Letter to the Editor - July 18, 2008
By Amanda Haley

Dear Sir,

I take some offense at the letter Mrs. Bolton wrote. My husband is a Detective with the Police Dept. and I know how hard these guys work. My husband gets called out at all hours of the day and night on a weekly basis to work cases where people have been shot in the head, shot in the leg, cut up, kids being sexually assaulted, kids being beaten, drug cases, and so on. Me nor my kids get to see my husband as much as we should. I know that Mrs. Bolton's salon getting broke into is a life shattering event for her, but I don't think she realizes how many VIOLENT CRIMES this county has per month compared to the number of Officers we have. Everybody wants to point out the thing that Officers was not able to do and forget about the things they accomplished.

Me personally I'm very proud of what our Officers has been able to accomplish in this county. From my point of view I believe they do an excellent job. They put themselves in danger's way everyday, see horrible things, and try to solve too many crimes with too few Officers and they do this with angry citizens pointing fingers, who feel they have been short changed in some way. What have you done to improve your community and make it safer? Have you tried to start a community watch? Or have you sat back and blamed the police, because they didn't drop a sexual assault of a child case to look for your stolen shampoo. I don't think its fair to publicly try to make these guys look bad like Mrs. Bolton did with her letter......Shame on you Mrs. Bolton...maybe you should move back to Dallas.

Letter to the Editor - July 18, 2008
By Margie Bolton

Dear Sirs:

I moved to Center twenty years ago, and for the most part have loved living here. I always tell my family and friends how nice this town is and how quiet it is here. I love telling my father who lives in Dallas how clean it is and how low the crime rate is. I have been trying for years now to convince him to retire here.
In all honesty, I can't do that anymore. Recent events have made me wonder if he wouldn't be better off staying where he is.
I work at Brandy's Salon. You may remember a story back in March about the Salon and several other businesses being broken into. The thieves stole items that were being stored at the Salon for an upcoming fundraiser Yard Sale, and a money jar containing donation money that my daughter was raising to travel to Australia, New Zeland and Fiji this summer as a Student Ambassador. I will never forget the absolute devastation of that sixteen year old girl when she realized that the money she had worked so hard for had been stolen.
The sad thing is is that was the THIRD time that the Salon had been burglarized.

Each time this has happened we have addressed the way that the thieves have gained entry, but they always find a new way. I guess the old saying that a determined thief will always find a way in is true.

There is nothing that can be done to keep a determined thief out. Once they get in the only thing that can be done is leave it up to the police to solve the crime. Right ?!

Well, the reason that I am writing this letter is that isn't true either. The first time we were burglarized, someone turned the individual in. The other two times ? Nothing. It doesn't appear that anything has been done to solve the crimes. I have been to the police station several times to ask for an update on this most recent case, and after speaking with the detective in charge, have absolutely no confidence that it will be solved at all. I honestly don't know if anything was done to try to solve the second burglary. I would probably have more confidence if I didn't personally know of other individuals who have had the same problem. My brother and his wife own Self Defense America in Center. They have been burglarized three times also. Twice THIS WEEK. No one has been arrested for those crimes either. They were told today that the police would "put it on Crime stoppers".

I was surprised to hear that with new all the new technology available to the police, that our police were just hoping for a tip. I fully realize that life doesn't happen like an episode of CSI, but just hoping that someone will give you a call seems hopeless. I know that crime stoppers is a wonder full tool that police departments use to solve crimes, but that is usually in conjunction with actually investigating the crimes.

Today when the police arrived at my brothers business, the officer took pictures of the entry point. That's it. No fingerprints, nothing. It seems unlikely that a case can be solved if no evidence has been collected.

One of my co-workers owns chicken houses. Several months ago someone actually cut a hole in the sides of two of the houses, backed a truck up to them and jerked all the copper wiring out of the houses causing thousands of dollars in damages. She was told that this wasn't the only chicken farm to have this happen. The responding officer even told her that they "thought" that they knew who did it. Once again, no one has been arrested.

Of all the people that I know that have been the victim of some sort of burglary, only once was anyone arrested and that was by pure happenstance.

This is obviously becoming more and more of a problem. We need a solution. I am not able to tell our elected officials how to solve the problem, because I honestly don't know. But I do recognize that there is a problem.

