There was Ms. Sara Shepherd, who steadily offered encouragement, guidance and love when I needed it most. Ms. Barbara Johnson, on the other hand, had a firmer approach. I still remember stopping by Johnson’s Peaches after trips to the beach with my kids, telling them how Ms. Johnson seemed to spank me whether I needed it or not. She leaned in and said, “Dennis, I just loved you is all, and sometimes you needed a little tough love.” She was right, and I’m grateful.

Many others stand out as well: Ms. Annette Blue, Judy & John McInerney, Dr. Dawson Carr, Jack & Doris Whitley and so many more—all instrumental in my journey as an engineer and as a person. Their lessons of discipline, curiosity, and perseverance continue to shape my life. Among them, one teacher’s influence was especially profound: Arthur Edwin Bryant.

Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not just about being thankful for food on the table or the blessings of today. It’s about remembering the people who shaped us—the teachers, mentors, friends, and family members who guided us—and honoring the veterans who sacrificed so we could live in freedom.

Mr. Bryant was my engineering physics teacher at Sandhills Community College. More than a teacher, he was a veteran of the Korean War who fought bravely at the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge and earned the Purple Heart. After serving his country, he dedicated 23 years in teaching physics at Sandhills. But the lessons in his classroom went far beyond equations. He pushed us to tackle hard problems head-on and never back down from hard work. We all had our expensive calculators and he had his slide rule, yet he usually beat us to the answer. He believed in his students’ success and took as much pride in our achievements as we did. His resilience and dedication continue to guide me to this day.

My gratitude for our veterans, however, extends far beyond Mr. Bryant’s classroom. When I was 18 at NC State, my roommates were all veterans. I was just a young college student, but living alongside them I quickly realized how much I had to learn. They taught me discipline, the value of routines and practical life skills that have stayed with me. Most importantly, they showed me maturity, service, and brotherhood.

Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not just about being thankful for food on the table or the blessings of today. It’s about remembering the people who shaped us—the teachers, mentors, friends, and family members who guided us—and honoring the veterans who sacrificed so we could live in freedom. It’s about carrying their lessons forward, living in a way that serves others and strengthens our community.

At Randolph EMC, we are committed to that same spirit of service, standing alongside you, our member-owners, through every challenge and every season. Just as I’m thankful for those who taught me, I’m thankful for each of you, our dedicated employee team and members who help strengthen our cooperative to better serve our communities.

This Thanksgiving, may we all pause to give thanks, not only for the blessings in front of us but also for the people who helped us become who we are today.

Cooperatively yours,
Dennis Mabe, CEO