- Author: Russell D. Hill
Today is a somber day yet a proud one for me as I complete my last, official day as the Merced County 4-H Program Representative . I recall my first day as your Program Representative in September of 2005, I took a trip out to Stevenson to attend and participate in an Officer training. From that moment on, I knew I had found the right place.
4-H has been a significant part of my life, my father was employed at the Stanislaus office, I was a member for 10 years, I have been a volunteer for nearly 15 years, and now I can say I have had the blessing and opportunity to be employed as 4-H staff. I am now taking on a new assignment as the 4-H Military Partnership Director for California. This position will be housed at UC Davis, but much of my time will be spent traveling and visiting military installations throughout California, working with military families and those who support military families.
I want to take this time to thank each and everyone of you for allowing me to be a part of your program and a part of your lives. I really want to thank the Merced County 4-H Management Team for teaching me so much about what it takes to be a competent, caring, and effective team to ensure that all we do is "To Make the Best Better."
While today is my last day, I will still be around over the next month or so to assist with camp, Friends Helping Friends and the afterschool club in Delhi. I will be a part of statewide events and activities, so if you attend events like State Leadership Conference, State Field Day, State 4-H Leaders Forum, and so on, please look for me and say hi.
Finally, I want to say thank you to Richard Mahacek, County Director and 4-H Youth Development Advisor. Richard was the one who offered me the position, took me under his wing, shared his thoughts and guided me. Merced County 4-H is lucky to have such a generous, caring and very intelligent advocate!