I am just about to bust my buttons, and this time, it is out of pride and not weight gain. My nephew Kirk and I have always been close. My sister Tracee’s son, he was a pleasure as a kid and is a delight as an adult. Even while playing with toy rockets and planes at eight years old, he knew what he wanted to do in life: fly jets in the U.S. Air Force. Kirk graduated from Henderson County High School in 2004 and set out on a path to join the military. He studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida — an institution widely considered the premier aviation school in the U.S. — and graduated in 2009. In the Air Force, he served as a captain of a KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueling tanker aircraft. Kirk spent 13 years on active duty and four years in the Air National Guard. After leaving active duty, Kirk quickly became a captain for Delta Airlines on some of the fleet’s largest planes. I am so proud of the newly promoted Lt. Col. Kirk Evans, USAF. Clearly, no one ever said, “Kirk, you can’t do that.” And if they did, he clearly didn’t listen.
Many people have congratulated me on both of my sons beginning careers with Tucker Publishing Group, Inc. Max, 27, joined us in February as Digital Operations Manager. He works remotely from his home in Indianapolis and, every few weeks, at our office in Downtown Evansville. He has a strong business mindset and earned his bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from Butler University — Go Dawgs!
Jackson, 24, joined us on my birthday in April (I’ve had better gifts!) as an Account Executive. A University of Louisville graduate and freshly minted MBA recipient, he moved back to Evansville to work for us. Both of my boys grew up in the magazine business and watched their parents love it. Kristen and I are very honored they chose to pursue careers with us.
Jack Headlee. There are few people who, upon just hearing their name, make me smile or say, “I love that man.” Jack passed away Jan. 31 at 97 years old. What a great life he led! Jack was a terrific husband, father, and grandfather — a truly devoted family man. In 1985, Jack founded Ten Adams Marketing and Advertising, now led by his son, Jon. In business, he was successful, innovative, and full of integrity. Because he was so close with my father, Jack was someone who I knew my entire life. He and my father were great fun to listen to. Jack will be missed by all who knew him; his family is a testament to his legacy.
As always, I look forward to hearing from most of you.
Todd A. Tucker, President
