Give A Thought To Those Who Serve

To the Editor:

On Sunday my husband, Jay, received a call from our son Chad. Chad was telling his father about his day. He was out driving in his truck when the air conditioning went out. This may not seem like a big deal, except Chad is a truck commander for the Army serving in southern Afghanistan. The outside temperature was 120 degrees. The equipment inside the truck started to fail at 130 degrees. Keep in mind they are in uniform, wearing helmets and 35 pounds of body armor. It is unsafe to open the windows. The vents were cracked and Chad and the other nine soldiers in the vehicle after two more hours finished their assignment. We put people in prison for leaving their dogs in the car.

Two thoughts come to my mind after hearing about Chad’s day. Once again our Congress has an issue of most importance in front of them regarding the deficit. With a fast approaching deadline, did they roll up their sleeves and get the job done? No, they are on vacation this week.

My second thought is on this Independence Day weekend as we go to picnics, the beach, or watch fireworks, please take a moment and bow your head. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for our men and women who have served in the past, our currently serving, and for those who will fill their shoes in the future. It is because of these brave men and women who roll up their sleeves, endure great discomforts, and finish their job that we can ooooh & ahh at the rockets’ red glare instead of running in fear.

Amen,

Amy Thomas

11 Stone Fence Lane, Newtown                                      June 27, 2011