8/7/2019 DavidBradleyLetter2

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Ms. Kanner,

My nominee for "10 Who Make a Difference" is Mr. David Bradley. Mr. Bradley is a Marine--notallowed to say retired or former Marine, once a Marine, always a Marine. He is a Marine whodefended and led other young Marines in the defense of this great nation, who now teachessocial studies to 7th and 8th-grade students at Lakeside Junior High School in Clay County. In

addition to his duties as a husband and father, Mr. Bradley began mentoring young men in theTake Stock in Children program. This experience led him to co-found a group called theGentlemen Gators which he has led for four years, growing the program from 13 young men tonow over 50! This group of young men he teaches authentic manhood, in an age where authenticmanhood is at times difficult to find, are blessed to be under Mr. Bradley's leadership. Withweekly lessons of wisdom ranging from "honor" to "fatherhood" to loyalty" to "faith," Mr. Bradleyalso offers real-world lessons in servant-leadership. Every year the Gentlemen Gators servemultiple times at the SeaMark Ranch orphanage and Quigley House for abused women. Hisgroup has cleared trails, removed cacti, planted peace gardens, painted, and cleaned. Mr.Bradley's group even has created a tradition in which they choose from "the least among us" tomake an impact, last year adopting a young widow to paint her home, build a shed, and constructa playground for her young children. At the end of the year, these young men are "knighted" in aformal ceremony on the banks of the St. John's River--tuxedos and all!

While I am sure many of the other nominees have performed much more "high-profile" deeds,and this is not to diminish their good, I believe David Bradley would make a good nominee toshow all of Jacksonville that one does not have to be rich or well-known, or have to perform greatdeeds to be recognized by one's community. David Bradley's impact on this community is sobroad many in our circle cannot imagine life without him. His cheerful "hoorahs" can be heardcampus-wide and bring joy to those around. But most importantly, in a time when one of thegreatest crisises facing our nation is the break-down of authentic men--fathers and husbands--David Bradley stands bravely as he did in his Marine uniform to stand in the face of an unknownenemy. He fills the huge gap left by absentee fathers and is an inspiration to all the other bravefathers and husbands proudly leading their families and others. I know his story will inspireothers. There is so much more he does I could go on and on, but I respectfully thank you for taking on such a difficult assignment. There are so many deserving candidates. Thank you for agreat story. God Bless!

John W. Green Jr.

Vice Principal, Lakeside Junior High School