As I sit here and ponder what the last two years of my life have been about, a few things come to mind.

First: Have I been as good a person as I could be. Have I been as good a husband and father as I could be. I think the answer is yes but I would like to take time to thank my family for allowing me to sink my whole life into creating this program for the betterment of our children. i realize now that for the last two years, I have been an absentee member of my family and a full time member of the Providence Packers family. Now that we have reached the crossroads where the kids are actually going to hit the field, I can slow down, kick back and smell the roses.

Wayne Blackmon and I decided that we wanted to build something that would eventually take on a life of it's own and flourish thru the years. Something that we and our community could call their own and be proud of.  I believe the Providence Packers to be just that. There were times when it looked like we would not exist. We had to raise monies to buy needed equipment, we could not find a field to play, there were forces out there trying to block us from playing. But as they say, "Anything worth having is worth fighting for" and we believed in what we were doing enough to fight the forces that would have us fail. Luckily, we did not have to fight alone.

I would like to thank a few people who I feel was instrumental in our success. Heartfelt thanks to:

Mayor David Ciccilene, Councilman John Igliozzi, House Speaker William T. Murphy, US Senator Jack Reid, Mr. Frank Santos, William Gilbane Jr., William Blackmon, Mrs. Betty jackson, Mr. John Pesatauro, Mr. Ray Tessiglia, Ron Thomas, Jamie Redding,  Mao Mason, Chauncy Logan, Nerson Santiago and Shawn Kelly. You have all had some positive effect on what we have created here and the Providence Packers will always be thankful that you could see the vision and believed in it enough to lend your support.

I personally would like to thank my right hand, ace partner in crime, my brother Wayne Blackmon. Two years ago we had a vision and here we are now. I could not have survived this without your support and unwavering friendship. We fought each other, fought together, begged together, got doors slammed in our faces together, cried together but with God and you by my side, I found the strength to get up and fight another day. I would do it all over again as long as you were there. Peace

To the parents of our children. thank you for entrusting us with your young kings. I realize how difficult it is to trust outsiders with your children and we appreciate the fact that you entrust them to us. We will not let you down.

In closing, iI would like to thank my family for allowing me to devote my life and all of my free time to being a part of building this program. I know there were times when I should have been somewhere else doing the family thing and I chose to continue with the fight and you all understood my passion in getting it done. I appreciate your understanding and unwavering love.

To my wife and lifelong friend. We did it and I'll be coming home (LOL). Love you.

Peace and Blessings To All

Rick Vaughan

President: Providence Packers Youth Football