February 2018


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


Portsmouth Rotary Club Honors Four First Responders


FROM PAGE 1


The Hampton Roads Messenger 15 Hampton University


“All I had were two small suitcases and a foot locker, but in those bags were the ‘hopes and dreams’ of generations of people on both sides of my family, and in my community, who never had the opportunity to pursue a college education.”


Williams also used his remarks


Dr. Christine Darden, Presidential Citizenship Award recipient


that


the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, as it was known, offered an education for the “head, the heart and the hand.”


Not making one to be controversial decisions,


shy about in


1878, Armstrong opened the doors of Hampton for the education of another oppressed people — Native Americans.


To explain


The Portsmouth Rotary Club recently honored four city first responders in an annual ceremony held at Roger Brown’s restaurant. Their respective departments selected them for their honors. They are, from left-to-right, Police Officer Alan Thompson, Firefighter Ryan Gray, Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Bock and Corrections Officer Marcus O’Neil from the Hampton Roads Regional Jail. This was the 17th year the Portsmouth Rotary participated in this program. Photo by Steve Milner


BY STEVE MILNER Te Portsmouth Rotary Club


recently honored four first responders in its 17th annual observance at a luncheon held at a local restaurant.


Tose honored included


Corrections Officer Marcus O’Neil from the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, Police Officer Alan Tompson, Firefighter Lieutenant Ryan Gray and Firefighter- Paramedic Brian Bock. In showing their appreciation to these public servants, several local businesses contributed giſts to them.


election


Due to the timeline and recent of


a new Portsmouth


sheriff, no honoree represented that department. But newly elected


Sheriff Michael Moore, who attended this event, said his department will participate


in this program in the


future. In addition to these honorees and


their guests, top management from each of their city departments attended this luncheon, including Portsmouth Mayor John Rowe.


“We’re always pleased to present


our annual awards program and honor these representative heroes,” said Tony Goodwin, Portsmouth Rotary Club president. He also acknowledged all of the city’s first responders who protect the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


Post Holiday Cheer Armstrong’s


motivations, Williams read from a Civil War-era letter Armstrong wrote to his mother while he commanded black troops. “It is no sacrifice for me to be here; it is rather a glorious opportunity,”


Armstrong wrote. “I


have felt, and do feel, like a very apostle of human liberty striking the deadliest possible blow at oppression; and what duty is more glorious than that?”


During his remarks, Williams


referred to the hopes and dreams of generations of Americans who had received an education at Hampton, a theme that resonated through his own story.


“For me, it started in 1979 in West


Palm Beach, Florida, when my family placed me on an Amtrak train bound for Hampton Institute,” Williams said.


to recognize the 40th anniversary of the longest-serving president of Hampton University in its history, President William Harvey.


Williams said of Harvey, “What


a leader and visionary he has been, masterfully guiding the university through


unprecedented growth


and improvement in its academics, facilities, finances and student experience.”


Under Harvey’s watch, the school has implemented 92 new academic programs, erected 28 new buildings and increased the school’s endowment from $29 million $280 million.


to


To conclude, Williams credited Hampton University for serving as the door of opportunity for his future success.


To the mostly student audience,


Williams said, “My advice on this 150th anniversary of Founder’s Day is to stay true to Gen. Armstrong’s vision and spread the benefit of your education to others. Be a teacher, be a mentor, reach back and pull others along. Be a nurturer of hopes and dreams. And remember, the standard remains excellence — you can do anything!”


Williams is one of 14 Hampton


University alumni who have attained general or flag officer rank in the armed forces.


Members of the Hampton-Newport News Chapter of CHUMS, INC. donated baskets of toiletries, blankets, and other personal items to the residents of the Coliseum Convalescent Rehabilitation Center, Hampton, in December. Pictured left to right are Charlene Craig, Assistant Activity Director, Chum Jean Braxton, and Deborah Perry-Adams, Activity Director.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16