Bio of a Texas Poet, John J. Rigo

Tech School and Basic Training, USAF, Amarillo, Texas 1959, age 17, third from left, top row, Airman Third-Class, John J. Rigo

Winner of the Collin County Texas’ Poetry Award, John J. Rigo

Hunter AFB, Savannah, Georgia, 1960, age 18, Airman Second, Administrative Specialist, Headquarters SAC, 2nd Bomb Wing

Cliff Dweller, Oak Lawn area of Dallas, 1964, age 21

Age 19, 1960 Administrative Specialist, 2nd Bomb Wing, SAC, USAF

  

 

Cosmic Top Secret Control Registry NATO Icedefor

John J. Rigo of McKinney, Texas started writing poetry in 1985. In 2001 he won First Place in the Adult Division of the Collin County Annual Poetry Contest.  In 2004 he was invited to attend (with all expenses paid) as an honored guest poet representing the United States to an International Poetry Conference of Poets, representing their various countries around the world in Macedonia. 

Mr. Rigo’s poetry work is displayed in their annual poetry publication for that year.  In 2005 and 2006, Mr. Rigo had two spiritually centered poetry books published: http://www.lulu.com/texaspoet.   All profits from these published poetry books go to serve the “Homeless Cause” in the State of Texas.  In the forthcoming year, Mr. Rigo plans to see the publishing of his third poetry book, titled, “Passion Amidst Apathy.”  The same non-profit and charity status will also apply to this third book. Examples of John and his beautiful wife, non-profit community work to serve the “homeless” of Texas, can be found in the New Samaritan Inn of McKinney, Texas.  Through their efforts this homeless shelter is recognized as being one of the most beautiful shelters, in the State of Texas.

In a recent book publication showcasing two hundred upcoming recognized poets internationally, Mr. Rigo’s name, as well as a selection of his work was showcased.  Formerly Mr. Rigo was a member of the Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas where he eventually became a volunteer “Certified Lay Minister.”  Mr. Rigo and his wife of twenty years have lived in McKinney, Texas over forty years and have an insurance casuality agency of twenty-seven years, serving the Collin County area of Texas.  Their clients are found throughout the state of Texas, where their clients are treated each day, like the very special family, they are, to both John, his wife, Linda, and their staff of many years.

In 2001 through 2003, Mr. Rigo was a regular volunteer columnist contributor to the Dallas News representing Collin County, Texas.  Many of his community articles combined with suggestions, and published observations contributed to plus growth, as well as substantial tax savings for citizens living in these communities.  

John’s career background consists of forty-five years experience in marketing and sales training as a corporate consultant.  Prior to his first retirement in 1989, Mr. Rigo was the principle owner and operator of a long-term automobile leasing company out of Dallas, Texas, which he later sold.  

Beside his Christian based ministry in rendering no-cost presentations of his poetry work to non-profits in both the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, this no-cost ministry has also spread to the East Texas area.   Another of Mr. Rigo’s personal joys has been deep involvement in community affairs.  Over a period of two years, in his community of Eldorado, in McKinney, Texas, Mr. Rigo served as a volunteer member of his HOA, which consists of 727 homes, and served as a ARC Committee member, Board Director, and  President.   

Mr. Rigo is an Honorably discharged Air Force Veteran, serving in both SAC and NATO commands.  He is the recipient of Rotary International’s Paul Harris Award.    

Although fully engaged in the marketing aspect of their insurance agency, John over the last ten years, has become fully involved in the political scene in McKinney…”behind the scenes.”  Over the years, he has been an advisor to many true “Citizen Servers” who have demonstrated a desire to enter McKinney, Texas politics.  Mr. Rigo is known to be “outspoken and direct” when it comes to issues of “self-interests” of politicians in the area, and believes strongly in those who serve, should do so, without self-interests, but to serve for the betterment of all.  Over the years, he has supported many candidates, both financially, as well as advised through his years’ experience in sales marketing and sales training. 

Currently the “Voter Apathy” of the McKinney, Texas area is one of the poorest voting records in the Collin County area.   Approaching his seventh birthday early next month in February 2012, Mr. Rigo feels it was time for the younger generation to become committed to stepping-up to community service, in bringing needed changes to the Collin County community of Texas.