A time to be thankful

As we enter the Thanksgiving week and our schedules are becoming more and more busy with personal and work projects it is important to attempt to slow down and remember the things that we are thankful for in life. That is the case with me and also the SWATA Executive Board.

Personally I am thankful for many people who are working tirelessly to improve this association for all members (past, present, and future). A few of those people are Parliamentarian Lorna Strong and Student Leadership and Development Chair Kelley Henderson. As many of you know we passed a new constitution at last summer's annual meeting. This constitution was worked on tirelessly by Lorna and her committee. Because of this document our association can grow and change in the upcoming years and it will not be hindered by a document that must be amended at every turn. Lorna is also currently working on a project so that we can have a bio of each SWATA Hall of Fame member on our website. These bios should be up by the end of the year. I'm also personally thankful for SLDC chair Kelley Henderson and the student chair Kelley Menefee. The two Kelleys have done yeoman's work on a much needed revamping of the student side of our membership. Because of their work and also that of the Student Senate Task Force the student side of SWATA will once again become viable and prepare our younger members for the future. As president I am also thankful for all of the members of the SWATA Executive Board. They all work on a daily basis to make District Six the best in the NATA. Without all of these people (both elected and appointed) this association, YOUR association, would not be as outstanding as it is.

As spokesman for the executive board I can say that we are thankful for our volunteers. Our committee chairs are second to none and our committee members give up hours of their minimal free time just to make sure that their committees and this association are benefiting the general membership. The SWATA EB is also thankful for you the member. Without you there would be no inspiration to improve our association and our profession. We look forward to meeting athletic trainers all across the state because we know that with every meeting either planned or chance that there is an opportunity for an interaction that could spark an idea that will eventually lead to a better association for all.

Finally I would like to say that I am thankful for my wonderful family and I encourage each of you to do the same. As always if there is ever anything that I can do for you or any SWATA EB member can do for you please don't hesitate to contact.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Everyone Deserves a Lifetime

Sometimes, it is amazing where one can find inspiration. I will be the first to admit that this quote was taped inside a port-o-let at the DFW 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk, held this weekend.

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you" John Wooden

To everyone who volunteered their time this weekend to help the walkers make it to their goal, you lived some perfect days this weekend. They repayed you this evening when they crossed the finish line. I am proud to be a member of this wonderful profession.

SWATA Blog is international!

Happy November fellow SWATA members and other readers of our Executive Board Blog. As we move towards Christmas and the end of the year I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have been consistent visitors to our blog site.

We on the Executive Board have made it a priority to update this blog with items of interest to not only SWATA members, but athletic trainers in general. It has shown in both the number of readers and also the locations that the readers are when they click on our link. Here are a few stats from our readership. Since August the largest number of readers have obviously come from the United States and the majority of them are from Arkansas and Texas. Wisconsin, surprisingly enough has the most hits outside of our own district. Internationally we've had readers from India, France, Japan, Brazil, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Moldova. The most international hits are from India.

If you are in a foreign country or another NATA District and you are reading our Executive Board Blog I and the rest of the SWATA Executive Board thank you. If you are one of our own and a SWATA member the Executive Board and myself would also like to thank you and congratulate you for taking time out of busy schedule to read what is going on with your association.

Good luck to all and if you ever need anything from your Executive Board please do not hesitate to contact any of us.