Veterans Parade
Dear Editor: I am writing this letter to honor our local veterans. In November 2013, I attended the Veterans Day parade. I was shocked at both the amount of veterans in the parade as well as the local turnout. It is safe to say there was no turnout at all. Emblem Club, of which I am a new member awaiting initiation, always supports the veterans and was there in two cars with banners riding behind the vets. I have been a resident for over 11 years and I have never seen anything like this for a Veterans Day parade. It was not only an embarrassment to these fine men of valor, it was an embarrassment on our city and community.
George Bennett, the rural veterans liaison at SEARHC, tells me that there are over 300 veterans in our community. I would love to see a large turnout of our local veterans for our next parade. Likewise, I think it is important for the entire community to support our veterans on this day and every day.
Teachers, you could have special field trips to the parade since school is in session. If we don’t teach our children about the sacrifice and dedication of our veterans, how else will they grow up and respect, support and admire them for the gift of freedom that they have given us.
I know that is not only myself that feels so passionately about this subject. There is more of you out there, I have absolute faith that you are out there. And if you are a veteran who would like to make a difference in our community, make preparations for a July 4th parade float, talk about a possible veterans memorial and start early planning on the 2014 Veterans Day parade, there is something you can do.
Please attend a meeting to form a “Sitka Veterans Association” at The SEARHC Community Health Building, Friday, July 13, at 4 p.m. You do not have to be a veteran to attend. I am simply a daughter of a veteran who served in World War II, received a purple heart and was a disabled war veteran. Anyone who wants to honor our veterans is welcome and encouraged to attend.
This letter is not meant to step on the toes of those who are working hard to serve our veterans well. It is a call for us all to get on the same page and make a difference.
George Bennett will be heading this meeting up and I will be there to cheer on our most valuable gifts to this community. I hope to see you there too. God bless you!
Debe K. Brincefield,
Alaska Native Sisterhood Chaplain,
Proud daughter of Sgt. J.E. Knight
Big Thank You
Dear Editor: Gratitude sums up how we, Brent and Valerie Edwards, feel towards our wonderful community of Sitka.
When an MRI detected a tumor in our son Phineas’s spine shortly after his 4th birthday, we left Sitka at a moment’s notice. Countless loose ends were left in our wake, which were tied up by many wonderful Sitkans. Thank you to the Wirth-Friedman family, Christine Pate and Isaac Grody-Patinkin, who all took good care of our dog, Isis. Thank you to the LeMaires and Bridget Hitchcock, who both provided last-minute childcare each time we had to frantically pack for an urgent trip to Seattle. Thank you to Tiffany Bryner and Cindy Edwards for hosting the “Spin for Phin” at Hames Center. Thanks to the Bryners and Specks, who tackled important tasks around our house. Thank you to Kristin Widmer who brought a cooler of Sitka blacktail venison to us in Seattle. Thank you to Connie Kreiss and Floyd Tomkins, who coordinated the delivery of a play house to our back yard. This task took the hard work of several of this town’s strongest arms, whom we also thank.
Thank you to the PTs and OTs in Sitka who have helped Phin grow strong. Thank you to the medical staff at SEARHC who absorbed Valerie’s practice and call schedule for over 12 weeks while she focused on being a mom. And a special thanks to Phin’s pediatrician, Dr. David Vastola, who has been with us every step of the way.
In total, Phin spent two months in Seattle Children’s Hospital. He underwent three major surgeries, then relearned how to walk; not once, but twice. It was a long road for our family. We are happy to say that four months after that first MRI, Phineas is doing great and has an excellent prognosis. Thank you to all of you who helped him heal by praying, sending cards, gifts, good vibes and by leaving comments on Caringbridge. Thank you for the enthusiastic greetings at the airport both times we returned home.
While in Seattle, we stayed across the street from Children’s Hospital at the Ronald McDonald House. We were grateful for what became our home away from home. So, when Karin Johnson and Nikki Bandy wanted to throw a combination welcome back/fund-raiser party for Phineas and William (Phin’s younger brother who stayed with family out of town), it made sense to put the funds towards the Ronald McDonald House. Well, that party was held on June 7 at Crescent Harbor and was a whole lot of fun. Phineas and William got to see friends of all ages. They played games, ate great food, enjoyed the colorful balloons, and had “the best day ever!” The fundraiser generated over $3,000 that will go the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle to support families facing unbelievable challenges.
Thank you to Karin and Nikki for making the party happen. Thank you to all the wonderful local businesses that contributed to the party: Baranof Brewery, Ben Franklin, Centennial Hall, Elks Club, Orion Sporting Goods, Raven Radio, Reindeer Redhots, Sea Mart, Spenard Builders Supply, Sitka Sentinel, SEARHC, Sewing Solutions, and Sitka Northern Sales.
Thank you, too, to all the hard working individuals who gave their time: Ryan Apathy, Deuce Audette, Paul Audette, Bill Bandy, Nancy Barge, Janet and Randy Berlin, Sarah Blue, Maxine Duncan, EvaMarie Elzondo, Merle Enloe, Kim Hanson, Chaix Johnson, Julian Naylor, Emily Nelson, Stewart Pook, Daryl Popelka, Shauna Unger, Wayne Unger, Michael Venntti, Laurie Walker, and Mallorie Weigman. Thank you to all of those who made tasty treats for the bake sale (there are too many to list here.) Thank you to Jesse and the Sitka Fire Department for taking the Edwards boys for a memorable spin in the ladder truck. And, of course, thank you to all who made donations at the fundraiser.
We have been so incredibly supported by Sitka throughout this difficult time. If you are not mentioned in this letter, we apologize for the oversight. Believe us when we say we are grateful in our hearts. Thank You!
The Edwards Family,
Brent, Valerie, Phineas and William
