Creating Connections

by Barb Byerly

As Americans, we count our blessings for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the greatest nation on earth and we are mindful it is made possible by the unflinching courage of the men and women in our Armed Services keeping us and our way of life safe. We are extremely proud of all these valiant warriors, with special closeness to those who are part of our Chamber family. In the coming months we will be highlighting them in this column. They, and everyone who loves them, are dealing first hand with the myriad of emotions felt by military families - the pride, fear, separation, longing experienced by all who are, or have ever been in their position. Please watch for David McArthur, Jr, US Marine Corps, son of David and Mindy, McArthur's Bakery and Nate Williams, US Army, son of Superintendent Tom and Chris. This month is Matthew Everding, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Sunset Office Suites' Ray and Vicki and brother of Michael and Daniel.

Yearning to do something other than attend college, Matt Everding withdrew from SEMO a couple of years ago and joined the Marine Corps. He made a five year commitment to serve, due to the intensity and amount of training necessary for him to join an elite helicopter crew.

Now 23, he has achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and has earned his wings. He successfully completed helicopter crew chief training in which he learned in-flight maintenance and learned to function as one of the door gunners. He has recently been assigned to a battle experienced squadron at Camp Pendleton, CA. He's been involved in training exercises for ground forces, artillery forces, and air forces learning how to work together in a combat environment conducted in the Mojave Desert. "As crew chief on a Huey ‘Yankee Version' helicopter, he's on the cutting edge of light attack helicopters. This is an upgraded version of the Vietnam Huey's. It has twin engines, rather than single; four composite blades instead of two steel - it's bigger, better, faster, stronger, truly state-of-the-art," explains Ray. Thanks to technology, the family has been able to keep in touch on a fairly regular basis. "Matt has a cell phone and a laptop he can use in the barracks. We love Skype!" he reports. On a recent visit with Matt in San Diego, there was time to exchange thoughts and challenges he will be facing. He urged his dad not to worry about it, "My job is to support the infantry - what's good for the infantry is good for the Marines and what's good for the Marines is good for the country." "Matt has always had a patriot's heart," Ray adds. All your Chamber friends agree - we're proud of the entire Everding family!

Ever wonder what might happen if Fredbird paired up with Cupid? Well, for John Reagan, it was a romantic home run! Here's the scoop - John, who is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, is in love with Molly Reedy, a parochial school kindergarten teacher. Wanting to propose to Molly at school, so the children could share their happiness, John made arrangements for Fredbird to make a surprise visit to the class and pave the way for him to pop the question. Not only was Fredbird an unexpected visitor for Molly and the youngsters, Fredbird indicated he had a surprise visitor with him, and motioned John into the classroom. John proposed on the spot and Molly accepted. Since kindergarten-aged children have such a unique view of happenings, Molly asked them to share what took place when Fredbird brought the guest to their classroom. The results are a delight, including one that said "My teacher is going to marry Fredbird." All of their comments have been put together in a treasured memory book. John and Molly are planning a June, 2011 wedding followed by a honeymoon in Jamaica. Congratulations to John and Molly and best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!