Barry Brickey

My name is Barry Brickey (better known as "Mr. Barry" to some and "Fireman Barry" to others.) I am a father blessed with a wonderful wife and two beautiful children. My story explaining why I would love to return to college and earn a B.B.A. from King College follows.

The day after my high school graduation I celebrated my 18th birthday. I spent the day being sworn in at the Tennessee Air National Guard in Knoxville. I wanted to work my way through college and serving my country was a great way to do it. I was on active duty for nine months and I returned home to begin college. Within weeks of my return, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I was put on a strict regimen of medications and diet. After only a year and three months I was surprised to receive a medical discharge from the TN Air National Guard. I had already begun classes at Tri-Cities and I was now losing my GI Bill, on top of dealing with a lot of pain.

I was able to find a part-time job and work while I was still going to class. In the spring of 1990, I graduated with my A.S. in Business Management. One of my greatest concerns was finding a job with health coverage and enough money to pay for future education. I was able to pass a physical and was hired by Eastman Chemical Company. I worked for Eastman for 8 ½ years on shift work and special teams, one of which won the Chemistry of Excellence Award. I also started working in my spare time as a youth pastor and have continued to do so for the last twelve years.

During my time at Eastman I had severe bouts with my Ulcerative Colitis, some times keeping me from being able to work for months at a time. Finally in 1998, I was too sick to continue working and was retired on total disability at the ripe old age of 29. I prayed a lot, and was able through my local doctor to go to the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio for special surgery to completely remove my large intestine, eliminating my Colitis. While preparing for surgery I was blessed to meet my wife Rebekah, who had just graduated from King College. As it says in Song of Solomon, "I have found the one whom my soul loves." Within a month of our marriage I was in the hospital in Cleveland for 14 days with a three-month recovery and a follow up surgery ahead. Rebekah had to help me bathe, dress and even stand up for a while.

During my recovery I was offered retraining education but couldn't afford to pay the tuition fees. After several months of recovery, I was able to return to work. I worked through a temporary employment agency while searching for a more stable and predictable position. For several years I served as a youth minister at a local church and the on-air host of a kids radio show (better known as "Mr. Barry" to hundreds). Now after some years of better health, I am the Public Education Officer for the Kingsport Fire Department and was honored to be named Tennessee Fire Educator of the Year for 2006.

I love being a Dad to Nathaniel (3) and Hannah (1). They inspire me to reach more kids through my work as a youth pastor and the Fire Safety work with the Kingsport Fire Department. My wife and I lead two middle school small groups at Celebration Church in Blountville. The opportunity to return to college and earn a B.B.A . has been a great desire of mine. Not only to be able to provide better financially for my wife and children, but also to do a better job as a youth pastor and fire educator. This contest is truly an answer to many years of prayer.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.

Barry

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