Letters to the Editor 04-10-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Greatest Gift - Watch And Pray - Sympathy
Greatest Gift
Editor, Times-Union:I am a retired USAF NCO, currently living in Mt. Horeb, Wis. While browsing the Internet, I came upon your article concerning this fine young Marine and his death in Iraq. The words Lance Cpl. Fribley wrote in his letter to his co-workers were especially notable. His "greatest gift" was to serve and by reading of the actual action, he acted in the true traditions of the United States Marine Corps and made my heart fill with pride. All of the American people should be proud of the young men and women who serve this country to keep them free and give us, in David's words, "... the comforting feeling of safety that you have each day." As former military, I can only ask the same question many have asked before: "Where do we get such young men and women?"
As you know, many are sending boxes of supplies for the troops, using the USO. I would like you to know that based on David's story and those endearing words written by David, the organization I work for has donated 57 boxes of supplies to the troops through the USO. All boxes are dedicated to the memory of Lance Cpl. David Fribley. We ask for no thanks, but wish the people of your town to know that all of us appreciate knowing we can sleep safely at night with men and women such as David "watching our backs."
Larry Whitehurst, Master Sgt., USAF Retired
Mt. Horeb, Wis.
via e-mail
Watch And Pray
Editor, Times-Union:Please let me share with you something that seems very crucial for today. On Fox News April 6 they announced that our coalition forces have pretty much taken over Basra and Karbala in Iraq, and are advancing toward Mosul. They say we killed two or three thousand Iraqi defenders, while suffering about 18 lost.
I was unsure about how to react to the news. I remember so clearly the reaction of the Muslim world to the news when their terrorists killed several thousand people on 9/11 in New York City, along with billions of dollars worth of property. They laughed, danced and celebrated the news! I remember thinking how inappropriate and repulsive it was to me when I saw their reaction. I wondered how the real Creator-God felt about it.
Then I remembered what our Bible has to say about our attitude when God chooses to use His people as "executioners" of His/our enemies. Perhaps we all know what Jesus said about "loving our enemies and praying for those who spitefully use us." We realize He was referring to personal ethics and not national/civic responsibility of government, so I looked in Proverbs 24:17-18 and other places in the Old Testament where God was talking about national enemies. Rejoicing at the fall of enemies was strictly forbidden. In fact, God warned Israel that if they rejoiced at the fall of their enemies they, themselves, would be in line for suffering the same punishment as their enemies (even though their enemies were more wicked than they were!).
That should give us pause to stop and examine our attitude when we, by God's grace and mercy, triumph over our enemies in this war. If we are proud, haughty and cocky, then we set ourselves up for God's severe correction, which none of us would want!
After hearing the news report, I asked my dear wife to join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for God's great mercies and deliverance. In deep humility we bowed before God in prayer. Suddenly a spirit of weeping over our enemies' great loss gripped my heart. Then I found myself weeping for the families of the 18 casualties on our side. I wept at the thought of those who gave their lives for the freedom and deliverance from cruel bondage of people they have never personally known.
Since I want to stay on the receiving end of God's mercy and love, I am grateful that God cared enough to tell me what attitude I must choose to make it possible. His book teaches that humility and gratitude is the only way we can avoid God's judgment and continue in His favor! We pray for and expect victory in this struggle against such cruel and depraved enemies. Fellow Americans, it is also time for real humility and deep gratitude. It's time to "watch and pray," lest we end up being judged rather than blessed!
J. Robert Boggs
Warsaw
Sympathy
Editor, Times-Union:I really don't know Warsaw very well, and certainly no one there knows me. But I feel compelled to extend my sympathy and my appreciation to the family and friends of Lance Cpl. David Fribley. I know that every American recognizes David as a hero and an example of all that is good about our country. But I wanted to let your community know how sincerely grateful I am to the Fribley family and to the Warsaw community. I am grateful for the love and guidance; the education and training; and the upbringing and values that you have instilled in him that would create such a selfless and honorable young man. It takes a lot to make a hero, and I for one appreciate all of the effort it took to raise David as an example for all American youth. I do not believe it is his untimely death that makes Lance Cpl. Fribley a hero, rather it is in his willingness to make that sacrifice that I find his heroism.
The nation grieves with his family and with Warsaw this week, and millions of Americans hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Although David gave the last full measure of devotion, his family and your community have also sacrificed much. You deserve the thanks of a grateful America.