I know that I speak for all the people that I have mentioned in this letter when I say we are sick of being victimized and having nothing done about it! This is ridiculous, we want to see the perpetrators punished!

So to all the elected officials who might read this letter I say to you, If it was your business being violated and your personal property being stolen on a regular basis you would feel the same way.

DO SOMETHING!!

Thank You - June 8, 2008

To the Editor of Shelby County Today
Thank you. It was my privilege to honor my friend Staff Sergeant Kevin C. Roberts and to witness the awesome generosity of spirit of the people of Shelby County. This was an incredible display of what it means to be an American, our capacity to give to and embrace one another. Driving to West Hamilton, I just kept waving and saying thank you to the hundreds of people who lined the route with flags and banners, standing and saluting and with hands placed proudly over their hearts. From tiny children to citizens of many decades we felt the compassion and love in each face we went by. There were folks who stood together and held large American flags and those who stood as solitary figures once we were out on county roads- everyone there for exactly the same purpose at precisely the same time. You honored an American hero and collectively embraced his family and friends. The East Texas hospitality is what makes me proud to be an American, to be part of the unique and beautiful human fabric that is so distinctly American. God bless the citizens of Shelby County, Center, Texas and the United States of America. Let freedom ring and let us never forget the sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Kevin Casey Roberts.
Respectfully,
Reverend Liz Wold
Greenwich, CT

Thank You - May 25, 2008

I want to thank the citizens of shelby county for the honor and respect they gave to one of our fallen brothers. I cannot express how much it means to us to see this showing of love and support. These soldiers give up a year to a year and a half away from their families defending our freedom and way of life. Not only that but they volunteer to do this. We are finishing up our year here (Iraq) next month, and by the grace of God we are all coming home next month. but some are not so lucky. They give the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I wish they all could have the love and honor showed SSgt. Kevin Casey Robers.
Thank You and God Bless You All

Spc Richard K Clinton
702 Mp Co (Lufkin)

Never Heard of Shelby County - May 23, 2008

Dear Editor,
My name is Gregory Schell I live in the Village of Yellow Springs, Ohio just north of Cincinnati. I have never heard of Shelby County. I have never been to Shelby County….until today.

Today a long lost cousin that I have been emailing sent me a link to your website; she lives in your community. “If you have a moment, look at this…” she wrote. It was the article and photo journey of the day you laid one of Shelby County’s sons to rest.

It has been said that, “To photograph truthfully and effectively is to see beneath the surface and record the qualities of humanity.” I can’t think of a group of photographs that has ever moved me the way this collection has. They capture the very soul of your people.

As I get ready to turn off my computer and head home for the long weekend, I now know of a place I have never heard of…I know Shelby County, for today, (in a way) I traveled there. I have felt the incredible sense of community in the hearts and faces of your people, I have witnessed your honor and pride of country and on this and Memorial Days to come, I too will honor the memory of Shelby County’s son; SSgt Kevin “Casey” Roberts.

-Gregory Schell

Letter From Patriot Guard Rider - May 20, 2008

Dear SCT,

I am a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Texas. I had the opportunity to ride on a mission (our name for an honor service) for SSgt Kevin 'Casey' Roberts this past Friday, May 16, 2008.

I would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to the people of Center, Texas. I would like to say "Thank You" for your heartfelt turnout for our fallen hero.

I can't begin to imagine what it was like for your township to witness what they saw when we went by. I can only tell you that from my viewpoint riding on my bike with my flag waving behind me; it made me both humble and very proud to be a part of such a loving display for a fallen hero.

I have ridden in 25 missions since last August, each one is different (they never get easier) each one makes me more proud of the American people. Having served in the military during the Viet Nam era, I was turned off towards my fellow Americans; it seemed that my only friends were any one in uniform. But, I have mellowed in my age and being a part of the Patriot Guard Riders and seeing the outpouring of love and affection on each and every mission, I ride, has made me very proud of the American people. Having said that, I'd like to say to the citizens of Shelby County.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You so very much.
Mike Latham - aka "Medicine Man"

Proud of Hometown - May 19, 2008

It's been a long time since I've been home but thanks to Shelby County Today I keep up with happenings in Center and Shelby County. I've always been proud of my home town, home county and their people but the events of the past few days have made me even more so.

