of astronauts, who put their lives on the line in order to test and perfect the machines that allowed us to become the first nation, and to date, the only nation, to put a human being on the surface of the moon, and more importantly, return him safely to earth.
Men like Chuck Yeager, Scott Crossfield and Joe Kittinger, to name but a few, who tested the machines as well as tens of thousands of men and women behind the scenes are the one who allowed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to turn that “small step” into “one giant leap.”
I must mention the “tens of thousands” because, as was repeated by all who spoke at the memorial service for him at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum this past week, that is exactly what Armstrong would tell anyone who asked. Landing a man on the moon was a team effort. He was just a member of the team.
I was privileged to have the opportunity to photograph and spend time with Armstrong on a number of occasions over the years, through my work as photographer for the National Aviation Hall of Fame, in which he was enshrined in 1979.
His reluctance to speak of his accomplishments and his wish for privacy has been well-documented. I will only say that the time that I spent with him was among the most memorable moments of my life.
He was always gracious and kind. I got to the point where I would apologize in advance before he made a public appearance and tell him that if he got tired of the camera, just say the word I would stop. Not one time did he ever say stop. He would put on that Neil Armstrong grin, then go out and greet hundreds and thousands of folks, to whom Armstrong was a hero above all others.
He regularly represented the National Aviation Hall of Fame at their annual enshrinement and at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, a joint venture for the hall of fame and Rolls-Royce. His kindness and generosity in proudly representing both organizations is just one more example of the type of man Armstrong was.
The mark left in our history books by Neil A. Armstrong, is just as indelible as that first footprint he left in the lunar surface.
In 2004, at the enshrinement ceremony for the National Aviation Hall of Fame, emcee Dennis Quaid asked me to photograph his son, Jack, who was 11 at the time, meeting Neil Armstrong, Quaid had asked me frequently throughout the afternoon to let him know when Armstrong arrived. As we walked over to greet Armstrong, Quaid told his son, “I want you to know that the man you are about to meet is just like getting to meet Christopher Columbus.”
No more accurate description of Armstrong’s place in modern history has ever been spoken.
It was a privilege to have known Armstrong and I can say that I am a better person for having known him, not because he was the first man to walk on the moon, but because he was Neil Armstrong, a kind and considerate human being.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Jealousy and corruption determining factors in deciding fate of accused athletes
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Cheating and accusations of cheating have been around sports for as long as sports have been played.
Scandals have been around seemingly forever.
Two factors seem to be at play in the dirt-digging, mud-slinging chaos that follows each scandalous event. First, is the notoriety of the accused. Second, is the over-proliferation of news media and the tens-of-thousands of self-proclaimed "news" sources.
Can you imagine what would happen if the Chicago Black Sox scandal happened in the 21st century? The feeding frenzy by media and pseudo-media would probably cause Internet overload.
Granted, such incidents are indeed newsworthy. When one, or more, high-profile athletes are involved it makes the situation even more "exciting" for both the media and public.
It was announced this week that Lance Armstrong, one of the greatest athletes of our time, was to be stripped of his seven Tour De France titles after dropping his fight against "doping" charges made against him.
I will be the first to proclaim that cheating in sports should not be tolerated. I am not aware, though, of any proof that exists against Armstrong. Just lots of accusations.
It is said that "strong men breed strong enemies." I cannot help but wonder how many of Armstrong's accusers are people who somehow felt snubbed by him at one time. How many are just jealous of his success? If I remember correctly, the bulk of the initial accusations against him came from the French. I'm sorry but the French people and their government do not exactly have a strong track record for supporting anything American.
The bottom line is that Lance Armstrong did win seven, count them seven, Tour de France titles. Nothing can change that.
He has undoubtedly rubbed a number of people the wrong way over the years. Does that make him any less of a champion cyclist? I think not.
It is no different with Pete Rose, in-arguably one of the greatest men to ever put on a baseball uniform. Of all baseball records, Rose's accomplishments on the field remain the least likely to ever be surpassed. I believe that Cal Ripken's record for most consecutive games played is the only record less likely to be broken.
