RVIA Distinguished Achievement
in RV Journalism Award

By Bob Zagami

RV News interviewed Slaton White, this year's recipient of the Distinguished Achievement in RV Journalism Award, at the Outlook 2001 breakfast meeting. White has been with Field and Stream since 1989 and writes of his love of RVing and the great outdoors.

White's first exposure to camping and RVing came when he was growing up, and he wanted his kids to share some of the same experiences.

The opportunity came when he took the family on vacation in a Lance truck camper on loan from the RVIA media program.

White said, "We have 10-million readers of Field and Stream and everyone of them should be exposed to the RV lifestyle."

When asked what he liked most about the vacation he was quick to say, "The time I got to spend with my kids. I got reintroduced to my kids all over again, and it was wonderful.

"The time we spent together in the RV was priceless.

"When the girls had to get dressed, they would ask me to go outside. After a few days they would simply say 'Dad, close your eyes.' It was really a wonderful time to get real close as a family."

RV News asked him if he ever thought he would purchase an RV someday, and he said "yes" very emphatically. "For now, I have access to RV's, but would like to own a Class C someday," White added.

White believes in the RV industry and sees continued success if they can target their message to specific markets such as baby boomers and empty nesters -- a message the industry already understands very well. However, it is refreshing to know that the message is getting to other people who can impact RV sales.

White said, "The women in my family loved the RV, especially having their own private bathroom all to themselves on the road. We loved the freedom of mobility that the RV provided on our vacation."

When asked about his most embarrassing moment in the RV, White noted that he "wasn't quick enough with the black water hook-up one day. I recovered quickly though," he said with a sigh of relief.

"We spent many nights at KOA Kampgrounds and enjoyed the consistency of service and quality of their parks along our vacation route."

We asked White what he enjoyed most about RVing in general and he said, "The friendliness of the people you meet along the way. It's a wonderful experience and something we look forward to when RVing."

White has been able to combine his writing about hunting, fishing and the great outdoors with his appreciation of the RV lifestyle. He is a strong supporter of the Go RVing campaign and shares the industry's excitement for continued success in the future.

This year's award winner will be out there with us, enjoying the RV experience and telling his readers at Field and Stream all about it.

Congratulations to Slaton White on receiving this years Distinguished Achievement in RV Journalism Award. 

RVN