July 2023 ALT Magazine

BACK THE BLUE

From the Publisher...

What is it like to wear a badge?

Each year in July, we bring you our Back the Blue issue. Filled with stories of officers from police departments across our area, these men and women who wear a badge put themselves in harm’s way every day. It’s not just a job to them; it is their passion. They desire to help. That may mean they bring joy to children at Christmas time. Maybe that means they stop a drunk driver before that person ruins his and other people’s lives. Maybe that means they stop human exploitation at our borders. Whatever that means to each individual person serving, we are thankful.

I have always respected our law enforcement officers. I try my best to obey all laws (other than maybe going a few miles over the speed limit – and of course, that is my car’s fault because it just wants to go fast!) My children learned early that law enforcement officers are here to help us. It was no surprise when, after years of working at a gun range, my daughter, Jaclyn Gooding, chose to be a Texas State Trooper. Like her family, she is driven and intelligent, and her dream came true.

Was I scared for her? Of course, I worry about her. However, I cannot allow her job to control my life. I know she is where she should be, and God controls her every move. She loves what she does, and she is good at it. She recently competed in the female Top Trooper competition, which involved physical training, driving, shooting, and an interview testing each trooper’s knowledge of many aspects of their positions. She worked diligently to prepare, and I was so proud when she called to tell me she won! What an honor!

Mike and I, along with our very close friends and honorary aunt and uncle, Paul and Stella Pratt, traveled to Austin for the award ceremony. Many proud family members were there for others who were receiving awards, including Trooper Trevor Topper for winning male Top Trooper. It was an honor to be among so many of our Texas Tan and know what a great job these men and women are doing. Congratulations to all who were recognized!

It is much harder on me that Jaclyn lives so far away, and I don’t get to see her in person very often. She has always been very close to me, and I miss her. But I know she is doing her best in a challenging job.

Here close by, however, is a wonderful young man who is a Sheriff’s Deputy for Little River County. He also works very hard and tries his best to help those in need. It is always a pleasure to see Carl Jensen when he stops by to see his lovely wife, Alyssa, who also happens to be our editor.

You see, we are surrounded by selfless men and women who want to help, who want to make a difference, and who want to protect you. If you see one of these wonderful people, please tell them thank you for a job well done. You never know what might be troubling them; it might just make their day!

Thank you to all who serve. I, for one, appreciate all you do.

Law enforcement officers are hired to protect and serve our community. In doing so, they arrive for a shift every day, willing to put themselves in the line of fire to help a citizen in need, stand in the busy street and direct whirling traffic around them, knock on the door, and respond to a call. They leave their families at home, along with the struggles, concerns, and pressures of daily life, and put on their uniforms, not knowing what they will face in the hours ahead. Every day, they put their lives at risk for people they don’t know, all because they believe it is the right thing to do.

In Texarkana, several law enforcement agencies are privileged to serve us. The five officers we are featuring this month were all nominated by their departments for this recognition because of their dedication to the job and the citizens they have sworn to protect. They know that in the current political climate, officers have to work harder than ever to build trust with their communities, and they all explain in their profiles how they seek to achieve that goal. We appreciate their honesty and willingness to explain why they chose to become a law enforcement officer and believe this job is so important. Behind each of their uniforms is a story, and we are proud to share theirs.

Isaiah 6:8

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

ThomasAlexander

Alexander appreciates that many New Boston citizens support law enforcement and take the time to show it. “I think our department has an excellent relationship with our citizens, and that is one of the most important aspects of community policing,” Alexander says. “Earning the respect and trust of the community is important to us.”

