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Offi cers: Lee Johnson, President • Herschel Henderson, Vice-President • Anne Johnson, Secretary-TreasurerExecutive Director: Claude Hart • Director’s Assistants: Trooper Larry Engelke, (Ret.) • Trooper Don Bender, • Trooper James Lange, (Ret.) • Editor: Jack Lawler • Production Assistant: JoAnne Smith

TEXAS STATE TROOPERwww.texasstatetroopers.org

NUMBER 302 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS STATE TROOPERS ASSOCIATION OCTOBER 2015

DPS Trooper Joe Kozlowski

Young DPS Trooper came all the way from New Jersey“Born to be a Texan!”

Perhaps it was when he heard that Texas had fought for it’s independence. Perhaps it was because his mother and father were dedicated to serving others. Possibly, it was his interest and activities in high school J.R.O.T.C., with its focus on drill team competition and rifl ery. Added to all this was his visit to Texas A&M, at age 18, which was a big factor.

Joe Kozlowski grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he graduated from high school. His parents were true “fi rst responders”, who helped people. His father was a volunteer fi refi ghter, and his mother was a nurse. He watched their activities with pride, while keeping up with his studies and after-school jobs, such as with Best Buy and Six Flags. Through his high school

Continued on page 3

and its J.R.O.T.C., he learned that far-away Texas A&M was accepting scholarship applications for its Corps of Cadets. Joe responded, received an invitation to Texas A&M at College Station, Texas.

He fl ew to Aggieland, and was given a warm welcome. He was met and greeted by the Aggie Cadet Corps, from sophomores to seniors. He stayed in their dormitory, ate their good food, and attended meetings. He learned about “Corps Values” and traditions, which included discipline, loyalty to the University, the State of Texas, and to Aggie football. Also principles of leadership. He saw the military emphasis...the Cadet Corps uniforms and the Corps’ traditional participation in football games and public events. And it was a football weekend. The Aggies were playing Colorado. Walking around the campus, everyone said “howdy” to him, which impressed him.

He was taken to the game. Joe Kozlowski got the full Kyle fi eld spectacular...the impressive Aggie band, the school song, and the constant “support roar” of the student body, the 12th man section; the Aggie’s won.

It was quite a Texas visit for the 18 year-old from New Jersey. It was 2004. He would have much to tell his

Trooper Kozlowski, HP-Franklin

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COURT’S IN SESSIONby Judge Larry Gist

Judge Gist is completing his 40th year as a Criminal Dis-trict Judge. Previously, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for 10 years. He is a Board Certifi ed Specialist in both Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the State Bar of Texas. He served as Chair of the Judicial Advisory Council for 19 years before being appointed by the Gover-nor as a member of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. The fi rst State Jail was named after him and he has twice been elected Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

The Forgotten Cop At a recent memorial service for correctional offi cers,

everyone was given a handout that brings to light the diffi cult situation that these men and women face each and every day. Here are those comments:

“We are Correctional Offi cers, not guards (who are people that watch school crossings). We work at minimum, medium and maximum security Correctional Facilities. We are empowered by the State to enforce the Penal Laws and the rules and regulations of the Department of Criminal Justice. In short, we are policemen. Our beat is totally inhabited by convicted felons who, by defi nition, are people who tend to break laws. We are outnumbered by as many as 200 to 1 at various times of our workday and contrary to popular belief, we work without a side arm.

In short, our necks are on the line every minute of every day. A Correctional Facility is a very misunderstood environment. The average person has very little knowledge of its workings. Society sends it’s criminals to Correctional Facilities and as time passes, each criminal’s crime fades from memory until the collective prison population becomes hordes of bad people being warehoused away from decent people where they can cause no further harm.

There is also the notion that prison inmates cease to be the problem when they are incarcerated. But Correctional Facilities are full of violence perpetrated by the prison population against other offenders as well as the facility staff. Felonies are committed daily but are rarely reported. They are called “unusual incidents” and rarely result in criminal prosecution. Discipline is handled internally and, as a rule, the public is seldom informed.

In the course of maintaining order in these facilities, many offi cers have endured the humiliation of having urine and feces thrown on them. Numerous correction offi cers have been kicked, bitten, stabbed and slashed with homemade weapons, taken hostage, murdered and even raped in the line of duty, all while being legally mandated to maintain the professional composure and refraining from any retaliation which could be the basis for dismissal from service.

