THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 3, 1995 TAG: 9509010202
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: 20 Questions
SOURCE: FRANK ROBERTS
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Reginald E. Rodgers divides his time between running his business and studying political science at Tidewater Community College, preparing for entry into law school.
Families needing transportation to medical facilities occupy most of his daytime hours. Rodgers, 30, and his father, James E. Rodgers, own and operate Suffolk Medical Cab Service Inc. at Central Avenue - a van and two cars serving more than 100 people.
``We take them to dentist appointments - or to the Medical College of Virginia for cancer treatments,'' he said. Most trips are to area hospitals and clinics.
Most of his clients are on Medicare, many living in public housing. They are charged an hourly rate.
A desk calendar shows that the three drivers carry two to four patients daily.
``Right now, it's a 12-hour service. We're expecting to go 24 hours. We treat everyone as an individual. So many have become good friends,'' said Rodgers, a Forest Glen High School graduate who was a member of the famed 82nd Airborne Division.
``I made 39 jumps when I was with the peacekeeping force in the Sinai, the Philippines and the Falkland Islands,'' he said.
Discharged in 1987, Rodgers worked at Newport News Shipbuilding, until joining his father in business.
What brought you here? Born and raised.
Birthdate/hometown? 2-5-65.
Fondest childhood memory? Sunday morning breakfast.
Marital status/children? Separated. Three kids - Reginald Jr., Ebony, Raven.
First job/worst job? Gas station attendant. Same.
What's your favorite hangout? Any organized basketball game.
Favorite night out on the town? Sunday night walk on the boardwalk at Waterside.
Favorite food/drink? Pepsi Cola.
Favorite movies/TV show? ``Philadelphia.''
Book you wish everyone would read? Bible.
Ideal vacation? Moonlight nights in the Caribbean.
I can't resist? Helping people less fortunate than me.
Few people know that I? Sleep with my eyes open.
Most embarrassing moment? Almost was left in Niagara Falls, Canada.
If you won the lottery, what would you do/buy? Retire my parents.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? It pays to listen. (My father, James E. Rodgers.)
What's the best thing about yourself? Willingness to listen to everyone who wants to be heard.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? My father. (To inherit his wisdom.)
What achievements are you most proud of? Returning to school.
Something you wish to say but haven't? I wish that people could be judged as individuals instead of as a group. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Reginald E. Rodgers carries Laronda Murphy to one of his company's
vans. She's on her way to her family doctor for a physical.
KEYWORDS: PROFILE by CNB