EMAIL ADDRESS: belt@coastalnet.com

Geez, how did Mr. Hall influence me?  I do believe my Sr. year was probably the most difficult high school year I had.  I was a year younger than most of you, in a new school and struggling to grow up. I was in Mr. Hall’s speech class and not doing well, I tended to freeze up in front of a crowd.  I had great stories and a great approach when talking to Mr. Hall about projects or ideas I had, but like I said I froze up in front of a crowd.  Don't know if many of you remembered, but I signed up for the Marine Corps when I turned 17.  Not many of the teachers thought I had made a wise choice, but Mr. Hall never discouraged me.  He always told me I would find my voice.  I spent 20 years in the Corps, the last 15 years as a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Specialist.  I became the Director of our Schools; I would imagine that I have taught over 6000 NBC Specialists and young recruits in my career.  The first time I stood in front of a group of Marines and had to teach, I was sick to my stomach, but I got through it.  And I do distinctly remember thinking Mr. Hall would be proud of me. 

I am now the Director of Operations for the Chamber of Commerce here in Jacksonville, North Carolina. I speak publicly all the time. I have a desire to go into to Politics and have set a goal to run for Mayor of my city in the next five years, and if I'm successful.....well no telling what I'll do next. Just let Mr. Hall know I finally found my voice.

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