Rose's indiscretions regarding his gambling addiction are well-documented. Nothing that he did off the field can ever erase what the man did on the field. Nothing that anyone, baseball commissioner to baseball writer to president, can ever say, "well, that just did not happen."
Pete Rose is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame because too many people do not like him. Isn't that a pretty stupid reason to keep him out of Cooperstown?
The recent Ohio State football autographs and memorabilia for tattoos scandal is still fresh in everyone's mind.
What comes to mind with that, and also to a certain extent with most every scandal, is that the righteous accusers are often more corrupt than the accused. They just make the rules such that they are safe from retribution. They also have billions of dollars at their disposal with which they can bury anyone who dares to make waves.
The governing bodies for many of these sports organizations perform in a highly-questionable manner. Their ultimate objective ... money. If they must throw a player, a coach or an institution under the bus in order to insure cash flow, it is considered a small price to pay.
Unfortunately, I see those trends that have been seen in professional and, in particular, college sports for decades have filtered to the high school level. The almighty dollar has usurped sportsmanship and love of the game as the driving force behind our kids playing in high school sports.
Sports of all kinds are - a game. Pure and simple.
Maybe it is time to completely dismantle the governing organizations for sports, from high school to pros, and just start over.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Cheating and accusations of cheating have been around sports for as long as sports have been played.
Scandals have been around seemingly forever.
Two factors seem to be at play in the dirt-digging, mud-slinging chaos that follows each scandalous event. First, is the notoriety of the accused. Second, is the over-proliferation of news media and the tens-of-thousands of self-proclaimed "news" sources.
Can you imagine what would happen if the Chicago Black Sox scandal happened in the 21st century? The feeding frenzy by media and pseudo-media would probably cause Internet overload.
Granted, such incidents are indeed newsworthy. When one, or more, high-profile athletes are involved it makes the situation even more "exciting" for both the media and public.
It was announced this week that Lance Armstrong, one of the greatest athletes of our time, was to be stripped of his seven Tour De France titles after dropping his fight against "doping" charges made against him.
I will be the first to proclaim that cheating in sports should not be tolerated. I am not aware, though, of any proof that exists against Armstrong. Just lots of accusations.
It is said that "strong men breed strong enemies." I cannot help but wonder how many of Armstrong's accusers are people who somehow felt snubbed by him at one time. How many are just jealous of his success? If I remember correctly, the bulk of the initial accusations against him came from the French. I'm sorry but the French people and their government do not exactly have a strong track record for supporting anything American.
The bottom line is that Lance Armstrong did win seven, count them seven, Tour de France titles. Nothing can change that.
He has undoubtedly rubbed a number of people the wrong way over the years. Does that make him any less of a champion cyclist? I think not.
It is no different with Pete Rose, in-arguably one of the greatest men to ever put on a baseball uniform. Of all baseball records, Rose's accomplishments on the field remain the least likely to ever be surpassed. I believe that Cal Ripken's record for most consecutive games played is the only record less likely to be broken.
Rose's indiscretions regarding his gambling addiction are well-documented. Nothing that he did off the field can ever erase what the man did on the field. Nothing that anyone, baseball commissioner to baseball writer to president, can ever say, "well, that just did not happen."
Pete Rose is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame because too many people do not like him. Isn't that a pretty stupid reason to keep him out of Cooperstown?
The recent Ohio State football autographs and memorabilia for tattoos scandal is still fresh in everyone's mind.
What comes to mind with that, and also to a certain extent with most every scandal, is that the righteous accusers are often more corrupt than the accused. They just make the rules such that they are safe from retribution. They also have billions of dollars at their disposal with which they can bury anyone who dares to make waves.
The governing bodies for many of these sports organizations perform in a highly-questionable manner. Their ultimate objective ... money. If they must throw a player, a coach or an institution under the bus in order to insure cash flow, it is considered a small price to pay.
Unfortunately, I see those trends that have been seen in professional and, in particular, college sports for decades have filtered to the high school level. The almighty dollar has usurped sportsmanship and love of the game as the driving force behind our kids playing in high school sports.
Sports of all kinds are - a game. Pure and simple.
Maybe it is time to completely dismantle the governing organizations for sports, from high school to pros, and just start over.
