American Diabetes Association awards Father of the Year

ATLANTA - Bob Somers is a jet set traveling salesman who holds the title of Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Delta Airlines. He knows his job is demanding, but says his family is priority. "Certainly for me, being a father is the most important job I have and it’s the job I have to work the hardest at to make sure I’m on top of my game every day."

He balances a demanding career with family time and community support.  Doing this well has earned him a new title. He's 'Father of the Year' according to the American Diabetes Association. Each year the association teams up with the Father's Day Council to crown some men across the country as 'Father of the Year.' In Atlanta Bob Somers shares the honor this year with three other men;  Frank Green of Execusource, Ozzie Areu, an Executive Producer at Tyler Perry Studios and Robert Habif, found Principal of AGH. Each father accepts the honor and also takes on fundraising for the American Diabetes Association leading up to a dinner in their honor on June 23rd at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Somers often brings his daughter Riley along when he fills his role in community service. He's on the Foundation of Hospital Arts and he and his brothers began an organization called Sole Brothers,  providing shoes to needy children across the world. "He’s always given me a spirit of giving back. He’s always putting others before himself. He’s always involved in charities and as many different things and events as he can," says daughter Riley.

Somers says he's humbled by the recognition. He attributes his spirit of giving to his own father. He also has this advice on children for other fathers out there. "You just really get good at making sure every day that when they go to bed, they know they’re loved. And that it’s unconditional and no matter what happens, you will be there for them and they can count on you.”

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