Though it was not his original plan, Alexander decided to pursue a career in law enforcement after an officer suggested that Alexander might be a good fit for the job. “I was always interested in law enforcement and had been considering it. After college and working other jobs, I still felt compelled to go into law enforcement, so I decided to go to the academy and become a police officer,” Alexander says. “The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that what I do daily matters. Even the small things I do as a police officer are big things to the communities I serve and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Thomas Alexander works part-time as a Patrol Deputy with Bowie County Sheriff’s Office, and he has been full-time with New Boston Police Department for the last two years. “New Boston is a small community where everyone knows each other, which makes the community more close-knit than areas with bigger populations. We all try to work together to make the community better as a whole, and that is sometimes harder in larger cities,” Alexander says. “I think the communication is better and more open in a smaller community like New Boston. It is nice to know your neighbors and for them to know you.”

Alexander says that some days on the job are much more challenging than others. “Calls involving children or the death of someone’s family member are some examples. On those types of calls, you empathize with the people affected and the victims, and sometimes that can be hard,” Alexander says. “I always try to remember that even on the worst days for others, I can still try my best to help improve their day.”

Even on the most challenging calls, Alexander is motivated by knowing that his actions impact others. “What I do and how I react can mean the world to someone else,” Alexander says. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on the job is to listen more. I don’t pass judgment and try to be more understanding of other people’s circumstances.”

Patrol Officer with new boston police department & Bowie county Sheriff's Office

Alexander also tries to ensure a good relationship between law enforcement and the public by getting to know the people in the communities he serves. “I try to always be fair, respectful, and understanding of others when they call for help or are on different calls,” Alexander says. “I’m a person just like them, and I treat others as I would want to be treated. I try to be a good listener and offer advice to help with the situations we are called for.”

Like many law enforcement officers today, Alexander hopes to improve community relationships and perceptions of the badge. “I wish the community knew that we are people just like them. We try our best to understand their circumstances, find resolutions to their problems, and remain unbiased,” Alexander says. “I wish they understood that police officers genuinely want to help. We are not just here to ‘take people to jail.’ This job is so much more than that. Police officers answer calls on people’s worst days sometimes, and we try our best to make that bad day better when we can. We cannot always fix every situation, but the truth is, we want to. I hope that society understands and sees the good we do and not just the bad they see about police officers on the news or social media.”

In the future, Alexander hopes that New Boston will expand community activities for the young people who live there. “It would be nice for New Boston,

or even the other smaller cities on the west end of the county as a whole, to have somewhere like a recreational center, Boys and Girls Club, or community center for kids to be able to go to spend time together and have something to do outside of school and sports. Not every kid does extracurricular activities with school, and even those that do, would benefit from a place like that,” Alexander says. “I would encourage kids to take advantage of a place like that and help explain the benefits to city officials.”

Looking back on his time in law enforcement, Alexander says he is most proud of having the privilege to be a police officer. When he was younger, he never imagined he would be where he is today. “I really enjoy being a police officer, and there are a lot of rewarding takeaways from what I do every day. If I had chosen a different profession, I would not feel the same way each day when I go home. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can help someone else,” Alexander says. “It’s very rewarding to serve others.”

Dan L. Martin, DOM Doctor of Oriental Medicine

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K9 Officer with Texarkana Texas Police department

Cole Bredenberg

of domestic violence getting out of their situation. Seeing them thrive as people and better themselves makes you really feel like you can make a difference,” Bredenberg says. “Also, as a canine handler for the department, one of the most rewarding things I can see is my K9 Partner, Thor, excelling and growing.”

Cole Bredenberg, a K9 Officer with the Texarkana Texas Police Department (TTPD), grew up in a law enforcement household where he was inspired by watching his father and his father’s co-workers work in the community. “As I grew older, I began to learn more of the nuances of policing and how it impacts the community you live in,” Bredenberg says. “Helping keep the community safe was a guiding factor as to why I joined law enforcement.”