Edward A. McIlwain
Marion
via e-mail
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- Greatest Gift - Watch And Pray - Sympathy
Greatest Gift
Editor, Times-Union:I am a retired USAF NCO, currently living in Mt. Horeb, Wis. While browsing the Internet, I came upon your article concerning this fine young Marine and his death in Iraq. The words Lance Cpl. Fribley wrote in his letter to his co-workers were especially notable. His "greatest gift" was to serve and by reading of the actual action, he acted in the true traditions of the United States Marine Corps and made my heart fill with pride. All of the American people should be proud of the young men and women who serve this country to keep them free and give us, in David's words, "... the comforting feeling of safety that you have each day." As former military, I can only ask the same question many have asked before: "Where do we get such young men and women?"
As you know, many are sending boxes of supplies for the troops, using the USO. I would like you to know that based on David's story and those endearing words written by David, the organization I work for has donated 57 boxes of supplies to the troops through the USO. All boxes are dedicated to the memory of Lance Cpl. David Fribley. We ask for no thanks, but wish the people of your town to know that all of us appreciate knowing we can sleep safely at night with men and women such as David "watching our backs."
Larry Whitehurst, Master Sgt., USAF Retired
Mt. Horeb, Wis.
via e-mail
Watch And Pray
Editor, Times-Union:Please let me share with you something that seems very crucial for today. On Fox News April 6 they announced that our coalition forces have pretty much taken over Basra and Karbala in Iraq, and are advancing toward Mosul. They say we killed two or three thousand Iraqi defenders, while suffering about 18 lost.
I was unsure about how to react to the news. I remember so clearly the reaction of the Muslim world to the news when their terrorists killed several thousand people on 9/11 in New York City, along with billions of dollars worth of property. They laughed, danced and celebrated the news! I remember thinking how inappropriate and repulsive it was to me when I saw their reaction. I wondered how the real Creator-God felt about it.
Then I remembered what our Bible has to say about our attitude when God chooses to use His people as "executioners" of His/our enemies. Perhaps we all know what Jesus said about "loving our enemies and praying for those who spitefully use us." We realize He was referring to personal ethics and not national/civic responsibility of government, so I looked in Proverbs 24:17-18 and other places in the Old Testament where God was talking about national enemies. Rejoicing at the fall of enemies was strictly forbidden. In fact, God warned Israel that if they rejoiced at the fall of their enemies they, themselves, would be in line for suffering the same punishment as their enemies (even though their enemies were more wicked than they were!).
That should give us pause to stop and examine our attitude when we, by God's grace and mercy, triumph over our enemies in this war. If we are proud, haughty and cocky, then we set ourselves up for God's severe correction, which none of us would want!
After hearing the news report, I asked my dear wife to join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for God's great mercies and deliverance. In deep humility we bowed before God in prayer. Suddenly a spirit of weeping over our enemies' great loss gripped my heart. Then I found myself weeping for the families of the 18 casualties on our side. I wept at the thought of those who gave their lives for the freedom and deliverance from cruel bondage of people they have never personally known.
Since I want to stay on the receiving end of God's mercy and love, I am grateful that God cared enough to tell me what attitude I must choose to make it possible. His book teaches that humility and gratitude is the only way we can avoid God's judgment and continue in His favor! We pray for and expect victory in this struggle against such cruel and depraved enemies. Fellow Americans, it is also time for real humility and deep gratitude. It's time to "watch and pray," lest we end up being judged rather than blessed!
J. Robert Boggs
Warsaw
Sympathy
Editor, Times-Union:I really don't know Warsaw very well, and certainly no one there knows me. But I feel compelled to extend my sympathy and my appreciation to the family and friends of Lance Cpl. David Fribley. I know that every American recognizes David as a hero and an example of all that is good about our country. But I wanted to let your community know how sincerely grateful I am to the Fribley family and to the Warsaw community. I am grateful for the love and guidance; the education and training; and the upbringing and values that you have instilled in him that would create such a selfless and honorable young man. It takes a lot to make a hero, and I for one appreciate all of the effort it took to raise David as an example for all American youth. I do not believe it is his untimely death that makes Lance Cpl. Fribley a hero, rather it is in his willingness to make that sacrifice that I find his heroism.
The nation grieves with his family and with Warsaw this week, and millions of Americans hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Although David gave the last full measure of devotion, his family and your community have also sacrificed much. You deserve the thanks of a grateful America.
Edward A. McIlwain
Marion
via e-mail
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