Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
Taps were played for former Birch Bay resident and U.S. Army Master Drill Sergeant Johnny “Sweet Deal” O’Neil Friday, June 16. John and his wife Sharon had lived on the Sealinks Golf course and were active in the homeowners association for a number of years before moving to Lake Stevens to be closer to grandchildren. John served in Vietnam and had been exposed to massive amounts of the chemical defoliant “agent orange.” Sergeant O’Neil fought the battle of lingering effects for 30 years and finally was taken out with cancer.
The power of his personality and love for his country will be missed. His electrifying career as a salesman and team member for Trendwest Resorts gained him legendary status as an enthusiastic communicator for love of family. John made a surprise visit in a dream and wanted all of his local friends and golfing buddies to “look sharp and pay attention” and to know that he is “at ease” and out of pain on the other side of the veil of death.
Lloyd Zimmerman, friend, co-worker
Ferndale

The Editor:
What a wonderful day! The Blaine Fly-in couldn’t have enjoyed better weather. Saturday was clear and calm and what a turnout. We want to thank our community, all the visitors to Blaine and the many volunteers for making this year’s fly-in so successful.
We especially want to thank our private pilots for taking our kids for great rides – Jeff Robinson from our own Chocolate Factory, Bob Brunkow, J.R. Woodward and Jeff Morris. These volunteer pilots were enthusiastic, fun and so willing to give their time and talent. Given the cost of fuel these days, they were generous to a fault. Your Blaine Airport sold 280 gallons of fuel, making the day profitable for the city, too!
The formation-flying Black Jacks from Arlington were terrific, led by Dave Ekert. Everyone enjoyed the flyovers and cockpit tours. It was easy to see how much 70 of our community’s kids appreciated their Young Eagle flights and certificates. We hope to double that number next year.
The Civil Air Patrol’s Doug Jones and Martin Ranke, president of the Experimental Aircraft Association, who gave us the flight simulator, were again instrumental in the success of the Fly-In. Thanks to all of the exhibitors – including the Blaine Fire Department, Blaine Public Library, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Sea Scouts, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Angel Flights represented by Christen Holtz.
We also appreciate the cheerful participation by Miguel of Paso Del Norte Restaurant, Collin “Coffee Cart” Hawkins and David “Hot Dog” Stoecki, as well as Alma Wagner and Lois Franco, all dedicated volunteers.
A big thank you to Don Nelson for opening his hanger for refreshments and to Leroy Dougall, airport operations manager, for giving so much time and effort to help us make it all happen. Also much appreciated was our last-minute life-saver Raylene King, of the Blaine police department, and the officers and cadets of the Civil Air Patrol.
Most of all, thank you, Blaine. See you next year!
Mark Theaman, member, Blaine Airport Commission
Blaine

The Editor:
The upcoming July 4 holiday in the U.S.A. is a celebration of our freedom. The United Nations have chosen that specific day to meet in New York, on American soil, in an effort to sign a treaty to ban civilian firearm ownership in our free country and worldwide. I’m outraged by this meeting taking place, and in New York, no less, the site of the September 11, 2001 travesty. Yes they want to take away our right to protect ourselves?
It is my utmost right as a human being to keep and bear arms to protect myself, my family, my home, my property and my country. No one in this world has, or will ever have, the power to take that basic human right away from me.
Americans everywhere must stand up and stop this unconscionable attempt to disarm us. Conscientious gun owners are not to blame for the declining condition of mankind or the challenges facing the world and her people.
Courage is contagious. When a brave person takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened. “Oh say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
Laurita Smith
Birch Bay

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com