LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Barry Wingard gives back to his community

By: Dear Editor: | SCNOW
Published: June 19, 2008

Recently, we were delighted to learn that our friend, Barry Wingard, had announced his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives.

We have known Barry for many years and have always respected his long and distinguished career in the military, including a 26-month recall and deployment to serve in Afghanistan after his retirement.

However, what we admire the most about Barry is his willingness to volunteer so much of his time to make Florence a better place to live.

When he moved to Florence, he immediately became involved in many veterans’ events, including the new Florence Veterans Park, was co-chair of fundraising for the Friends of the Library and later served on their board of directors.

He is also an active member of the Florence Rotary Club.

At the state level, he served as one of three governor appointed veterans that oversaw the planning and construction of the Veterans Memorial on the State House grounds.

We live in a time when it seems that there is an abundance of people that are good at identifying and discussing the problems that our city, state and nation face.

However, there aren’t nearly as many people that are willing to work hard to be problem solvers. Barry is a refreshing alternative to most of those serving in our legislature today in that he will make it his full-time job to listen to the problems and ideas of citizens and do his best to help them. He is not afraid to state his opinion or position, even if it may not be “good politics.”

Florence is fortunate that Barry has decided to once again come out of retirement to work hard for our city and our state.

Drs. Robert and Deborah Gaddy
Florence