~Eugene Wise

Our new“Heights Entry Sign” Project Manager.  Serving His Country and His Neighborhood

To The Best of His Ability!!~

       By Katie Shepherd

 

           

            Thankfully there are still people that are just not content skirting by in life. Lucky for the Heights- fellow resident Eugene Wise is one of those people. Eugene has seen a lot of heartache in his life. From his job as EMT in the Glades to his time spent in Iraq, its experiences such as these that often make one better appreciate the life they lead.

 

            Born in West Palm Beach and raised in Lake Worth his love for nature and South Florida is evident in everything he does. Having graduated from John I Lenard in 1989 he spent the next three years working in the construction field. “I knew that Construction was not for me and decided to get into public service.  I applied to work for The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (then The Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission) as a Reserve Wildlife Officer, law enforcement.  This was a volunteer position however I knew the experience would be great.” Eugene explained. Well earned experience that has helped to open many doors for Eugene and his family. Eugene however did not stop reaching for far greater opportunities. “During this time I attended West Tech Education Center for EMT school getting my Cert in 1992.  I applied to work for American Medical Response (then Atlantic Ambulance) as a dispatcher in 1992 and was hired, eventually getting promoted to Supervisor in 1996” he went on to add.

 

            Not one to shy away from responsibility Eugene continued his volunteer services wherever they were needed. “While I worked at AMR I continued to volunteer my time to the State of Florida as an auxiliary law enforcement officer with Game and Fish until 2000 when I resigned to pursue a career in the Florida National Guard.” He commented.

A move that eventually took him to a war zone he will never forget. “I joined B Company 1/124 Infantry Regiment, West Palm Beach, in 1998. I attended basic training at Fort Benning, Ga in 1998.  During my 6 years in the Guard I saw deployments to Ft. Lauderdale International Airport for Operation Safe Skies after 9-11 and To Iraq in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  I worked as a "Fireteam Leader" for a Infantry fireteam seeing combat in Ar Ramadi, Iraq earning the Combat Infantry Badge.” He told us.

            Eugene’s time in the guard came to an end however and it wasn’t long before he was back with his family. “I completed my tour and returned home for good by March 2004, leaving my unit in July 2004.  After returning home I went back to work with my Employer AMR as an EMT in Belle Glade, Fl.  AMR is the 911 provider for Western Palm Beach County.” Eugene replied.

 

            Fortunately for Eugene he had a loving family anxiously awaiting his safe return. “I met my beautiful wife, JoELL in 1993 and knew on our first date it was meant to be.  We married 3 months later and are still happily married today almost 15 years later.” He proudly boasted!

 

So what was it that brought Eugene and his family to the Heights? “While I was in Iraq my wife bought our current home in the Heights.  By July 2003 JoELL and my 2 girls, Courtney and Kayla, at the time 9 and 7 years old moved into our new home.  JoELL wrote me letters and sent pictures of our new home to me in Iraq. I finally saw the home in December 2003 while on leave from Iraq for 2 weeks.” He shared. “Unfortunately I had to return to Iraq only 2 days before Christmas” he went on to add. Lucky for all involved he liked the house and the neighborhood!

 

As if Eugene Wise didn’t have enough on his plate he has recently taken on yet another task with the building of “The Heights” new entry sign. “I volunteered to sit on the Beautification Committee to be involved on the appearance of our neighborhood.  While attending the first committee meeting I was named project manager for our entry sign.  I had contacts and gratefully they stepped up to assist in the sign construction” Eugene explained. So we ask, why would someone with a schedule as hectic as Eugene’s want to take more responsibility on his already overflowing plate? “I finally attended a Heights meeting in Nov of this 2006 and decided to get involved with our community to better our way of life” Eugene stated.  

           

As project manager we knew right away that Eugene was the best person to ask for an update on the sign’s progress. “Where we are currently with the entry sign- is delayed! We are waiting on the Town of Jupiter, hopefully only 3 weeks, and in need of Concrete block.  I have a mason lined up all I need is the block.”  He replied.

           

When asked what Eugene likes best about his life he simply replied “Basically I can describe myself as a Patriot that loves our way of life and enjoys spending my time helping others and just being with my family.  I enjoy taking my girls fishing, hunting and camping in our new RV.  I see myself still living in my home that JoELL bought for us and taking whatever life throws at me in stride as "reverse" is not a gear of an US Army Infantryman.”             Sounds like just the kind of Family values we enjoy in many of our Heights residents.

           

Editors Note: We hope you will all come out to participate in the many opportunities available to our neighborhood. To help with the planning of these events contact NPBHeights@bellsouth.net . If you would like to suggest someone for a future Heights profile just email NPBHeights@bellsouth.net. Be sure to include your name and contact information, the name of individual you are nominating and the reason you feel they would make a good profile. We welcome your suggestions.