Critic of Augusta airport should keep inconveniences in perspective

Editor:

In reading the recent letter regarding the Augusta Regional Airport, I was both angered and saddened. While I can realize that it is frustrating to be running late, having missed flights and have family awaiting your arrival, only to be late, I ask that this individual take into account all of the many soldiers overseas who serve our country and defend our national security.

They sometimes go a year without seeing their children, and some never see them again. Our employment takes us where we are required to go, and dealing with unpleasantness is part of it. The letter's writer knows, for the most part, that he will get home to see his wife and child. Some of these soldiers do not.

Sept. 11 changed airport activity, and yes, sometimes there may be delays; sometimes luggage gets lost. I've had it happen, but I do not stress over it as our existence on this earth has much more important things to focus on. The writer should be thankful that he has the job that puts food on the table and takes care of his family.

I also ask that everyone in this area to be grateful for Fort Gordon, which is the backbone of the Augusta community. These soldiers come from everywhere, and we should treat them like family, and welcome them everywhere.

I'm an old soldier who is from Virginia, but serving in the United States Army at Fort Gordon, and Germany, is the reason I met my husband, and we now reside in the Columbia County area. I would presume from reading that article that the writer never served in the armed forces; otherwise, he might have more patience.

The airport is doing the very best job possible. In fact, my son worked there and he worked really hard, and always had positive comments. I went out there to take him things, and I saw nothing but conscientious employees who appeared to be professionals.

The heightened security in this country and oversees is going to slow down everything, and bags getting lost - it happens, and they show up. I've had that occur in other airports and not Augusta Regional! It could, but I would not be annoyed. I don't travel much anymore but I believe life is too short to focus on such a menial matter.

Merry Christmas, and let us especially recognize our soldiers during this time of year, and pray for those overseas fighting the war in that they will make it home to see their spouses, small children and extended families!

Teresa D. Wallace

Evans