Tom Perry – The Crippler

[The Crippler]

First of all I need to thank those that have nominated me for candidacy.

I guess I should explain “The Crippler” for those of you that I have not met or explained this too. It is simply an old college nickname that I was tagged with after breaking the ribs of the star football player during a friendly game of flag football between our frats. After the accidental collision, and subsequent ridicule for ruining the season of the star, someone termed me “The Crippler” and it stuck throughout my entire college career. Even at reunions I am greeted by that name, which my wife remains annoyed with after all these years. Coincidentally, I am also quite the klutz and so the irony is there as well.

I started geocaching in February 2007 after requesting and receiving a GPS from Santa. I thought geocaching would be a great family activity for a family with two young teenagers that seemed to be drifting away from family activities due to all of their many commitments. My oldest child, Cassie, became my geocaching buddy and faithfully ventured out with me most weekends (after a stop at the destination area’s local Starbucks) for whatever adventure came before us.

Having worked a summer (years ago) as a Park Ranger at Mount Rainier National Park, I initially thought all my cache finds would be the multiple mile hikes in remote areas. I soon discovered that spending just about any time with my family, especially my rapidly aging and growing children was a bonus, and that geocaching soon became more about just having something to accomplish as we tackled all of life’s issues while driving to our destinations. Soon guardrails and lampskirts were just as interesting as the long hikes because of the talks we had getting to each one.

I have accepted my nomination because my geocaching life has rapidly changed recently. My geocaching partner and daughter has left for college over 5 hours away. This has drastically changed my weekends and has allowed for much more time to pester the rest of my family. Yes, my wife occasionally comes out with me but the focus is now more on the long hikes with the dogs. I am now able and willing to devote the time and energy to serve as a board member.

Currently, I am employed as the Chief Program Officer of a large human services agency providing services in 18 counties throughout the Western part of the state. I do a lot of traveling during the week between La Crosse, Black River Falls and Janesville and still manage to spend a half dozen weekends throughout the year at the family cabin in Oconto County. Geocaching has allowed me the reasons to stop at all the small towns along the way.

If elected, I will be a fair and unbiased representative and a hard worker. I subscribe to the philosophy that geocaching is what you get out of it and you should play the game as you see fit.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me, I would be more than happy to hear from you.

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