USMC Vietnam Veteran Bert Watkins on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Update: Audio of Bert Watkins' Interview can be found here.
                Photos from Living Your Best Life can be found on Facebook



Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and individuals who lead by example. With acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

On Saturday, November 10, 2012 join us as we celebrate the United States Marine Corps 237th Birthday and show honor to our veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Tune in as we honor the patriotism, service, and sacrifice of men and women who have serve in our armed forces around the world. Listen as we hear from Marine Veteran Bert Watkins who fought in the Operation Swift during the Vietnam War. Hear his first hand account of one of the most hard fought battles during the war. He will also share why the importance of supporting our veterans and active duty military. He will give sage advice to current military families and to the growing Veteran community as he share from chapters of his decorated career.

Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More about Bert Watkins

Master Sargent Bert N. Watkins ⁽USMC RET.)

During his career^, he served at Camp Lejeune and Viet Nam. After his active tour of duty, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves where he retired from in 1992. During his militray career, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal w/v; the purple Heart' Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, President Unit Citation, Viet Nam Service Medal with 2 Stars, and the Viet Nam Campaign Medal w/Device. He is the married to Edwina Watkins and the father of four children. He is serves as an Elder at Living Word Church in Goodlettsville, TN. Tim and Sonyo Slaton are the Pastors.

Operation Swift: September 4-15, 1967

Operation Swift was a military operation that took place in the Vietnam War. The mission, involving forces of the 1st Marine Division, was carried out to rescue two Marine companies which had been previously ambushed by the North Vietnamese Army. Launched on September 4, 1967 the ensuing battles killed 127 Americans and an estimated 600 North Vietnamese. Despite their withdrawal after having suffered much higher losses, the NVA had accomplished their objective of inflicting remarkable American casualties.

Sweep operations were then initiated to shield the local populace from intimidation during upcoming elections. Operation Swift, intended to be the fourth and the last of the 1967 operations in the Que Son Valley, began unofficially the morning of September 4 when Delta Company, 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5) was attacked before dawn by a superior PAVN force while setup in a night-time defensive perimeter next to the village of Dong Son.

The local Battalion Commander was Lt.Colonel Peter Hilgartener who sent 1/5's Bravo Company to Delta’s relief, which was all he had at the time. With Bravo and Delta companies heavily engaged, Mike and Kilo companies from the adjacent 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5) were sent to relieve them. Ambushed and aggressively attacked, these two companies were also pinned down in separate enclaves by the early afternoon. During the fighting Sergeant Lawrence Peters earned a posthumous Medal of Honor for leading his men in repulsing repeated attempts to overrun his position. Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Vincent Capodanno was also awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor for his efforts in pulling wounded men to safety in face of overwhelming enemy fire. Sergeant Thomas C. Panian was also awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for organizing the defense of India Company, 3 Bn/5 Marines; and holding off subsequent attacks over 8 hours of combat.
Marine artillery fire and Marine jet fighter-bombers prevented the Marine infantry companies from being overrun. A Marine A-6 silenced an anti-aircraft gun emplacement, allowing more air support against PAVN positions, and a fresh Marine company launched a dawn counterattack September 5. This pressed the PAVN into breaking contact. With all engaged companies now relieved Colonel Stanley Davis, commanding the 5th Marines, ordered 1/5 and 3/5 to pursue the withdrawing PAVN. This officially began Operation Swift.

In the early afternoon of September 6 two battalions of the NLF 1st Regiment attacked Bravo company, the lead company of the 1st Battalion. Bravo 1/5 was isolated and nearly overrun but held when Marine artillery rained tear gas around their position. Sergeant Rodney M. Davis, Platoon Guide of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, purposely absorbed the force of an NVA grenade to protect the lives of other Marines during that fight. Sergeant Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for this action.

The nearby 3rd Battalion was also heavily engaged a few hours later. India Company, dispatched to attack a hill held by the enemy, was isolated and nearly overrun by the NLF 1st Regiment's previously uncommitted 3rd Battalion. Kilo Company fought through the NLF and relieved India but the two companies were then found to have too many casualties to move. Two determined night assaults by the NLF were repulsed, and Mike Company eventually fought through against weakening opposition as the NLF withdrew.

