Editor:
Where are the veterans services for Douglas County veterans? Beyond a couple of numbers for a vfw contact and the veterans administration outpatient clinic here in Minden, there's not much else. As a Vietnam vet trying to help out by volunteering to visit homebound vets I started to look into services and have found they are sorely lacking.
I also found it surprising that there isn't a system whereby one can volunteer to work with vets in need of social outlets, a ride somewhere, or a center for them to go to. Not to forget mentioning family members of the vet, who may need support in helping the vet who needs constant care.
My experience in volunteering has been very positive and rewarding, with community activism comes community cohesiveness.
It has given me a better understanding of the needs of the veterans in our area and the shortage of services for them. Services like transportation for appointments, a program for more socialization, an in-home "buddy" program to just simply spend some time with them in preventing their feelings of isolation and having been forgotten. I just wanted to put this out there. I am going to continue to put forth efforts to see that we in Minden do care, we are thankful and proud, and have not forgotten the service vets have done for us.
Tom Gardia
Minden
Editor:
As a volunteer at the Douglas County Animal Shelter, I was so saddened to hear that Karin Klug, the kennel maintenance assistant will be one of the county workers who will lose their job. The title of her position does not indicate the value of what she does nor does it tell of how this position will be missed at the shelter. Hard times it is indeed, but we are seeing more neglect of animals as they are discarded at the shelter or left alone on a desolate road to fend for themselves. This, of course, means crowded kennels and the need for basic care of those animals who end up there.
Along with the other small staff, Karin has given her all in order to provide the best care for kennel guests. Not only does she clean the kennels, but she cares for each and every dog and cat that enters, evaluating their needs and giving proper attention to each one. She gives them prescribed medications when needed, walks the dogs several times a day when volunteers are not there, makes them comfortable, greets potential adopters, helping to match them to the perfect companion, is certain that all kennels are scrubbed and have the best possible environment for that animal.
Karin sees the best in each and every guest, treating them as her personal friend, and, believe me, they all love her. She can walk down the kennel rows and see the wags of tails and hear the happy barks because of her nearness. She often works magic with those who are perhaps more difficult, treating them as if they were no problem at all.
With a pleasant smile, Karin greets everyone with enthusiasm, but stops her greeting if an animal needs her. Not only is the public a big loser in this job elimination but all of those who work with her at the shelter. The biggest losers of all, of course, are the animals, for they cannot help themselves nor speak of their loss.
Diane Bachman
Gardnerville
Editor:
When we arrive at Silver Strike Lanes for the Terrible Tuesday bowling league, we often wouldn't immediately see our teammate, Rosie Miller. But we could just take a quick glance at the ball caddy, and there would be her Elvis ball, a gift from her husband for this faithful Elvis fan. "Rosie's here," we would say. "There's Elvis."
But this past Tuesday, Elvis wasn't there. We called and left a message, waited a while longer, but soon bowling had to start. We left her line open hoping to see her before the third frame when she could still step in and catch up. But shortly thereafter, Rosie's husband arrived to tell us that Rosie had passed away.
Rosie's nickname when she waitressed at Heidi's was "Turkey Shooter" (three strikes in a row for you non-bowlers). She loved bowling, and we loved her.
Good-bye, our friend. We will sorely miss your always-smiling face, quick sense of humor, and gentle soul.
Say hello to Elvis for us.
Tina Dillion and Terry, and Carl (Rosie's teammates), the entire Terrible Tuesday League, and the staff of Silver Strike Lanes
Gardnerville
Editor:
When Congress makes a mistake it is extremely difficult if not impossible to reverse. Before the mistake is made is the time for talk and pressure.
Congress should not allow the death of millions of civilians and the thousands of American casualties to be for naught in Iraq as they did in Vietnam. We were and are still told by some that Vietnam was the only war the U.S. military ever lost. It is often said that the North Vietnamese routed the U.S. military from Vietnam. We should not allow similar lies about Iraq to be put upon the American people by our leaders and the media.
In March of 1975 all U.S. troops except for the embassy Marine guards had been absent from South Vietnam for two years.
During that period, the U.S. Congress removed two major incentives for the North Vietnamese to honor the peace and the agreement that had been in effect during those two years.
Congress failed to financially support the South Vietnamese military and with the Case-Church Amendment insured that the U.S. would not interfere militarily in Vietnam. With the threat of any U.S. intervention removed, North Vietnamese attacked and overran the South in March and April of 1975.
That peace agreement had been paid for with the death of 4 to 6 million civilians and over 58,000 American casualties.
It was the U.S. Congress that made all of those sacrifices for naught. The military was not routed from Vietnam and did not lose a war.
It was the U.S. Congress that lost the peace and the media, for the most part, has not told the American people the truth. It would be a disgrace to allow this to reoccur.
Now is the time to let our 111th Congress know how we feel and that we are watching.
Ben Justus
Gardnerville
