I personally want to thank everyone at NBC Augusta for making work fun, and for all of the friendships along the way.  This station since day one has given me the resources to better my broadcasting and forecasting abilities each day.  Augusta is the home to many firsts for me and my family.  We bought our first home, our first dog, and had our first baby girl!  It has been a thrill and I will treasure my times spent around the CSRA. 

I also want to thank our loyal spotters and viewers.  It has certainly been fun talking and emailing all of you over the last three years.

A final big thanks to Chief Meteorologist Jeff Rucker.  In this business, many of us have mentors who teach us how to perform better.  Well, Jeff has made me better in every way when severe weather strikes.  I have found that there are many good forecasters, but few great now-casters, especially during severe weather events.  Jeff has ingrained in me an on-guard attitude whenever storms are possible, and when the worst happens, I now know how to stay calm, and deliver important and sometimes life-saving information.  I have learned it takes a strong dedication and perseverance, and sometimes long hours, to cover severe weather the way it should.  When Jeff and I covered the tornado outbreak on March 15th earlier this year, I, along with many of our viewers took away a deep appreciation for his now-casting talent.  That afternoon and evening was a showcase of his depth in geographical and storm structure knowledge.   With all of that said, thank you Jeff Rucker for your time on and off the air over the last three years.  The CSRA should always know they are in good hands with this Chief, and to listen up closely if those sleeves get rolled up!  It's been said before, and believe it's true, "Rucker's Right"!

Our family will now be heading to Louisville, Kentucky on a new adventure.  We are very excited for this wonderful opportunity, and so happy to be closer to our extended family.

I wish everyone the best of luck at NBC Augusta, and to everyone in the CSRA...take care!

 -Ben