Your View: five from 11/6

My name is Pfc. Jessie Wilson. I am a former New Madrid County Central Eagle and am currently stationed in Northern Iraq.

I wanted to write you a letter and let you know that Southeast Missourians are worldwide these days. After graduating high school in 1998, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. My home station is Fort Lewis, Wash. I am in the 864th en bn (combat heavy).

I really miss New Madrid and am extremely missing Heartland Football Friday! cheering the Eagles on. I spend my days conducting various missions on an airfield and many quality of life assignments here in Iraq.

We do not know when we are coming home, but to keep my fellow Missourians informed, please feel free to e-mail me at ez1269@yahoo.com with questions from my fellow Missourians about this deployment. I will be happy to answer them. If at all possible, any back issues of the Standard Democrat would give me something to read on those boring nights between work here.

P.S.: God bless Southeast Missouri!

Pfc. Jessie C. Wilson Bco 864th en bn (130th en BDE) Unit #91358-\ APO-AE 09391-1358

In recognition of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 3-8, 2003, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is asking the citizens of Sikeston and area communities to take a closer look at the valuable role their animal shelter plays in enhancing the quality of life in their community.

SAHS is proud to serve the Sikeston area by providing our many services and programs but we can't do it without the support of our community residents.

Animal shelters offer many services to assist animals and people alike: controlling dogs running at large, rescuing injured animals, returning lost pets to their owners and adopting animals into new, loving homes. They also offer the personal guidance of their staffs to assist the public with animal-related issues and concerns, from dealing with wildlife to helping with pet-behavior questions.

How can you help SAHS and other local animal shelters? There are many ways:

* Offer a donation of needed supplies. Detergent, bleach, towels, blankets, good quality dry dog and cat food.

* Spread the word about the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering. Contribute monies to this fund.

* Choose your next pet from among the many animals being cared for at SAHS. They have plenty of animals just waiting for homes like yours.

We invite everyone to join us Nov. 3-8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday for National Shelter Open House. Take this opportunity to stop by SAHS, visit the animals and find out what you can do to help animals in need. Your involvement will go a long way toward helping the animals.

Gabby Evans Executive Director

The Just Say No Club will kick-off the Canned Food Drive for the Christmas Campaign. Our club currently has 865 members with Aly Friend serving as president this year. The kick-off will be Nov. 10-21 for the Food Drive. This will be our biggest project this year and all food goes toward the Christmas Campaign. Since 1996 we have collected 61,446 cans of food for the Christmas Campaign.

Sikeston should be proud of their kids, because they are truly the future leaders of our community.

Regards Gary L. Howard

I would like to take an opportunity to thank Sikeston Brownie Troop 3 for decorating my store window for Red Ribbon Week. They spent a lot of time painting the window and I think it is the scariest window downtown.

I must also compliment the leaders and the parents for organizing this display. All of the girls were quiet and respectful of the store during their time here. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to participate in this activity because my business is new in town. I am already looking forward to the next time a troop can paint the window for Red Ribbon Week.

I would also like to thank the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce for contacting for permission to have my window painted. What a great community effort!

Thanks again to all of you. It looks great!

Aleta Trankler Buttons and Bows

Thank you for your support of the 140th Infantry Regiment reunion and barbecue held Oct. 11.

There were 81 members and their spouses present for food, drinks and camaraderie; plenty of time visiting, renewing friendships, talking about the old days in the service.

For your information the 140th Infantry Regiment was activated in 1924 and de-activated in 1959. It was made of units from Southeast Missouri with 12 towns in the area furnishing units to serve the 140th.

Due to your continuing and sustaining support, the reunion was very successful and we were able to furnish everything free of charge to those that attended.

Thank you!

Sincerely, James Hewitt Col. U.S.A.R., retired