Salvation Army force for good in Longview, world

May 12-17 is National Salvation Army Week, a time to recognize a longtime force for good around the world as well as in our own community. Various charities come and go but the Salvation Army remains solid year after year.

Last year the Salvation Army, in addition to many other services, provided 10,252 clothing items, 41,622 meals and 15,930 nights of lodging in Longview. Needs have increased in 2008 and the shelter remains at 100 percent occupancy and the lines for food grow longer.

Along with Majors Robert and Shannon Winters, the local advisory board will celebrate the Salvation Army in Longview throughout this special week. We appeal to the community to continue to contribute services and finances to this vital organization.

Tena Crutcher, Longview

Thank goodness family was there to warn her

Last week I received a phone call from one of my daughters in Granbury to warn me of a tornado alert heading my way. I had barely hung up when two more of my children called to tell me to take cover. One was in Johnson City, Tenn., watching the Weather Channel and one was near Lakeport. My brother who lives at Lake Cherokee called to see if I was OK.

I'm glad they called because I turned to KLTV to watch the news. If I had heard the siren I would have known violent weather was on the way.

How many people have family that will call to warn them of "bad weather?" I hope there are many because you can't rely on our siren system.

Mrs. Charles Thomas, Longview

East Texans generous even in tight times

Needless to say during times of economic struggle and high gasoline prices people make necessary adjustments to the way they live — either because they have no other choice, or they begin to understand what is important to focus on. One of the first indicators to our communities' economic pulse is the extent to which individuals can support their area nonprofits and churches.

Churches and nonprofits are the internal bond to our society, especially in times of economic struggles. Throughout the month of April and into May several fundraisers have been held to raise funds for our communities non-profits. I am overwhelmed and proud of the support exhibited through these fund- raisers. When our communities' corporations, civic organizations and individuals will continue to include a donation to local nonprofits in their budgets during economic difficulties — this action speaks loudly of a community's moral strength in its belief to take care of its children and adults in need.

I believe the strength of a community is demonstrated through the willingness of those willing to serve others, and it is my belief that through serving others we undergird our community during difficult times. Thank you, East Texas, for including your church and our area non-profits in your budget.

Margo Dewkett, Longview

Executive Director

Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center

People are what is most important

I have had my life touched by getting to see a side of politics that perhaps some people do not get to see or experience — the tension, the humor, the personal moments. Though there may have been differences in direction, or even in parties, I have made acquaintances and friendships.

When my husband, Paul, was in intensive care in 2001, his life hanging by a line as it was, my belief that people are what is most important was reinforced.

The late Glenn Canfield was like a political dad to me, an advocate for the unborn. He had the wisdom and experience to understand the long-term results of a good or bad resolution in the defense of life. Ginger Canfield shared with me motherly wisdom of how important it was to take time with one's children, making memories. She lived that out, caring for and loving her children and grandchildren and sharing how much they meant to her.

My son, when he was a young boy, volunteered for state Rep. Bryan Hughes' campaign, Hughes never forgot. He does not fail to acknowledge us when he sees us. Hughes is a fine, young man and representative. He listens to one's concerns, and doesn't forget volunteers, acquaintances from the past.

I will always remember when Hattie Owen walked up to me in the courthouse and took my hand in hers and asked me how my husband was. He had been through such difficult times with cancer treatment. That meant so much, I will never forget.

Kathryn Nealy has been so helpful over the years. She has gone beyond the necessary to help me, or to instruct me on how to navigate a site to retrieve information I was seeking. She has been nice, polite, professional and courteous.

Cliff McWherter and Nick Dennis of the Gregg County Republican Party Executive Committee have been endearing, fun, amiable folks to work with. Homer McBride would be present at the local Republican office and converse with you when you came in.

I thank Longview News-Journal. When I have submitted letters they have not edited or revised my words with misrepresentation or with ambiguous words.

This is not a group that would be lumped together, but they are people who have touched my life.

People are what it is all about, and that is my calling in Christ.

Ermine Schufeldt, Longview