Veterans deserve their benefits
I am one of those veterans referred to in Sunday’s article titled “Report: 60,000 veterans get triple benefits.” I paid for my VA benefits with 27 months of service in Vietnam and the hearing of my right ear. I am 67 years old and have paid into the Social Security system for all my adult years. If I am on of those greedy double dippers, so be it.
Katie Pleasance
Kailua-Kona
Fighting off shark shows true heroism
There have been countless heroes in the annals of human history.
Brian Wargo, captain of Bite Me Sportsfishing, now stands firmly in those ranks.
To swim toward a shark attack and beat off a fierce tiger shark with bare hands is a selfless act of bravery deserving of special notice. He prevailed. But he was also willing to give his life for his friend, if it had been required of him.
What better definition of “hero”?
I like to think I would be as brave if it were required of me. But the truth is, none of us know what we will do in dire circumstances until the moment they arrive.
Wargo’s shining example may help me to make the brave choice, the right choice, in a desperate situation.
That is one of the best things about true heroes. They show what can be done, if one is willing. If one has heart and intestinal fortitude and wisdom. A man of the sea, he had enough knowledge to act wisely, as well as bravely. Knowledge is a strong weapon against disaster.
Thank you, Captain Wargo. I don’t know you, but I would be honored to shake your hand.
Patrick Conner
Kailua-Kona
Responsible owners do the right thing
For those who say “no good deed goes unpunished,” I had a good experience recently.
I thought the thunder had stopped, and let Bob the dog out. I did not hear the thunder and was surprised when I got a phone call saying “I have Bob at my house. He was running because of the thunder.”
This wonderful person saw he had a license. She called the Hawaii Island Humane Society and got my number. I came over and saved Bob again.
I got Bob at the Kona shelter. I found him on the Internet. First, he is neutered and licensed. I did the right thing. The intelligent and good person did the right thing and everything turned out wonderful.
Getting your dog spayed or neutered and licensed are the right things to do.
June Rauch
Ocean View