Billy Wayne on the radio

We went to West Memphis, Ark. in a quick, less-than-two-day trip, and though tired, we’re both glad we went.

Billy was excited to be one of the ribbon cutters to celebrate the grand opening of a truck-stop medical clinic opened by childhood friend, Dr. John McElligott. “Why,” you might be saying, “would Billy be one of the ribbon cutters?”

The answer is, it was his idea. Yep, he gave Dr. John the idea about 10 years ago and John, with a passion for internal medicine, got on board with the concept and couldn’t let it go until he had a clinic just for truck drivers. The first Professional Drivers Medical Depot was opened in January in Knoxville and the second was opened this week in West Memphis. Seventy-eight more clinics are planned across the United States.

Dave Nemo, of XM Satellite Radio, broadcast his show from 6 a.m. to noon Friday from the PDMD lobby to add to the grand-opening festivities. Nemo said he’s on board with McElligott’s dream because he sees it as adding to the life quality of the nation’s truck drivers — Nemo’s listening audience and considered by most to be the backbone of the nation as they transport necessities from coast to coast.

Nemo said, his favorite comment from drivers is the one that says “You really helped me stay awake last night.” Nemo explained, he considers that to mean he is helping driver's stay alive. As McElligott is passionate about internal medicine, Nemo is just as passionate about the truck drivers who listen to his program.

Billy also got a brief turn at talking with Nemo on the radio, and let me tell you, he was REALLY good. Bill Buzbee, chief operating officer for PDMD agrees with me and said they should make Billy their voice. I hope they do — he was THAT good.


Picture: The ceremonial red ribbon falls away from the scissors at the traditional ribbon-cutting event for PDMD in West Memphis, Ark. From left are Sandra Snow, senior technician for PDMD, Bill Buzbee COO for PDMD, Billy Wayne Godwin, Jeff Miller, president and CFO for PDMD, Dr. John McElligott, chairman and CEO for PDMD, Dave Nemo, president and COO of Nemo Entertainment, Dr. Roy Denton, representing Crittenden Regional Hospital of West Memphis and Jamie Carter, president and CEO of CRH.