In addition to these obvious dangers, Correctional

Offi cers face hidden dangers from communicable diseases. Courts are now imposing longer sentences and the prison population is increasing in its level of violence

As the public demands more police on the streets, governments everywhere are cutting police in the prisons where violence reigns supreme, jeopardizing all of those working behind prison walls. Although you will never see us on “911” or “Top Cops”, we are law enforcement professionals. We are the “Forgotten Cops” hidden from public view, doing a dangerous beat, hoping someday to receive the respect and approval from the public who we silently serve.”

It’s time that the law enforcement community as well as the public take notice of the magnifi cent contributions to public safety made daily by the men and women in our Correctional Facilities. Their lives are at risk every moment of every day and the compensation they receive for their work is honestly embarrassing. Let’s hope that every time we come across one of these offi cers who staff our prisons, we might shake their hand and say thanks for a job well done. Just that small gesture alone could incredibly improve morale of our colleagues that staff our prisons.

So until next time, you’all be careful out there, you hear.

Another TSTA Service for Members:

INCREASED AD&D BENEFITWe are pleased to announce to our members that at NO

COST TO YOU, we have renewed your Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefi t at an increased amount of $4,000 for each of you.

You do not have to return the card if all you want is the $4,000 AD&D benefi t.

However, if you are interested in participating in the Health Services Discount Card which can save your family 20-60% on vision care, hearing care, prescription drugs and chiropractic - along with receiving Child Safe Kits for your children and grandchildren, members should return the reply card for further information.

An American Income Life (AIL) representative will contact you to set up an appointment to deliver and explain the no-cost benefi ts. This program is not insurance, so members are not required to fi ll out forms. All they need to do is show a discount card when they visit a participating pharmacy or health care provider.

The TSTA provider is very strong fi nancially. TSTA has been working with them for the past several years with out-standing service provided on all levels.

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his area. There are many vehicle crashes that keep Franklin’s eight troopers busy. It is a tight, small rural community where people know each other. Trooper Kozlowski knows almost all the police offi cers, sheriff’s deputies, and EMS technicians in the county (Robertson), many of whom are from the nearby town of Hearne (population 5,000). “Our law agencies back-up here is great,” says Trooper Joe. “Regardless of which offi cer you are - city police, deputy, constable or trooper - the one nearest you when you call for back-up will get there fast.”

Most of the highway patrol troopers, including Joe Kozlowski, are young. Most have worked bad highway crashes, some of them with fatalities. He has worked many fi rst responder situations that give him young age wisdom and experience. This includes disasters from hurricanes and other emergencies where he worked with many people who were injured or devastated. He helped many storm refugees who needed food, fi rst-aid, clothing and shelter. He has been in and out of many hospitals.

Trooper Kozlowski, perhaps typical of many young troopers in the highway patrol today, is aware of the ever-present need for alertness and caution with every highway stop. He appreciates the repetitous reminders in TSTA’s monthly publication: “There are no routine stops.” He is proud to wear the DPS uniform and is also aware

of its physical impact on citizens. “Recently,” he says, “a lady stopped me and simply thanked me for being a DPS trooper. I think the uniform got her attention.”

He adds, “I was also proud to wear the uniform of the Texas A&M Cadet Corps.”

Although his DPS career is in an early stage, Joe Kozlowski knows that being a state trooper is a “good fi t” for him. He has always liked the challenge of helping

Continued on page 4

Trooper Joe Koslowski...Continued from front page

parents. His A&M Cadet Corps scholarship was approved - and his choice was easy.

In 2005, at age 19, he was in College Station, Texas, as an Aggie. He got homesick the fi rst year, but the support of his parents and his new A&M friends helped. His major was Forestry. He began saying the Texas “howdy” to everyone. He got a part-time job as an Emergency Management Technician (EMT), and also became a volunteer fi re fi ghter, which made him a “First Responder.” He was a busy student with classes, cadet corps activities and part-time emergency work.

This enabled him to work with a strong and well-equipped statewide emergency organization, Texas Task Force One, TX-TF1. This was a large specialized search and rescue organization that utilized logistical and human resources from fi refi ghters, EMS, law enforcement, military, engineering, medical and more. He was following in his parents’ career footsteps.

Joe attended all Aggie home fi eld football games. One night, with some comrades after a game, he went to a seafood restaurant. He became acquainted with a pretty waitress. Her name was Holly, and she was also an A&M student, from Abilene. He discovered he liked that seafood restaurant - and her. He ate seafood often! They began to date.

