By Staff
Chuck Bodiford Publisher
Every day this past week, I have been reminded that Williams Station Day is fast approaching. The Atmore Advance staff has been hard at work contacting many of you for both support through advertising and for editorial information to produce our annual supplemental section celebrating this special day. Just as we have been hard at work, so has our chamber of commerce. The chamber has worked diligently to bring our town a good mix of vendors and entertainment and even asked that we help tidy up around our town to make a good first impression to our many visitors.
Thinking of this upcoming Saturday, I think about many of the things that made me want to come home after my tour of duty with the Air Force. The main factor for my wife and I was that to both of us, Atmore is home. I grew up most of my life here, attending elementary school at Rachel Patterson and graduating from Escambia County High School. While attending Jefferson Davis Community College, I worked at Harco Drugs before it changed to Rite Aid. Even with these ties to Atmore, I couldn't wait to spread my wings.
Once in the Air Force, all I wanted to do was come home. During my enlistment, I lived in such places as San Antonio, Texas; Lompoc, Calif., and Minot, N.D. Each of these places had something to offer, whether that was adventure or snow, but they couldn't offer what Atmore could, my family and friends. After a year in the service, I was fortunate to marry my wife who is also from Atmore. We tried to keep up with Atmore news by calling home often.
When we finally had the chance to move back to Atmore, we were excited and anxious. We moved back unsure what our future would hold, but felt it was for the best. The decision to return to Atmore is validated every day as I walk around town and receive endless smiles and hellos from many of you as we hustle and bustle about our busy lives. As you walk up and down Pensacola Avenue this Saturday, take time to think what Atmore means to you.
When you do, smile at a stranger. It might change what Atmore means to them.
Chuck Bodiford is an Atmore native and publisher of the Advance. He may be reached by calling 368-2123 or by email at chuck.bodiford@atmoreadvance.com