Radio, Coach Jones present service lecture at Pfeiffer

James "Radio" Kennedy talks during a meet the press session. Coach Harold Jones and James ÒRadioÓ Kennedy spoke at Pfieffer University's Merner Gymnasium as part of its 13th annual Servant Leadership Week. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Radio and Pfieffer Asst. Professor Ashley Oliphant interact during the question and answer session. Harold Jones and James ÒRadioÓ Kennedy spoke at Pfieffer University's Merner Gymnasium as part of its 13th annual Servant Leadership Week. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

Students and attendee welcome James "Radio" Kennedy. Coach Harold Jones and James ÒRadioÓ Kennedy spoke at Pfieffer University's Merner Gymnasium as part of its 13th annual Servant Leadership Week. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

MISENHEIMER — Upon meeting James "Radio" Kennedy for the first time, it's not uncommon to receive a big hug. He gives them out freely and frequently. Kennedy gave plenty of those hugs to many who gathered at Pfeiffer University's Merner Gym on Tuesday night.

Kennedy and former T.L. Hanna Coach Harold Jones travel the United States to speak about their story and the desire they share, which is to help others through service. Service is the focus of Pfeiffer's annual Servant Leadership Week hosted by the university's Francis Center for Servant Leadership, which is held Feb. 15-19.

Jones and Kennedy's story inspired the 2003 movie "Radio" starring Cuba Gooding Jr., who portrayed Radio and Ed Harris who starred as Coach Jones.

After speaking to so many, Jones said it's still shocking.

"It's really been a blessing. We've been blessed by so much," he said.

The most important message Jones and Radio could share is bringing awareness to others about people with special needs.

"People don't understand they have so much love to give," Jones said.

Jones said he's learned so much from Radio.

"He's taught me that he has so much love to give," Jones said.

Jones encouraged everyone to become involved in serving others. He recommended the Salvation Army, the organization that he and Radio volunteer at each year. The two are bell ringers.

Jones is also passionate about the nonprofit organization, The Outdoor Dream Foundation, he and his son, Brad, began in 2004.

The Foundation grants outdoor adventures to children who have been diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

The children, ages five to 21, are taken on fishing, hunting and other outdoor expeditions. One young girl wanted to travel to Alaska to the Iditarod dogsled race. She got to go before she died in 2005.

"The good is they forget about their illness for that time," Jones said.

Since the organization's inception they've sent more than 200 children on outdoor adventures all over the world.

Both Jones and Kennedy receive lots of e-mails and letters from people who've said how their lives were changed after hearing their story. One of the most recent e-mails was from Russia.

"They must have seen the movie in Russia," Jones joked.

The reward for Jones is in the people that they touch.

Although Radio doesn't like to fly, he loves to travel.

"I enjoy everything," he said with a big smile.

"Did you see my movie?" Radio asked a bystander.

"Cuba did a good job playing me," he said.

He encouraged the people in attendance to support T.L. Hanna football. One person asked if Pfeiffer students supported T.L. Hanna, would he come support them.

Radio eagerly agreed.

Radio, who is 63, celebrated his birthday in October, Jones said, three times.

About 30-40 students from Stanly Community College, who also co-sponsored the event, were in attendance.

Alisha Chandler, president of Stanly's Student Government Association said it was an honor to meet Coach Jones and Radio.

"I've watched the movie quite a few times. It touched me," she said.

Chandler said she has an uncle with special needs and understands the struggles someone with special needs may encounter.

Jones encouraged the group to become leaders and serve others. Chandler is studying to become a nurse. She hopes to start by working in a nursing home.

Pfeiffer student Kasie Townsend had seen the movie also and wanted to share the experience with her daughter and mother, Joann.

The event was also co-sponsored by Pfeiffer's Department of Athletics, the Offices of Academic Affairs and Student Activities, and the Francis Center for Servant Leadership.

For more information about Coach Jones and Radio, visit www.radioandcoachjones.com. For more information about The Outdoor Dream Foundation, visit www.outdoordream.org.