Kind words to officers are greatly appreciated

Kind words to officers are greatly appreciated
EDITOR:
Approximately two weeks ago, Deputy Andy Carbon and I were working an extra off-duty detail at an auction in Green Township. There were about 500 persons attending. Later in the day, as the auction was in the process of winding down, I met with my partner and we both had a pleasant story to share with each other.
Each of us had a number of individuals walk over to us during the auction and express their appreciation and to say thanks for the job that we do.
One older couple said that it was about time that those who protect the people get the recognition that they deserve, and that it was too bad that it took the events in New York and Washington, D.C., to bring out the fact of how important the police and fire departments are to all of us.
In all, about seven persons took the time to speak to me and my partner, and that was a refreshing and uplifting feeling for both of us.
I, along with Deputy Carbon, would like to thank the people who spoke to us and expressed their appreciation for the job all law enforcement officers provide.
I would like to ask readers that the next time they get an opportunity to say hello to an officer they see, and maybe tell them that the job they do is appreciated. There is a good chance those will be the only kind words they will hear all day.
The officer that gave you a citation last week just might be the same one who risks his or her life to save yours next week.
DALE RHINEHART
Canfield
X The writer is a deputy in the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department.
Aches, pains may seem less worrisome in crises
EDITOR:
In reference to the recent article referring to a possible increase of depressive symptoms following the terrorist attack, the reverse may well be true.
For example, during the London blitz, so called "neurotic and somatic" disturbances, skin rashes, gastro-intestinal disturbances, myalgia, sleep disturbances, body aches and pains and other vague complaints all but disappeared. However, psychotic illnesses remained constant.
It goes without saying, post traumatic stress disorders did not.
Anecdotally, where our medical office would typically receive 50 to 80 phone calls per normal weekend for "somatic complaints" and superficial depressions, during the Cuba crises not one was received.
It may be surprising, but for the foreseeable future medical doctors may well have fewer office visits as related to somatic complaints.
RAYMOND S. BONIFACE, M.D.
Boardman
Sing national anthem and 'God Bless America'
EDITOR:
The current and most proper regard for patriotism has caused comment.
I'm aware of a debate which has been spawned by some who think that since the national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," requires a wider voice range than "God Bless America," we should change.
This has been discussed in recent days very seriously. By far, the vast percentage of citizens that I have talked to would "like to keep things as they are."
I agree to a certain extent, but I recommend that our public activities and meetings begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and the "Star Spangled Banner." At the conclusion of activities, we should, as I've always advocated and volunteered to lead, sing "God Bless America."
JUDGE JOHN. J. LESKOVYANSKY, Ret. Youngstown