Duty Calls

Forgive me for not writing...it's been a busy couple of weeks.

When I left Sterling, Colorado’s PRCA Rodeo my intentions were to fight bulls in Douglas, WY, for the Wyoming State Fair & PRCA Rodeo. However, my Air Force duties had to come first. I was scheduled to be in the University of Wyoming's new faculty orientation and the dates were the same as the rodeo.

Since my last blog, I have taught two weeks at the university, been in a photo shoot and worked at selling my house. It's never-ending, that's for sure.

I really enjoy teaching ROTC at UW. The entire UW experience has been great so far. I try to do my best in my teaching duties and instill a few core values in my "cadets." Every week I share with the cadets my Word of the Day. The first week my word was Resourcefulness..."not having all the answers but knowing how to find them." I think this is important in everyday life, especially for a college freshman. The second Word of the Day happened to be Integrity..."doing what's right, even when no one is watching." I'm a small-town guy with small town values. I've figured out in my 30 years of living that a person is only as good as their word and I hope my "cadets" see integrity in my daily living.

To lighten things up for them, I always end class with a "safety" video. These aren't your typical work safety videos. They tend to be idiots doing not-so-smart things! I hope the "cadets" like them as much as I do. So far, I haven't shown any of my bullfighting wrecks, but one never knows. I'd like to think I'm not an idiot doing not so smart things.

Last year, Corral West Western Stores invited me to model for their annual photo shoot. It was a great event and perhaps you have seen their ads throughout the year. The larger-than-life ads have been featured at the Wrangler NFR, the NFR Cowboy Christmas, Pro Rodeo Tour events and in 90+ stores nationwide. Last week, we shot the 2008 photos. This is always a great time and I enjoy everything about the shoot. I was able to make a few new friends and look forward to working with them again. Thanks again to Corral West for inviting me to participate in such a large campaign. I will be sure to post photos when they become available. The ads will appear for the first time at the 2007 Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas, NV in December.

Well the rodeo season is winding down for '07. It has been a great season and I still have a couple more stops to include the Military World Finals in Ft Worth, TX.

Be sure to check out www.jeremysparks.com to see photos from the 2007 season.

Forever West,
Jeremy