After graduation from A&M, he got a job with the Texas Forest Service in Abilene, the hometown of his favorite girlfriend. There he found himself involved with Texas wildfi res. He worked with several emergency services people - and often side-by-side with DPS troopers. During this time, Joe and Holly got married. On one occasion he attended a DPS Emergency Management Conference, where there were several DPS troopers.

In a conversation, one of the DPS offi cers got Joe’s special attention when he said, “We may have a career for you.”

The words stuck with Joe Kozlowski. He had always admired the troopers, having shared tasks with them. He knew they were often fi rst responders in emergency situations. He discussed a law enforcement career with his wife, and she was supportive of it. In May, 2013, he applied with DPS, and was soon accepted for recruit training in Austin. His trooper recruit class (B-13) started in July, and he graduated in December. His fi rst duty assignment: the Highway Patrol, with his DPS offi ce in the little town of Franklin - only 30 miles from the Texas A&M campus. They live near the campus, now. It’s a long way from his hometown in New Jersey.

Lots of traffi c from Highways 79 and 190 pass through

WE CAREAbout troopers, all our officers, and everyone in public safety work.

www.texasstatetroopers.orgPlease visit our web site.

If you have an email address, please send it to Claude Hart at: Claude.Hart@texasstatetroopers.org

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people. (“We protect everybody.”) Concerning highway dangers, job stress or disappointments and how to handle them, he relies on his proven inner assets. They include prayer, faith in God which he shares with his wife, and continual support from his family who now live in Virginia, plus other family members who live along the East coast.

As to his being a converted Texan from New Jersey, he says, “I got here as fast as I could! I was born to be a Texan.” Being an Aggie in Texas, he knows, is also a “a good fi t.” He has many Aggie friends. There is the Aggie brotherhood. And what’s the value in having an Aggie wife? “Tremendous!” he says.

Trooper Joe Koslowski...Continued from page 3

Does he have a few words of advice for other young troopers?

“It’s sometimes easy to get discouraged. When you do, remember why you became a trooper. We are here to serve and protect.” By Jack Lawler

TSTA Membership Advantages

• Free Last Will & Testament • Free AD&D Insurance • Emergency Assistance• Legal Assistance • Legislative Represen- tation • Personal Counsel • Monthly Newsletter (Online)

With the highway patrol, there are no routine stops

To our members, other law of-fi cers and new citizen viewers/readers: Remind a friend that they can enjoy Texas State Troop-er each month by clicking onto:

www.texasstatetroopers.orgIt’s about what DPS troopers are doing daily to protect the lives and properties of Texas people, pass the word!

HUNT WITH YOUR SON TODAY

…AND YOU WON’T HAVE TO HUNT FOR HIM TOMORROW

WE CAREAbout troopers, all our officers, and everyone in public safety work.

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ATTENTION, TSTA MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT!

THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP.If you know of something good or benefi cial that a law offi cer has done - in your community or on the highway, tell us about it in a brief email or letter, and TSTA will print. Send to: Editor, Texas State Trooper Texas State Troopers Association 5555 North Lamar Blvd., Ste. D111 Austin, TX 78751 E-mail: jack.lawler@aol.com (512) 450-1814 or 1-800-289-8782

Be assured that the Texas State Troopers Association supports DPS troopers and all other Texas law offi cers. And they want to protect our society, you, your family and your children, the leaders of tomorrow. Yes, we like kids. With our trooper members, we’ve done youth work.

Law offi cers are “on trial” today - at least by the news media and certain segments of society. *Television, especially, seems to repeatedly show controversial scenes in which an offi cer uses force on a seemingly good citizen - not bothering to report or show what preceded the offi cers action. It has had its negative effect with busy media watchers or readers who absorb only bits and pieces of the report. The news media, especially television, has power as it enters citizen homes

In these troubled days of violence and increased crime, the media and other segments of society usually fail to report or seemingly be aware of the daily good things that law offi cers do. These include youth work and assistance to schools, helping stranded elderly motorists, rescuing a kidnapped child, saving someone from a car wreck or doing community service.

Or, stopping a deranged shooter at a high school or college - while risking their own lives.

The East Texas home of Bob Wheat, who wrote the article “True friend” on page 06.

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“A TRUE FRIEND FROM THE--------PAST?”

It was a good hour and one half before dawn broke when I dialed the phone number, hoping I would hear a friendly voice, not a grouchy sleepy response.

“Morning” was the cheerful response. Not hesitating, I answered quickly, “Same to you Lee Johnson. Man, I’m in a real hurt this morning! One of my loader truck drivers called in sick and my schedule is really full and tight. If you’re off, can you come help me today?”

