Editor, Times-Union: On the Wednesday prior to Memorial Day, former Gov. Joe Kernan spoke to a group of 140 individuals concerning his experience in being shot down over North Vietnam. Many veterans were in attendance. Not only did he relate the experience of ejecting from his jet, but he shared about the tremendous beating he took by villagers and North Vietnamese Militia. What is most interesting is the story of how a couple saved him from being beaten to death. He went on to tell of the complete hopelessness of knowing for a period of time that his family assumed him dead. Not until some other airmen sent him a package did he know that the Navy was made aware. He has returned twice to Vietnam and has met with the man in charge of the batteries that shot him down. He also met with the daughter of the couple that saved him. Wednesday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m., another dynamic individual will be telling the story of “captives” here in Kosciusko County. Barry Andrew, the coordinator of the Drug Court of Kosciusko County, will share how certain levels of convicted drug offenders will be kept as productive members of the community. He will share who the captives are when drugs take over an individual’s live. He intends to show how the work the drug court does affects the individuals and community. If all goes according to plan, you should be able to meet not only with Barry, but members of our judiciary, law enforcement and probation department personnel. The location is 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. There is no charge. Come and be informed. Tom Stiver Syracuse, via email