Friday, August 17, 2012
As the 2012 GREAT Miami County Fair becomes a memory ...
Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
The 2012
edition of the Miami County Fair is in the books.
As we watched participants tear down,
pack and clean their respective spaces on Thursday there was the
familiar bittersweet feeling. On one hand, it was a relief that it
was ending, for fair week is for many of us, the longest week of the
year. On the other, there was a feeling of sadness. It is like
parting with a friend, knowing that an entire year may pass before
you see them again.
I doubt that anyone will disagree that
this year’s Miami County Fair could be one of the best ever based
on our weather. Moderate temperatures during day and cool nights made
this year’s fair comfortable for everyone from visitors to project
and show animals.
The weather certainly had a significant
impact on attendance.
Perhaps the most talked-about event at
this year’s fair was the Pig & Calf Scramble.
The event is a much anticipated one at
other fairs and it was eagerly awaited here. About 1600 people packed
the grandstand to watch the event.
In these days of Nintendo, Wii and
computer games, it was refreshing to watch kids of all ages, (and any
of you who watched the adult division of the calf scramble, know what
I mean by “kids” of all ages,) take part in a fun physical
activity.
Much fun was had by all. The animals
were probably happy when the chasing stopped. Some of the human
participants wore bruises and abrasions as trophies following the
event but everyone came away safe and happy.
It is also great to see our local 4-H
Clubs going so strong. As a former 4-H member, (the Staunton Hustlers
with advisors Bill and Mary Ann Cusac,) it means a lot to me when I
see our youngsters involved in a 4-H project of any sort. The
resulting lessons in responsibility and accountability for their
projects, as well as the interaction with fellow 4-H Club members and
adults as they present their projects for judging are among the best
life lessons they can get.
A 4-H project also promotes family time
and family values. Very few projects are solely that of the member. I
can remember my dad keeping a watchful eye on my projects and I see
the same thing today. A 4-H project for one becomes a family interest
for all.
As I traveled the fairgrounds this past
week with my good friend Laura Sutherly, webmaster for the Miami
County Fair board and a very fine photographer, as well, I was
impressed by not only the crowds and the fair patrons enjoying
themselves, but also by how smoothly things ran.
Many of us take it for granted when we
attend the fair but every portion of the fair requires planning and
hard work to make it go. We are blessed in Miami County to have fair
board members who give up much of their free time to see that the
fair is safe and enjoyable for all.
They are supported by Junior Fair Board
members, most of them area high school students, who rather than
spend hours out of school going to parties, plan and work to make the
Miami County Fair a success.
I would like to thank all of the fair
board and junior fair board members and the many other volunteers for
their efforts in making the Miami County Fair … the GREAT Miami
County Fair.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Cheerleaders and others work just as hard as football players
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
The "dog days" of summer are here. As difficult as it is to believe, we are just a few short weeks away from the start of another school year.
Already hard at work are many area student athletes. Many have been working all summer but schools began their first official practices during this past week.
Many of us have already seen, and read, about the obvious. Football players from around the area have donned their pads and are ready for some honest contact to augment the sweat.
What many of us don't realize, or at least acknowledge, is that while football is undoubtedly king, there are hundreds of other kids out there working every bit as hard to get ready for their chosen sport.
Soccer players of all ages are working their tails off under the hot August sun to ready themselves for their own fall campaign. The Piqua boys soccer team has already seen a measure of success this season by winning a tournament in Urbana last weekend.
Possible some of the most overlooked athletes working to perfect their skills as the fall season approaches are our school cheerleaders.
Like most people, I have pretty much always seen cheerleaders as a fun group who cheer for the "real" athletes during a game. I saw them largely as a social group.
Over the past year or so, I have become acquainted with a number of our local cheerleaders and their parents. This has really opened my eyes. Possibly it has always been this way. Possibly it is because cheerleading has been rapidly evolving, maybe faster than other sports.
From my perspective, cheerleading has all but ceased as a rah-rah-stand-on-the-sideline group of young ladies.
I now see our cheerleading squad as a group of dedicated young athletes. Yes, athletes. The moves and the athleticism necessary to accomplish some of the cheer routines are extremely difficult.