Back when I was in the Crop-Dusting business in Southeast Texas, our day started about 4:00 am and ended about 10:00 pm. We had many rice and soybean farmers who needed seeding, fertilizing or spraying and of course, “needed it today”. So our schedules were almost down to the minutes trying to accommodate our customers with our four Ag Cat aircrafts.

Now, usually my loader trucks would leave my airport early, headed out to some satellite landing strip, for most farmers had their own little landing strip on or very near their farms. Getting a late start with no loader truck meant really blowing the schedule all to pieces, and upsetting the next farmer in line for his work.

“Bob, give me just a few minutes and I’ll be there,” replied Lee.

“Thanks Lee,” I replied with a sigh of relief.

Back when I was a kid, my friends and I seemed inseparable. We played ball together, swam together, roamed the woods together and depended on each other. There were four of us boys and one girl (tomboy) who made up our group. If one of us had a chance to go to the movies, we made sure all of us went together.

Eventually, we grew up and graduated from high school. Some of us went to college, some went to work or joined the military, or got married and had kids. At each change of our lives, we developed new interests, new hobbies and new friend’s. Memories of old friends drifted away. Even though we tried to keep “in touch”, old school buddies faded away.

While in high school, working for a crop-dusting business, I taught myself to fl y, and after a couple of years in college, I began, at 19 years of age, being a full-fl edged commercial “crop duster” pilot, fulfi lling my lifetime dream.

Throughout my career, many new faces came into my life.

One particular meeting, by chance, occurred during the winter of 1967. During the off-season of fl ying,

I frequently rode “shotgun” with a few DPS highway patrolmen friends.

One particular cold night, we were called to a multiple-vehicle accident scene out on the Interstate. After we arrived on the scene, one young patrolman walked up to me, extended his hand and said, “Hey, its been a long time, good to see you. I’m Lee, remember me?”

As I shook his hand, I tried remembering “Lee” but could not place him. His face, demeanor and voice all seemed so familiar, but I could not place him, - but knew I did know him, - but from where?

After everything was fi nished at the accident scene, Lee walked up to me and asked, “How about a cup of coffee to warm us up?”

“Sure,” I replied. So several other patrolmen and I followed Lee to the coffee house. As we sat talking, Lee looked at me and asked, “Where do we know each other from?”

“Lee,” I responded, “I’ve racked my brain and I can’t place it, but I know you from somewhere in the past.”

We continued comparing our lives, but could not come up with anything, but we knew we knew each other and felt as if we were close as brothers.

As the years fl ew by Lee and I spent many hours fi shing and hunting. We maintained the same respect for each other from that fi rst encounter on that cold winter night we met, maybe not really a meeting, but it was a reunion that night on the Interstate.

Lee eventually retired from DPS and became an attorney. I retired years later from crop-dusting and moved from the area. Every now and then, I would feel the need to call Lee and to talk to my true friend.

Forty-six years later from that night so long ago, I still knew that if I called on Lee, he would be there if I needed help. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with many friends. But, you know, this is a pretty unique friendship, a really true friendship that came from that chance meeting. Or was it just a strange twist of fate that found and united long-lost friends? Perhaps from another time or place or another----calling?

In the 1960’s, Lee and I used to hunt the Nutria rats that numbered in the thousands in the bayous and marshes that meandered through Chambers and Jefferson Counties. Farmers allowed us to help rid their canals and fi elds of these burrowing creatures, a brown furry little rodent with webbed feet.

One very cold winter night, Lee and I decided to go rat hunting on one of the local bayous. We launched our small fl at-bottom boat around midnight. The night was dark, no moon, no wind and temperatures in the mid-

Continued on page 7

WE CARETEXAS STATE TROOPERS ASSOCIATION

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30’s. As we drifted silently down the bayou, spotlighting those yellow eyes, we harvested a good number of the nutria and were about a mile from our launch site, when suddenly we looked at each other and asked, “Did you hear what sounded like a call for help?”

We listened and wondered if we heard a voice from far away, as sound travels a long way on a cold still night. In a few minutes we again heard the faint call, “Help us, we’re freezing.”

Still drifting slowly down the bayou, we suddenly saw an overturned boat in the cold dark waters.

Immediately we pulled over to the bank and hollered out, “Where are you?” Immediately, a faint voice replied back, “we’re over the bank in the tall brush.”