As the enemy withdrew, the Marine battalions continued to press them in a series of bitter engagements. By September 15, the PAVN 2nd Division and NLF 1st Regiment had largely given up contesting the southern half of the Que Son Valley. The area remained quiet from then until the Marines turned all of southern I Corps over to the U.S. Army at the beginning of 1968. U.S. intelligence agencies later determined that the two enemy regiments that had been most active during Operation Swift were subsequently unfit for combat.

As Operation Swift concluded large U.S. Army units arrived in southern I Corps, allowing the 1st Marine Division to base a substantial force in the Que Son Valley on a permanent basis.

 ^{More About the United States Marine Corps}

The history of the United States Marine Corps began with the founding of the Continental Marines on 10 November 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with changing military doctrine and foreign policy of the United States. Owing to the availability of Marine forces at sea, the United States Marine Corps has served in nearly every conflict in United States history. It attained prominence when its theories and practice of amphibious warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a cornerstone of the Pacific Theater of World War II. By the early 20th century, the Marine Corps would become one of the dominant theorists and practitioners of amphibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises has made and continues to make it an important tool for American foreign policy.

^{United States Marine Corps 237th Birthday: Origins and Traditions}
 

Prior to 1921, Marines celebrated the recreation of the Corps on 11 July with little pomp or pagentry.^[ On 21 October 1921, Major Edwin North McClellan, in charge the Corps's fledgling historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting the Marines’ original birthday of 10 November be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Lejeune so ordered in Marine Corps Order 47:

MARINE CORPS ORDERS No. 47 (Series 1921) HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS Washington, November 1, 1921 759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt. On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history. The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security. In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue. This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps. JOHN A. LEJEUNE, Major General Commandant

The first formal ball was celebrated in 1925, though no records exist that indicate the proceedings of that event. Birthday celebrations would take varied forms, most included dances, though some accounts include mock battles, musical performances, pageants, and sporting events.


The celebrations were formalized and standardized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. in 1952, outlining the cake cutting ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The celebration also includes a reading of Marine Corps Order 47, republished every year, as well as a message from the current Commandant, and often includes a banquet and dancing if possible. In many cases, the birthday celebration will also include a pageant of current and historical Marine Corps uniforms, as a reminder of the history of the Corps. Marines are reputed to celebrate the birthday, regardless of where they may be in the world, even in austere environments or combat.


Photo Credits: Genma Holmes and Bert Watkins


^{History: USMC and Wikipedia}

The Nashville Scene is Walking Around Naked in a Glass House

The Nashville Scene made the selection of the first African American to the Belle Meade Country Club breaking news on its Pith Blog yesterday. For sometime now,  The Nashville Scene has reported on the lily white makeup of the club so the first person of color joining Belle Meade Country Club is probably breaking news for some of its readers.

The Scene and its commentators have debated in depth the merits of David Ewing, Darrell freeman and others becoming members, or not, of the exclusive club located in West Nashville. What I find more interesting is the lily white makeup of the media outlet that is reporting on the lily white complexion of a social club. I also find it ironic the number of events around town that are sponsored by The Scene and NFocus that caters to the constituents of Belle Meade Country Club. Now compare that to the number of events that have a more diverse, modest income crowds that are not sponsored. Hmm.

There is no beef, just noticing that The Nashville Scene is throwing rocks while walking around naked in a glass house.

Six Reasons to Stay in Line No Matter How Long it Takes to Vote

Today is election day, November 6, 2012. Two years of campaigning and 2 billion dollars worth of ads that have driven us to brink of insanity will come to an end tonight. Hopefully. No matter who you are voting for, the lines are expected to be long today.

Acts of God, Hurricane Sandy, have disrupted the North East. Acts of the devil, Governor Rick Scott, are reeking havoc in the state of Florida. Not to leave out the voting machine rumors running amok. All of this is enough for you to wonder why are you willing to stand in predicted long lines for hours. Is it worth it? Yes, it is!

Come hell or high water, here are 6 reason why you should stay in line today to vote:

6. At one point, women could not vote. We can now. In droves. Do not get out of line when you could not get in line until 1920.

5. Blacks could not vote until 1965. Do not get out of line when you could not get in line until 1965.

4. Many naturalized citizens and their families come from countries where they could not vote.

3. Who you vote for is your business. But having reasonable choices is what makes the United States a democracy. Dictators do not give you choices. Countries who have dictators do not let you get in line. Unless you are in front of a firing squad.

