MY Improbable Journey: The road to success is not a straight line, nor it free of barriers Successes, Failures, Barriers, Faith, Perseverance

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. - William Feather Hate is like acid. It can damage the vessel in which it is stored as well as destroy the object on which it is poured. - Ann LandersThere are two types of people - those who come into a room and say, "well, here I am," and those who come in and say, "Ah, there you are." - Frederick CollinsEvery passing day is one that is gone forever. Make sure it is one in which you have done something for others, especially those who cannot do for themselves. - Author: unknownYou may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try. - Beverly SillsTell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember, involve me and I'll understand. - Native American ProverbYou can make more friends in a month by being interested in them than in ten years by trying to get them interested in you. - Charles L. Allen Leroy 'Lee" Gradford's journey over eight decades from southwest Alabama encompasses themes of personal responsibility, seizing opportunities, and his progression to executive positions in both military and civilian sectors. After high school, he postponed college for three years to gain work experience before his military service. His distinguished twenty-year career included enforcing civil rights at the University of Mississippi, quelling riots at the Panama Canal, addressing unrest in the Dominican Republic, and serving in Vietnam and Germany. He also worked as an adjutant and aide-de-camp to an Army General. After retiring from the army, he was employed as Executive Director of Human Resources at a large Public School District where he developed and implemented policies to improve upon employee management and relations. After normal work hours he taught postgraduate courses and helped low-income families achieve self-sufficiency. He earned his Bachelor of Arts, MBA, and Doctor of Education degrees through evening and weekend courses while working full-time.