Immediately, Lee and I scrambled over the bank and began searching. Quickly we found two older gentlemen huddled tightly together, shaking and blue from the cold. Helping them to their feet, working our way through the thick brush back to the top of the bank, we put our coats on the elderly fellows and told them we would right their boat, get them in it and tow them back to our vehicle. Soon, we had the two older men back to our pickup, heater going full blast. They slowly began to warm up.

Asking them what had happened, they replied that they were running their trot line when both of them got on the same side of the boat and capsized it, throwing them into the dark cold water. Losing their light, they managed to struggle to shore. Very quickly, cold and numbness set in. After about an hour, with no other alternative, and far from the highway, at 1:00 am at night, they knew no one was around to help, so they huddled together, waiting for the inevitable.

After a while, both men recovered enough to get into their truck and go home. Thanking us with full sincerity, and with a long handshake, they knew we had saved their lives.

What were the odds that two hunters would be on the

A True Friend From the Past...Continued from page 6

same bayou, that far downstream, and chance upon two cold, wet freezing old men that cold, dark night?

Later on, as Lee and I sat over hot coffee, we both decided, “you know, we actually did save those two old men’s lives that night.”

I believe that because both Lee and I are old men now, maybe it’s time someone knows this story, and that we were unsung heroes --------

Bob Wheat

Wheat is now semi-retired and lives in East Texas north of Tyler. He started flying at age 19, often rode with troopers.

Former State Trooper Lee Johnson is a Beaumont practicing attorney who founded the Texas State Troopers Association.

Bob Wheat, crop duster and former deputy sheriff

Health tips

Brain researchers have suspected that sleep apnea, a common breathing disorder that makes it hard to sleep and breathe at the same time, might be linked in some way to memory impairment disorders such as Alzheimer’s. A study published earlier this year provides the best evidence to date that this may in fact be the case.

The report’s authors analyzed medical history data from participants of a large, long-standing study, the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Investigators compared self-reported sleep apnea with the age of onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer’s, or Alzheimer’s disease itself. Those who reported having sleep apnea began to show signs of MCI at age 77. Those

Sleep apnea and memory impairment

who said they didn’t have sleep apnea began to develop memory loss around age 90.

On the plus side, treatment for sleep apnea with continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy seemed to erase any difference. The age of onset for memory decline among those who were treated for sleep apnea was almost identical to the age of onset for those without sleep apnea.

Although the results show an association, it’s still not clear whether sleep apnea actually causes memory decline. The results may provide an additional incentive for those who may have sleep apnea to seek medical help, especially since untreated sleep apnea can cause other complications, such as high blood pressure and stroke.

Reprint from Mayo Clinic Health Letter, October, 2015.

WHEN THE NEED IS GREATTSTA IS THERE

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WHAT YOUR $25 ANNUAL TSTA DUES BUYS*Free Last Will & Testament -TSTA Member and His/Her Spouse

Trooper becomes a commissioned offi cer and puts life on the line every dayTrooper marriesTrooper adds baby(ies) to familyTrooper divorcesTrooper divorces and then remarriesThese are a few reasons TSTA members have taken advantage of this benefi t. All are important reasons to have a

will in place and also redone when circumstances change. TSTA furnishes this service at no cost.

*Free AD&D Insurance - Up to $4,000A TSTA member is killed while on vacation in a freak accident.A TSTA member is killed in the line of duty.No matter how a member meets his end, as long as it is an accident the insurance pays--also if member loses limb

or sight due to an accident the insurance pays.

*Emergency Assistance - Disaster/DeathFlood waters from hurricane ruined their home. Electricity was out and all their food ruined. Furniture, computers

& TV’s all ruined. Homeowners insurance covered some, but not all--not motel bills or insurance deductible. TSTA members got an immediate assistance check through their membership.

A TSTA member was killed in a highway crash. His wife received a $2000 TSTA emergency assistance check immediately (this type gift is not always automatic). It did not heal the grief of the lost husband/father, but it provided fast help until the insurance paid off.

*Legal AssistanceA Highway Patrol Trooper arrested a young DWI who spent a few hours in jail. The young man’s father, a city council

offi cial in their town, fi led a lawsuit against the Trooper. For various reasons, DPS legal services did not defend him. But TSTA did-with their attorney, whose services were worth big money. The suit was settled peaceably out of court. It happened just that way because the HP Trooper had joined TSTA and paid his $25 annual dues.

*Legislative RepresentationA Highway Patrol Trooper was injured and disabled for life. TSTA helped him fi nancially early. Later, working with

troopers and other DPS friends and utilizing its lobbyist, TSTA helped the injured trooper secure lifetime disability income from the state.

