Shane Blanchard, Neighbor

<br><br>Like many residents of Waukee I am part of the growing population, being originally from Oskaloosa, Ia. I’m the younger of two boys raised in a family with real values. My father is an American Hero who served as a Marine Sgt in Vietnam. He finished school and then became employed at Vermeer Mfg where he has been for 27 solid years. My mother was the head of the PTA, President of Families in Action and was an active volunteer for many other organizations. At present she is on the board of the church where she attends regularly. It took strong, grounded parents to support and teach me how to manage life’s challenges. I was born with a rare disorder and endured many medical difficulties including a kidney transplant, for the first two decades of my life. I was not supposed to walk and only expected to live to the age of 14. However, my parents did not let me dwell on this. I was very active in sports and they never missed a game. I played football, baseball, tennis and excelled in wrestling. I learned not only to be an outstanding individual, but also the importance of being part of a team. <br>I was appointed to the Waukee Park and Rec. Board in Jan of 2008, I also serve on committee with the National Kidney Foundation, YMCA Freedom for Youth and My Angel Foundation. On Nov. 3rd 2009 I was honored to be elected to the Waukee City Council. I currently serve as Liason to Library Board, Board of Apeals and Copleand Recreation Project. In my off time I love to fish, go hiking and play board games with my family. I have coached youth wrestling and my son’s flag football team. My wife Rochelle is a RN home health case manager and we have two children, Christian who is 14 and Christina who is 10. <br>Our children participate in many extracurricular activities; band, soccer, football, wrestling, gymnastics and softball.<br>My outlook on life is that there is always a way to improve and things are never as bad as they seem when you stop to think about those who have it worse. It’s up to us to help those who do. I have always enjoyed a challenge and love to volunteer my time to be a part of growth. Waukee is that opportunity for me, a vibrant and growing community that I look forward to making a positive impact on.

email: sblanchard1974&#64;yahoo.com