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Community outpouring helps sustain Marine’s family
My name is Mason Cooper, and I am the uncle of Marine Cpl. Gregory Stultz, the service man from Brazil who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan on Feb. 19, 2010. I was asked by several members of Greg’s family to write this letter of appreciation to the local newspapers and media regarding their coverage of this event and the outpouring of support we have all received from the community.
It is hard to put into words what the family of Greg has been through over the past several weeks. We have never experienced such a roller-coaster of emotions in our lives. We all had a constant worry for Greg and for his safety, being an elite recon Marine, as he would be the individual to do the behind the scenes work for the military; an extremely dangerous job. When the family received the word of Greg’s passing, it devastated and crushed everyone and sucked the lives out of us all.
Of course, we all questioned a lot of things, which could be expected during such a tragic event. We all asked the obvious WHY question’s, and will continue to have questions in the future; but with our faith these questions will be answered. The family all understands that Greg was doing what he wished to do and supported him with that decision once it was made; he was not drafted or forced into his role, he was a volunteer who was doing what was right as he made his family so proud.
The family cannot express enough how appreciative we all are from the outpouring of support from the community. Every news article, every interview, every newscast was so gracious. Every member of the news media from the newspapers, radio, and TV, treated Greg’s family with compassion. We cannot even begin to mention any groups or individuals who have helped the family over the past several weeks because of the fear of leaving someone out.
From the west-central Indiana region, the entire state of Indiana, and all across the nation, support rained in to Greg’s family. We had never seen so many familiar faces and so many unfamiliar faces than we did during that week of events. Living in a small community the family has made so many friends and we virtually know everyone in and around Brazil. The family has also made some enemies. The reason that is mentioned is because Greg’s family received kindness from those folks as well.
It was just so amazing that with Greg’s passing, it brought together our community like we have never seen it brought together before. Family, friends, acquaintances, foes, etc., were united during this tragic event and the ceremonies that followed. We never felt so much love, care, and concern than we did during that week. Those same emotions continue to today.
People from all around lined the streets of Terre Haute, Seelyville, West Glenn, and Brazil. People we knew, people we did not know giving thanks and paying their respects. People withstood the 20 degree temperatures, standing outside their homes, day cares, schools, employers, etc., to show appreciation. People crying, waving, clapping, and saluting were all witnessed. People in wheelchairs, babies, young and old were out in masses when we brought Greg home from the airport. The same was true for Greg’s funeral procession several days later.
Greg’s name and thoughts showered the town; his picture was in virtually every business on National Avenue and around the region. The family saw no strangers during that week for Greg’s memory. We all were family who got and understood IT. We were all family coming together; that is what it is about, small town living in a community that cares.
Thanks again for all the positive coverage and support from all who were involved. All of YOU help make an unbearable loss more manageable.
— Mason Cooper
For the Stultz and Cooper Family
Franklin
Obama failing all by himself
It continues to amaze me as Democrats such as Mr. Don Rogers (last Sunday’s Readers’ Forum, Page D2) repeatedly blame the Republicans for Obama’s failures.
Americans do want health care reformed — sensibly. What they do not want is Obamacare and the continuation of the Chicago Way. The Democrats wounds are self-inflicted. Let me point out the obvious — Democrats have had an overwhelming majority in the Senate, the House, and a Democrat for president. They could have passed anything they wanted. What they did pass was a budget and a Porkulus bill stuffed with goodies for their constituents. Labor/teacher unions, environmental groups, government workers and the like all benefited greatly.
Government jobs now pay 25 percent higher than private jobs. Anyone think that is sustainable? The general public has sat back and watched as one group of Obama supporters after another has gotten paid back while the working people got nothing but a big fat deficit bill. Obama’s single-year deficit is $1.3 trillion. Bush’s, after eight years, was $500 billion. Spending is no contest.
As for Boehner’s confusing lines in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, compare that to the commander in chief of our armed forces speaking about a shortage of translators: “We only have a certain number of them and if they are all in Iraq, then it’s harder for us to use them in Afghanistan.” Unfortunately for Obama, Iraqis speak Arabic and Kurdish, neither of which Afghanis are familiar with.
It is not his first foray into language. Obama also created a language out of thin air in another public display of his intellect: “Austrian”. You tell me which is scarier, ignorance in the minority leader of the House or the president of the United States?
If you want more, Obama/Biden gaffes are as numerous as insects, all you have to do is search. Most are videos so there is not a question about them. That is far easier than disputing a mythical RNC “fundraising document” like Mr. Macke’s.
— Michael Sherrill
Marshall, Ill.
Two donors have helped the Mission
The Light House Mission would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Wabash Valley Community Foundation and Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc., for helping us update our kitchen.
Our kitchen is used daily to prepare and serve over 450 meals every day of the year. The area and appliances get a great deal of use with this volume of meals.
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation gave us a grant to purchase a new dishwasher, three-compartment sink and a large heavy-duty mixer. The Mission also put in a new tiled, waterproof wall behind the dishwasher to protect the area and make it more attractive.
Then Lowe’s Home Center asked if we had a on-going construction project that they could help with. When they heard about the updating of the kitchen, they donated new ceiling panels, the paint and painting equipment to help us finish the kitchen.
We are truly grateful to these agencies for their generosity in helping with this project. With serving three meals a day every day of the year from our kitchen, these updates will make it more sanitary and easier to prepare meals. The Mission counts on businesses and foundations such as these to help us feed the hungry of our community. Thank you both for all you do for the Wabash Valley.
— Timothy J. Fagg, director
The Light House Mission
Terre Haute
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