TSTA members are employed by the state. This means that they serve at the discretion of the Texas Legislature, which controls the law enforcement budget. This controls DPS offi cers’ salaries and other fi nancial factors which affect the offi cer’s career and his family. TSTA maintains close relations with senators and state representatives. Yes, TSTA is a lobbyist for DPS trooper/members. Its knowledgeable people often explain trooper needs to these elected offi cials. The TSTA/legislative relationship is a good one, valuable to DPS commissioned offi cers.

*Personal CounselMany situations arise in an offi cer’s life, both professional and personal. They can be discouraging and stressful, such

as illness in the family or injury to the offi cer. TSTA is here for you with advice and assistance -just call.

*Online Monthly NewsletterIf you are a TSTA member and have fi lled out an on-line profi le, it will be delivered straight to your in-box. Otherwise,

you can go to www.texasstatetroopers.org to access. You’ll get unique articles and pictures about troopers, families… their accomplishments and problems. Also DPS events and new equipment, legislative news, courtroom criminal/legal analysis by veteran criminal Judge Larry Gist - and even a few chuckles. Look for it the fi rst week of every month.

YOU GET SO MUCH VALUABLE HELP FOR A ONE-TIME ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE OF $25. WHAT A GREAT BARGAIN AND A GREAT GIFT TO YOUR FAMILY.

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Save money on quality JUSTIN

TROOPER BOOTS!•soft, durable leather • cushion insole • high abrasion, oil-resistant sole and heel • long-wearing • meet DPS uniform requirements!

Price includes shipping

This is a special members’ benefit purchase through TSTA arrangements with Richland Shoe Company. To order, call TSTA at 1-800-289-8782.

Kuempel’s Korner

hand-craftedin USA!

10-inchCOWBOY

$139.00

“Why pay money to have your family tree traced; run for offi ce and your opponents will do it for you.”

~Author unknown~

* * * *

Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. Af-ter that, who cares? He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes. ~Billy Connolly~

* * * *

If at fi rst you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.

* * * *

Always remember that you are unique, just like every-body else.

* * * *

Confucius say man who dream about being a muffl er will wake up exhausted.

* * * *

Never play leapfrog with a unicorn.

* * * *On a repair shop door: We can repair anything. (Please knock hard - the bell doesn’t work.)

* * * *

100% of missed putts don’t go in.

* * * *

There can be gold in your golden years.

* * * *Maintain your dream - never give it up.

* * * *

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.

The computer saves a man alot of guesswork. So does a woman’s bikini.

* * * *

The journey of a thousand miles often begins with a cash advance.

* * * *

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

* * * *

Listening is a lost art.

* * * *

A trooper friend of ours reports, on his 20th wedding anniversary, “I have learned 2 ways of handling women: neither one works.”

* * * *

* * * *

We all learn by experience but some of us have to go to summer school.

* * * *There are three kinds of people: Those who can count,

and those who cannot.

* * * *The Bible that is falling apart often belongs to someone

who isn’t.* * * *

Silence is often the best answer.

10

Soaring through lifeEver been to Albuquerque and ridden the famous tram

to the top of Sandia Peak? The ride is long, but rewards you with a spectacular view from the top of the 12,000-ft.-high peak.’’ As we got on the tram car at the bottom of the mountain we saw a young man struggling to get on the train with a huge canvas bag. At the top we helped him unload the bag and watched with curiosity as he dragged it to a preselected spot beside a sheer drop-off to the valley below. He unzipped the bag and pulled out pieces of aluminum tubing and nylon cloth and began to piece together a hang glider!

We watched as he assembled the glider, walked around it a couple of times checking every joint and connection, making sure every guy wire was tight. Satisfi ed that it was all secure, he went to the edge of the cliff, tied a yellow ribbon on a branch to check the direction of the wind, put on his helmet, and strapped on the hang glider. As we literally caught our breath, he ran as fast as he could and jumped from the top of the mountain.

He fell a few feet as the wind caught the sails of the glider and then gracefully and quietly he glided across the valley until he encountered what aeronautical experts call a “thermal,” an invisible column of hot air that spirals upward like a mini-tornado. Having found his thermal, our young pilot circled over it like a giant bird and began

to gain altitude. He was soon lifted back to our eye level as we stood on top of Sandia Peak. Before long he was gliding silently, gracefully, 2000 feet above us, upheld by his invisible column of air.