2. Choosing to get out of line or not vote, gives us elected and appointed officials who do not have an understanding of the U.S. Constitution that they claimed to be cloaked in. You have a right to vote today, so we all can work together to help strengthen the laws they are working to demolish. That should concern everyone no matter what your affiliation.

1. Lastly, my grandfather stayed in line for me. And you. He lived to help others have the right to vote. No matter who they were and who they voted for, he believed strongly in human rights. I do too.

Ten Tips For Surviving Long Lines on Election Day 2012

Today is the last official day of the 2012 election cycle. There are many who are predicting November 6, 2012 ballot counts will last another two months, a  Bush-Gore trip to the Supreme Court revisited. Many pundits and pollsters are predicting long lines in states where voters are fighting the elements, agenda driven officials, broken voting equipment, and software with glitches. While pundits duke it out on how you will vote or what will stop you from casting your vote, here are 10 tips to help you make it through a day that maybe eventful and, possibly, very long.

10. Your identification. Do not leave home without proper id. It has been preached relentlessly.

9. Know polling address. A call to your local election commission office or a quick  stroll around the Internet can help find where to vote. If your polling place have been displaced because of Sandy, information on where to vote can be found here.

8. Don't forget your medication. If you take medicine at regular intervals, take your meds with you, especially if you are taking medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes. The stress and strain of a election day can spike your blood pressure. 

7. Water.

6. Light snacks. A hungry person gets angry quicker. A few snacks can help take off the edge.

5. Small folding chair. If the wait time will be for hours, standing for long periods can take its toll, especially on the elderly. A small chair can bring respite.

4. Dress for the weather. If you will be in adverse weather, dress appropriately. Rain coats, umbrellas, blankets, and comfortable shoes are essential keys to surviving a long day in line waiting to vote. Check the forecast for your area here.

3. Extra cell phone batteries. Keeping tabs on family and friends while in line can pass the time faster. Cell phones are also for documenting on the spot confusion at the polls. Tweet pics to me at @bugsact. Also, use your cell to report voting improprieties or trickery at 1-866-My-VOTE-1.

2. A journal, a book, or homework. Nothing like capturing your thoughts, catch up on reading (Warmth of Other Suns) or finish paperwork for home, business, grading papers.

1. A great attitude. With all our problems, Americans have freedoms that many do not have around the world. Reflecting on our freedoms can be worth the wait!

Photo credit: Associated Records

Acceptable Forms of ID for Tennessee Voters

It is 5:00AM on November 5, 2012. I am typing this post with nightmarish visions of voters in long lines that will be seared in the minds of many for eternity if the early voting lines are any indication. With the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, elected and appointed voting officials who were hell bounded and determined to inject Gremlin like antics into the early voting process, and a mire of  legal and civil rights issues that will have us in courts counting ballots for the next four years, Tuesday promises to be an election day like no other. To lessen frustrations that maybe encountered for Tennesseans who did not vote early, below are the acceptable forms of identifications that can be presented on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Any of the following IDs may be used, even if expired:

• Tennessee drivers license with your photo
• United States Passport
• Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
• Photo ID issued by the federal or any state government
• United States Military photo ID
• State-issued handgun carry permit with your photo
• In Memphis, TN, your library card may be used as ID.

 College student IDs and photo IDs not issued by the federal or a state government are NOT acceptable.

Voting in every election should be of the utmost importance to all Americans. Exercise that right. At one point in our country's history, not everyone could vote. It was against the law. Let's embrace how far we have come and never grow weary of fighting to keep all US citizens' rights to vote at the forefront.

For a copy of Davidson County's Tuesday ballot, click here.

Photos: Genma Holmes

Dr. Sheron Patterson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

We will hear from individuals who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods for real world life lessons and to serve others. Listen to young men and women who are energized to help make a differences in their communities and regions by challenging status quo and shattering glass ceilings.

