The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Busy, but not too busy to support our troops

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

18 September 2002

This has been such a hectic week, full of so many problems, I was wondering just how I was going to accomplish my goals. Then I realized, I wasn't - at least for this week's Quill. That means some of my articles are on hold for later issues. As my Editor Shirley Linder and I were talking, Donna Grisham of La Harpe, new on the Quill staff, reminded me of a couple more things I needed to take care of.

Curt Eisenmayer had reminded me of the fire department's training sessions that was going to occur this Wednesday evening at Stronghurst near the highway department where departments will learn to control a propane tank fire with each chief responsible for turning off the valve.

Curt left me with words of wisdom that he had gotten from Neola Peterson when he was in a similar overload situation in the Extension Office. He said, "It's not the problems you face, it's how you face them." That seemed to have taken some of the pressure off when I focused on that saying, but I decided I really needed to go home and get a couple hours sleep before I was on my face for good.

When I returned, last evening, I checked my email and my spirits was lifted 100 percent when I received an e-message from a soldier overseas, currently serving our military.

I had asked him, after the "Home of The Brave" concert last week in Galesburg, if I would give him my business card, if he would keep in touch with our readers each week by email. I asked him to let us know what it is like to serve our country in the military. He agreed and I am including his e-message in my editorial for you to share in. I hope you enjoy learning how our soldiers serve us, as much as I do.

He is TSgt James "Pat" Hall from Galesburg. His wife's name is Michelle and works at a Galesburg bank, and they have two sons : Shane age 10 and Sean age 12. If you have any questions for him, let me know.

Dear Dessa Rodeffer,

Hello. Sorry it has taken me a while to e-mail you, but it has been quite rigorous since I have departed. I'm am currently positioned in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

I'm sorry I wasn't able to get you that information beforehand, however the military is extremely stringent on operational security measures.

Everything here is currently going well. I just completed my initial training at this location, and I have been trying to become acclimated to this austere environment.

It is extremely hot during the daylight hours and luckily beginning to cool off during the hours of darkness.

I can tell you that I am working for the 363rd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here in Saudi Arabia.

We are tasked with providing around the clock physical security for the entire area.

I entered into the military in 1987. I went active duty to the Marine Corps immediately out of high school. After going to boot camp in San Diego, California, I went to Barstow, California for my training. For my first actual duty station, I was sent to Okinawa, Japan.

After Japan, I was stationed in 29 Palms, California, where I completed my active duty requirement.

I was sent to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm while stationed in 29 Palms.

I was awarded the Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon and various other citations and decorations while in Kuwait.

I remained a part of the Marine Corps until 1994, and then I joined the Peoria Air National Guard in 1995. While being in the Air Guard, I have been sent to Turkey where I participated in Operation Northern Watch.

We were actually activated that afternoon of 9-11-01. I was working overtime at the Galesburg Police Department, and heard the tragic set of events transpire over the radio. At about 2:00 p.m., on 9-11-01, I was activated and advised to respond to Peoria immediately.

For the last year, I have been a security supervisor for a shift providing homeland security for that area. Now, I am currently here in Saudi Arabia providing direct support for both Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom. It is all quite exciting actually being a part of this war on terrorism and knowing that in my own little way I have assisted in providing security for our great Nation. I love being a part of the thousands of individuals that put aside all their fears and step up and take part in defending our country. Some might call me a die-hard American, but I just call it patriotic.

Well, Dessa, I don't have a long time left to write, but I'll try to keep you informed on my status as much as possible. Please feel free to send questions if you have them, and I'll try to be as much as help as I can in answering them.

Thanks for the nice article that was in your paper. I got to see it on the internet. God Speed.

Respectfully,
TSgt James "Pat" Hall