One Monticello Life: Rick Hales
Published by Joe Burgess April 6th, 2008 in Feature: OML.
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.
Rick began in electronics back in 1981, when he worked at Cass Martin’s Radio Shack, behind the Union Bank University Branch.
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.
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.
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.
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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Could not have thought of a greater family to honor this week!
What an awesome couple you are!! what a blessing you are to me and to so many people around you!! You smile thru the trials..(sometimes) and you know that God is leading you and you lead as an example!
AGaink, what a blessing you aRE!!!
Rick is truly one of the nicest guys I know. He always is positive and has an encouraging word. I had the opportunity to work with him on several projects, and I have always appreciated his deep desire for doing the job right.
I’m grateful that Rick has been featured as part of MonticelloLive!
Rick, I honestly have to say that this article simply didn’t do you justice. It only scratched the tip of the iceberg. You are, without a doubt, one of the most incredible men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing & working with. And it’s guys like you that I’m honored to call a friend. You certainly deserve this position in ML. Stay vertical!
We are honored to call Rick Hales one of our best friends. We thank God so much for bringing him into our lives. He is truly one of the coolest people we know. We love you Rick…and Cathy very much. Glad to see you featured on One Monticello Life!
congrats rick!! you and cathy are such wonderful people and have done so much for so many people…thank you!! i do miss the days of drew satellite and drew fence co and being secretary for you and donald (even though he did fire me every other day).
Rick and Cathy are such an asset to First Assembly. We depend on them probably too much. It is easy to over use those folks that are always willing. They are a blessing and deserve to be honored with a special recognition and even more. Just to share one story, they drove three hours last week, cooked a wonderful meal and helped us surprise our staff with a special picnic. How can you top that? We love you and don’t want to be without you. Pastor and Karen
Rick is a great guy and a true friend. He serves our community with countless hours of volunteer service. I am blessed to serve Rick and Cathy as their pastor. Monticello is a better place because of you. I am a better person because you are my friends. Pastor Al
You could look this town over and never find another couple so dedicated to the work that they do for the church as well as spreading the word of God! They are truly an asset to First Assembly of God, where Rick takes care of the audio and video equipment during the services. Thank you Rick and Cathy for the dedication to our wonderful church! MAY GOD BLESS BOTH YOU ALWAYS! REMEMBER.. NOTHING HAPPENS THAT YOU AND GOD CAN’T HANDLE TOGETHER!!! HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED THE RIDE FROM STAR CITY BACK TO MONTICELLO! SAW YOU AT SPEEDYBURGER!!! LOOKED AS IF YOU GUYS WERE HAVING BUNCHES OF FUN!!!!
Nan Carter
&
Robin Smith
It is such an honor to call Rick and Cathy friends! They are great neighbors, and two of the most selfless and giving people I have ever met in my life. I am also honored to serve with them at First Assembly. I couldn’t do without them. If you were to look up the word servant in the dictionary, you would find their pictures there.Laura and I love you two very much!
I met Rick not long after I moved to Monticello, twenty-three years ago. He was great then and has only improved through the years.
I met Cathy about 10 years later. I have to say that they are good role models for the young married couples in Monticello.
Rick was the first person I met when my family and I moved to Monticello from Detroit Michigan. He was a good friend during my junior and high school years. I am happy to hear that his life has been so blessed and successful.