July 20, 2011: Our readers write

Supporting Shaw
We are fortunate to have Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Shaw. He can only present what evidence he has. He is a good and decent attorney. I am proud to live in Hardin County and he is part of the reason why. I wish the U.S. Army good luck.
Jeanette L. Rogers
Elizabethtown

Meaning found
in twisted metal
I was in Radcliff on July 6 to honor the people that died in the twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001. it made me so proud that the Commonwealth of Kentucky got that historic piece of the twin towers. It was a hot, hot, hot day and I was sweating harder than I’ve ever sweat before. But to make myself stronger, I told myself, “the people that were in the twin towers were hotter than me.” I touched that piece and I will never forget it. So to you I say, “God bless the men and the women that died that day and their families and God bless America!” And as Mr. Rose, the keynote speaker, said, “And may Old Glory wave forever! Amen.”
Hallie Jane Whelan
10 years old
Vine Grove

A common bond
in soldiery
There aren’t many black police/peace officers in Hardin County but I believe we all share a common bond other than either race or skin color. I believe each black police/
peace officer currently serving in Hardin County is also an Army veteran with a couple being combat veterans. “Protect and Serve” is a simple continuation of “This We’ll Defend.” A few of the rules have changed, except for the main one that really counts: Putting the safety of others before our own.
Recently discharged veterans are more than prepared for any competitive police selection process. The discipline required to undergo 18 weeks of training at the EKU Police Academy is just mind over matter. The Army taught us if you don’t mind doing your very best, it doesn’t matter. In order to maintain a level of proficiency, each peace officer also has to undergo 40 hours of remedial training each year. My last one week training session even included some UFC-style grappling techniques just like soldiers currently learn because of the growing popularity of the sport. I hung right in there with the young guys because crooks won’t care how old I am.” Old men” can still fight dirty.
The main thing I like about being an Army veteran police officer are “extra experiences” I can draw upon if things don’t go quite right by the book; the Army “Easy Button.” My main concern is that no citizen or any other officer working with me will ever get hurt or killed because I did not efficiently go “all out” in a confrontation with criminals. I believe all of the other officers concerned feel the same. We were each someone special before we put on our police uniforms; soldiers!
Harry M. Braxton Jr.
Elizabethtown