When you think about giving back to the soldiers who serve our country, what do you think of?  Many think about donating items for care packages. One soldier told me before he was deployed to support him and the others by being there for their families who are left behind. I recently experienced this type of amazing support by being blessed with this random act of kindness.
In November 2016, my significant other, Mike, and more than 160 soldiers from the South Dakota Army National Guard 153rd Engineer Battalion and its Forward Support Company, deployed to Kuwait for a nine-month deployment. At this time, the family members and loved ones took over to keep things going in the absence of their loved ones. Military families prepare for deployment, like going over emergency contacts, discussing household finances and routines. Even when you think you are fully prepared, the unexpected can still happen.
In December of this last year, a winter storm destroyed our garage roof. Shingles had blown off the roof and were scattered all over the yard.  Panic set in, and it was time to think things through and get the job done. I called the insurance company and reached out to people on our emergency contact list. We were able to at least get some patchwork done to hold us over until the spring.
When spring came, I called around to get various quotes on the roof to get it repaired.  With the limited time, I strived to find ways to make the calls. I was losing hope that it would not get fixed before Mike would come home.
A couple of weeks ago, my prayers were answered. A neighbor stopped by and saw the damaged roof.  He said, “Let me see what I can do to take care of this for your soldier.” Next thing I knew, he had arranged for Mitchell Roofing & Siding to repair the roof for no charge! What a great act of kindness of neighbors helping neighbors and an act of kindness and generosity from Cory at Mitchell Roofing & Siding that helped repair the roof. I was overwhelmed and taken aback by the kindness, and a huge burden has been lifted off of my soldier!
What Cory from Mitchell Roofing & Siding did for our family is a true spirit and support for our soldier and the community in which they serve. Thank you!
Coleen Smith

To the Editor,
My cousin, Raeburn Grassel Moore, sent me a copy of the Sanborn Weekly Journal  of March 30 with the article and pictures of the quilts made in Sanborn County in 1913.  Raeburn pointed out that both our grandmothers and mother and aunts had signatures on the blocks in the quilts.
I took the paper to our families’ Easter dinner and showed the article to the families of four of our children who live in Minnesota. They were interested in the amazing article and the pictures of the quilts.  One of our sons took an enlarged picture of our relatives’ signatures and emailed them to our other four children and their families in Vermont, Montana, North Carolina and D.C.
I lived in Woonsocket with my parents, Matt and Lorinda Roache, until I was 12 years old and attended St. Joseph’s School.
Kathleen Krumholz