About Ron Padgett

Ron Padgett affectionately known as the ‘Ole Sarge’ grew up in DeLand; considered himself blessed, by where He is today, financially secure, despite growing up dirt poor. Ron and His two (2) brothers had god-fearing parents that believed in family values and taught them to never give up on their dreams, share hope to the world and of course, work hard enough & good things will come to pass. My parents instilled in us, especially His gracious Mom, a never quit attitude and always have a positive can-do spirit. Ron started having a passion for writing while in the U.S. Army as an accomplished technical writer. As part of his Logistics/Supply profession in the military and Dept of Defense (DOD) Civil Service career, Ron has had the experience & expertise to rewrite changes to Army Supply Regs, and Army Supply Pamphlets, during His 21 year Army career that spanned from 1970-1991 and 20 year DOD Civil Service career from 1992-2012. Ron retired from U.S. Army Civil Service in April 2012, at Fort Stewart, GA (near Savannah) and moved back down to DeLand, Fl. where He grew up and where it all began for Him and His family in 1952. Ron currently lives in Seville and moved there in 2019 and loves the small town environment. Ron's family, Mom & His 2 Brothers moved from Lyons, GA. to DeLand in 1952 when He was 4 years old. As noted above, Ron's family was basically dirt poor and lived pay check to pay check and survived just above the poverty level. I guess what Ron is saying, He never did go to bed hungry, but felt the vibes of being poor by societal standards.

After graduating from DeLand High School in 1967, Ron saved enough money for two (2) semesters of college at Daytona Beach Jr. College (now Daytona State College) and went for one year; had to drop out in 1968 because of His Father battling (terminal) throat cancer. Medical bills were piling up that medical insurance did not cover, so Ron started working full time with Winn-Dixie in Deltona and over the next 2 years rose to the rank of Asst. Produce Manager. Ron's Dad died in August 1970 of cancer. In September 1970, Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army as a Private and took Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson, SC. Ron rose to the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8) serving faithfully for 21 years in the Army, 1970-1991. Ron received numerous prestigious awards during his distinguished military career, namely the Meritorious Service Medal (MSm) which is the 3d highest achievement for honorary service. Ron also received the National Defense Service medal w/ Bronze Star for exemplary service. Ron is an active lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion chapters. After retiring from the Army in 1991, Ron went back to college part time on the ‘GI Bill’ and received His BS degree in Business & Psychology in 1995 and a MA degree in Military Studies (History) in 1997. After military retirement, Ron went into DOD Civil Service in September of 1992 as an Army Civilian and retired in April 2012. Ron received the prestigious DA Commanders Award for Civilian Service (twice) during his civil service career. Ron retired as a GS-12 (equivalent to an Army Major) and moved from Fort Stewart, GA, back down to DeLand where it all started. Ron's technical writing ability was honed while in the military, both as a GI and Army Civilian.

Ron is a History Nutt. His first book was written (self-published) about His Home Church in DeLand titled ~ 'The History of Calvary Baptist Church, 1938-2011' ~. Ron put His heart & soul into this venture. It took him about a 1-1/2 years to write. Writing has always been one of Ron's passions. Right after finishing His 1st book, Ron wrote a 2nd Book titled ~ 'Living the American Dream ~ a Rags to Riches story'. The book chronicles his life and military career, zeroing in on his life growing up in DeLand and starting from humble beginnings. Ron and family knows the value of hard work, dedication and never give up attitude. The theme of the Book is 'if I can make it, you can too'! 10% of sales go to Wounded GI's. Ron says, the more Books He can sell the more GI’s he can help. Retail cost of the book is $12.75, including shipping & handling. To order, visit Ron's website at olesargeronnpadgett.com. If you buy through Ron locally, the cost is only $10.00, a savings of almost $3.00. To order locally contact Ron by email at pigeon4226@att.net or by phone at # 386-717-0490.

Ron's third Book is going to be about His precious Mom titled 'My Mom, our Rock'. The book will be published in early 2024. The book will chronicle the life story of his gracious Mom and what she has meant to all of her family. She is a devoted mother & Christian that taught her Hubby and three (3) boys Godly principles to live by. Those principles are still within her family today. His beautiful Mom died in 2010 from a series of strokes, is greatly missed by all and her legacy lives on. She will be remembered as a kind, generous & compassionate lady that instilled in her family and community to be nice to folks, go out of your way to help others and most importantly, share hope to our world. Again, she is greatly missed by all, and we will all definitely see her and my Dad in heaven one day... Ron wants all to reach for the American Dream, it's within your grasp, cease the moment. Ron should know, He is truly living the American Dream. Ron also wants you to strive to ‘live the American Dream’ as he has done.

Ron is currently serving as Salute of Service (SOS) Comfort Kit Director sending small toiletry kits including coffee and tea bags to GI's in the Middle East (ME). Ron's kid brother Theron is Assistant Director, and Ron's cousin Tommy Padgett helps assemble the kits for shipping. More kits to follow as donations come in. Kits will be assembled about every 6 months and mailed to the Middle East. Ron has been directing this special program since 2014 and the program will continue to support GI's that are overseas in combat zones; ‘til’ all GI’s come home. Local merchants are welcome to donate as well as local churches for this important community project. Majority of donations have come from friends for this great cause. Ole Sarge says thx to all involved to help GI's feel like they have ‘a touch of home’… Ron and his brother Theron received kits like this during their ‘GI’ days. As mentioned above, 10% of sales of Ron’s ‘Rags to Riches’ book, goes toward funding this project. In addition, all small toiletry items, coffee and tea bags and shipping costs are paid by Ron. So folks, buy my book if you can or wish. Go to my website at olesargeronnpadgett.com to give. Thx much.

Ron has currently ventured into one (1) nonprofit Special Project over the last couple of years. This project is Ole Sarge Baseball Gear for Kids (OSBBGK). Ron started this project in 2019 by donating sports equipment to Area Youth programs and beyond. Ron buys slightly used baseball gloves and other sporting goods from Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity outlets and distributes out to various little league programs in Florida and now Georgia; and hopefully way beyond. Ron says He does not want kids to go without. Ron has gladly spent about $3K+ of his own funds on this continuing special project and hopefully, this will go viral.

After all is said and done; when the final curtain falls, Ole Sarge passionately says w/ compassion; mission accomplished, Sir!!!!!!

Thought for today: Ole Sarge says, no matter the circumstances, always strive to be your best.

                             (Ron' Ole Sarge' Padgett)