Voice of the People: November 14, 2009

Veterans memorial is great addition to city

As a retired officer in the U.S Air Force, I would like to express publicly my sincere thanks for a job well done by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2889, the American Legion Post 34 and the city of Rock Hill in providing this beautiful tribute to the veterans in the dedication of the new veterans memorial at Glencairn Garden. It is an outstanding example of cooperation and dedication by all concerned to make this meaningful in the lives of all Rock Hill citizens. I also want to thank the volunteers and others who made the day of the dedication such a pleasure.

I was moved to tears on several occasions during the dedication ceremony but never so much as when the POW/MIA Flag was presented. I do not see how any American could stand by and not be touched by this tribute to the military and the families who are still giving so much to ensure our freedom.

The tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, just the day before this tribute to honor our military needs to open the eyes of all of us to the dangers that surround us each and every day.

May God continue to bless this great country and may every American turn back to the basics upon which this great country was founded.

Alex Y. Bishop

Lt. Col. USAF (Retired)

Rock Hill

Residents responded to soldier's plight

A few nights ago, a warrior from the 1222 Engineer Company (Sapper) had his vehicle broken into and his property stolen at a local hotel. This type of crime has, sadly, become too commonplace in our community. It is frustrating for anyone who has had property stolen. However, this time it was different because this soldier was literally in the process of being deployed to Afghanistan.

This soldier could have just become another statistic, left without his belongings and hoping that someday the thief would be caught and maybe, someday, repay a portion of his loss. Fortunately, his experience was different. Now, let me give you the “rest of the story.” On Nov. 10, Andrew Dys wrote an article about this crime that was posted at Heraldonline.com. By 3 p.m. that day, I witnessed the compassion and kindness of many citizens of Rock Hill. I was moved with each call coming in with offers to assist this fine soldier.

One caring lady called to say that she had purchased a new computer to replace the one stolen. That night, when Staff Sgt. Butler made his way across the rain-soaked tarmac, he stopped, leaned over, and asked me to be certain to tell everyone, “Thank you.” Then he stepped onto the airplane, holding a brand-new laptop provided by Jynifer Sims. In addition, Best Buy of Rock Hill replaced his global positioning system (GPS) that was also stolen. These are certainly fine examples of York County at its best — the citizens of York County I know are out there.

I encourage you to continue to support these local warriors and their families. These are your sons, daughters, husbands, wives and friends. Let's show them that the citizens of York County will not forget them. You can help in several different ways. For instance, volunteering at the monthly Family Readiness Group, (FRG), meetings, Donating food to soldier's food bank, volunteering services and abilities such as mechanic, electrician, plumber, lawn services, etc.. Those interested can contact FRG Coordinator Wanda Bennett at 803-519-6292. Again, on behalf of the 178th Engineer Battalion, thank you for your continued support.

Joseph C. Medlin

CSM, SCARNG

Battalion Command Sgt. Major

Rock Hill

Working with hospice has been rewarding

As November is National Hospice Month, I would like to encourage Herald readers to consider volunteering for this wonderful cause.

I have always been an advocate for Hospice, right from the time I was a student nurse at St. Thomas Hospital in London where Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the hospice movement, was a nurse and subsequently a doctor. She was the driving force for the whole philosophy of a patient's right to a dignified, supportive and as pain free as possible, final chapter of their life.