Mike Belcher

Mike Belcher, Automotive Detailer; Bristol, Tennessee:

“I was in the military, volunteered and stationed at Paris Island, didn’t serve long as my knee popped out of socket, causing me to shatter both kneecaps. Was 17 when I first blew out my knees. It was a result of a trail bike accident. 

Unknown to me, the recruiting officer monkeyed with my enlistment documents, hiding the fact I had bad knees. He was court marshaled and given a dishonorable discharge. I was honorably discharged due to medical circumstance. 

I lived with the pain until I was 30. Couldn’t afford to take time off from work to have the needed surgery. Got laid off from work and had surgery done then. 

Was in recovery and rehab for months. It was tough financially… I had to make a living.

As far as living in the mountains goes, it disturbs me that folks make fun of us, the way we talk... For some reason folks believe we are just druggies. Everything outsiders believe, it's just the opposite of what those people think.

Besides my daughter, my three dogs are the love of my life. I've got three Shih Tzus, all rescues.”

Rebekah Fox–Rutherford

Rebekah Fox–Rutherford, Age 10; Big Stone Gap, Virginia:

“Growing up around here… There’s a ton of wildlife in the woods; I mean a ton. If you are a hunter it's awesome. I’ve already killed a squirrel but you really have to watch out for snakes. Once I thought one was a worm and almost touched it. It didn’t bite me so I got lucky. I like all animals but I wanna stay away from snakes.”

“You will run into a lot of prickle thorns in in the mountains, prickle thorns, that’s what I call them.”

“Big Stone, It’s a small town but there’s a lot to do. I like to fish. I like to ride my bike. I like to do any sport. I’ll fish for anything as long as I catch it. I’ve caught a biggin’ before.“

“I play the guitar, but I’m thinking about playing the violin. I mainly like to play mountain music because I love the music that’s up here in the mountains. I just like the sound of mountain music and country music. It makes me feel good inside. I love the stories in songs. Sometimes kids don’t really like the stories in books so music gets them to hear the stories. Sometimes kids just don’t want to read books, so you play the song and they get the story.”

“When people call me a mountain girl I’m happy about that.”

Deshawn Walthour

Deshawn Walthour, Age 5, Wise, Virginia: 

“I love living in the mountains, camping, sleeping in a tent, fishing, animals, willy worms, picking berries… black berries, red berries, raspberries, blue berries.” 

“Zombies scare me.”

“I’m not talking anymore.”

Wendy B.

Wendy B, Stay At Home Wife, Bristol, Tennessee:

“My family moved from Marion North Carolina to Bristol. I’ve lived here 10 years. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with a very rare muscle cancer. I had to spend 45 weeks in chemotherapy. I finally went into remission 14 years ago. At my young age I didn’t think much about it until I lost my hair. It was scary. Losing my hair was the worst part. Made it real tough attending middle school. It was a rough go but I’ve been healthy ever since.”