Navy cook a hero

To the editor:

In a recent obituary for my old friend Keith C "Nobby" Noller, there was one small line. The line read, "A veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II..."

I have read many long, wordy and rather flowery obituaries in the paper, and I am fully aware that you print what is submitted, but in this case that line just begs to tell more. As the late great Paul Harvey always said, "And now the rest of the story."

A few years ago, after the passing of his wife, Nobby and I talked a bit about his days in the Navy. As someone who served in the South Pacific in the Navy for 6 years, I was interested in his story.

He always told me, "I was just a lowly cook on a destroyer." He told of ships being sunk by the Japanese and of the constant thread of uncertainty that a Sailor lived with in those days at sea.

I was fortunate to have served in somewhat peaceful times, but after a ship in our battle group was hit with two missiles in 1987, and 37 of our guys were killed, I indeed understand how he felt on a much smaller scale.

Those guys lived with that gnawing at them every day at sea. They never knew when a ship appeared on the horizon, whether it was friend or foe, or if a passing plane was a Kamikaze, hell bent to bring about their demise.

He had witnessed such attacks. As Memorial Day approaches it is requisite to remember the sacrifices of these guys and never forget. We lose several of these guys every day now, and in far too short of a time they all will be gone, and their invaluable resource of memories of those trying times, will go with them to the grave.

He may have been a self described "lowly cook" but to me he was a hero. Fair winds, and following seas, Farewell my old Sailor friend.

Sincerely

James D. Fulks III

Dunkirk

(Former Post Commander,

Redkey American Legion

Post 401)

Remember

To the editor:

Mothers' Day has come and gone and Memorial Day will be here before we know it. Decoration Day, as they used to call it. It's the time of year when all of use more than likely will be visiting our loved ones in cemeteries far and near. You are probably saying to yourself, "Here she goes again." You're right.

When I was a child I remember my mom and I going to decorate the graves and pull weeds if need be. She and my dad and me sometimes continued to do this several times a year even after they moved two hours away. Even after we lost my dad and she needed help, we did it. Now's it's up to me since she passed away six months ago.

I was visiting her on Mothers' Day and will go again Memorial Day. I could never let her down and I will continue to do this until I'm gone and my daughter will take over. I've never thought of this as a job, but a responsibility out of love and respect.

I know there are tons of people out of work, but please remember that your loved one's final resting place needs your attention. If you can't or don't want to do it, just remember that someone is donating their time and maybe giving a few dollars toward maintaining the cemetery where your loved ones are at.

My loved ones are in Jay but mainly Randolph County at Reitenour Cemetery near Deerfield. If you have family there and would like to donate money or volunteer for clean-up day, contact Becky Edwards, 7660 North U.S. 27, Ridgeville, IN, 47380.

Any amount would be appreciated and put to good use. If not money, please remember your loved ones that you've lost. It doesn't have to be just one day a y ear.

I just personally feel my mom is so proud of me because I've continued to do one of the many things she taught me.

Do this; you will feel better.

Penny Imel

Portland[[In-content Ad]]