Dr. Sheron C. Patterson

On Saturday, November 3, 2012 tune in to hear Dr. Sheron Patterson.  Dr.Patterson, a breast cancer survivor, will share from latest book, Blessings and Bling: How Faith and Fashion Helped Me Survive Breast Cancer. Blessings and Bling chronicles how Patterson used her deep faith and her love of fashion to help her survive breast cancer. Dr. Patterson will also share how she did not allow a cancer diagnoses discourage her from giving back to her community. She turned despair into determination to fight as she fought for survivor and helped others. She will share about mobilizing other breast cancer survivors to build two Habitat for Humanity houses. The money raised from the build was used to provide funds for mammograms for women in need.

The author of numerous books, Dr. Patterson has been featured in Ebony, JET, Essence magazines, and on CNN and BET. Locally, she is the relationship expert on Good Morning Texas, on Dallas’ ABC affiliate WFAA. Dr. Patterson is a veteran journalist who has hosted local and nationally syndicated radio and television programs.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

Excerpt from Book:

“Faith and fashion will not keep you from the challenges of breast cancer. I am not writing naïve, fairy tales that will lull you into the false-hoods that your health journey will be trouble free because of your relationship with Jesus or the latest pair of jeans. Reading this book will not guarantee that you will outlive the cancer in your body Your hair may fall out due to the chemo-therapy. The radiation treatments may burn your skin. Your cancer surgery site may become infected and require additional work. The stress and strain of the cancer may chase away family and friends…. I will help you make lemonade from your lemons; make Kool-Aid out of your cancer, and popsicles out of your problems. I am not trying to minimize the severity of your situation” Faith and Fashion are an amazing combination--Blessings and Bling

More About Dr. Sheron Patterson

 Dr. Sheron C. Patterson is a survivor and philanthropist who helps others survive and even thrive on an international basis. In 2006, Dr. Patterson was diagnosed with breast cancer. She turned what could have been a tragedy into a triumph and took the public with her every step through a radio, print and television education/inspiration campaign that helped others face their health issues head on called The Patterson Pledge. She launched Breast Cancer Builds, a program that brings survivors of breast cancer together to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Once Dr. Patterson learned of the disparities in the health care system, she reached out to low income women through a partnership with two Dallas hospitals and provided not only mammograms, but breast health information as well. This project called was Mammograms for the Masses. Dr. Patterson hosted international delegations of breast cancer survivors for informational and inspirational visits in collaboration with the U.S. State Department.

To celebrate surviving breast cancer five years, Dr. Patterson launched two philanthropic projects. In connection with Methodist Health System, she launched A Year of Living and Giving, a fund raising campaign seeking $200,000 to help 1,000 low income women receive free mammograms. Dr. Patterson also penned her survivor testimony in her newest book, Blessings and Bling: How Faith and Fashion Helped Me Survive Breast Cancer. A portion of these proceeds also help low income women receive free mammograms.

Currently, Dr. Patterson is the Communications Officer for the North Texas Region of The United Methodist Church. In this role, she edits a newspaper, directs a website, hosts the video newscast, coordinates social media outreach, and handles all public relations, advertising and marketing. She is active in the Dallas community and serves on numerous boards such as the Board of Trustees of Southern Methodist University and the Board of Directors of Methodist Health System.

A sought after speaker, she has spoken nationally and internationally at events such as “Women Thou Art Loosed” conference with Bishop T. D. Jakes and in Liberia, West Africa. For the past twenty years, she has served as an itinerate elder in The United Methodist Church and has been appointed as senior pastor to four United Methodist churches in Dallas, Texas (Crest-Moore King, Jubilee, St. Paul, and Highland Hills.) She holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman to be ordained in the North Texas region of The United Methodist Church. These extraordinary accomplishments landed Dr. Patterson a place of honor in the National Women’s Museum.

Dr. Patterson holds an undergraduate degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, two Masters Degrees, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dr. Patterson is married to Robert Patterson, Sr. They have two sons, Robert Jr., and Christian.

Bayonets and Horses Society Announces First Time Political Endorsement

After much debate between members, the Bayonets and Horses Society endorsed a Presidential Candidate for the first time in the organization's history. Bayonets and horses have long been used in wars dating back to 16th century.

A bayonet (from French baïonnette) is a knife, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit in, on, over or underneath the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar weapon, effectively turning the gun into a spear. In this regard, it is an ancillary close-quarter combat or last-resort weapon.

