Letters to the Editor for 4-8-09

To the Editor:

April has again been recognized as Donate Life Month nationally and here in Kentucky. I feel that this is a good time to thank the many Whitley Countians who have supported organ and tissue donation at our drivers license counter by donating $1 in support of our Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk’s Trust For Life and by placing their name on the new Kentucky Organ Donor Registry.
Since May of 2007, when the donor registry question became a part of our drivers license renewal program, more than 575,000 Kentuckians have placed their names on the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry. More than 2,612 names are from Whitley County drivers who have signed up when they obtained their drivers license or picture ID at our office.
Organ, tissue and cornea donation saves thousands of lives in our country each year and vastly improves the lives of thousands more. Currently, there are more than 750 names on organ transplant waiting lists here in Kentucky.
Please consider being a registered organ donor and be prepared to say "yes" when you renew your Kentucky drivers license or picture ID.

Gary W. Barton
Whitley County Circuit Clerk

To the Editor:

Our community takes pride in its community fire department and wants to keep our community’s firefighters well equipped and top-rated as a fire department. Being this is our fire department, the time has come for us to be more involved in our brother’s keeper and help in the time of need. We have organized the "Oak Grove Firefighters Community Auxiliary" and desire you to come and be involved.
We are needing both men and women who are willing to serve others even as the firefighters are serving us. This is your community’s fire department. Come out and support them. These men have dedicated themselves to you and your family, now come and support them for this is your fire department for your protection and helps you to keep your insurance low. Our rates are only $30 a year per household, and starts out at $60 for businesses. It is cheaper than taxes. So for you and your family’s sake, come be a part of it!
What is your life and family worth? What would an hour or two of you time be in comparison.
If you are interested in participating in the Oak Grove Firefighters Auxiliary, call 606-528-4264 or 606-344-5191.

Chaplain Shannon T. Hall
Oak Grove Fire Department

To the Editor:

The JROTC programs in some states like California are beginning to become under attack by liberals claiming they are “brainwashing” our youth. I expect this to become even more common in the next four years in this country.
We are fortunate to have this program in our school district as well as high schools in Corbin and Jellico. I have been to several JROTC events this year and the level of organization, discipline, attitude, good citizenship and sportsmanship is so very apparent from these young people.  The spirit of competition between other schools at meets is no less intense than any high school sporting event. They exemplify and are not ashamed to show what is should be to love and honor this country. It also allows the students to realize both sides of leadership. They enter the program under a student leader and become a leader themselves before they graduate.
They also provide several community activities such as color guard for funerals and ball games, visiting nursing homes, coat drives and veteran decoration at cemeteries. There is no other school activity that requires more time and dedication from the students.
The recent JROTC Ball held at the National Guard Armory was very moving to say the least. POW/MIA’s were honored as well as our Kentucky soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terrorism. Several students received awards from the local veterans and national organizations.
I have had several of the program’s students spend time at my home and the level of maturity and politeness is pleasant to see these days to say the least.  Chief Yoffii and MSG Gross are doing a fine job working with these kids at WCHS. I encourage parents to support their children wishing to enter this program from the middle and grade schools. You will see a positive difference in your child. 

Stephen Pickard
Rockholds

To the Editor:

The Corbin Lions Club will hold its annual television/radio auction on April 13, 14, and 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  We will broadcast live on Redhound Television channel 18 (NewWave Communications cable) and Redhound Radio 95.3 FM.
The club requests your support in our efforts to promote sight conservation within the Corbin community.  On our annual report for 2008, the club reported spending $8,200 on sight conservation by providing eye exams and eyeglasses to Corbin residents.  These individuals were blessed by the generosity of the community primarily through funds raised during our auction.  Based upon applications during the past three months, we expect this amount to significantly increase for this year due to the current economic and unemployment difficulties.  Our motto, “We Serve,” is only doable with your help.
Please participate in our auction by placing bids during the auction.  If you wish to donate items for the auction, call me at 215-0684.  Monetary donations can be sent to PO Box 365, Corbin, KY 40702.
I would like to thank you in advance for your help.

Mike Pawula, President
Corbin Lions Club