D-DAY VETERAN

Wow, it has been rather hectic the last few days...Wednesday the 6th was the anniversary of D-Day and I had the opportunity and honor to talk to a World War II vet. Ken Barker was a member of Rudder's Rangers, the 2nd Battalion that climbed up Pont Du Hoc. There were 275 men who landed on the very small beach, but only 80 made it to the top of the cliffs. Mr. Barker climbed the 100 meter cliff carrying a 35lb gun plus ammunition and all of his normal gear. The gun was a 55 caliber sniper's rifle that was accurate up to nearly a half-mile. Unfortunately for Mr. Barker, he was captured by the Germans several days later. He spent time about six months in a prison camp and lost nearly 80 lbs before he and a friend,Andy, managed to escape by hiding in "honey pots" that were being removed from the prison camp. "Honey Pots" are receptacles used to get rid of human waste. He and Andy were shot in their escape attempt, Andy suffered severe wounds and Ken had to carry Andy in order to get away. Andy was so badly injured that whenever Ken could find anything that resembled food, he had to chew it and then put it into Andy's mouth. Ken managed to carry his friend Andy back to friendly lines, but Andy's injuries were so bad he died despite Ken's efforts. Ken Barker was named Alabama P.O.W. of the year for 2000-2001 and although he has lost most of his vision because of the beatings he suffered during his captivity, he is still active in most all of the memorials for our veterans. If you ever run across Ken Barker and his wife while they are eating breakfast at the Dairy Queen or anywhere else, please shake his hand and thank him for his service to our country.

Don't know if you saw our show with the "Cadillac", but if you missed it, you missed a lot of fun. Cadillac is the man who shines shoes at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Huntsville. His motto is " If you want a smile on your face, put a shine on your shoes." Cadillac has been in the business for over 39 years and says he is the King.
He says you have to pay the price and he did...he started in Council Court as a youngster and moved his way the ladder...and now is "the man" who shines shoes in a multi-million dollar hotel. Cadillac not only takes care of your soles and believe me he does, but he also can take care of your soul. He dispenses free advice in a non-stop sermon of quotes from the Bible and street sense garnered over the years. Cadillac is the ambassador for the Embassy Suites and has the name tag to prove it...he is so popular, folks from all over the world stop by his stand to have their shoes shined and their problems solved. In fact, folks from all over the U.S. actually send their shoes to him by the bagful and he shines them and then ships them back. He says it is because he has all the latest hi-tech methods to make your shoes keep a shine for more than just a couple of days and I have to say that the shine he put on my shoes still looks like new and it has been almost two weeks...cool, huh.
If you happen to be by the Embassy Suites Hotel, stop in and see Cadillac...trust me, your feet will love you for it. By the way, tell him I said take good care of you.


Monday the 11th I had a procedure done on my back to help me walk...For the last several months, I have been suffering with major pain build-up in my left leg..apparently some arthritis has developed in my left hip and also in one of my vertebra. Anyway, Monday, Dr. NaDella gave me an epidural in the vertebra to help the swelling and alleviate the pain. So far, so good, I am able to walk much better...still have a little pain, but I guess that is to be expected. To tell you the truth, if this is all the pain I have for next few months...I will be dancing down the sidewalks. Anyway, I will talk with you soon...

Robert

Fresh Tortillas Made in Athens?

Hey Friends, I hope you enjoyed our program this morning from Athens. We were at Tortillas Blanco, an actual tortillas factory. Mark White and his wife April own and operate the factory and a small restaurant featuring their products. Nothing better than fresh, right off the griddle, tortillas or chips. Believe me, a burrito or taco or their special "Nacho Blanco" salad will make you forget about running for any "border". April has a special seasoning she uses when she slow cooks the chicken or steak and it along with the fresh tortillas makes all the difference in the world. Oh, don't forget the outstanding chips that are cooked in 0 trans-fat. Personally, my favorite chips are the cheese wheat...OUTSTANDING!!!
Tortillas Blanco is open from 10:30a.m. to 6p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday and Saturday they are open 10:30am-3pm.
Located on West Market Street in Athens...(256) 777-0874 or (256) 230-2330
You can also check out website for a complete menu...