Letters

Supports businesses

Conway Machine Inc. started in Conway in 1972 as a humble tool and die shop. Over the years, we've been able to expand beyond that into a full manufacturing operation. But we didn't get to where we are overnight, and it certainly wasn't without hardship.

About five years ago we needed capital to build an extra wing so we could expand and start production on a new line of business. However, we didn't have the funds to move forward. Luckily, through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, we were able to attract the investment we needed to keep the business going and progress. We are now able to support more than 30 jobs in the community.

Our growth--thanks to all of our employees who make that possible--is proof that the NMTC program works. We urge our representatives in Washington, D.C., to make this important federal economic tool a permanent program that will continue to support businesses like Conway Machine, not only across Arkansas, but across the country.

TONY DAVIS

Conway

Tony Davis is president of Conway Machine Inc.

Worth searching for

Some voters don't understand the law, Constitution, or national security. Governing is not a game, and most investigations are not done out in the open. Big chance of witness collusion.

Talk radio, conspiracy theories and bashing diplomats are not smart or thoughtful. The truth is worth searching for even if it hurts someone's feelings. A free press is necessary for survival of democracy. Plain and simple.

STEVE WHEELER

North Little Rock

Was at Pearl Harbor

Don "J" Wilson was aboard the destroyer USS Henley, tied up in East Loch, north of Ford Island along with two other destroyers, the USS Ralph Talbot and the USS Patterson, on Dec. 7, 1941. Don had the 4-8 watch that Sunday and left early to get ready for inspection and grab an egg sandwich from the galley. One of the men yelled at him to sound quarters for muster, a call for instruction and inspection. The egg had dripped on his clean uniform and, in trying to clean it off, he hit the general quarters alarm. Before they could belay that action, the men were all at their battle stations.

Later, it was written in Tin Cans by Theodore Roscoe that the "green hand who made this mistake inadvertently gave his ship a chance to fire the first destroyer shot at the rampaging Japanese."

Lt. (jg) F.E. Fleck ordered Don to take the wheel and "get us the hell out of here." They got out of Pearl Harbor that day and went on to be in several South Pacific battles including the Coral Sea Battle. The Henley was torpedoed and sunk Oct. 3, 1943, near Finschhafen, New Guinea. The survivors were in the water seven hours before being rescued by destroyers USS Smith and USS Reid. The Reid picked up the most men, 18 officers and 225 men. Eight of the officers and 44 men were wounded, two of them dying after rescue. One officer and 14 men went down with the ship.

Don always felt a bit bad at being referred to as a "green hand" in that book. He had joined the Navy Nov. 11, 1937. He had just turned 17 on Sept. 1.

Don spent the end of WWII in Oak Knoll Navy Hospital in California. He was later in the Korean War on the destroyer USS Massey.

Don retired after 20 years and worked at the U.S. Post Office in Topeka, Kan. He later moved to Mission, Texas. He died in Fort Sam Houston Army Hospital June 2, 1999. He is buried in Kansas.

DIXIE L. WILSON

Hot Springs Village

Dedicated grandson

There are many good stories about the dedication and efforts our veterans make when they become active in our military. This is the story about my adopted grandson, Chief Miguel Angel Baltazar. Miguel was born in central Mexico 37 years ago. At the age of 6 he came to America with his mother. They settled in southern California where Miguel's mother met our son. Several years later they married and moved to Arkansas to be close to my wife and me. Miguel attended school through high school in Rogers.

After training in diesel mechanics, Miguel decided to join the Army. In the next few years he served in Italy, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Upon reassignment to Fort Collins, Colo., he became an active leader of his paratroop squadron. During the next several years he obtained credits and earned a college degree.

Throughout Miguel's military training, he earned promotions because of his strong drive and leadership abilities. During this past year Miguel was promoted to warrant officer.

Today, Miguel is stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He is married and has three lovely daughters. I am proud of Miguel's dedicated commitment to his family and his country.

I am proud that Miguel calls me Grandpa.

HERB GARRETT

Rogers

A proud American

I am proud to say that I am a veteran of Vietnam. I honor all those who have served in any capacity, whether in war or peace. Joining our military is a commitment to America, its people and our Constitution with up to and including your life to defend against all enemies foreign or domestic.

Veterans are committed to protecting our nation, its people, and our Constitution by their oath of enlistment they swear to on their honor. Veterans are neither Republican nor Democrat, white or black, from East or West Coast and all in between. They are United States military in service to all, willing to pay the ultimate price in putting America first.

I am proud to say I am a veteran who took that oath to defend all Americans, white or black, Northern or Southern, believe in God or do not, born here or naturalized. A true veteran is color blind while protecting all citizens.

I believe in the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence which made the country, at least for now, the greatest in the world. Yes, I am proud to declare to the world I am an American. Nothing but American.

This veteran has never chosen to be released from my oath; it is an honor to serve America. Of the millions of veterans, I am but one.

Thank you, God!

WAYNE KNOWLES

Mabelvale

Editorial on 11/10/2019

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