Kupreanof Sinking
Dear Editor: The captain and crew of T/V Kupreanof that sunk on June 10 wish to thank the Coast Guard, especially the helicopter pilot and crew who rescued us as well as the shore-based logistics team. We have our lives because of the professional response from the following four individuals: Chris Stoeckler (pilot), Jason Yelvington (swimmer), Ben Neal (co-pilot), and Jamie Flood (hoist operator). These men figured out what to do, the best way to get us to safety, and did it in a caring and humane way. For the rest of our lives, we will be grateful to you, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.
We also want to thank the captain and crew of the P/V Gordon Jensen for standing by to help with the rescue, as well as State Ferry M/V Kennicott that was also on its way to help. In addition, we want to thank the people who work at Nugget Restaurant and also Mark Hackett for their generosity and kindness, and several other unknown good Samaritans who assisted us in Sitka. It is people like these who make life even sweeter.
Captain Stephen Berry
Engineer Palmer Thomassen
Crew Yolanda Rosario Perez Orozco
Crew Marcos Antonio Carrillo
First Bank Grant
Dear Editor: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska would like to thank First Bank for awarding our Sitka program with a Community Reinvestment Grant.
The funds from this grant will be directly reinvested and integrated into the Sitka community by creating more cultural and educational opportunities for our Little/Big matches as well as recruiting more volunteers, allowing BBBS to help put more Sitka youths on the path to success by matching them with a caring adult role model.
First Bank and the Sitka First Bank branch manager, Chris Spivey, were also instrumental in the success of our annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraising event earlier this year. In addition to sponsoring their own bowling team, First Bank awarded the Sitka Skippers with a Community Service Award for their help and volunteer support of Bowl for Kids’ Sake. The Skippers provided over 40 volunteer hours to support the event and help make it a success.
Thank you for taking time to read this letter. We are delighted for the opportunity to partner with organizations, like First Bank and the Sitka Skippers that are committed to making a difference in the lives of Sitka’s youths and serve as positive role models in the community. As you know, the need for positive role models and mentors for our youth is ongoing. To donate, volunteer, or learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, please call 747-3500.
Kealoha Harmon
Sitka Community Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters
