Over the past two weeks, Mother Nature has taken our area on a whirlwind of emotions.

She has thrown rain and wind our way, and most importantly dumped almost 10 inches of snow on us during Winter Storm Jonas.

During the snow, a moving picture was shared on social media and television screens that made me appreciate life in our area a little bit more.

The picture was of a soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, located at Fort Myer, in the heavy snow.

He was still. He was proud. He was not leaving his guard for anyone, except the next soldier who would relieve him for the next shift.

He was so dedicated to his position that he would go through the freezing cold and Winter Storm Jonas itself to make sure his job was fulfilled.

That is not something you see every day, nor that much dedication seen every day.

However, I see that in our locals in Lunenburg County.

I can see how much work Rodney Newton puts in for our county.

He is the Victoria Fire and Rescue chief, Kenbridge Rescue Squad administrator and interim Victoria town manager.

The man is busy and throughout his hectic work schedule, he still manages to answer phone calls to speak to the local paper or help a resident who call on him.

It is amazing to me just how much he cares for the community and making it a better place for Lunenburg residents.

I am not the only one who’s noticed. Newton was also recently named Citizen of the Year by the Lunenburg County Chamber of Commerce.

We need more people like Newton in our community. He has set the example; all we have to do now is follow.