A loud roar distracted our attention. Down below us at the Albuquerque airport, a 727 jet was lumbering at full power down the runway for takeoff. The sound of its huge engines, burning hundreds of pounds of fuel, was echoing all the way to the top of Sandia. We could see and hear the plane as it struggled to lift its load off the concrete, inching its way higher, reaching to clear the mountains. All the while, our hang glider friend was circling effortlessly, silently, gracefully, 15,000 feet in the air, lifted by his invisible column of support.

We had seen a graphic reminder of the power to soar above the discouragements of life, made available by depending not on the visible, but on the invisible and eternal. We don’t have to rely on our own cleverness, courage, or endurance. As believers we have the invisible power of God to lift us. Author Unknown

The Armed Citizen• Hey, burglars, a North Carolina sheriff has the low-

down for you: If you’re breaking into someone’s home because you have a drug habit, break into the home of a drug dealer—it’s safer than picking a home at random. Catawba County Sheriff Coy Reid offered that advice after a homeowner used a 12-ga. shotgun to kill one of two people who had kicked down his door and entered his home in late February. The dead man had a criminal record of misdemeanor and felony charges. The second suspect fl ed after the shooting; if apprehended, he could face mur-der charges because a death occurred during the commis-sion of a crime. North Carolina has a “stand your ground” law, and charges against the homeowner are not expected. (Hickory Daily Record, Hickory, NC, 2/25/15)

• Two good Samaritans from Rockford, Ill., attempted to intervene during a public domestic dispute and were rewarded for their good deed by being attacked by one of the actors. The pair was traveling in a pickup truck when they encountered a couple arguing in or near a sport util-ity vehicle. When they approached the arguing couple, the man in the dispute used his vehicle to strike one of the interceders. Seeing that the driver of the automobile was preparing to hit the victim again, in an effort to protect his friend the other man produced his legally concealed handgun and fi red fi ve shots in the direction of the driver. While he was not struck by any bullets, the fusillade did cause the driver of the vehicle to jump a curb and crash into a street sign. When police arrived the suspect was charged with aggravated battery with a vehicle and do-mestic battery. Neither good Samaritan was seriously in-jured during the incident. (Rockford Register Star, Rock-ford, IL, 6/20/15) From

From the Armed Citizen® Archives December 1970

Noticing someone breaking into a neighbor’s apartment, Gary Messersmith, of Santa Ana, Calif., phoned police and went to the rear of the apartment with his shotgun. He ar-rived in time to intercept a man climbing out of the rear win-dow with a typewriter. Messersmith covered him until police arrived. (Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA)

Reprint from the American Rifl eman, August 28, 2015.

With troopers on the highway, there are no routine stops

DPS trooper struck by vehicle during traffi c stop

MANVEL, TX (KTRK) -- A state trooper has been in-jured after he was struck by a vehicle in Brazoria County.

It happened along CR 58 near CR 48 near Manvel.

DPS offi cials say trooper James Wright was assisting another trooper on a vehicle search when another car came along and struck the him. He was taken by ambu-lance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in stable condition. Trooper Wright’s father is retired Texas State Trooper Jimmy Wright.

Reprint: Texas Police News, Sept. 16, 2015.

11

New education opportunities for DPS and other Texas law offi cers/veteransSullivan University offers strong discount credit hour rate for law offi cers/veterans

This large, accredited and modern Kentucky University which has long emphasized helping military personnel earn college degrees, is now helping law offi cers graduate from college. It has recognized the unique and special contributions of law offi cers to their communities and is now rewarding them with a reduced rate on tuition. Only a handful of universities are doing this. Sullivan is giving Texas law offi cers low military rates. As the current median costs with other universities has often been prohibitive, this is worth looking at.

advisors are prepared to help students explore scholarship, grant, and loan opportunities, and are available to assist students wanting to turn the goal of a college education into a reality.

This University has programs designed to fi t into a law offi cer’s duty schedule. Whether you prefer day, evening, or online classes, or a combination, they work hard to help you get what you need. It offers everything from certifi cates and diplomas to advanced degrees, so no matter what your personal or professional responsibilities and schedule might be, its programs are designed to provide you the convenience and fl exibility that you need. Many students choose to take advantage of Sullivan University’s unique “stairstep” approach to education, through which student’s progress from diploma or certifi cate in as little as nine-months, and then begin working in their career fi eld while continuing forward into Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and even Doctoral degree programs.

Worth repeating: Texas law offi cers can get a degree online if they are willing to study during off-duty hours. And Sullivan University has a representative in Texas who can get you started.

