
As the electronics field has changed over the years, so has Rick Hales. Rick’s job description is “electronics technician”, but that covers a wide range of areas. Â
Rick began in electronics back in 1981, when he worked at Cass Martin’s Radio Shack, behind the Union Bank University Branch.Â
Rick was well known for years from the Drew Satellite business he operated, which was located on the old Lucky’s Chevrolet lot, where Ryburn’s is now.
Now, with the advancement of technology, Rick’s project for this week will be installing a “smart classroom” at UAM. Smart classrooms bring the current high-tech of interactivity, into an educational setting.  Smart classrooms take power-point from a screen in the front of the room, and puts it directly into the touch-screen that is located in front of each student. When the instructor writes on their work station, it instantly appears on each of the students panels, and becomes a part of the lesson. Instant, color-sensitive, and it responds to the touch. Now that’s a long way from the old chalkboards, that so many of us grew up with. Rick has installed this type of system in Monticello and McGehee schools already.
Rick also has been in the field of installing sound and projection systems in churches and schools, for several years. One of his recent projects was the MeGehee Elementary Cafetorium, which included a Dell projector, a 10 foot projection screen, and wireless microphones.
Rick is also a DirecTV dealer, and has been with them since the company began.
Rick told MonticelloLive that he considers the best part of his work to be what he does in the educational field.  ”It’s great to be a part of improving the classroom teaching setting”, he added.
Rick was born, raised, and graduated, here in Monticello, “actually I was born at the old hospital, where the empty lot is at N. Main and Jefferson,” he commented.
Rick attended UAM for 3 years, before entering the military, and taking part of many of their computer classes.Â
Rick served in the National Guard for 13 years, and was stationed in Korea twice, and Germany once. He entered the service as a private, and progressed to the ranks of Lieutenant, and then to Captain. He also worked at the Pentagon for 2 years, while on the staff of the Army Chief of Staff.

Rick is shown here with his wife of 23 years, Cathy, and their year old golden retriever, Chloe. Cathy can be considered a “professional grandmother”, since she is so dedicated to her grandchildren.
The Hales’ have 3 children;
Chris Owen, who is married to Laura, and has a 2 year old son, Jacob.
Candice, who is married to Keith Jordan. They have a 3 year old son, Colton, and are expecting twins. (I noticed Grandma’s big smile), and
Jamie, who is a Senior at Drew Central.
Cathy describes Rick as, “a wonderful Christian man, and father.”
Rick and Cathy are very active at First Assembly of God Church, where Rick serves as media engineer, working with all types of electronic equipment.
Their hobbies include spending time with each other, sometimes while riding a Suzuki 1500 together. Rick says, “I got it for me, but she loves it as much as I do.”
They also spend a lot of time working with ministry projects for First Assembly. Â
Aside from Chloe, they have a 9 year old Shitzu, named Sadie.
Rick’s favorites include:
Restaurants-Aside from Monticello’s good ones, Molly’s in Warren.
TV show-Deal or No Deal.
Movie-Cool Hand Luke.
Actor-Robert DeNiro.
Book-The Bible.
Music-Praise and Worship.
Song or Hymn-He Reigns.Â
Cathy told me that Rick’s favorite phrase is, “Nothing happens in our lives that the Lord can’t handle.
Thanks Rick for all you do to improve our schools and church facilities, and for sharing your One Monticello Life.
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