Letters to the WCP Editor – 5.01.12 Posted: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 10:09 am
To the Editor,
One year after the U.S. assassination of Osama bin Laden, I’m concerned that our government is still pursuing the same failed war strategy in Afghanistan based on bringing “peace” through fighting and war.
As the U.S. and Afghanistan negotiate the terms of their relationship for the next decade, I would urge Congress and the president to abandon the failed war strategy in Afghanistan and focus on the U.S., instead, supporting political negotiations that include all parties to the conflict, Afghanistan’s neighbors – including Iran and Pakistan – and Afghan civil society.
I hope that my members of Congress, Rep. Fincher and Sens. Corker and Alexander will support an end to the war that takes this approach.
Sincerely,
Roger C. Johnson, Ph.D.
McKenzie To the Editor,
We would like to thank the community for all of the thoughts, prayers and donations we received after our family lost our home to a fire recently. We are truly loved and blessed with family and friends. We would like to say special thanks to Greg and Amy Powers, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Hatchel, Taylor Homeworks, Martin Boy Scouts Pack #37, Century 21 and to any and everyone who helped with the fundraiser. We would also like to give special thanks to the Martin Fire Department. We love you and may God bless you all.
Jamie Pettit
Martin To the Editor,
Thank you for the great article on Tennessee Fisher House! Tennesseans should be very proud that we will have our first Fisher House soon. I hope that West Tennesseans will not lose sight of the fact that this facility will serve veterans and military families from across the state.
Did you know that it is not uncommon for families to sleep in their cars in the parking lots of VA medical centers because they cannot afford hotel rooms? It is not uncommon to see families living in tents in the parking lots of VA medical centers.
Fisher House Foundation is addressing those situations head-on by providing free accommodations for families and veterans, as well as those currently serving, who are seeking treatment at a VA facility. Having loved ones close is some of the best medicine available. And no matter what your opinion is about war, we already have thousands of wounded warriors, bearing visible and invisible scars. They will be seeking treatment for years to come.
Fisher House is doing an excellent job in preparing to meet the needs, but we need your help. If you “support the troops,” please consider putting action to that phrase by making a donation to Tennessee Fisher House (www.tennesseefisherhouse.org or Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org.
Fisher House is rated as an excellent charitable organization by Guidestar.org because of the efficient use of donations. You may wonder how your donation will affect West Tennesseans? The facility built by Fisher House at Dover Air Force Base to be used by families traveling to meet their fallen heroes’ return home was first used by a family from Bradford. They were very appreciative of the care they received at Fisher House in the darkest hours they endured.
Your neighbor or your neighbor’s son or daughter may return home with PTSD or physical issues that will require long-term care. Should they be concerned with where they will stay or how they will pay for hotel rooms? I say “absolutely not!”
Kudos to Sons of the American Legion for their generous donation to Fisher House. I hope they have inspired you to help us. With Memorial Day just around the corner, what better way to say “Thank you for giving me my freedom!” than to make a donation to Tennessee Fisher House.
Molly Morel
Martin
Proud member of Tennessee Fisher House
Board of Directors To the Editor,
This is in regards to the ad printed in The Weakley County Press March 29 in regard to Martin Health Care from the law firm of Wilkes and McEwen. To think that a small-town community as is Martin and The Press would even consider printing something so demeaning, critical and damaging is an insult, not only to MHCC, but to the medical profession and Martin in general.
Do you think that these attorneys will be happy only attempting to sue and close down only one nursing home? Believe me, no, they will not stop there. Already their ads are appearing in other papers in surrounding areas and states, exaggerating truths for their personal gain, playing on families’ feelings that usually have no other choice, but for long-term placement, because they too, have families to care for and have to work, live out of town or are just unable to care for their loved ones at home themselves.
The law firm, after succeeding in closing down nursing homes, destroying lives and communities, what is next, closing hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, etc.? Then what are we to do?
I have been a nurse for 22 years, lived in Martin all of my life, worked in long-term care for 20 years, a total of 13 years at MHCC and am proud to say so. I love being a nurse. I love my residents and co-workers. I am proud to say that it is my job, as well as all the staff of MHCC, to help make the last years, months, days and hours of our residents’ lives the best they can be.
It is a very rewarding job, and when I walk through those doors at MHCC, there is nothing like seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces and knowing that I am loved and needed as much as they are!
So to the part of that, which Wilkes and McEwen Law Firm will never be able to relate to, it is what it is!
In honor of and love for MHCC, residents, families and staff.
Deborah Ann Tate, LPN
Sharon WCP 5.01.12 None | 
