Band thanked for business

To the editor:
This letter is a public thank you to the members and staff of the Jay County Marching Patriot Band and Color Guard. I am owner of Mountbatton Concepts LLC, a custom costume design firm in Ridgeville. I would like to extend my gratitude to Kelly Smeltzer and Emilie Garringer for hiring my firm to create the costumes for the guard’s track show performances. Not only did I enjoy making the 25 garments but the teenage members of the guard were extremely mature and professional when dealing with someone outside of their organization. Emilie and Kelly were also very diligent in making sure that I had all necessary resources to complete the order by their deadline.
The band boosters and staff could have ordered these garments through a major corporation and paid nearly triple; instead they decided to support a local business. This decision was not just commendable, but should be followed as an example. Because of The Marching Patriots’ dedication to local commerce and the values they instill in our children, I encourage all business owners to support the band financially, or by simply showing pride by posting signs of encouragement in their businesses. I would also encourage all members of the community to support the band by attending one of their many competitions and concerts, even if you don’t have children in the program.
Working with the guard this season has convinced me to add a new line of business to my costume firm, catering to local schools’ costuming needs. Again, thank you Jay County Band Boosters for the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to the Winter Guard season and any other projects I can complete for you.
Sincerely,
Collin Grant Northcutt
Ridgeville

Army honors
To the editor:
For more than 236 years, we Americans have owed our freedom to the men and women of the United States Army. Now, at long last, the American soldier will be honored with the National Museum of the U.S. Army near our nation’s capital.
Many members of our community have proudly worn the uniform of the U.S. Army. As a founding sponsor of the museum, I ask that you help make everyone in our community aware of this long overdue national project and plans to build and open this important new museum on June 14, 2015, the Army’s 240th birthday.
For more information, contact the Army Historical Foundation at (703) 562-4173 or visit www.armyhistory.org.
Joseph L. Whitacre
Portland[[In-content Ad]]