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Flower Mound resident receives an American flag from a U.S. Marine
BY STEPHEN FASHORO, Staff Writer
Some people see money as a sign of wealth and power, but one man sees being caring, compassionate and generous as a real sign of wealth.
Recently, Flower Mound resident Ray Robbins was presented with an American flag that was flown over a U.S. Marine compound in Baghdad.
The award ceremony took place on June 12 at Mannatech Inc. in Coppell. At least 150 local Mannatech associates were in attendance when Bob Phillips, presidential director and founder of “Wounded Warriors, Fallen Heroes,” awarded Robbins with the flag.
The “Wounded Warriors, Fallen Heroes” group was created in January 2005 to assist service men and women who had found themselves medically fragile or in financial need. The goal of the group is to reach out to those in need.
“There are over 10,000 catastrophically wounded veterans returning from the war on global terrorism. We can’t help everyone at this time, but we can help a few. We reach out and try to help those in the greatest need in our area. Mannatech has no official connection to our group, but some of their leading executives (Ray Robbins and others) and many independent sales associates have come together on this project,” Phillips said.
Cottle, who served 15 years in the Air Force, was forced to take 100 percent disability after he was infected with a virus that attacked his brain while he was in Iraq. For more than 18 months, while his claims were being processed, Cottle and his family didn’t receive any money from the Veterans Administration.
The Cottle’s lost their home and their car. They then moved in with Cottle’s grandparents and soon his story was covered in a local newspaper. When the VA learned about the story, they gave Cottle his benefits and the money helped him build a home.
Because of his injuries, Cottle was only allowed to work an hour or two at a time. He got help from his grandparents, but they were also limited in what they could do. Phillips stepped in to help, and he created a motorcycle club that was composed of Vietnam Veterans, construction professionals and some Mannatech associates. The group helped put up the sheetrock and did carpentry work in the house.
“There were about 30 Mannatech employees that went out there every weekend,” Robbins said.
Robbins was one of the associates that greatly contributed to the project.
“Bob told me what he was putting together something to help soldiers and I asked him what he wanted me to do. He said he needed to raise $5,000 and people willing to help. I said why don’t you let me donate half of the money to the project?” Robbins said. “I think that there are other people that deserved the award more than me. People like Bob Phillips deserve a lot of credit.”
The Robbins family spent a lot of time in Moran, Texas, helping the Cottles build their new home.
“We were down there over many weekends in 2006,” he said. “The greatest thing that came out of this is the experience that my kids and grandkids had. They helped a family rebuild their home. My oldest grandson said that was the most fun he had ever had.”
Robbins, 61, was born on Dec. 1, 1945, in Floresville, Texas. He grew up in San Antonio with his three sisters; Rita, Rebecca and Rosemary, and parents, Joel Dunn, 81, and Oneita Dunn, 83. He attended Texas State University in San Marcus, Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. He also served time in the military as a helicopter pilot. After college, Robbins looked into starting his own business. He co-founded Mannatech with his friend Sam Caster. The 14-year-old company is a leading research and development company that manufactures and distributes a line of dietary supplements, skin care products and weight management products across the world.
“I have always had an entrepreneurial pension; I have always wanted to start a new business. Mannatech is the most successful business that I have been with,” Robbins said. “Because of Mannatech’s success, I have been able to give back more than before.”
Robbins is married to Dianna Robbins and they have three children; Kevin, 39, Ryan, 33, and Marla, 31. Robbins also has five grandchildren.
Robbins plans to continue his involvement in the “Wounded Warriors, Fallen Heroes” group in the foreseeable future.
Contact staff writer Stephen Fashoro at 972-628-4077 or at sfashoro@acnpapers.com.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
Laura James wrote on Jun 24, 2007 4:16 PM:
" I've never found an abundance of more caring people in one organization then Mannatech. I've been to events every year where money is raised for medically fragile children, contributions to Dr. Ben Carson's college fund for future surgeons that are minorities, and people building homes for the homeless. Thank you for writing this Stephen.
Mannalive.com "
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