Navy's contributions: Lucky to have Navy here

I am a 16-year-old, who has spent 12 of those years as the daughter of a petty officer in the Navy, who is currently in the reserves. I am responding to an opinion, “Close the Navy Base” (Letters, Sept. 10) which not only highly offended me personally, but patriotically.

The reason this country survives as well as strives, is because we have a military, the Navy being part of this dauntless force. It is shaming to know that the United States is shared with ignorant people that think of only profits and benefitting themselves. Yet they lack the knowledge of the fact the Navy does benefit them, it protects this great country we live in and helps give all of its citizens, not only enlisted families, the rights we all treasure . . . freedom of speech (which allows the public to dish out their opinions), freedom of press (which enables this newspaper to print), and voting rights.

I believe these rights are taken advantage of by all citizens at times and letter writer Garrett Newkirk sheds the light as a perfect example. He says that the Navy has, “lack of regard for Oak Harbor residents.” Well, here’s a news flash, those serving in the services are residents of this town as well and not only that, but those individuals also devote their careers and lives to protecting the citizens of their country.

The Navy has dealt me a way of life that I couldn’t be more thankful for. I moved to this community when my father was stationed here seven years ago. I have received an outstanding education and am proud to be part of this community.

I came from a rural part of Montana which has a diminutive population with not much variety of people. On the other hand in this community I have become accustom to a multi-cultured area which enriches this nation. I believe because of this environment I will grow to be an adult able to help this country grow and, as I did, become more accustomed to multi-cultures and accept it more and enlighten this world. But I am most thankful due to the reason I am proud to be part of this country and part of the Navy which helps keep the nation running strong.

A little noise and a few discounts are a small price for being able to live in a country as we do. The residents that sit around and complain should take a look at the world and the area they live in and realize you should be thankful and appreciative to have such an honorable base as part of your community and proud to be an element within the United States of America!

Chelsea Gronbach

Oak Harbor

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