Karleton Skipper

My friend Karleton Skipper

Community Leaders Project

Cristinel Rotaru

5/12/2011

S

uccess in life in anything depends, upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to.

                       Thomas Carlyle

I chose to do my paper on my friend Karleton, not because he is my friend, but because he deserves to be recognized.  This is how I would like to express my appreciation.  Karleton Is a great person, and we became friends not long after we met.  We moved to Georgia in the same year, 2003 and we have been friends ever since.

 Where were you born?

I was born in Washington D.C, and I am a fourth generation Washingtonian.  I am African-American, with additional ancestral roots which include: Jamaican, Lumbee and Cherokee American Indian and Caucasian.

 Where did you go to school?

I finished high school in Washington, D.C, and I wanted to get away from home, so I decided to go to Lincoln Nebraska.  I attended Wesleyan University and graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1969.

  I know segregation was a big problem here in the south in 1960.   Did you experience the same problem when you went to school in Nebraska?

I was the only African American in my class.  I was treated fine, but, I had a number of restrictions; for example, I could not be a member of any of the school’s fraternities, but with all things considered I was treated with due respect.

  How did you become a police officer?

 In 1969-1970, a Sociologist was making approximately $6,600 a year; however the police department was hiring, and the salary was $8,500 a year.  After 17 weeks of training at the Police Academy, I graduated first in my class; and was able to choose a special assignment.   I selected the Special Operation Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C.   I worked for nine years in the Tactical Section, and then later transferred to the tactical firing range as a Firearms Instructor.   After thirteen years at the range I transferred to the Metropolitan Police Helicopter Branch, and after three years I retired in 1995 with 25 years service.  Because of my qualifications, after three months of retirement I was offered a position, as a Special Agent for the United States Department of Transportation.  I served as personal security for three Secretaries during the Clinton administration.  Secretary Fedrico Peña, for two years, Secretary Rodney Slater for four years, and I retired under Secretary Norman Mineta.

   I know you have traveled all over the world working for the United States Department of Transportation, what is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

There were many beautiful places, but probably the most beautiful and majestic would have to be Beijing, China, specifically The Great Wall of China.

   I know you volunteered in the past (before you moved to Georgia) for the organization “Meals on Wheels” in Washington, D.C..  Can you tell me where you volunteered after you moved, and where you are volunteering now?

After my wife and I moved to Georgia, we volunteered for five years at the Winder Hospital, Winder Georgia.  We worked at the information desk, and performed related hospital duties. We gave devotionals, held monthly meetings, prayed with patients, and my wife published the Hospital Auxiliary newsletter.  Currently we are volunteering once a month, for the Soup Kitchen located at the Oconee Methodist Church in Athens.

What is the Soup Kitchen, and why do you do it?

The soup kitchen is a place where local churches and organizations around town donate their time and money, providing lunch for the homeless and less fortunate each day of the week.  Preparing meals for 90 to 100 people is not easy but, my greatest joy is when I look a homeless person in the eye, I see not as just a person in need, but a human being with the same needs as my own.   I know I cannot change the world, but extending kindness and a helping hand is a start.  Remembering: it’s all about service to others, even the least.

   I know you have had a good life, wonderful parents, loving and beautiful wife, caring son, and an adorable grandson.  What is the biggest accomplishment of your life?

The biggest accomplishment of my life is to know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.

   Are you happy with your life right now?

I’m extremely happy!  I’ve learned that happiness is more valuable than money.  My sister gave me some advice years ago, “If you really want to be happy in this life, take the time to help someone else.”  Happiness is not defined by material wealth.

“If you really want to be happy in this life, take time to help someone else.”