The way the people of Center and Shelby County have honored Staff Sergeant Casey Roberts is a tribute to genuine patriotism and to the heartfelt care and loving spirit of the people of my home. Sgt. Roberts was, and is a hero and the people of Center and Shelby County have given him a hero's homecoming and the honor and respect that is due to a fine young man who was a credit to his country and to the uniform that he proudly wore... and still wears.

May God Bless Staff Sergeant Roberts and his family and give them comfort in this time of sorrow and loss. May God Bless the good people of Shelby County for treating this returning hero who gave his all for his country with the honor and respect that he deserves.

I never knew Staff Sergeant Roberts but I have two children of my own who are proudly serving their country and they are about the same age as Sgt. Roberts. I hope and pray that they come back from their time in uniform alive, but if they do not, I know that the people of Shelby County would grant them the same honor and dignity that they have granted Sgt. Casey Roberts and the kind, loving condolences that they have shown to his family.

Soliers are called on to fight when necessary and at times to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country and people that they love. Such a soldier... such a man... was Casey Roberts. No, I never had the privledge of knowing him, but I wish that I had.

God Bless all of you, and God Bless Sgt.Roberts and his family and grant all of them the peace that they deserve.

Sincerely,

Dr. J. Lee (Jimmy) Choron

Wee Learn Day Care - May 19, 2008

As I read the Letters to the Editor today concerning S/Sgt Roberts, I wanted to tell you about a very young group of children holding a banner and giving respect to a brave soldier who gave his life for his country, our country.

My husband and I stood on Shelbyville Street waving our flags as the funeral procession passed by while beside us were small children from Wee Learn Day Care. They did not have any flags to wave because no flags were available. They did hold a large banner giving support to Sgt. Roberts' family while two of their teachers waved the flags they had. The children stood very reverently at attention with their hands over their hearts. How proud we were watching them pay their respect knowing this is something they will not soon and perhaps never forget!

I am also very proud of our community lining the square and the streets of our town. I thank God for him and for the many others continuing to serve in the Armed Forces fighting to keep our country free. We owe them our respect and our prayers! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Ann Forbes

Salute to Fellow 'Currahee' - May 19, 2008

Dear Shelby County:

I salute a true American hero, SSG Kevin "Casey" Roberts, a young Currahee, for paying the ultimate sacrifice to his country. May God Bless SSG Roberts and his family and may God Bless America. "All gave some, some gave all".

Regards,

Richard S. Rios, Spring, Texas
Bravo Company
3/506th Infantry Battalion, " Currahees"
101st Airborne Division
Republic of Vietnam and Cambodia 1969 - 1970

Proud to be from Shelby County - May 19, 2008

As we drove past the funeral home, and square the day of the funeral of SSgt Roberts.. I said a prayer and thanked God for our community and the people in it.. Our community has been in the spotlight as of lately for all the wrong reasons.. This really shows there is still LOVE, HONOR and a Sense of COMMUNITY in our area. My heart goes out to this family during their time of loss.. We have a 26 & 25 year old sons, and I can't and hope and pray I never have to face thisterrible loss. .. Thanks so much SSgt Roberts.. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers....And May God Continue to bless & keep Shelby County as well as America..

Nancy A Lawhorn

Proud - May 17, 2008

On Friday afternoon as my oldest daughter and I stood paying respect to SSgt. Roberts overwhelming gratitude and thankfulness filled my heart. I stood in amazement at how many others felt the need to partake in this as we did. How wonderful it is to be from such a small town.

As my 8 year old daughter stood holding her flag with tears rolling down her face ..I was proud. Proud not only that she is my daughter but at the fact that she understood why we were there. Proud that she at such a young age knew such a brave man gave his life defending our country so that we may have our freedom. Proud.

Thank you to the family of this brave soldier for giving not only us but the hundreds of others that filled the flag lined streets of our little town, the honor to experience such a meaningful ceremony. This will forever be in my heart.

