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Letters to the Editor

Miracle on Cuba Street:

On Thursday evening (just before dark) April 3, an explosion rocked the City of Holly Springs when a home owned by Joe Elliott exploded, causing massive damage to life and property. With this explosion three adults were injured and an infant baby girl (Olandrea Chenelle Elliott) was trapped in the rubbish of the home. Emergency crews responding included: Holly Springs Fire/Rescue, Holly Springs Gas Department, Holly Springs Police Department, Holly Springs Street/Public Works Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Transcare Ambulance Service, Alliance Ambulance Service, State Fire Marshalls Office, Red Banks Fire Department, Victoria Fire Department, Potts Camp Fire Department, Byhalia Fire Department, Waterford Fire Department, Barton Fire Department, Marshall County K-9 Search Team, Benton County K-9 Search Team, Neil Bain Construction, Roger Sims, Walter Bain, Eddie Bain and Rod Lester.

These crews worked feverishly through the night to rescue baby Olandrea. In the twilight of the night skies and generator powered lights these men and women would not be deterred from reaching their goal, the rescue of this little precious baby girl.

I was encouraged by the comments of the rescue workers and private citizens who were in the midst of the rubble desperately seeking a successful rescue. As I watched this effort of unity working, the image was not lost on me, that this is how it could and should be always, not just in a time of crisis but each day. For I observed men and women, black and white working together and not being concerned about their difference but being only concerned for this similar goal, the life and rescue of baby Olandrea Chenelle Elliott. Thanks to all who helped in this effort. How blessed I was to witness a miracle on Cuba Street.

Mayor Andre’ DeBerry
160 South Memphis Street
Holly Springs

Miracle on Cuba St., II:
Dear Editor,

God is great, God is good. Lord, thank you for blessing the families in our neighborhood. Often we take our public service departments for granted. We say that police should police and firefighters should fight fires.

I would like to extend a heart-felt appreciation to the members of the Holly Springs Fire Department for their tireless efforts in the extinguishing of the blaze and the rescue of one of God’s most precious gifts, a baby girl. Although I don’t know the names of everyone involved, I know that when I say thank you, we are all thankful!

God bless the world and continue blessing the men, women and children of our city.

Again, thank you to the Holly Springs Fire Department.

One love
George Perry
Holly Springs

Thank you from Iraq:
Dear Editor,

Cpt. Clark and Iraqi children

My name is Mark Wayne Clark II and I am a 2004 graduate of the University of Mississippi.

Currently I am a captain in the U.S. Army operating in West Baghdad, Iraq.

As you all know the face of the war has changed from conducting combat operations to conducting civil military operations in which the Iraqis have full lead. In simpler terms, it means to help the Iraqis help themselves.

I work with the one of the local Iraqi Security Forces as an advisor; this includes the Iraqi Army, Iraqi National Police and Iraqi Police.

In order for the government of Iraq and the security forces to be seen as legitimate they need support in conducting these types of operations.

A couple of weeks ago I asked my family and friends for support to help raise toys (soccer balls in particular), school supplies and clothes for needy children and families that we work with in West Baghdad on a daily basis.

I would like to personally thank all of the individuals who supported the drive sponsored by my mother, Paula Clark, a few weeks ago.

However; there were a few individuals that went above and beyond their call of duty and I would like to thank them by name: Carolyn Diane Neal-Walton, United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church; Mary Hicks and the 4-H Club; Markeeta Henderson and Comcast Cable Company, Memphis; and last but not least, the wonderful lady who donated the funds to mail all the packages.

Again, thank you; continue to support the troops and keep them and their families in your prayers!

Cpt. Mark Clark
U.S. Army
Camp Liberty, Iraq

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