Many of you have sent some incredibly kind messages about my blog posts and our TV news coverage of Chattanooga’s tragic day, July 16. I haven’t had time to thank everyone individually, but please know I really appreciate the compliments, as well as the constructive criticism. If you know me at all, you know I’d much rather report and write about upbeat stories. But like so many of you, what happened in my town has been heavy on my heart, and writing about those wonderful young men and their families has been helpful to me, and hopefully you as well. Now that the fifth and final serviceman has been laid to rest, I decided to go through my notes one more time. In fact, in Cleveland today, a man came up to me, said something nice, and then commented, “You sure piled a lot of papers on that news desk, didn’t you?” I think he was talking about this:
Looking at them now, I see why at times, I stumbled and struggled on live TV. I really should have paid more attention when dear Mrs. Rochester was teaching me how to write and take notes in elementary school. But I have saved some important facts, figures and photos that we need to share:
Did you know Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sent flowers to the family of Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith? You may remember that Randall was captured on video (by his wife Angie) singing Garth’s song “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” a sweet moment that was shared in his memorial video. My friend Sarah Swanson Pritchard sent this photo from Terry Pennington, who was among those setting up a dinner for the family at Fort Oglethorpe First Baptist Church for the family after Monday’s services. Thank you Garth and Trisha, for making this family feel special.
That’s not the only photo that touched my heart today. Look at this:
Anita Blevins Mitchell sent me this. Please read the story behind the photo: “My daughter Ashlea Atherton and her son went to the IHOP on Highway 153 Monday, and while she was there see saw two servicemen stop and talk to a retired veteran. The older man talked to them for ten minutes, sharing several stories with them. Everyone in the room was just silent listening to him. The veteran told them what an honor it was to wear the uniform and said some encouraging words to them. The whole room was crying. This made me so proud of these young servicemen for giving up their time for an older veteran. I hope they took away a special memory from that because everyone in the restaurant did.”
Thank you Anita and Ashlea. Life is one long parade, with stops and starts, highs and lows. But there are moments like this, when we all stop and salute. Chattanooga Strong, indeed.
Finally, many of you have asked where to send cards or letters to the families of our fallen servicemen. I have the mailing addresses for our two families who live in the Chattanooga area. Each has given me permission to share this information, because they understand and appreciate your desire to show them love and support. I encourage each of you to reach out to them, and let them know they’re loved.
The Randall Smith Family
You may contact Angie Smith, and her daughters Lyla, Eila, and Kyla, in care of First Baptist Church, PO Box 2125, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA 30742. For financial contributions, please mail to Randall Smith Fund at Capital Bank, PO Box 2146, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742.
David and Lorri Wyatt
You may send cards and letters to Lorri Wyatt and her children Rebecca and Heith, in care of 409 Kingsridge Drive, Hixson, TN 37343.
Thank you David, Cindy and the entire Chanel 3 News team for a wonderful tribute to these wonderful families. It was at times so hard to watch, but your team had so much compassion we could not turn away. Thanks again!! We are avid watchers of Chanel 3.
Thank you David, not only for reporting on this terrible tragedy, but reminding us to love and respect one another.Thank you also for showing us that there is still good in this world and that some good came out of the devastation. Sometimes I shy away from watching the news because, quite frankly, it is depressing, so thank you for adding some sunshine to those clouds. God Bless and don’t forget to hug your loved ones.
David,
I haven’t commented much on any of the postings or blogs, but I feel I must thank-you for all the long hours of reporting done during the past 2 weeks. Has it really been 2 weeks already? Thank-you for a look at these young men,not just as military men, but as young men living their daily lives, & contributing to their communities, their hopes & their dreams.
I was so touched by the story on the two young servicemen, who stopped to speak with the veteran. My son-in-law is career Air Force, closing in on the end of his career. I have seen him, many,many times stop, to say than-you, if he sees a veteran. They are family to one another. Bless them one & all.
Thanks again David. You are number one in my book! Blessings to you as well my friend.
Thank you for sharing these addresses. Do you happen to have addresses for the other 3 families? Our Spring City United Methodist Church Children’s Church made cards to send to all the families.
Hi Susan, unfortunately, I have not been able to get those. Still trying, though!