Vernon Parish 4-H Teen Leaders welcomed Gregory Funderburk, Deputy Director of Emergency Services at JRTC and Fort Polk, as a guest speaker during their Halloween Costume Social.
Funderburk shared lessons from his career in emergency services, emphasizing the importance of leadership, service, and making responsible decisions.
During his presentation, Funderburk encouraged students to recognize that leadership is ultimately about caring for people and looking out for others. He challenged the teen leaders to consider how their decisions today can influence their futures.
His message focused on communication, character, honesty, integrity, and the importance of doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
One of the lessons shared during the presentation involved the idea that everyone carries two buckets, one filled with gasoline and another with water. Funderburk explained that when difficult situations arise, effective leaders should work to calm the situation rather than make it worse.
Funderburk also shared a story about workers involved in building St. Paul’s Cathedral. While some workers viewed their responsibilities as simply cutting stone or earning a paycheck, another recognized that his work contributed to building something magnificent.
Through the story, Funderburk encouraged the students to recognize that their actions and contributions are part of something greater than themselves, including building stronger communities, states, nations, and a better world.
He challenged the 4-H members to stand tall, square their shoulders, and understand the importance of their roles in shaping the future.
Vernon Parish 4-H expressed appreciation to Funderburk for speaking with its Teen Leaders and reinforcing the message that leadership begins with the choices individuals make each day.