Thank you for the recognition

Charles A. Layne of Bunker Hill, a frequent letter-writer, sends this Cheer:

“I am writing to thank all of the Kokomo businesses that participated in the Military Appreciation Days throughout the week of Veterans Day this year. I do not recall as many individuals, organizations and businesses expressing appreciation in this manner as the did this year. Like my fellow military veterans, I did not enter service for the purpose of receiving recognition; I entered military service because there were aspiring tyrants who sought to conquer the spirit and reality of freedom. Still, it is nice to be recognized. Threats against freedom still exist, and so men and women following us continue to lay their lives on the line in defense of our valuable liberty. Do not forget to honor those serving today.

“Speaking at Hillsdale College on what turned out to be two days before the 9/11 attack against America, historian Stephen Ambrose said, ‘In 1945, the sight of a group of teenage Germans or Japanese or Red Army troops, in uniform and armed, brought terror to civilians in France, Belgium, Holland, Korea, the Philippines, China, Germany, Poland and elsewhere. It brought terror because those squads of teenage soldiers meant rape, pillage, looting, wanton murder and senseless destruction. There was an exception: a squad of teenage soldiers of democracy, in uniform and armed – because that squad meant candy, C-rations, cigarettes and freedom. That was true in France, Belgium, Italy, the Philippines, China, even Germany, and, after August 1945, Japan. We had sent the best of our young men halfway around the world, in both directions, not to conquer, not to destroy, not to rule, but to liberate.’

“The valor and honor of the American military service member remain our testimony as they represent American exceptionalism around the world today. Again, thank you to all those who participated in the Kokomo Military Appreciation Days and to those still serving to defend our precious liberties today!”

Urban Outreach will miss Jana

Jeff Newton, director of Kokomo Urban Outreach, sends this Cheer:

“I am so thankful that God sends special people into our lives. We at Kokomo Urban Outreach have been blessed to work with many such people. One of the persons who stands out is Jana.

“When Jana moved into the neighborhood, she quickly made friends with our KUO staff and volunteers. Despite the circumstances in her life, she always had a smile on her face and joy in her voice. She was a caring individual who was always thinking of others and helping in their time of need. She spent many hours at the Outreach sorting clothes, cleaning and doing whatever task was needed – not because she needed to, but because she wanted to help.

“Jana last volunteered here on Oct. 21, and the next day we were informed of her passing. She will be missed by everyone that knew her.”

Blood drives collect 361 pints

Sharyn Whitman, CEO of the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region, sends this Cheer to the Kokomo Tribune:

“Thank you very much for the Kokomo Tribune’s coverage of the ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and Hallmark Homes joint American Red Cross blood drives. As you know, these special blood drives not only helped collect blood for our community, but also increased awareness for the need for ongoing blood donation. The article written by Daniel Human helps confirm what can happen when communities come together.

“On Sunday, Oct. 25, at Grissom Air Reserve Base, 215 pints of blood were collected. Then, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Indiana University Kokomo blood drive, 146 pints of blood were donated. A total of 361 pints of blood were collected from the ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and Hallmark Homes joint Red Cross blood drives! Since each blood donation may be broken down into components to help three separate patients, those pints have the potential to save nearly 1,098 lives!

“I realize there are many news stories and causes worthy of your time and efforts. Thus, I sincerely appreciate the support you lent to the ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and Hallmark Homes joint Red Cross blood drives. On behalf of the hospitals we serve and the lives that will be saved from blood donations, thank you.”

Newspaper carrier saves life

Penny Russell sends this Cheer:

“I would publicly like to commend and thank Kathy Vibbert, one of your newspaper carriers, for her being so observant while passing her papers on Saturday morning, Oct. 31.

“Kathy smelled an odor of gas in the vicinity of my house and went to the police department and reported it. The fire department and police department were dispatched to my house and got me and my dog out of the house because the gas odor was so strong. Then they called Vectren.

“The gentleman from Vectren advised me it was so bad that it was a wonder the house did not blow up, and I was very lucky to be alive. I could not smell the odor because I was so used to it that I was immune to it. They shut off the gas to my house until it can be fixed.

“I am so grateful to Kathy for calling this in. Some people would just let it go and not want to be involved. I stopped them this morning as they were passing papers and thanked them profusely for calling it in and got Kathy’s name.

“Please know that you do have some carriers who not only do their job but do it while being observant of things around them and caring enough to call.

“Many thanks again to you, Kathy, for all you did and may God bless you!”