Why should a DPS offi cer seek a college degree? It can help him get promotions. It can help him change laterally. (Example: investigative work.) And, it can provide something to fall back on upon retirement, or should he leave his law enforcement career.

Sullivan University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees. If interested you can contact the SACS Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Sullivan University.

If you would like more information about Sullivan University’s Law Enforcement Discount and its many online degree programs, please contact Rey Cordero at 502-724-3083. He’s in Texas. Or, call TSTA at 1-800-289-8782.

DPS and other Texas law offi cers are now able to take advantage of $160 per credit hour tuition and an online fee of $50 per credit hour, totaling a discounted rate of $210 per credit hour. This is far less than a $334 per credit hour median cost for non-military or non law enforcement students. Currently no other university in the U.S. offers a discount this signifi cant to law offi cers.

Sullivan University is Kentucky’s largest private college or university, (campuses in Louisville, Lexington and Fort Knox). One of its core beliefs is that anyone should be able to afford a quality college education and so it offers competitive tuition rates to the law enforcement community of Texas. Experienced, professional fi nancial

TSTA wholeheartedly supports all 100 Clubs of Texas.

TSTA Membership Advantages

• Free Last Will & Testament • Free AD&D Insurance • Emergency Assistance• Legal Assistance • Legislative Represen- tation • Personal Counsel • Monthly Newsletter (Online)

www.texasstatetroopers.orgPlease visit our web site.

If you have an email address, please send it to Claude Hart at: Claude.Hart@texasstatetroopers.org

12

2016Application for Membership

TEXAS STATE TROOPERS ASSOCIATION5555 N. Lamar, Ste. D111, Austin, Texas 78751

www.texasstatetroopers.orgDues $25

Name (Last) (First) (M) Date of Birth Rank/Service

Home Address (Street, City, Zip Code) Home Phone Number (include area code)

Office Address (Street, City, Zip Code) Office Phone Number (include area code)

Date Employed Date of Commission Date of Termination (if no longer w/DPS)

Membership dues paid to TSTA are not deductible as gifts or charitable contributions but may be deductible under an IRC Section other than Section 170 (c).

I,__________________________________________, request membership into the Texas State Troopers Association, and if accepted agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association, the rules and decisions of its of-ficers. I also agree to pay annual dues of Twenty-Five (25) Dollars for all of a calendar year or any part thereof.

I understand that any unreasonable failure to assist a fellow member of the Texas State Troop-ers Association will result in this membership being cancelled by the board of directors at their option.

I also understand this membership will terminate immediately if I am promoted to any supervisory rank of sergeant or above.

Signature of Applicant Date E-mail address

Date_______________

Jacket Size__________

For Office Use Only

LRE_________________

Payment_____________

Statement of Purpose

Texas State Trooper is an offi cial publication of the Texas State Troopers Association. Should you have news you would like published, mail it to:

Texas State Troopers Association 5555 North Lamar, Ste. D111 Austin, TX 78751 E-mail us at TSTAMAIL@aol.com Website: www.texasstatetroopers.orgThe Texas State Troopers Association is open to all fi rst-line commis-

sioned members of the Department of Public Safety, both current and former.

TSTA intends no indictment of those of supervisory rank through their ex-clusion as members of this organization. We do understand, however, that no association can be all things to all people. Therefore, we have chosen to repre-sent those who need our services more: fi rst-line troopers. This policy negates the probability of confl ict of interest that stems from multi-class representation.

TSTA will work hard for the betterment of life for every member of the department.

FOR MEMBERSHIP: Complete the application below. Mail it and a check for $25 payable to the Texas State Troopers Association to the address at the top of the application. Include your jacket size: M, L, XL, XXL or XXXL. Your cap and jacket will be mailed to you. Or you may register and pay your dues online at www.texasstatetroopers.org.

WILLS: Members are reminded that one of your benefi ts from TSTA is the free preparation of a last will and testament. This service is performed by Lee Johnson. He may be contacted at:

Lee Johnson, Attorney-at-Law 12710 Koawood, Beaumont, TX 77713 Telephone: (C) 409-351-9090 E-mail: leejatty@gmail.com

MOVING?Print old address:

Name___________________________________

Address_________________________________

City__________________State____Zip_______

Print your new address here.

Name___________________________________

Address_________________________________

City__________________State____Zip_______

Mail to: TSTA 5555 North Lamar, Ste. D111 Austin, TX 78751 or E-mail to Claude.Hart@texasstatetroopers.org.

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