However, knife-shaped bayonets—when not fixed to a gun barrel—have long been utilized by soldiers in the field as general purpose cutting implements. The bayonet has become a symbol of military power. The term "at the point of a bayonet" refers to using military force or action to accomplish, maintain, or defend something (cf. Bayonet Constitution). Undertaking a task 'with fixed bayonets' has this connotation of no room for compromise and is a phrase used particularly in politics.*

The first use of horses in warfare occurred over 5,000 years ago. The earliest evidence of horses ridden in warfare dates from Eurasia between 4000 and 3000 BC. A Sumerian illustration of warfare from 2500 BC depicts some type of equine pulling wagons. By 1600 BC, improved harness and chariot designs made chariot warfare common throughout the Ancient Near East, and the earliest written training manual for war horses was a guide for training chariot horses written about 1350 BC. As formal cavalry tactics replaced the chariot, so did new training methods, and by 360 BC, the Greek cavalry officer Xenophon had written an extensive treatise on horsemanship. The effectiveness of horses in battle was also revolutionized by improvements in technology, including the invention of the saddle, the stirrup, and later, the horse collar.*

The Bayonets and Horses Society exists to educate world leaders on the importance of staying up to date on modern military equipment used during war and teaching the history of past military wars failures and accomplishments.

Credits:  *www.wikipedia.org
Graphics: Rhealistic Branding

Crissy Haslam and Ephie Ballard Johnson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business is done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.

On Saturday, October 27, 2012, tune in to hear Tennessee's First Lady, Crissy Haslam, and Memphis Song Bird, Ephie Ballard Johnson, discuss First Ladies for Healthy Babies. First Ladies For Healthy Babies is an initiative that was launched with members of the faith-based community in Memphis in support of the Operation Smart Child program in June of 2011.

Operation Smart Child is a family outreach and education initiative of the Neighborhood Christian Centers, in partnership with The Urban Child Institute in Memphis. It is designed to impact the mental, social, economic, and spiritual lives of children through early brain development strategies and interventions. Since the Memphis launch last year, Crissy Haslam has kicked off Nashville's First Ladies for Healthy Babies in April and will lauch the Knoxville area's event on November 8, 2012.

Crissy Haslam and Ephie Johnson will share what inspired them to address the needs of the youngest Tennesseans while emphasizing the important role that parents play as their child’s first teacher. Both leading ladies will also shares how families can help eliminate healthcare and educational disparities in the Volunteer State, like reading twenty minutes a day to a child.

Living Your Best Life can be heard  on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, streaming live online at UStream.TV and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10am CST. Crissy Haslam's interview was originally aired on XM's HBCU Channel on WTST.

More About Crissy Haslam

Born in Houston, Texas, Crissy Haslam moved with her family to Memphis, Tennessee when she was eight years old. She attended St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis and continued on to Emory University for college, where she served as the Vice-President of the Business School Council. Crissy graduated from Emory in 1980 with a double major in Finance and Marketing in the College of Business.

Crissy married Bill Haslam and moved to Knoxville in 1981. While working as the assistant director of admissions for UT-Knoxville, she received a Master of Science degree in Education in the program of College Student Personnel.

She has served on numerous civic and community boards, and currently serves as chair of the Tennessee Executive Residence Foundation.

Crissy and Bill have 3 grown children.

As First Lady of Tennessee, Crissy has introduced a three-part initiative that focuses on the interplay between family engagement and literacy improvement in Tennessee. She has been traveling the state to stress the importance of parents as first teachers, parents as education partners, and also to raise awareness for the exponential value of reading on grade level by the 3rd grade.

Crissy Haslam's social media sites are: Twitter , Facebook, YouTube, and Website.

More About Ephie Ballard Johnson 

Ephie Johnson, president and CEO of the Neighborhood Christian Centers, was born in Memphis just six days after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed. Although born during a troubling time, Johnson believes that Memphis is filled with potential and has spent her life working with those less fortunate than herself.

She considers her parents, Dr. JoeAnn and the late Monroe Ballard, to be extraordinary role models when it comes to giving back.

"All my life," she said, "I've known giving through my parents' eyes."
As she was growing up, her parents mentored more than 75 girls from impoverished or at-risk homes, helping them to become young, independent people.

It was through this work and through a desire to help others that Johnson's mother co-founded what is now known as the Neighborhood Christian Centers.