Leah Chase

Letter to the Editor (I'm Proud of My Little Town)- May 17, 2008

As always I got up this morning checked my mail,then I went to Shelby County Today to get the news. I had been reading about SSgt.Kevin Roberts. After I viewed the pictures of all the different people that lined the streets in with Flags
Honoring our home town Hero. I thought about how I was going to find the words to express the Pride I felt for my little town and it's people. Then I saw a Letter to the editor (I don't cry often). After reading it I thought Thank God someone found the words I'm sure everyone wanted to say. Our town may be small but when it comes to our heart we're larger than all.

Lela & Buddy Davis

Letter to the Editor - May 17, 2008

My wife and I ministered to the truckers during the 911 disaster in Staten Island, NJ where the debris was brought from Ground Zero. The streets were lined daily with people who waved American flags as we passed by in the AmCoach. I did not think in my life time that I would ever see such a display of patriotism in our country.

BUT, you made me as proud as I have ever been to say that I am from Shelby County. Your display of patriotism and concern for the family of SSG Kevin "Casey" Roberts equaled Staten Island as you waved your flags passionately during the motorcade. My heart swelled with pride and emotion for our country, and for my county - Shelby County, Texas.

SSG Casey Roberts paid the ultimate sacrifice in giving his life that we might have the freedom we experience in America and for that I take my hat off to him and to his family. My condolences to them. It never is easy to lose someone and especially in times of war. Few, I am sure, can readily remember the times when the military chaplains came to inform families that their loved ones had
been lost in combat. To the families it was not the combatant that was lost, itis their husband, grandfather, their father, their son, or their grandson. It is very personal. May SSG Casey Roberts be remembered for his contribution to the freedom effort in Afghanistan and more specifically to his family as their most honored servant in arms. More amply stated:

To arms! to arms! ye brave!
The avenging sword unsheathe!
March on! march on! all hearts resolved
On victory or death!

Author unknown

May God bless SSG Kevin "Casey" Roberts and his family ... and Shelby County, Texas!

Chaplain Bobby (Class of 59 - CHS) and Carol Hataway

When I was a younger man I cried at the birth of my children, at weddings and at funerals.

Now, I find that at 66 years old I cry more than I ever did at 56. Guess it comes with age, but to cry shows your feelings and that is a normal thing I think.

Friday afternoon in the small City of Center, Texas, a funeral was held for Army Staff Sergeant Kevin “Casey” Roberts who I had never met. I didn’t know the family or any of his close friends. I didn’t attend his funeral and didn’t even take part in the procession from the funeral home to the cemetery where they laid him to rest with full military honors. But I cried….

I was told he gave his life fighting for his country in the far off country of Afghanistan . I was also told he died a hero as all of our servicemen and women are whose lives are lost doing what they believe is right.. standing up for us and for our country. I heard that he had relatives here in Shelby County , as well as other locations around our United States . I understand that most if not all attended the funeral service and burial for this brave young soldier.

But, I cried when the procession passed me two miles East of Center and as I watched the long line of Patriot Guard Riders leading the long, long line of cars I felt a loss. A loss you feel when someone leaves for the last time and even though you didn’t know him or her personally, it’s still a loss.

I saw hundreds of citizens on the square holding small American flags, and along Shelbyville highway more of them stood silent as the motorcycles passed them in a muffled rumble as they escorted yet another soldier to his final resting place.

I was proud of him, his family, the riders leading the procession, and most of all, the citizens of Shelby County as they stood silently with small flags in their hands or with their hands over their hearts in a final tribute to yet another serviceman who had lost his life defending our way of life.

I smiled as his body passed… proud to be an American… proud to be yet one more citizen of Shelby County who took time to honor a fallen warrior… and I cried…

Joe Ryan
USAF Veteran

Letter to the Editor: Hero

We were touched to learn that our country lost another great american hero in 25 year old Kevin Casey Roberts , who was recently killed in Afghanistan.... I just thought how helpless we are to show this young man and his family our gratitude for such a sacrifice.... But I just thought it would be a very good thing if as many people as possible would simply line up and down the streets near Mangum Funeral Home standing in salute or waving a flag... Just anything to show our respectful thanks for the effort he made to ward off our enemies... I think it would be a noble effort to show our love for this true American hero.... The funeral is at 2 pm Friday at Mangum Funeral Home ...

Thanks Bruce and Debra Yarbrough