” Donovan Vogler JROTC” was the short text message that I received from Marion Harris during the just completed Chorus trip to New York City. I had reached out to Marion because Chris Manley had mentioned that one of his Raiders was missing when we took our photo 📸 of the cadets a few days ago.

I would love to be more precise about when we took the photo (I think it was Thursday), but the last few days have been a blur.

Our Mr Manley is just two weeks away from taking his hard-working soldiers back to Nationals ! Next stop ✋️is Fort Knox, Kentucky, for our Raiders of JROTC
https://aroundthevalleyin60days.blog/2026/04/02/our-mr-manley-is-just-two-weeks-away-from-taking-his-hard-working-soldiers-back-to-nationals-next-stop-%e2%9c%8b%ef%b8%8fis-fort-knox-kentucky-for-our-raiders-of-jrotc/

Original story link above.

Marion took the time to track down the information during their trip to the Big Apple 🍎 because he knew it mattered to me for the story. Mr Manley spoke very highly of the young man 👨and if he is dedicated enough to split time between Patricia Lineberry and JROTC, he is clearly talented !

We arrived home late last night after announcing a doubleheader up in Beckley, West Virginia. The idea 💡 of waking up at the Crack of dawn was anything but appealing to put it mildly, yet it is Easter.

Thanks to the direction of Mr Bo Goins back when we first arrived here, I have spent the past six Easters by attending the Sunrise 🌅 Service conducted by Pastor Stephen Puckett here in Laurel Fork, Virginia.

Stephen and I are connected in so many ways, but the main two are ministry and Carroll County Schools. Brother Puckett has one monumental advantage in his world 🌎 because he has a very clear title on both ends. When folks see 👀 him, they aren’t wondering who he is or why is he there ?

The ” Minister of Kindness ” could be a moniker for my efforts with OneofUs.Care. Things get a little bit trickier on the school side of things, though, and it varies depending upon which of the three seasons we are in at the time.

After the message this morning, Lin and I were sitting next to Stephen’s father, who is still very much a character and across from a young lady that we will call Chase’s Mom.

We were having a meal that had been prepared by many people and made with love. The conversation switched ⚙️s when Mr Puckett mentioned to the young lady about her son that is now old enough to drive. It turns out that the same young man 👨 is also in JROTC.

God had opened 🙏 up a window 🪟 and while tired, I immediately thought back to stopping what I was doing the other day long enough to create a post for Mr Manley and his group. Getting to share the story and the photo with Mom was a blessing 🙌 and it turned out Grandma and Grandpa were nearby.

For the next 5 to 10 minutes, life was as uplifting as can be. It’s Easter, and you’re in a church ⛪️ with an opportunity to share your thought process about the manner in which you’re trying to serve God.

The Vickey Ritchie portion of this story is that our Angel 😇 on Earth will be making sure that every one of our Special Olympics Athletes has an Easter experience. A combination of Easter Egg 🥚 hunt and Basketball 🏀 practice is slated for this afternoon.

Per the norm, Vickey won’t know how many will attend until they walk through the door. Yet, somehow, Coach will adjust to the numbers and make sure everyone leaves feeling included !

A nap and then a trip to assist an Angel in her efforts and then another nap after the second half of South Carolina and UCLA.

It’s Easter, and my cup 🥤is overflowing!