I was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1957. I was the 12th child to my parents, Lewie and Reba Raef. I was raised in the small rural community of Umbrage. My dad was a fuel distributor for Diamond Shamrock, as well as, a master electrician and plumber. My mom was a homemaker and the best baker of pies, cakes and cinnamon rolls I have ever known.
I attended Umbrage Elementary through the 6th grade and then I attended Canyon Junior High and High School graduating in 1975. I played football and ran track for Canyon High. I was named the most valued senior in athletics. I also sang in the choir and played bass guitar for the show choir.
After graduation from high school, I was uncertain as to what direction my life was to go. I became employed at the Amarillo State Center for the mentally handicapped in the recreation department. I also continued my music career by providing entertainment in the local nightclubs.
It was during this time, as I also played guitar for the music ministry at St. Mary’s catholic Church, I met a man and his family and my life was forever changed. This man would come to me after Mass and tell me how much he enjoyed the music that morning. I later came to know this man as Dr. John Albracht, a local chiropractor. As I came to know the family, my interest in his eldest daughter, Kathy grew. It was during this time I was first introduced to chiropractic are. An old high school injury would flare up from time to time and cause me considerable pain and a noticeable limp. It was during one of these exacerbations, when Dr. John asked me to come to his office for care. It was with much trepidation that I finally succumbed to his prodding.
I received my first chiropractic adjustment at 19 years of age. My pain and my limp were gone immediately! After the series of treatment prescribed by Dr. John, my headaches and chronic tonsillitis also disappeared. The rest, as they say, is history. Dr. John and Ann, his wife, spent hours talking to me about chiropractic and how it helps so many people. I couldn’t fathom becoming a “doctor” as my high school career was less than spectacular academically. In July of 1976, I had an epiphany of becoming a chiropractor. I visited Texas Chiropractic College and made my plans to begin my undergraduate work and to apply to TCC.
Kathy and I were married July of 1977 and we moved to Pasadena to begin our journey. I was accepted to TCC in September 1979. I became active in the student government, beginning with class secretary and finally as president of the student body. After graduation in 1983, Kathy and I moved to Canyon. I began my practice in the Albracht Chiropractic Clinic in Amarillo, where there were 8 chiropractors with full time clinical lab and x-ray. In 1987, I moved my practice to the current location in Canyon. I began serving the profession on the district level as secretary and moving up to the position of State Director for District 2. I served in this capacity for 10 years. During this time I was also elected to the Board of Directors for the Family Hospital Center, a local osteopathic hospital, where I also secured admitting privileges.
A need arose for someone to run for the position of President-Elect of the Texas Chiropractic Association. One of my long time friends and mentors, Dr. J. P. Johnston approached me and asked that I consider running for this office in TCA as President in 1994. I was appointed by Governor George Bush to serve an unexpired term on the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners. I served on the Board form 1995 until 1997; my office was chairman of the Technical Standards Committee and a member of the Rules Committee.
Professional awards I have received include the TCA Presidents Award in 1992 and 2004, Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals 1993, Young Chiropractor and made a Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors in 2007, Outside of my Practice, my life has been very busy and rewarding. I was President of Canyon Volleyball Association and President from 1985-1988. I was vice-president of the Canyon Soccer Association 1991-1992. I also served on the board of directors for the High Plains Drifters Soccer club, where I was vice-president 1996-1997. I have been a part time music minister since 1979, and a full time music minister since 1985.
Jeremy and his wife, Kendra and son Korbin currently live in Deer Park while Jeremy is enrolled in Texas Chiropractic College. Krista is currently teaching 4th grade in Irving, Texas and will be attending the University of Norte Dame to pursue a masters in theology. Christopher and Kimber-lea both attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Kathy and I have 4 beautiful children; Jeremy, Krista, Christopher, and Kimber-Lea. We currently have one grandson, Korbin.
I am honored and humbled to received the Keeler Plaque. It is a testimony to the many doctors who believe in chiropractic and that it is a lifestyle, not just a job.
