Sometimes your pick for Page One news and mine do not jibe at all. Sometimes your socio-political-religious views and mine do not track well. And sometimes I have called or written as a result of the dissonance. So, it is only right that when the Herald “hits it out of the park” as it did on Memorial Day, that a call or letter is in order for something of excellence and worthy of praise, as well.
Gale Fiege’s story and tribute to Commander John and Kris Regelbrugge and their family was superb Page One material for the day and occasion that our nation is called to honor and respect. Along with many other excellent articles in recent weeks, you have provided a caring, personal touch amid a local tragedy we cannot change. What we can control is our response and commitment to move forward. The past two months has revealed amazing praiseworthy qualities in the Darrington-Oso communities; northern Snohomish County and beyond. Thoughtful, compassionate journalism such as the Herald has demonstrated aids the hope and energy to move forward stronger — together.
As one of many area emergency support chaplains who unexpectedly entered into a difficult springtime together; I’d also like to pay tribute to Commander Regelbrugge’s service revealed through the men and women under his command. In a desire to honor their missing leader, a team of enlisted personnel came up to Post Middle School to visit and cook for families at the Red Cross shelter there. In thanking them for their gift, a young sailor replied that Commander Regelbrugge was one of the few positive male role models in his life. Together, with daughter Sara, and Mayor Rankin’s remembrances of Kris Regelbrugge’s excellence; it also seems right that this article appears midway between Mother’s and Father’s Day. “They raised their kids right,” observed Mayor Rankin. The “kids” appear to include many others in Darrington-Oso and in service to our nation as members of the United States Navy. Well done, good and faithful servants! (And, thank you, Gale once again for a true Snohomish County Herald Memorial Day-Page One.)
Rev. Jack Richards
Everett Police Department Chaplain
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