Since pursuing his law enforcement career, Bredenberg says that though the job can be both challenging and rewarding, he enjoys seeing the positive impact that police can have on lives in the community. “It’s encouraging to see people who have an addiction, homelessness, or are victims

For Bredenberg, becoming a canine officer is one of his proudest achievements. He was first introduced to police K9s when he was growing up, and officers would come into his school for a demonstration. Seeing the officer and K9 in action fortified Bredenberg’s determination to join law enforcement and, one day, become a K9 handler. Then, at his first department in Maumelle, Arkansas, Bredenberg was offered the position of K9 handler, but he turned it down because he was getting hired in Texarkana. Once he started in Texarkana, Bredenberg began working with former handlers and current Arkansas side handlers in decoying. He also started assisting with training. “After years of working with them, a spot opened, and I was selected. Being a handler has been my goal in getting into law enforcement, and I often tell people it is the best job at the department,” Bredenberg says. “There is a lot of hard work and times getting called away from your family, but it is extremely fulfilling.”

The most important day-to-day responsibilities in Bredenberg’s role as a canine handler involve ensuring that Thor is taken care of and trained to his full potential. Bredenberg says it would be a disservice to the city and Thor if he was not “hitting on all cylinders.” So, Bredenberg works hours behind the scenes to train Thor in obedience, narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, and tracking.

Another of Bredenberg’s major responsibilities is utilizing K9 Thor to get narcotics and firearms off the streets of Texarkana to help keep neighborhoods and children safe. “K9 Thor is certified through the

United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) as a dual-purpose canine, which means that he can sniff for narcotics and apprehend suspects,” Bredenberg says.

The last major responsibility Bredenberg has as a canine handler is criminal apprehension. “I have the responsibility of deploying K9 Thor when somebody needs to be physically apprehended due to the nature of the crime they committed. I have to direct officers, supervisors, and other citizens on things I need when K9 Thor is out and working in an apprehension situation,” Bredenberg says. “I work diligently to get the suspect to submit to arrest before needing K9 Thor to physically apprehend the suspect.”

For Bredenberg, the most challenging part of the job is having patience and remembering that the people are not mad at him personally; they are angry at the situation or the badge. “As officers, we interject ourselves into situations where people are having bad days or maybe the worst day. Tensions are high, and people never like being told they are wrong or that they are going to jail. It’s natural,” Bredenberg says. “To try to overcome this challenge, I remind myself daily that if I was in that situation, I would be just as upset. We are all human and want an outcome that agrees with what we think should happen.”

Bredenberg also strives to be a person who talks to people with dignity and respect. He recognizes that we are all human and have made mistakes. “It builds a relationship with the community when they see you are not trying to talk over them or act better than they are. If I talk to you like you are a normal person who messed up, you may not like the outcome, but at least you know I wasn’t talking down to you. And I was being fair,” Bredenberg says. “I always explain the outcome of a call and how we got to this point.

If somebody disagrees, I allow them to explain their side or what they think. Even if it’s impossible to solve the situation the way they want, having a conversation helps them feel they are a part of the solution.”

The biggest lesson Bredenberg has learned in law enforcement is that an officer may never really know what all people have been through. “As officers, we interact with many people daily and get bits and pieces of information about their lives. Then, we slowly piece together more of their story with each interaction,” Bredenberg says. “However, at the end of the day, we will never fully understand a person’s life. We may have somewhat of a grasp on the details, but there will always be stuff we do not know.”

On the most challenging days, Bredenberg is motivated by his family. “I always want a safe place for my family to live and grow up in,” Bredenberg says. “K9 Thor also does a pretty good job motivating me on days I am down. He is always ready to go to work.”

In fact, all of Bredenberg’s favorite stories at the department center around demonstrations showing off K9 Thor, just like the ones that inspired him when he was younger. “These demonstrations stand out because kids and the community love dogs. Kids at school love seeing what a police dog can do. Seeing their faces while he is working is a great feeling. It is memories that last with the kids for a long time,” Bredenberg says. “The fascination with K9s doesn’t just apply to kids. The same goes for adults. Doing demonstrations for groups and allowing them to see the capabilities of K9 Thor are really great stories for me to tell other people.”

Criminal Investigations Division Supervisor with Texarkana Arkansas Police Department

Tom Briggs

have touched someone’s life just by doing your job.”

