GB: How does
your position
as a radio
producer allow
you to make a
difference?
TS: I have
been
connected to
many organizations and have been
fortunate enough to work with shows
that care about San Diego, including
Jeff and Jer and KUSI Television. I am
also trusted by many San Diegans who
grew up listening to me. Almost every
day, I hear from someone that needs
help - from their child using drugs to
coping with death.
GB: What has driven you to dedicate
your time to the causes you are
involved in?
Breaking and Entering Christmas 2019
GB: How have
you passed along these values to the
next generation?
Tommy with granddaughter Olivia
TS: My two kids grew up watching me
help in the community, so they love to
give back too. They also understand
my life and are proud of me, as I am of
them. I would love to be remembered
for giving back, including the programs
I started like Breaking and Entering
Christmas as well as Becky’s House,
which I started with Jeff and Jer.
GB: What advice would you give
to someone who wants to start
making a difference?
TS: I believe that the LIGHT and
SPIRIT of both Chelsea King
and Amber Dubois have guided
me in making a difference. I was
at a Chelsea’s public memorial,
where I listened to her father
Brent King speak; he said,
“If you want to remember my
daughter Chelsea, THEN GIVE.
Give your heart and time to
something you are passionate
about.” Now I live a life with that
one word in mind: GIVE.
TS: Find your passion and GIVE
your heart to something you
believe in.
GB: How has Southwest
Airlines’ giving HEART touched
your life?
GB: What do you love most
about what you do?
TS: I love radio and television,
but I believe my true purpose
is to help young kids struggling
with drug addiction. Because I
am 12 years
clean and
have the life
experiences
that I do, I get
to talk to kids -
that is where
my heart is.
Tommy with his children
TS: Southwest Airlines, and
Lidia Martinez in particular,
are all about giving back. For
20 years, Lidia helped the
Jeff and Jer Showgram with
many community events. And,
whenever I have a family that
is in need of help, I think of
Southwest Airlines first, so I call
Lidia and she is there.
www.southwest.com
FEBRUARY 2020 | GBSAN.COM 51