Letter to the Editor

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

Good morning/afternoon/evening to whoever is reading this email. I lived in the area that this paper serves for eighteen years of my life. Mainly Sikeston and Dexter, with some points in between. Then I joined the military and moved all over much of the southern U.S. I have been to a lot of places, but I still miss Missouri.

As a teenager, I always wanted to leave Missouri. Now, I would give anything to be back there. I am in the U.S. Army and my unit is currently deployed to Iraq. For me, it is my first time. For many others in my unit, it is their third (and some even their fourth!!!) time over here. It is close to the holidays, and even though no one will say it, we all miss home. With the exception of my wife, all my family is in Missouri.

I read the Standard Democrat published on 12/11/2007 online for the first time. It is awesome to see that not many things have changed in SEMO since I left four years ago. I know the Stoddard County Christmas Tournament will be coming up soon. I am sure that in Sikeston all the neighborhoods have their Christmas lights up. I miss riding down those streets looking at all the displays. I remember when I was five and I saw the "Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer" scene. I laughed so hard, I cried. I still do when I think about it.

I just wanted to remind you all to cherish what you have. You can be with your family and friends, while many people cannot. I will not say we are defending our country...more like serving it to the best of our abilities.

I will not take up anymore of your time, though. I am sure you are very busy people. Just letting you know that someone 8000 miles away enjoys your paper and misses Missouri. It makes me feel like I am at when I read it.

Have a great day and thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,

SPC Chris Rogers