Though it is rewarding, law enforcement can be a challenging career, especially when balancing a personal life. “When doing this job, you work countless hours investigating serious crimes, and this causes you to be away from your family a lot. You incur lots of missed opportunities being with your children as they grow up,” Briggs says. “I just try to make sure my family knows that I really love them and spend as much time with them as possible.”

On challenging days, Briggs stays motivated by focusing on his goals and striving to serve others. In 2020, he even went back to school. “One of my biggest accomplishments is completing my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas,” Briggs says. “This is something that I’ve always wanted to finish, and I finally put in the work to get it done.”

Tom Briggs is the Criminal Investigations Division Supervisor for Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD). He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement after spending 12 years in the military. “Discipline and structure are something that I love and carry with me to this day,” Briggs says. “We all know that law enforcement jobs can be very stressful and dangerous, but I chose this field because I wanted to be a difference in our communities. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing how you

Briggs also works hard to ensure his subordinates have what they need to succeed. “I want to be sure they are getting the best working atmosphere possible to keep their morale high,” Briggs says. “I also want to ensure they have all the equipment they need to return home to their families at the end of the day. Family is important, and in this profession, you never know what kind of day you will have.”

When he started this career, Briggs says they would patrol the streets with only two and three police officers on a shift, even on busy weekends. “Somehow, we still took care of the

city,” Briggs says. “Now, these stories amaze me because even though we have seven to eight patrolmen on the streets, I think we could use more at times. The city has really grown so much.”

In the 20 years that Briggs has been a policeman in Texarkana, he says that he appreciates how well the police agencies from both sides of the line work together to accomplish good things and make a positive impact. “Living and working in a city that is located in two states and where everyone can still be one big family makes Texarkana special,” Briggs says. “I have lived on both sides of town, and the neighbors I have had the opportunity to live beside have been great.”

In the future, Briggs would like to see both sides of the line update and beautify the cities. “I wish we could make Texarkana more attractive for our citizens and tourists,” Briggs says. “Also, every

getting into mischief.”

Briggs also wishes to improve community relations between law enforcement and Texarkana citizens. To do so, he says that he has learned to stay humble, be professional, keep a good attitude, and treat others the way he wants to be treated. “Our police powers are derived from the communities we serve, and when police are called, they respond with the mentality to try and resolve any situation they encounter. There are times that police officers act as teachers, counselors, brothers, sisters, doctors, friends, and many other professions to help someone else,” Briggs says. “A healthy relationship means accepting people for who they are. Getting out in the communities, assisting the citizens with any problems, and working together to resolve any issues ensures a good working relationship."

Phillip Hardemon Patrol sergeant with Miller County Sheriff's office

Hardemon says. “The best part of the job is knowing that I’m making a difference.”

To Hardemon, the most challenging part of the job comes when law enforcement officers have to make important decisions in the moment. Out of all of his duties, Hardemon says that his most critical task is making sure all his deputies go home at the end of the day. “We know that our decisions could affect the rest of a person’s life,” Hardemon says. “But, we can overcome this challenge and gain confidence with training and experience.”

In the future, Hardemon hopes that relationships and trust will strengthen between law enforcement and the communities they seek to protect. “I wish citizens wouldn’t base their opinion regarding proper police conduct using only a short video posted to social media,” Hardemon says. “It causes more people to distrust law enforcement as a whole.”

Sgt. Phillip Hardemon has been with the Miller County Sheriff’s office for 20 years and currently serves as Patrol Sergeant. “Ever since I was a kid carrying around my toy gun and badge everywhere I went, I’ve felt like I wanted to go into law enforcement,” Hardemon says.

The most rewarding aspect of Hardemon’s job is the opportunity to build relationships with the citizens in this community. “It’s great to see how kids’ eyes light up when they see you in uniform and tell you they want to be a police officer,”

When Hardemon is working with community members, he says it’s important to remember to treat everyone with dignity, “If you show people respect, they will show it back, more often than not,” Hardemon says. “Officers should treat everyone like human beings, listen, and show concern.”

