Spirit of America
By Trent LoosI am frequently told that Americans are not held in high regard by the rest of the world. Why is that? Could it be that our nation’s media focus on the worst things that happen every day? Our 24-hour cable news networks are seen globally and thrive on the stories about men who murder their wives and company execs that embezzle millions from their shareholders. What about all the wonderful things that happen every day in America? Who is telling the world about that?
I want to share the story of one of the most enjoyable weekends of my life. I assisted in organizing the Houston E. Mull Memorial Scholarship Fund Cattle Drive that was held on November 6, 2004 near Marshall, MO. Everyone who was there witnessed the true spirit of America.
If you missed it earlier, Houston was a 15-year-old who was killed in an automobile accident on July 1, 2004. Houston had two passions in life: helping people and production agriculture. He wanted to be a farmer. I was fortunate to have met Houston earlier this year. The image of him, with a smile on his face as he reached out to shake my hand, is hard to forget. As word spread about plans for the cattle drive, many people shared with me their stories of how Houston touched their lives and how infectious his smile could be.
I could go on about the hundreds of stories and poems people have submitted to me about Houston but I think you will better understand of the impact of this boy’s life when I share with you the results of the Cattle Drive. In September, I was interviewing Houston’s father, Robin Mull in his summer pasture about the Memorial Scholarship Fund the family had started to assist young people who wanted to pursue a future in production agriculture when it hit me. I suggested to Robin that we organize an old-fashioned cattle drive to trail the cows 20 miles to the home place rather than him hauling them.
While some didn’t believe we could get such a project rolling in just six weeks, the dedication of those involved helped to convert our idea into reality. The Mulls wanted to include a gathering at the farm that would serve as an expression of their appreciation to everyone in the community who had come to aid of the family and contributed to the scholarship fund. The first person I recruited for this endeavor was the Saline County Deputy Sheriff Wilma Garrett. Her response was, “This is the perfect idea for the epitome of an American Farm Family”. From that moment on, Wilma spearheaded the cause with great passion.
Wilma designated the route for the drive and was able to convince the Missouri Highway Patrol that our cause was worthy of shutting down State Highway 65 so we could cross the busy four-lane. Robin, Brenda and Bradley Mull were the first to ride their horses across the highway, leading Houston’s horse Sonny, as 150 spectators, fans and photographers lined the banks of the road. As we crossed the highway, riders totaling 130 merged with about 100 cow/calf pairs to assist in driving them north.
We completed the drive with only a few unexpected interruptions, no major mishaps and some really tired horses, cows and riders. Over 300 people gathered around the campfire that evening where food and fellowship were abundant. Alma Meats donated ham for the sandwiches for the riders at lunch. Excel Corporation donated rib-eye steaks and the local cattlemen cooked them to perfection. Friends, neighbors and local organizations contributed ham and bean soup, cornbread and hundreds of desserts. Every single thing needed to make the day a monster success was donated almost before we could ask for it.
This event defines the true Spirit of America - countless community members willing to drop everything and lend a helping hand for a worthy cause. If the world could see this side of life in our country, they would have nothing but envy for what Americans enjoy. If we can recognize that one young man touched so many lives in his fifteen short years simply because he woke up every morning with a smile on his face, the outcome of our November 6, 2004 event is truly a tribute to Houston. He will surely be pleased to know that this event garnered in excess of $7000 that will be benefit his peers in their future agricultural endeavors. While it is sad to lose such a wonderful person, to know that his spirit is alive and he now watches over all of us as he beat us to that special place.
