What's Up, Doc? Remember Those Who Serve Us

By Randall Freeman, PhD

Soccer coaches, junior church teachers, volunteer tutors and aides, community service leaders ... the list is endless. Where would any community - be it school, city, or non-profit – organization be without the overwhelming unpaid support of community members who give of themselves for the benefit of others?

I have had the opportunity many times over to witness the positive effects of these "servant-leaders". The girls played T-ball, AYSO soccer, were involved in PTA-sponsored events, and much more. None of the people involved received any financial benefit from participating in coaching and volunteering to help my daughters. I feel certain that they received so much more in satisfaction.

I have served on the Menifee Union School District Governing Board since 2008. These past years have taught me much about the people I have and continue to serve with. There is a sense of purpose that exists that allows us to function effectively for the benefit of the almost 10,000 young students in our school district.

One of the gentlemen whom I have had the honor to serve with is Ronald Ulibarri. This gentleman is the epitome of a servant-leader. In addition to his service to MUSD, he has been much involved in the success of his church community, and much more.

We often don’t realize how important people like Ron Ulibarri are to an organization until he is not able to participate. For the past few months, Ron has been valiantly fighting major health issues, issues which prevent his active presence in our meetings. We feel his presence even though his chair is currently vacant.

People like Ron give of themselves with little thought to themselves. Look around you; see who the servant-leaders are in your group. When they are battling health issues like Ron is currently doing, reach out to them and lend them your physical and spiritual support.

Attitude means much in our health, more than we may realize.

Keep Ron Ulibarri and those servant-leaders like him in your thoughts and prayers. They have given of themselves and this is the best way that I know to repay them for their service.

Randy Freeman and his family have lived in Menifee since 1993. Randy teaches kindergarten in Perris and his lovely wife Karen teaches first grade here in Menifee at Freedom Crest Elementary School. They are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters: Daniela, 18, and 14-year-old triplets Sarah, Holly, and Megan. Other family members include dogs Scruffy and Max, 17-year-old cat Hunter, and turtle Tuttles. Randy earned his PhD in early childhood education in 2011 and has served on the Menifee Union School Board since 2008. Randy has wisely decided to delete the bit about being Karen's boss in order to continue living in his happy home.