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Craig hicks Officer with Pleasant Grove ISD Police Department

Also, the parents of the students have been very appreciative of the additional officers on campuses.”

For Hicks, his most critical responsibility as a school officer is to create a safe learning environment for students. “I’m the one to stand in between them and danger. At first, I think many students thought I was here because they were in trouble,” Hicks says. “But they have now learned that I’m ‘the good guy’ because keeping them safe is my job.”

Every morning, Hicks ensures he is the first person students see when they arrive on campus. He greets them with a smile and calls them by name. “I want them to walk away from their first interaction at school and know, ‘Officer Hicks is glad I’m here, and he cares enough to tell me every day,’” Hicks says. “Then, at the end of the day, I do car duty, so I’m the last person they see as they leave, and I let them know that I look forward to seeing them tomorrow.”

Craig Hicks has always believed in public service. He was a firefighter for 33 years and a fire marshal for the Texarkana Texas Fire Department. “I did a lot of public education for the fire department and enjoyed working with the students. So moving to law enforcement for a school district seemed like something I would also enjoy,” Hicks says. “I have been in this role since December 2022, and I love the teachers and administrators I work with here in PGISD. They have been very welcoming and friendly.

The most rewarding aspect of Hicks’ job is seeing students in the community outside of school. “They have invited me to their soccer games, and I often see them out with their parents. They are always excited to see me,” Hicks says. “It’s rewarding to see young students develop positive relationships with law enforcement.”

On the other hand, the most challenging situation that Hicks faces is learning about some of the situations that the students face at home. “There’s usually nothing I can do about their situation,” Hicks says, “so I try to build

relationships with them so they look forward to coming to school and they know they have someone to talk to.”

Hicks says he learned much about treating people with kindness and dignity from Retired Battalion Chief Kenny Copeland, who taught him to respect everyone, regardless of their situation. “He taught me to look at the human side of things and how important it is to put yourself in other people’s shoes. It really gives you a compassionate perspective,” Hicks says. “He showed the highest respect to even those who worked under him.”

Years of experience have taught Hicks that the right thing to do is rarely the easiest, but it is absolutely necessary and expected. This mantra has helped Hicks focus on the good he can accomplish in the community, especially with students at PGISD. “Knowing I have the unique opportunity to change the trajectory of a student’s life is the biggest motivator,” Hicks says. “I love getting homemade thankyou cards from some of the students. They spent time making something for me, and thanking me really means a lot. In fact, I save all the cards I’ve gotten. Some of them told me, ‘You’re my favorite officer!’--- I’m the only officer on campus, mind you, but I still take it as a compliment.”

Patrol lieutenant with Bowie county sheriff's Office

Patrick Wrinkle

Working in law enforcement has been Wrinkle’s dream ever since college. One late night, he was driving back to campus after visiting his girlfriend at another school when he came across a car crash. Upon further inspection, Wrinkle saw that the car was on its side, off the road, in the woods; and a female driver was stuck inside. “I wasn’t able to get her out, but I called 911 and stayed to comfort her until someone arrived. I knew little about first aid then, but I did know to keep the injured person calm and wrap a blanket around them if they go into shock. So, I reassured her and wrapped my sleeping bag around her,” Wrinkle says. “After a little while, she stopped crying and shaking, and the emergency personnel arrived. I received so much joy from helping her I decided that’s what I wanted to do with my life.”

Patrick Wrinkle has been a law enforcement officer with the patrol division for Bowie County Sheriff’s Office for the last two years. During that time, he has enjoyed helping people and knowing that he is making the community safer for citizens. He is also very proud to have been promoted to Lieutenant. “Everyone who applied for the position has countless hours of training and experience. I know it was a hard decision, and I am flattered I was chosen,” Wrinkle says. “I am proud to be trusted with the position’s responsibilities.”