The Neighborhood Christian Center is a faith-based organization that serves entire families and has seven full-service sites in Memphis and numerous satellite and chapter affiliations.
But even with service being her family's lifeblood, Johnson initially shied away from that direct path, choosing instead to be a teacher. But as she taught, Johnson realized that she was more like her parents than she had thought.

After marrying and moving away to Alabama, Johnson moved back to Memphis to become her mother's apprentice believing that "God was grooming me according to His plan for me."
While working alongside her mother at the Neighborhood Christian Center for 13 years, Johnson drove the van, painted the walls, cooked in the kitchen , counseled clients, and learned the ministry of serving people -- earning everything she could about the mission of the Neighborhood Christian Centers and how to minister to those it serves. She formally took over as CEO in May 2008.
Johnson also hosts the "FaithForum" on FOX Memphis and serves as the choir director for Hope Presbyterian Church, where she enjoys sharing her love of song.

"God gave me a singing ability and a desire to share through song," she said. "Plus, it's important to have something outside of my day-to-day world."

Excerpt above from The Commercial Appeal. 
More About Ephie Ballard Johnson can be found here.

Living Your Best Life would like to thank media partners: WTST The Blaze at TSU, 760 The Gospel, Mocha Market Magazine, Rhealistic Branding and News Channel 5 Urban Outlook.

Story on First Ladies for Healthy Babies written by Genma Holmes can be found here.

Photo Credits: State of TN except Crissy Haslam and Genma Holmes (John Cross)
                        

Lambda Theta Alpha, Iris Montes, and Jennifer Reyes on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Hear from Greek fraternities and sororities who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods for real world life lessons and to serve others. Listen to young men and women who are energized to help make a differences in their communities and regions by challenging status quo and shattering glass ceilings.

 On Saturday, October 20, 2012, tune in to learn about the first Latina Sorority in the US, Lambda Theta Alpha. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) 's journalism student, Iris Montes, President of MTSU's Delta Iota Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha, will share about the sorority's rich history and  mission. We will also hear from Jennifer Reyes, news reporter with News Channel 5, about her life as journalist and celebrity reporter. Our show will  be compelling as we hear from Iris who is preparing for a career in journalism and electronic media while active in many organizations and Jennifer, a media veteran, who has covered the news in several cities, hosted a magazine show, and produced segments in other countries.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Lambda Theta Alpha

Colors: Burgundy and Grey Principles:
Unity, Love and Respect
Goals: Scholarly excellence, empowerment of Latinas and the universal woman, cultural and political awareness, and community activism.

Founded at Kean University, in NJ in December of 1975.

Lambda Theta Alpha was the first sorority ever created to cater towards the needs of Latinas in the nation.

The purpose of the organization is to create a support group for Latinas in higher education, and unite the Latino community on campus.

Lambda Theta Alpha was established as an academic sorority. LTA is not an exclusionary organization.

The LTA National Philanthropy is St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lambda Theta Alpha is a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO).

Lambda Theta Alpha is a fully insured organization which covers all of its chapters. Each chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha is recognized by its respective institution. Sisters at each chapter enjoy complete participation in campus activities.

Lambda Theta Alpha has established Alumnae Chapters. Lambda Theta Alpha has established Graduate Chapters. Lambda Theta Alpha has established chapters throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Puerto Rico, New York, Maryland, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Georgia, Idaho, North Carolina and Washington.

Lambda Theta Alpha is proud to be recognized as the 2000-2001, 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 recipient of the Sorority of the Year award from NALFO and Latinogreeks.com.
Orientation: Women of all ethnicities.

More About Iris Montes

Iris Montes, 21, is a third-year student at Middle Tennessee State University. She was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. At the age of 15, she moved to Tennessee. She started studying at MTSU in Fall, 2010. Iris has is majoring in Electronic Media Journalism, and Global Studies. She became a member of the Delta Iota Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Incorporated, in Spring 2011 and is currently president of the Delta Iota Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. and vice president of the Multicultural Greek Council. Iris is also a founding member of "Better Together," an Interfaith Organization, on MTSU's campus.

More About Jennifer Reyes

Jennifer Reyes joined the NewsChannel 5 This Morning team in March 2012.
Jennifer grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Ball State University with a Marketing degree. She got her start in news in her hometown of Indianapolis working for the local Univision affiliate, first as a weather anchor and later as a news anchor and producer.

