August 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School - Lincoln Parish ...

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ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox
Ruston High School August 25, 2011 Page 11
See you Soon Brave Soldiers
by Elizabeth Smith
Business Manager
On Wednesday August 17, 2011, members of the 1022 nd Engineer Company, Louisiana National Guard,
from the Ruston, Monroe, and Shreveport/Bossier areas, deployed for duty to Afghanistan. In thinking of
this deployment, I am reminded of a community service project that FBLA and I had recently participated
in for the Ruston based National Guard unit, the 572th Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy). The unit celebrated
their 20 year Desert Storm Reunion. What amazed me about the 527 th Engineer Battalion being deployed
in Saudi Arabia and Iraq 20 years ago was that every soldier made it back and not a single soldier
was killed.
Many of the soldiers that I met at the reunion not only participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991,
but also participated in Operation Enduring Freedom twelve years later in 2003. Here we are, eight years
later, and members of the 527 th Engineer Battalion are headed to Afghanistan again, this time with the
1022nd Engineer Company (Vertical). A few soldiers who deployed previously are going again, but some
are having their next generation, our generation, deploy in their place. As proud as I am of each of these
soldiers, I also hope and pray that all our men and women return home unharmed like they did in past deployments,
and I take pride in knowing that I have met many of these great mean and women.
Ruston High School has a connection beyond community and pride with many of these soldiers, and
if I leave anyone out, please accept my apology and let me know it. Specialist (SPC) Christopher Taylor, a
teacher and coach at RHS, is among the soldiers deploying. Mrs. Catherine Letendre has two soldiers involved
in this deployment: her husband, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Christopher Letendre, and her oldest
son, Sergeant (SGT) John Letendre (RHS alumni). A Desert Storm veteran, SFC Letendre volunteered to
deploy to help lead the younger soldiers. For those not keeping tabs, yes, that is our RHS student council‘s
President, Nick Letendre‘s father and brother. Another RHS teacher saw his son off as well, as Specialist
(SPC) Josh Bruner, son of Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, also deployed. Just last month, Mr. Bruner just welcomed
his oldest son Justin back off active duty after his service in Iraq. I know that every RHS current and past student, as well as the school‘s staff and administrators, will have
these soldiers and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
Many Ruston High students probably thought the war wasn‘t going to affect them directly, but as it has turned out, it has, and it continues to affect many of their lives.
Ruston High students who have graduated in the past few years and some who will graduate this year have decided to join a branch of the military. Their families worry about
their safety when they are deployed. It is amazing how we can think that things like war won‘t affect us, but then a family member joins the military or we marry someone in
the military. With little or no warning, we find ourselves part of the growing number of families affected by the wars. This changes our whole way of thinking about the war
as it is no longer something we see on TV, but now a part of our daily lives.
During this deployment, all our soldiers and their families need our support. It does the soldiers and families hearts good to know their loved ones are supported by their
community and country. The soldiers who are serving in the National Guard as well as other branches of the military have chosen to serve their country. They do not want to
be overseas away from their family, but that is where they are needed to preserve our freedoms and our way of life. They have received orders to be deployed. I feel that it is
our job to show our brave soldiers that we love and care about them and to give them our support. Even more, we need to be there for the families of these brave soldiers as
well, because they need us just as much. Remember these soldiers and their families in prayer, take the time to thank them, and just let them know that you care. If it is possible,
write them letters and tell them they‘re doing a great job; it means a lot to them. I know I have had family deployed overseas and it meant the world to them to know they
were missed and cared about. I feel that‘s the least we can do for those who sacrifice so much for us.
Get Educated About College Tuition and Costs
by Polly-Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
Every year, seniors all over the country put down tons and tons of money to pay for what they hope will be a meaningful college
education. The problem today is that the price for college keeps increasing each year, at rates higher than ever before. As the price
keeps going higher and higher, it can be argued that the quality of the education seems to keep going lower and lower.
Statistics have shown that by 2021, college tuition will be as much as $36,000 for public schools and $240,000 for private schools.
With so much money being spent for not four years of college, but just one, a person can only ask: ―Is it worth it?‖
I for one have to say ―no‖ for most colleges. I believe that college is supposed to be about the learning process, not the money put
into it. There are many colleges out there that are increasing their tuitions and taking so much money from students, but giving them
mediocre education. Because of this, I believe that it is more imperative now to really focus on the quality of the education the school
offers and not just rely on the prices of the school.
It has been said that you get what you pay for. I wonder if the person who said that would say that relative to the costs of many of
today‘s colleges. As a senior, I have been looking into colleges and believe that too many of them charge based on name recognition.
Why else would there be such a large disparity in costs to get the same degree? For my money, I‘m shopping for a good degree and a
good education, and I am doing so with my eyes on my wallet and my future financial security in mind..