On a regular shift, Wrinkle may respond to calls that require him to enforce the law, protect citizens, answer 911 calls, and support people in their time of need. “Everything in this job is equally important, even though every situation and every call is different,” Wrinkle says. “Every interaction I have can be a learning moment, whether responding to a call or getting advice from my coworkers and family members who served as police officers in the past. Everyone in the Sheriff’s Office brings something to the table that betters the department somehow, and learning from these experiences has made me a better deputy.”

One of the biggest lessons that Wrinkle has learned on the job is that every action has

consequences. “Every decision can lead to both good and bad,” Wrinkle says. “Sometimes the best thing you can do is roll with the punches and learn from your mistakes to improve your future.”

Though this career is rewarding, many things make law enforcement difficult, especially when Wrinkle and other law enforcement officers interact with someone who wants to hurt citizens and officers. However, Wrinkle says that his biggest challenge is the sadness and helplessness of notifying family members when a loved one has passed. “Whether it comes from responding to a car crash or answering a phone call from a family member, it’s always hard to be the one who has to break the news. I have done hundreds of these types of calls, and they never get easier. It is hard to see the family going through so much pain and know that there is nothing I can do to ease it,” Wrinkle says. “I just try to reassure and comfort the families the best I can. I try to put myself in their shoes and think of what would help me, and then I do that for the family.”

When Wrinkle has a hard day at work, he knows he can lean on his family and friends. However, it can be challenging when work calls him away from big events. “Officers have to miss holidays, birthdays, and celebrations because every 911 needs to be answered, no matter what time or day it is. Not only is missing those events hard on officers, but it’s also very hard on their families,” Wrinkle says. “However, what motivates me on the tough days at work are my loved ones. Seeing how proud I make them makes me even more proud of my work.”

Because he is honored to wear the badge, Wrinkle tries daily to

make a positive impact in the community and the lives of Texarkana citizens, a mission that he says is driven by respect. “I show each person I deal with the same respect I want to be given. By doing this, I have even had suspects shake my hand and thank me after arresting them and bringing them to jail. I also interact with children to show them that the police are their friends. I carry stuffed animals and plastic badges in the back of my patrol car to give to kids when they are scared or in need of comfort, and when I finish a traffic stop, I like to ask parents if I can give kids in the car a plastic badge,” Wrinkle says. “The way I see it, any positive experience with the community will build a good relationship for the future.”

STRINGER WEALTH MANAGEMENT

RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL

STRINGERWEALTHMANAGEMENT.NET

IDENTIFY THE CONNECTION BETWEEN NET WORTH AND RISK TOLERANCE

FAMILY & LIFESTYLE

Understanding your risk profile is an important component of managing significant wealth.

Nobody wants to financially erode the portfolio they’ve built by making risky choices at the wrong time. You spend nearly half of a lifetime working hard to prepare for a secure retirement, so no wonder it isn’t easy to convince yourself to embrace risk. As vital as wealth preservation is, especially when nearing retirement, returns are still an important consideration.

So how do you get over the risk hurdle? Research shows your financial advisor can help. Those who work with an advisor perceive potential higher-risk investments with less negativity. They’re also more apt to recognize the importance of holding thoughtfully selected risk within an investment portfolio compared with wealthy investors who don’t partner with an advisor.

But how risky is too risky when it comes to wealth preservation and generating returns for high-net-worth investors? You might be surprised.

Sometimes looking at the numbers is an exercise in perspective. Investors with significant wealth have a greater ability to absorb financial losses than others – but emotion can sometimes get in the way of seeing the broader context. An amount that may initially cause “sticker shock” may actually be a fraction of your liquidity when considering the bigger picture. Your advisor may be able to run simulations that show how your unique portfolio would react to market pullbacks or changes in interest rates. Seeing these potential outcomes can

help clarify the level of risk that fits your tolerance and your investment goals – and it may turn out to be higher than you thought.

