Hemann did good job for Downtown Salisbury Inc.

Recently as I opened up my Salisbury Post to read along with my second cup of coffee, I was pleasantly surprised to see the write-up about Randy Hemann, former director of Downtown Salisbury Inc. (and recently named assistant city manager in High Point). During the time he was here, I was employed by the Visitors Center, when Judy Newman was director. My years at the Visitors Center were the best years of my employment.

Guess that is why I am happy to learn that Randy is still busy helping cities be better places and be more up-to-date.

I came to Salisbury many years ago as a 9- or 10-year-old. Danville, Va., was my birth home, but Salisbury is my “heart home.” And I would like to say one thing: During that time, I never thought that “Fame” was anything but a beautiful angel keeping watch over a special place as the years went by. Please don’t take her away.

Back to Randy. It is good to know he is still working to make cities better and stronger. Keep up the good work, Randy;  we all still miss you and sometimes I wonder, how many miles do you think you might have walked over all those years?

— Joyce DeMent

Salisbury

Help available for vets

The writer is responding to a letter in Sunday’s Post, “Vets can’t win.”

To Philip DeBenedictis and any other veteran lost in the VA disabilities claims maze:

Sounds like this gentleman needs help from one of the veterans’ organizations like a local American Legion, Amvets, VFW, DAV or the local veteran service officer of Rowan County.

First let me say that there are other ways of getting evidence for VA claims and, the truth be known, there was a fire at the records keeping facility in St. Louis, Mo., but not all of the records were destroyed. There has been effort to restore some of the burned remains.

Another way of getting evidence needed for a VA disability claim is to contact another member of the military you may have served with in your outfit. That’s as good evidence as you can get. Have them write a letter or not, notarize it and give that evidence to the veteran service officer. Paperwork that’s not related to the exact experience or cause of disability is not required. And for God’s sake, never give up. Life is too short.

One other thing to remember: The VA claims people are not there to help a veteran get his claim approved. They only take what information is collected as evidence and send it to the VA judification officials who will make the decision as to what your conditions are and rule on them accordingly.

Hope this helps Mr. Benedictis and any other veteran going through the same VA claims process. The Post may need a vets corner; that’s my 2 cents’ worth.

— Hugh Martin

Salisbury

Texter wreaks havoc

This is to whomever was driving a baby blue Mini Cooper into Salisbury Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. on Old Concord Road:  I beg you to stop texting and driving.

I came over the hill and you were headed straight at me in my lane. I had to run off the road, lost control, almost hit a black car, before gaining control. I was so badly shaken, I had to pull over to gain control of myself before I could drive. You never stopped.

A gentleman that saw it all happen stopped to make sure I was okay. We both agreed God had protected me. I am thankful this morning to be alive. Please stop! You could have taken my life and destroyed yours.

— Laurie Shuping

Rockwell