Local radio host receives Kindness In Action recognition
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - This week's Kindness in Action recipient is WMXI's radio host Ted Tibbett. Tibbett continues to support local veterans and women who are affected by breast cancer.
In 1968 Tibbett was drafted into the military. Since then he has become very active locally with active members and veterans.
“We put on Veterans Day program, and the Memorial Day program. It is just a passion" said Tibbett who mentioned joining the military has changed his life.
Tibbett said he wants members of the military to have the recognition they deserve. “I am from that Vietnam Era, that's when the veterans came back from Vietnam, we were treated rudely by the public."
"We were never given any honor for what we did. Everybody went overseas, did their job throughout that time, but they came back without a thank you" he said.
“While others when a crisis comes, everyone flees backwards, our military goes forward" he said.
He continued, "And so I want to make sure that these people are appreciated, for what they do, not only for when they are active, but for those that come back home."
"They are the veterans that served honorably for our country, they are never forgotten, and that we can always shake their hand and say thank you for their service.”
Tibbett is also an activist with the women of the Pine Belt. In 2007 Tibbett's wife died from breast cancer and he said he makes it his mission to raise funds for a cure.
"It is a terrible disease, and I wanted to do all I could, so I became involved with the Pink Ribbon Fund" he said.
"They raise money, locally. 100% what they raise are for the women of the Pine Belt to help with expenses, prosthetic, whatever they might do.”
Through his volunteer services, Tibbett met his current wife, who he said they share a passion of helping others together.
“And I think it is important that we be as local as we can" said Tibbett. "We always want to be active and involved. It keeps me going and it’s a purpose that I can have in life.”