Age is less important when determining risk for investors with significant wealth. Your investment time horizon – the length of time you expect to hold an asset – is an important component of risk tolerance. Older investors typically have a shorter time horizon given their proximity to retirement and the usual need to make portfolio withdrawals at that time. However, age may have less impact on the overall risk tolerance of affluent investors whose income needs in retirement are already accounted for. If it’s unlikely you’ll need to liquidate assets in the near term to meet your spending needs, it may be appropriate to maintain a lessconservative allocation for longer.

Being too conservative can be a risk unto itself. Avoiding undue risk is always wise. However, you want to be sure to balance risk with potential return when it comes to your overall plan to outpace inflation and meet your financial goals in retirement, whether that’s supporting your grandkids’ education, giving to charitable causes or taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip. With the more complex planning needs that come with being an affluent investor, it’s important to discuss with your financial advisor an asset allocation that can help maintain your lifestyle over the long term.

Focus less on market timing and more on the timing of your life. Creating a

diversified portfolio and revisiting it as your life and goals evolve is more important than any one investment decision. Your financial advisor can help you determine which opportunities provide the best potential for reward for the risk taken that aligns with your unique circumstances, life plans and goals, and provide you with the peace of mind not to “jump” into and out of the market at the wrong time.

More risk assets, more thoughtful rebalancing. Because private wealth individuals typically hold meaningful wealth in risk assets like equities, which can change significantly in value over time, it’s important to establish a plan with your advisor for periodically returning your portfolio to its target asset allocation. It’s also important for your advisor to see the whole financial picture; holding assets in multiple accounts without informing your advisor of your full portfolio may increase the risk of becoming overly concentrated or underexposed to certain markets. Your selected strategy will have important tax consequences, so talk through various approaches to determine the best fit.

Create a steady withdrawal strategy for retirement. Capital preservation is important to prevent income loss. You’ll still need to ensure your liquidity needs are met with a holistic income strategy. Consider the income sources you’ll have in place, which may include Social Security, pensions, annuities, dividends, bond coupons, etc., and

work with your advisor to address any potential mismatch between what’ll be generated and what you’ll need to maintain your desired lifestyle as well as access capital if there is ever a need.

Confront concerns head on. One way to bring comfort to the idea of taking on risk is to simply talk about it openly. Have conversations with your financial advisor to help you understand your risk tolerance today and how risk can affect your future. When ideas and numbers become more tangible, they become more manageable. Your financial advisor can speak directly to the matters that will impact your portfolio the most but change your lifestyle the least.

Maintaining a large portfolio into and through retirement doesn’t have to mean giving up on returns and opportunities for growth, when that risk is managed thoughtfully. It just may take a true understanding of your overall financial outlook, and transparent conversations with your financial advisor, to help you get there.

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Suzie TK SnippeTS

By: Suzie Tyler

Don’t let your past define your future!

When you are watching an old movie, and you’ve viewed the scenes before, you know what is about to happen. How often have we re-watched a scary part and yelled, “Don’t go in there!”?

It’s the same in life. We all look back and see the wrong choices after the fact. You know. Those times when you ask yourself, “Why did I do that?” But then you see how it was turned around for your good.

There’s an old saying, “Hindsight is 20/20,” but God has a Perfect Vision and knows our past, present, and future.* If you are faith-driven, you know your Heavenly Father is looking out for you. If you don’t believe, you chalk it up to good fortune.

I have often said, “I wish I could re-live my life and know what I know now.” But the truth is, I might make a bigger mistake! Experience teaches us and helps us grow. We learn that the stove is hot by touching it.

After experiencing five children, I know how to do it correctly now. But I don’t want another teenager to try out my knowledge. That’s why you have grandchildren!

Have you noticed that as grandparents, we let our grandchildren do things we would never have allowed our children to do? That’s what makes us grand!

If you are young, learn from the experiences of those who have walked the path before you. If you are old, learn to give advice only if asked, and make it non-judgmental!