While at Univision, she interviewed many local and national celebrities, and broke stories that got national and international attention. Four years later, wanting to expand her knowledge in the business, she went on to work for WITI, the FOX affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She joined their news team first as a helicopter traffic reporter and later as a general assignment and feature weekend reporter.

Following her four-year stint at FOX, she moved back to Indianapolis where she worked as a freelance reporter for the #1 station in the market, NBC affiliate WTHR. While there she contributed reports to NBC, MSNBC, and Telemundo.

Before moving to Nashville, Jennifer worked as a celebrity reporter for US Weekly and Life & Style Weekly in Los Angeles, California. She also produced and hosted a local magazine style show and worked for executive producers Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.

Jennifer is a true bilingual reporter fluent in both written and spoken Spanish and English. One of her greatest career achievements include having the opportunity to travel to Mexico to produce a segment for PBS.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys traveling, reading, exercising and checking out new restaurants.

ColorComm's Lauren Wesley Wilson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.

On Saturday, October 6, 2012 hear from Lauren Wesley Wilson, who is a dynamic game changer in the world of communications and public relations. A child of a pr guru, the apple did not fall far from the tree. Lauren will share how she built a network to help connect other like minded young women of color with senior level women in the communications field. Her decision to not let others "no" deter her has turned a lunch meeting into an thriving membership community that meets monthly to empower, to inspire, and to motivate one another.

 Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, Inspiration Network, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

 More About ColorComm
ColorComm is an essential organization for women of color in communications. In a field where there are often less than a handful of us at a professional meeting or networking event, ColorComm provides this niche group the opportunity to see, learn and hear from highly successful women of color. ColorComm is also for women who have achieved great success who are looking for new opportunities that will stimulate, educate, and broaden their horizons.  Communications fields include: public relations, corporate communications, media relations, political communications and others.

The ColorComm mission is to personally connect women with other like-minded individuals to build a strong network of leaders by creating mentors/mentees, business relationships and friendships. ColorComm offers a unique opportunity for women to share experiences and learn from one another to enhance their personal and professional development.

It Started With Lunch
A group of 30 women gathered for the first luncheon in May 2011 at an upscale restaurant in Washington, D.C. Several luncheons later, these invite-only events with top-level guest speakers have become the most sought-after ticket in the District and beyond for professional women of color in communications.

Based on feedback from participants who expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect, ColorComm evolved into a membership organization. Membership allows ColorComm to expand its programming, networking and partnerships to create the most meaningful and dynamic experiences for our exclusive, member community.

Excerpt from Pamela's Punch:
 PP:  How did the idea of ColorComm begin?
LWW:  The idea for ColorComm began when I was working in the PR agency world. It was an environment that was based on hierarchy, sweatshop mentality, and a cut throat atmosphere. My path to a promotion and success was often unclear. At the time I was looking for a mentor to help guide me and provide strategic insight on how to achieve my best and get to the next level. So I began actively seeking out a mentor. I attended every professional development seminar, networking session, panel discussion that you could imagine. I was looking to meet anyone who cared enough to give me 15 minutes of their time.

What I’ve found and eventually learned, is that most people really don’t want to give up their time to people that they don’t know or someone who didn’t come recommended. What’s in it for them? And honestly, how many times have they done this before? I can remember that there was one Senior Vice President at Fleishman-Hillard that I was dying to get to know and dying to hear from, and it took an entire year (July 2009-July 2010) for me to meet with her. I get it, I wasn’t a priority! But, I wasted time. I was so focused on that one person, and at the end of the day there was 0 connection. The “mentor hunt” was unsuccessful.

I thought to myself, there has got to be an easier way to meet executive level communicators. How about we put them all in one room over lunch and that way we have an opportunity to hear from them, learn from them, and connect with them. No more getting the runaround! I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Thus, the idea for ColorComm was created. Since the first luncheon in May 2011, it became apparent that there was a hunger for more interaction among women of color in communications. Our unique questions were not being answered and we needed to connect with other like-minded women. ColorComm began with a luncheon series and now is transitioning into a membership community, and it’s the most amazing thing to watch evolve.

