This... Is where I come from.

In just a few short months time my hometown area lost two young men, proud American soldiers, overseas while defending all of us. One of them grew up next door to my aunt & uncle's house. He truly was a gentle giant who put everyone before himself, and after you met him you knew you had met a true example of God's work. Just a few weeks ago, we lost another son. This time, I had a connection to him as I had his dad as a teacher in jr. high. I never knew this young man, but know that his family is truly amazing. When I read this letter to the editor from a paper back home, I though everyone needed to read it.

The Powder River Basin may be known mainly for it's coal, but we're also known for backing all our soldiers past and present. Some days I shake my head at some of the things that have gone on back there, but when I read this I was definatly proud to say I was from there.

Afterall, this... is where I come from!

Gillette's Shining Example
Posted: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Editor:
To the people of Wyoming (especially Campbell County):
I am a police officer in Connecticut with over 30 years on the job, a sergeant with a department in the Hartford area.
This past week my daughter and I have been driving cross-country from Connecticut to Seattle, Wash., where she will be living while attending college.
While driving through the states we have been seeing many areas of very large farms and ranches. A house and cluster of barns and surrounded by miles of fenced fields and land. We were wondering aloud about what the people and their daily lives were like.
It seems like it’d be a long drive just to go to the store or visit a neighbor. How do the kids go to school? How do you get to town? How far away is it to the store, hospital, to get gas? We talked about what it would be like to pull off the highway and drive up to one of these homes and ask.
On Wednesday, March 31, we pulled off the highway to gas up and get something to eat. We were in Gillette, Wyo. As we were leaving the restaurant we saw the street lined with people holding flags, their hands over their hearts or saluting.
One of the waitresses watching from the door explained that a young soldier killed in Afghanistan was coming from the airport en route to the funeral home. We saw the tail-end of the procession and followed it as we made our way back onto the highway.
All these people stopping what they were doing to honor this soldier and show their respect was so moving. I’ve never seen such a display of respect and gratitude where I work. I would venture to say some of the residents back home would be breaking into the cars while the owners lined the streets.
And as I said to my daughter, we’ve been wondering about the people around here -- this is what they are about. These are true Americans.
Your shining example will forever be remembered by my daughter and I. We have been sharing this with our friends and family as a highlight of our trip.

SGT. DAN "ZEKE" MATHENA, Harwinton, Conn.

http://www.trib.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_e833a8bd-e24c-5903-9db4-cf5a24879cec.html