Friday, January 3, 2014 | North Kitsap Herald
Letters
Continued from page A4 I agreed at age 18 to wear the uniform, not in exchange for a lifetime pension, but for the opportunity to serve and grow. I am a proud beneficiary of the many opportunities I have enjoyed from military service, including a modest retirement pension, and a chance for a second career at a relatively young age. Congress — liberals and conservatives alike — funded my four years at a small Connecticut military college, three years in graduate school, three surgeries at Bethesda Naval Hospital, medical insurance expenses, and payments over the last 25 years for my military retirement. This “lying” Congress, for many of us, has been exceptionally generous. If a modest COLA reduction contributes to our fiscal health, so be it. The hungry and homeless in Kitsap can have my share. There may be solid reasons to support a “do not join” philosophy. These views of a whining pensioner fall short, however. STEPHEN L. Swann Poulsbo Stephen L. Swann is a retired U.S. Coast Guard commander.
NorthKitsapHerald.com
‘It’s been an amazing year’ A farewell message from Makenzie Moody, 2013 Miss Poulsbo
My crowning night, I remember being absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by the idea of being the representative of Poulsbo for an entire year; By MAKENZIE MOODY I have lived in Poulsbo 2013 Miss Poulsbo almost my entire life and uring my year as the pride I have for my Miss Poulsbo 2013, community is immense. I have had many Even though I knew it wonderful experiences would be a big undertakand have had the ing, I was absoopportunity to lutely excited meet amazing repand optimistic resentatives of my about the year I community. was sure to have As Miss ahead of me. Poulsbo 2013, I The process of experienced how running for Miss connecting with Poulsbo was one those in your Makenzie I could not do on community is an Moody, Miss my own. With the important skill to Poulsbo 2013 support of my utilize every day. loving family and Without the Miss friends, I made it Poulsbo Miss Kitsap Miss through my year easily. Silverdale Scholarship I’d like to thank my Organization, I would not patient and caring mom have had the amazing Cam, dad Mark, and brothopportunities and experi- er Nate for always supportences I have had as the ing me in my endeavors 60th Miss Poulsbo. and helping me take on As a little girl, I remem- such a huge responsibility. ber going to Viking Fest I’d also like to thank my every year and hoping to friends for coming to supbe one of the princesses port me the night of the riding in the cars one year; pageant and being encourthis year, my dream finally aging throughout the year. came true. I also want to say a huge
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thank you to my sponsors: West Sound Academy, Cross Martial Arts, the Marzano Family, and Galletta School of Dance and Performing Arts. Your generosity is much appreciated; I would not be where I am today without your support. Thank you to my beautiful and talented Little Sister, Maddie, and her wonderful family for sponsoring me and coming to my appearances. Maddie, I have enjoyed getting to know you throughout the year and I sincerely hope we can continue to stay in contact even though my year as a titleholder is over. Thank you to the 60th Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce President Pam Whitt, Chamber Executive Director Jan Harrison, and County Commissioner Rob Gelder for being at so many appearances and events in Poulsbo and showing your commitment to your community. Thank you to all of the judges from pageant night for giving me this amazing opportunity to represent Poulsbo. Thank you to Bruce and Lynda Nilsen for chaperon-
ing me to countless appearances and everything you have done for me throughout my reign. Thank you to Natasha Tucker and Michelle Rider for chaperoning us for some of our appearances, and thank you to Holly Wasson for your time, commitment and fun-loving spirit that you brought to each of the appearances. A huge thank you to Michele Wasson, our executive director, for being patient with us throughout the year and planning all of our wonderful appearances for us. A special thank you to Poulsbo’s mayor, Becky Erickson, for your commitment to the community. It has been an honor attending so many appearances alongside you and learning more about your work and passion for the city of Poulsbo. The members of the community that I have worked alongside for the past year are what make Poulsbo such a special place. I am privileged to live in a town that has such special traditions. The most memorable appearances from my year have been the appearanc-
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PAGEANT JAN. 11 n The 2014 Miss Poulsbo Miss Kitsap Miss Silverdale Scholarship Pageant Jan. 11 in Bremerton. See contestant profiles in Jan. 10 Kitsap Week and on NorthKitsapHerald.com.
es in Poulsbo celebrating the Norwegian traditions. Viking Fest, Midsommer Fest, the Viking Avenue Tree Lighting, and Julefest are some of the most memorable events I have attended and I will remember them fondly for many years to come. Although this year has been full of hard work and dedication, it has flown by so quickly that I am sad to see it come to an end. I am eager to pass on my crown to another exciting new representative of our community and see the work they will be able to do through the Miss Poulsbo Miss Kitsap Miss Silverdale Scholarship Organization. It has been an honor serving as Miss Poulsbo 2013. Thank you all for granting me the opportunity to do so.
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