 Pamela's Punch Full Interview with Lauren Wesley Wilson can be found here.
 Photos from previous events can be found here.

Jennifer Cole and Rebecca Berrios on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes will celebrate Artober Nashville throughout the month of October with the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and the Metro Arts Commission. Tune in as we shine the spotlight on art, culture, history, and community.

On Saturday, October 6, 2012 join us to hear Jennifer Cole and Rebbecca Berrios of the Metropolitan Arts Commission. Hear them share how Artober Nashville has grown by leaps and bounds in less than two years and how the city of Nashville's growing art scene helps us to embrace the rich, diverse, cultural growth of our region. Jennifer and Rebecca will give us an overview of the month and share how art the art community "inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways".  Artober Nashville is a one stop portal to finding events in theater, music, art, and dance from October 1-31in Music City.
  
Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Jennifer Cole and Rebecca Berrios

Jennifer Cole stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission in 2009. After success at the helm of numerous high-profile national projects with Points of Light Institute and Hands On Network, she brings a unique skill set to public art in Nashville. Cole recently released the Creative Vitality Index Report—a survey that put the creative character of this city into tangible terms. Through hard data, Cole uses this survey to tell the story of the centrality of the arts in Nashville. Gifted with a vision for the future and grounded by a sense of responsibility to Nashville’s roots, Cole is taking public art in the Music City to the next level.
Excerpt from Nashville Arts Magazine

Rebecca Berrios  is the Community Events Manager for the Metropolitian Nashville Arts. Rebecca joined Metro Arts in July 2011. Her role as community project coordinator includes managing the Gallery and the Artist Registry, coordinating Artober Nashville and leading various initiatives to expand and support the arts in Nashville.
 

 More About Artober Nashville

Artober Nashville is a month-long celebration of arts and culture in Nashville, designed to inform and inspire the community’s awareness of and participation in the array of activities during the month of October. It is held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month, designated by Americans for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. The goal for Artober Nashville is for every Nashvillian to experience the arts. The Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and NowPlayingNashville partner with dozens of arts and cultural organizations throughout Nashville to highlight the depth and breadth of arts activities with official Artober Nashville events. The celebration includes all arts and cultural activities, including visual and performing arts, music, craft, film and commercial businesses that may present arts activities. Enjoy an Artober Nashville signature event during the month. Purchase an Artober VIP Pass. Find out more about the Yelp Check-In Challenge. Connect with Artober Nashville on Facebook and Twitter to share updates and events with friends and family!

History
In recognition of National Arts and Humanities Month, the Metro Nashville Arts Commission and NowPlayingNashville.com hosted the first Artober Nashville celebration in October 2011. They partnered with more than 160 arts and cultural organizations to highlight the depth and breadth of arts activities with official Artober Nashville events. More than 660 events were posted through NowPlayingNashville.com on the Artober Nashville website.

Partnering organizations included: the Nashville Symphony, Ballet, Opera; TPAC; Tennessee Repertory Theatre; Frist Center for the Visual Arts; Film Nashville; Nashville Shakespeare Festival; Street Theatre; Watkins College of Art, Design & Film; NECAT; Jazz Workshop; Southern Word; Global Education Center; Nashville Public Library; Belcourt Theatre; Arts & Business Council; Actor’s Bridge Ensemble; the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; the International Black Film Festival; Fifth Avenue of the Arts; Nashville in Harmony and Vanderbilt University.

National Arts and Humanities Month

 Every day we celebrate the arts, but October is the month to commemorate the arts in a big way. It is National Arts and Humanities Month—the largest annual celebration for the arts and humanities in the nation! National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is a coast-to-coast collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. It is designed to encourage all Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of active participation in the arts and humanities. From hosting a Creative Conversation or arts center open house to securing a mayoral proclamation or better newspaper coverage of the arts, people in every community across the United States can celebrate NAHM by helping recognize the contributions of cultural organizations in their region.

Text INSPIRE to 99000 to win a VIP Pass
Text INSPIRE to 99000 to win a membership the Frist Center

Photo credit: Jennifer Cole/Nashville Arts Magazine
                      In Studio shots/Genma Holmes

Crissy Haslam coming to Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Created by Crazyprofile.com

Tune in to hear Tennessee's First Lady, Crissy Haslam, share about "First Ladies for Healthy Babies" on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes.