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OCTOBER 2025
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
The Humble Hero Who Changed History Chester Nimitz and the Power of Leading With Grace, Not Glory
When I think about National Heroes’ Day on Oct. 8, I naturally think about the people we all know, those whose names are woven into history books and documentaries. But sometimes, the heroes who inspire me most are the ones who never sought the spotlight. For me, one of those heroes is Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz , a leader whose quiet strength and humility shaped the course of history in ways most people have never heard. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he was never flamboyant or constantly seeking recognition. He did not make his mark through bravado or speeches meant for the headlines. Instead,
he led with a calm, soft-spoken presence, a listening ear, and an unwavering focus on the mission. During some of the United States’ darkest days in World War II, he became the steady hand guiding the Pacific Fleet, restoring morale after Pearl Harbor and orchestrating key victories like the Battle of Midway. In learning more about his life, I was struck by how he combined decisiveness with accessibility. He was beloved by his sailors and known for listening as much as he commanded. In January 1944, he even hosted an “Old Texas Roundup” in Hawaii for an estimated 40,000 Texans serving in the Pacific. There, he served barbecue and
my world is a far cry from commanding fleets of ships and millions of personnel. But whether it’s guiding a client through the toughest days of their life after a serious injury or helping them see a way forward when everything feels uncertain, the qualities I admire in Nimitz, patience, clear communication, respect, and humility, are the same qualities I strive to bring into the courtroom and my practice every day. Nimitz also embodied resilience. He stepped into his role when defeat seemed almost inevitable, yet he found a way to lead through it. That kind of strength is something I see mirrored in many of my clients. They may not think of themselves as heroes, but when someone gets up every day to fight through pain, loss, and uncertainty, that’s its own kind of courage. It’s a reminder that heroism isn’t limited to battlefields; it’s found in quiet, everyday acts of perseverance. National Heroes’ Day is a chance to reflect on those who have shaped us. Chester Nimitz may not be a household name, but his legacy is one of humility, service, and a steadfast commitment to others. And in a world that often rewards the loudest voice in the room, his story reminds me that sometimes the most powerful kind of leadership happens quietly, without seeking applause.
pitched horseshoes with his men. These moments, as much as the battles he won, speak to the kind of leader he was, one with compassion. But what resonates with me most is his humility. After the war, when a museum was proposed in his honor in his Texas hometown, Nimitz refused, unless it honored everyone who served in the Pacific, not just him. That became the National Museum of the Pacific War, which still stands today as a tribute to all the men and women who fought and sacrificed. To me, that decision speaks volumes. True leadership isn’t about personal glory but service and lifting others up.
In my work as an attorney, I try to take that lesson to heart. Of course,
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Celebrating Deon’s Commitment to Country A New Hero’s Path In his recent article for National Heroes’ Day, Kevin reflected on Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz’s quiet strength. He led with humility, steadiness, and a deep commitment to those he served alongside. Today, we want to recognize a young man from our community who is stepping onto a path guided by those very same values: Deon . Several years ago, Deon and his mother came to our firm during a challenging chapter in their lives. Even then, he carried himself with a calm determination and a sense of responsibility beyond his years. Recently, his mother shared the exciting news that Deon is enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Serving in the military is more than a career choice; it is a commitment to protect, serve, and put the needs of others above your own. It means stepping into a world of discipline, sacrifice, and camaraderie, knowing the road ahead will demand your best every single day. Deon’s decision reflects bravery and selflessness that deserve to be celebrated. We are inspired by the courage it takes to answer this call. In a time when so much attention is focused on personal gain, Deon’s path reminds us that true heroism often begins with a quiet decision to give back. He may not be chasing accolades, but in choosing to serve, he joins the ranks of those whose actions will have a lasting impact. On behalf of the entire firm, we congratulate Deon on this incredible new chapter. We wish him strength during his training, safety in his service, and fulfillment in the mission he has chosen. Most of all, we thank him for his commitment, example, and reminder that heroes are not just a part of the past. They are here, right now, shaping the world in ways big and small.
Kid-Approved Halloween Movies for Cozy Nights Fright Lite It’s that boo-tiful time of year when jack-o’-lanterns line every porch, costumes come out of hiding, and the witching hour is for scary movie nights! Whether you’re in the mood to giggle over ghouls or spot some not-so-spooky specters, your Halloween film fests don’t have to scare your little ones to deliver family- friendly chills this season. We’ve conjured up the best kid-approved holiday horror movies that are more treat than trick — perfect for popcorn, blankets, and fun-filled evenings with your little monsters! ‘HOCUS POCUS’ If you like your witchy watches to be the perfect potion of comedy and nostalgia, 1993’s “Hocus Pocus” will leave your kids spellbound. This Halloween classic follows a group of local kids who accidentally awaken the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witches out to steal children’s souls so they can stay beautiful forever. Filled with fun characters, a spooky atmosphere that’s more silly than scary, and even a catchy musical number, this movie remains a favorite for goblins of all ages. ‘IT’S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN’ For generations, families have watched alongside the Peanuts gang as they carefully waited for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. The Charlie Brown Halloween special is a cute, scare-free option that’s sweet and full of heart. Appropriate for even the youngest ghouls, this short movie captures the festive spirit of fall without giving anyone nightmares (unless you have bad dreams about Lucy pulling the football away just as Charlie Brown is about to kick it). This is the perfect option for little ones who might not be ready for scary stuff. ‘THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS’ “Nightmare Before Christmas” combines creepy charm with the warmth of Christmas as two very different worlds collide. Using impressive stop motion, the story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town as he tries to bring Santa and Christmas traditions to his community. Though it has plenty of spookiness, it has enough humor and whimsy to keep it lighthearted. The character design, infectious songs, and overall theme of staying true to yourself make this an excellent watch for either holiday.
So, grab your candy corn, dim the lights, and let these not-too-scary classics bring frightful fun to your family!
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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Our Spookiest (and Silliest) Jokes Yet WITCH WAY TO THE LAUGHS? RIGHT THIS WAY!
We could not leave out a few witchy wonders! Did you hear about the poor witch who won the lottery? It was a rags-to-witches story. And why does a witch ride a broomstick? So she can make a clean getaway.
October is here, and with it comes pumpkins on porches, kids in costumes, and enough candy to keep dentists busy until the new year. At our firm, we believe a good laugh is one of the sweetest treats of the season; right up there with caramel apples and peanut butter cups. So, in the spirit of Halloween, we are brewing up ghoulish giggles and frightfully funny puns for you to enjoy.
Werewolves, on the other hand, have their own quirks. Why do they never know the time? Because they are not when-wolves. And if you ever meet an especially thoughtful one, you could call him an aware-wolf. Let’s not forget our skeleton friends! They always know when it’s going to rain on Halloween because they can feel it in their bones. But we’ll try not to make too many bone jokes; you might not find them very humerus. We hope these little tricks bring you a smile this October! Whether you are handing out candy, dressing up for a party, or watching scary movies from the safety of your couch, we wish you a safe, fun, and laughter-filled Halloween. After all, in a world full of ghouls and goblins, a good sense of humor might just be the real magic.
Who gives Dracula the most candy on Halloween? His fang-club. And speaking of pets, what do skeleton dogs eat? Milk bones, of course. Some Halloween characters have it rough: Why did the skeleton skip prom? He had no body to go with. How do vampires travel on the big night? On blood vessels! One even told us he starts his
letters with, “Tomb it may concern…” Now that’s commitment to a theme.
Inspired by IHeartEating.com
TAKE A BREAK
Apple Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients Topping •
• • • • • • •
1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• •
1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup milk
3 Honeycrisp apples
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cake •
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
•
Directions 1.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, add butter for topping. Place in oven for a few minutes until melted. 3. Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter. 4. Cut apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick (no need to peel) and arrange them in circles, overlapping slightly until they fill the entire pan. Set aside. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. 6. Add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Whisk until combined. 7. Pour batter over apple slices, smoothing as needed. 8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let cool to room temperature, invert on a plate, and serve.
Solution
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Inside This Issue
1
The Hero You’ve Probably Never Heard Of — And Why He Matters Now
2
Spooky Movie Magic Without the Scares
Our Hometown Hero in the Making: Deon Joins the Ranks
3
Gourd Times Ahead: Halloween Jokes to Carve Out Some Smiles!
Apple Upside-Down Cake
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
4
History’s Forgotten Music Machine
Receivers and Rhapsodies
The Birth of Streaming Sound
We celebrate the late Steve Jobs of Apple and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek as innovators in the world of music streaming, but the true pioneer of how most of us enjoy tunes in 2025 is a man who died nearly a century ago. A lawyer by trade, Thaddeus Cahill (1867–1934) spent his free time as an innovator, a hobby that eventually led him to revolutionize sound. In 1897, he received a patent for the Telharmonium, a 200-ton organ created to turn telephones into what could be considered the world’s first iPods. Looking
more like a NASA control board than a musical instrument, the Telharmonium used electromagnetic impulses to create sounds similar to those of modern synthesizers and transmit them over telephone networks, essentially making the “hold music” of its time. Although bulky, the invention captured the hearts of music aficionados, including Mark Twain, who famously said, “I couldn’t possibly leave the world until I have heard this again and again.” The instrument made its public debut in 1906 with the opening of Telharmonic Hall in New York City. Guests could grab one of the phone receivers placed throughout the venue and listen to the synthesized music Telharmonium operators were performing on the floor below. Soon, phone users embraced Cahill’s technology at theaters, eateries, hotels, and homes nationwide. Unfortunately, the system proved glitchy, the organ’s electronic tones interrupted ordinary phone users mid-conversation, and AT&T decided not to invest in Cahill’s impractical invention to expand its reach. That inconvenience, coupled with high manufacturing costs (each Telharmonium cost $200,000, a fortune then) and operational demands (it required 2–4 musicians to play), eventually led to declining popularity and the closing of Telharmonic Hall by 1920.
Sadly, no surviving audio recordings of the Telharmonium are believed to exist, and its last known version was dismantled and scrapped in the early 1960s.
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