Labrosse Signing Off

by Jerry Labrosse, 4th VP, Charter Communications Director

This will be my last Newsline article as 4th VP of the NHPA. There are several things I’d like to say, and many people I want to thank. Overall, being an NHPA officer has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life. Not only have I been driven to help advance our association, but have also experienced personal growth along the way.  I can only hope that my efforts have helped the NHPA. Attending world tournaments is a wonderful way to see this great country of ours, and I’ve only missed one since 1996. The memories will last a lifetime.

The biggest benefit and reward that I have experienced, (and written about many times), is the friendships I’ve made, and working with the membership. I have often said that it’s the people in our sport that really make it special. Some folks tell me that I have given a lot to horseshoes, but I argue that horseshoes has given me far more back in return. Our membership is like one big family. This past year I have had an amazing experience with the power of prayer and support from our horseshoe family. I had some pretty serious complications with a hip replacement, and there are several in my horseshoe family who literally pulled me through the nightmare. People who I’ve never even met were sending prayers and support. I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you, and will be there for any of you if I possibly can.

Being an NHPA officer is not possible without your spouse’s acceptance, patience, and understanding. They sacrifice many things in order for you to function the way you need to. All horseshoe spouses should be able to relate to what I am saying. I thank my wife Michelle, who has been and continues to be highly supportive of my horseshoe life, and has been my advisor on many things. Horseshoes has taken me away from many family functions over the years, and she has been very understanding about it.

I want to thank all of the officers and directors I’ve worked with over the years for their friendship and camaraderie. Paul Stewart was the president when I started, and he gave me a lot of advice and direction in my first years as an officer. His guidance proved to be very useful to me. The officers of the NHPA, past and present, are special people. They are willing to volunteer a large portion of their time and their life to making the NHPA stronger and more prosperous. They aren’t in it for the money, they do it for the love of the people and the sport.

And finally, I want to thank all of the members I’ve encountered both at the world tournament, and in my daily horseshoe business. When members approach the officers at the world tournament just to say thank you, it is a very rewarding and gratifying.

I will continue to serve on the local, charter, and national levels. Gary Roberts has included me as a member of the NHPA Rules/Bylaw Committee, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the committee members. Reminder: rule change proposals must be submitted to Gary by November 30th. I will also assist in equipment management as needed. Our equipment is aging and we must form a plan to stay ahead of the decay. 

Being the Regional Director of the MN charter will also maintain a connection with the NHPA on a regular basis. I look forward to working with Coyce Allen, who recently replaced my friend and comrade Bill Marvin as head of the Regional Directors. Please join me in sending prayers and support to Bill for his success. The collective power of our prayers will carry him through.

In closing, I wish the current and future officers and Directors of the NHPA the best of luck, health, and wisdom in making the NHPA a growing and prosperous organization.

Thank you

Jerry LaBrosse