It’s a wonderful world we live in, even with its problems. Stay calm and enjoy life! Make new dreams by embracing your present because it will too quickly become your past.*

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*Quoted from AGAINST ALL ODDS We Found The Perfect Love on Amazon

Fish Tales with Mike Brower

Heat Kills

We all tend to forgo water for another type of beverage this time of year, and we could be setting ourselves up for heat stroke or worse. People drink everything from beer to Gatorade to pickle juice in hot weather. As long as it has some amount of water, I guess it’s okay, but nothing takes the place of water.

I have talked to several doctors over the years, and they agree that water, then a Gatorade-type product, is best to keep yourself hydrated in the summer. You want to alternate between the two, as too much water will dilute the salts and minerals and cause an imbalance. You need to replace the salts and other minerals you sweat and urinate out of your body.

While anything with a water component is better than nothing, drinking other things is not necessarily good either. You should have a bottle of water on the deck beside you and drink some every few minutes to stay hydrated and not have a heat stroke. A cool towel is the other thing that helps keep you going in the heat. Keep a wet handcloth in a baggie inside your ice chest. Then when you need to cool off quickly, take it out and wipe down your neck and head. Better yet, after the wipe-down, put it on your head and feel the heat dissipate, making you feel much better.

Don’t lose your fishing or outdoor time by overheating and having to stop.

July Events

visiting vendor event

The Vault - Shabby & Chic Home Boutique, located in Wake Village, Texas, is hosting a Visiting Vendor Event - both indoors and outdoors. They will have RETAIL & RESALE merchandise inside the store, featuring many hand-crafted items made by local artisans. They are located on the circle in Wake Village, next to Domino’s Pizza.

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FBC REDWATER FREEDOM FEST

Join us on July 2nd at the FBC Redwater parking lot for Freedom Fest 2023. Free meals will begin at 7pm, followed by an amazing fireworks display just after dark. Please bring your family and set up some chairs for a great night celebrating the freedom we enjoy. This is a free event for the entire community brought to you by organizations from the

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freedom fest new boston

Come out on Monday, July 4th at 5:00 pm and enjoy the fantastic Freedom Fest hosted by the New Boston Chamber of Commerce at the T & P Trailhead Park. You will enjoy family fun, fireworks, hot dogs, hamburgers, and music. So bring your lawn chairs and prepare to celebrate our great nation. Admission is FREE!

ALT Magazine wishes your family a safe and fun summer. Thank you to all of our loyal customers and partners, our law enforcement officers on both sides of the border, and you, for making each day possible!

play by the pool @ the sportsplex

Join The SportsPlex by HealthCare Express at 11am to paint patriotic canvases by the pool (all supplies provided). Plus, don’t miss their exciting cornhole tournament on the same day. It’s the perfect way to spend the holiday.

TEXARKANA’S SESQUICENTENNIAL BALL

Mark your calendar for the Texarkana Sesquicentennial Commemorative Ball on July 8th at the Texarkana Country Club, beginning at 7:00 PM, to celebrate the past, present, and future of Texarkana, USA.

TRAVIS TRITT @ THE PEROT THEATRE

Thirty years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Southern rock-influenced artist continues to sell out shows and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. Doors open at 5pm, and tickets can be purchased at perottheatre.org/tickets.

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INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL LESSONS

This course will be for intermediate pickleball students. The student will need to know how to play the game already and be able to keep score. Doubles experience is also recommended because the class will focus on doubles strategies and techniques. This class will feature drills and exercises designed to take a 2.0+ level player to a 3.0+ level. The class will meet on Saturday, July 22nd, from 8a-12pm. Ages 15 and up. $45. Register at Texarkana College.

New Subdivision lake lots Available Eagle way North and South

What a place to be...waking up in the mornings, overlooking the lake on SW Arkansas best kept secret, Beautiful Lake Erling. Privacy, seclusion, and serenity, all while watching the deer, turkey, and other wildlife in your own back yard. You are steps away from some of the South’s best fishing. These beautiful lots with lake frontage are limited and are beginning to sell quickly. This is a gated subdivision with limited access. Lakefront property is extremely hard to find and availability is very limited on this lake. B.A.S.S. ranked Lake Erling the top 100 lakes in the United States.