On April 28, 2004 , wku in with ducks unlimited had a fundraiser for the scholarship for Joey keeling fund. I have received several college heights foundation cards for those who have made a donation. As Joey’s mother I am so proud of this group of young men. I am so proud of this honor that the young men of ducks unlimited have honored Joey with….. I am told the money raised will go to one lucky person who applies for this and attends western Kentucky college… they had talked about this just a few days after Joey had went to a better place. It says alot about how he was loved and thought so much of. I guess i never thought much about how many lives he had touch as such a young age. it also say alot about the kind of friends he ( had/has. ) still very difficult for me to use the past tense.

when this group of young men put their heart and soul in anything they do, it effects all of us. I am proud of each and every one of them, as they were my own.. I still get calls from the guys and they stop by the house alot. This group of young students at wku are making sure that Joey will be remembered thru this scholarship, and that means so much to our family. The family at wku was and has been the best. I could not of chosen a better college my self for my son. This says a great deal about the staff you all have. I am a little disappointed i haven’t read anything about it on the web site. We live in Bardstown and myself and family log on to wku daily. I hope you all will put an article on the site about the Joey’s extended family and the accomplishment they have already made in the scholarship fund. I know in my heart it doesn’t matter to them ,that they are doing this for Joey. On the other hand I’m sure their parents would like to see all the hard their sons /daughters have put into this.

I had written this message to Mr. Randsell, below is his response. So many worked on this to keep one of their own names in WKU forever. Please pass this on. WKU is truly a special place, where you have a friend in every corner you turn. Thanks for your time in this matter.

Joey’s mother ., Marty Keeling

Bardstown KY

(502) 510-6591

Thank you, Ms. Keeling. I genuinely appreciate your thoughts and the range of emotions which Joey’s death and the ensuring support has stirred in you and those who knew him. This University Family does care about its own. I hope the scholarship fund provides the satisfaction that Joey’s name will exist forever at Western and that many generations of future students will attend Western in his name. Thank you.

Gary Ransdell