GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MARCH | APRIL 2018 13 lift people up.” He gives back to the community as a High School Air Force Junior ROTC teacher and teaches the students his mantra: “What I see is what I do; what I do is what I practice; what I practice is what I become.” Willie says, “I’m not any different from any other person with a level of resiliency who picks themselves up and moves forward.” We see it differently. For his resilience, his dedication to promoting literacy, character building, citizenship, growth mindset and life- long learning, and his community service, we present Jeff Willie with our Very Inspiring Parent award. Editor’s Note: Jeff Willie is available for speaking engagements on a wide array of educational and inspirational topics. For information, reach him at 214.733.2561 or jeffwillie02@gmail.com. Jeff WillieisanavidsupporterofExcellentTEENChoice,Inc.(E.T.C.),whichwasfounded in 2010 to inspire teens to make excellent choices today for tomorrow’s success. The Arlington,TX organization was developed“to specifically address resources for youth to change their lives and to make excellent choices.” (etcteens.com) Recognizing that change comes from awareness, support, faith, motivation and the right opportunities, E.T.C. offers character building, leadership, educational and young entrepreneurs’workshops and conferences to help promote excellence and to teach teens how to prepare for the future. Programs cover a variety of topics, including character and leadership building, boosting self-confidence and increasing self-esteem, educational opportunities, relationships, social media safeguards, college life and time management, managing money, starting a business in the community and more. www.etcteens.org (1) Jeff Willie’s father, Private First Class Hobie Willie, shown here at Camp Bowie in 1945. The sharecropper and World War II veteran hid his illiteracy from Jeff, the 10th of 12 children, until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 19 and noticed his birth certificate was signed only with the letter “X.” (2) This home is a perfect replica of the home Jeff and his 11 siblings grew up in. (3) Jeff at a White House ceremony in 1983 with President Ronald Reagan following Operation Urgent Fury in which Jeff represented the Airlift Command Combat Security Police who were part of the rescue effort. (4) Jeff’s family: (L to R) Ursula, an attorney, Katrina, a doctor, Aubrey, (son-in-law), and wife Pat. For complete details or to nominate someone for ourVIP or Good Kid Awards, visit goodlifefamilymag.com or emailTricia@goodlifefamilymag.com. 1 2 3 4