I have also seen the pain and injuries that these young ladies suffer ... and fight their way through, as they continue to practice with all of the same grit and determination as their football counterparts.
The tumbling routines which are becoming a staple to most cheer squads add even greater physical demands.
The same can be said of our marching band members. It may seem like something that is not terribly difficult to anyone who has not tried, but the skill and concentration necessary to march a routine on a football field, stay in step, in line, (in multiple directions simultaneously,) hitting your exact marks on the field even though you cannot look down to see, while at the same time playing a musical arrangement that is, by itself, difficult if you were sitting in a chair, is a daunting task.
These young musicians put in just as many hours in the hot sun as any other athlete. For a number of weeks during the football season, they will march their show for fans on Friday night, get home after midnight, only to pack up and leave early on Saturday morning in order to compete in a marching band competition.
Many of these youngsters have the same goals as their fellow athletes - to become good enough at their chosen sport to secure a college scholarship.
Hard work and dedication to a sport that one is passionate about does not stop with football, basketball or soccer players. It includes all athletes in all sports.
Maybe an old fogey like me really does learn new things, or at least just learns to appreciate the hard work that is going on in front of my eyes.
As we approach the start of a new season of fall sports, I encourage everyone to support our student athletes, every one of them, in every sport. Think back to how much it meant to you, when you were in school, to have not only your parents in the stands, but members of the community cheering for your team.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
The "dog days" of summer are here. As difficult as it is to believe, we are just a few short weeks away from the start of another school year.
Already hard at work are many area student athletes. Many have been working all summer but schools began their first official practices during this past week.
Many of us have already seen, and read, about the obvious. Football players from around the area have donned their pads and are ready for some honest contact to augment the sweat.
What many of us don't realize, or at least acknowledge, is that while football is undoubtedly king, there are hundreds of other kids out there working every bit as hard to get ready for their chosen sport.
Soccer players of all ages are working their tails off under the hot August sun to ready themselves for their own fall campaign. The Piqua boys soccer team has already seen a measure of success this season by winning a tournament in Urbana last weekend.
Possible some of the most overlooked athletes working to perfect their skills as the fall season approaches are our school cheerleaders.
Like most people, I have pretty much always seen cheerleaders as a fun group who cheer for the "real" athletes during a game. I saw them largely as a social group.
Over the past year or so, I have become acquainted with a number of our local cheerleaders and their parents. This has really opened my eyes. Possibly it has always been this way. Possibly it is because cheerleading has been rapidly evolving, maybe faster than other sports.
From my perspective, cheerleading has all but ceased as a rah-rah-stand-on-the-sideline group of young ladies.
I now see our cheerleading squad as a group of dedicated young athletes. Yes, athletes. The moves and the athleticism necessary to accomplish some of the cheer routines are extremely difficult.
I have also seen the pain and injuries that these young ladies suffer ... and fight their way through, as they continue to practice with all of the same grit and determination as their football counterparts.
The tumbling routines which are becoming a staple to most cheer squads add even greater physical demands.
The same can be said of our marching band members. It may seem like something that is not terribly difficult to anyone who has not tried, but the skill and concentration necessary to march a routine on a football field, stay in step, in line, (in multiple directions simultaneously,) hitting your exact marks on the field even though you cannot look down to see, while at the same time playing a musical arrangement that is, by itself, difficult if you were sitting in a chair, is a daunting task.
These young musicians put in just as many hours in the hot sun as any other athlete. For a number of weeks during the football season, they will march their show for fans on Friday night, get home after midnight, only to pack up and leave early on Saturday morning in order to compete in a marching band competition.
Many of these youngsters have the same goals as their fellow athletes - to become good enough at their chosen sport to secure a college scholarship.
Hard work and dedication to a sport that one is passionate about does not stop with football, basketball or soccer players. It includes all athletes in all sports.
Maybe an old fogey like me really does learn new things, or at least just learns to appreciate the hard work that is going on in front of my eyes.
As we approach the start of a new season of fall sports, I encourage everyone to support our student athletes, every one of them, in every sport. Think back to how much it meant to you, when you were in school, to have not only your parents in the stands, but members of the community cheering for your team.
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