×

Making a difference

Let’s work together to help Combined Honor Guard fund a new vehicle

The Combined American Legion Post 46/Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 839 Honor Guard is in need of our help.

Nearly, two years ago, I wrote about the honor guard’s need for some financial assistance in repairing their 1992 Ford passenger bus that transports the group to veteran funerals, military ceremonies, parades and much more.

Back then it was the transmission and other issues that were causing problems.

However, the Marshalltown community stepped up — donating more than $6,000 to make the necessary repairs.

But now the bus, 25 years old, with 140,000 in-town miles, is truly on its last wheel. Guard members recently posted this plea on their Facebook page:

“We need to replace two more sections of rotted/rusted out flooring to keep exhaust fumes from seeping into the passenger area. We replaced one brake line and connections as they were rusted through. We constantly check the remaining brake lines for leaks due to rust and corrosion. The turn signals do not work and major repair requires disassembly of the steering column. The engine is leaking and using oil. The A/C does not work and it has been repaired several times. Two different automotive repair facilities have told us that replacing anything under the hood or under the chassis is an absolute nightmare because rusted and corroded bolts twist off and must be drilled out and tapped again.”

These guard members, all veterans who have and continue to serve honorably, need serious funds to purchase a different vehicle, preferably a brand new bus.

What they do is so incredibly important — performing military honors at the funerals of those men and women who deserve nothing less than the utmost dignity and respect due to a fallen comrade.

And the commitment they have shown, sometimes performing at two or three funerals in a day, is nothing short of heroic.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t reviewed what a new passenger bus might cost, but repairs aren’t going to cut it anymore. These dedicated servants deserve a new vehicle so that they can attend these services, giving every veteran a dignified final farewell.

The honor guard did not ask me to write this. In fact, I think they’re a bit reluctant to even ask. But I submit this column to our readers because I believe it’s the absolute right thing to do.

We say we care about veterans? Well let’s put those words into action.

Donations may be sent to the honor guard at P.O. Box 1204, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.

q q q

Finding help in an emergency is challenging enough, but if your voice is silenced or if texting is your only solution, calling 9-1-1 can be difficult.

Well that changed last week when it was announced that Marshall County residents now have the ability to text to 9-1-1 on all the major cell phone providers including Verizon, AT&T, I-Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile and US Cellular.

And while the Marshall County E911 Board as well as local law enforcement, fire and medical agencies stress the importance that if possible, it is ALWAYS better to call 911 in an emergency, the opportunity for text-to-911 has been developed.

Imagine if those citizens. who are hard of hearing, deaf or speech impaired, could text instead of having to call. Or in situations in which a voice call to 911 would endanger the caller, such as during a home invasion or a domestic situation, sending a text to 911 could be a lifesaver.

Last week, Marshalltown Police Department Capt. Mike Hanken sent out the notice about the good news. He noted there are certain guidelines to follow should someone need to text 9-1-1.

“When someone uses the Text to 911 the first question they will be asked by the Communication Center Operator is “WHERE ARE YOU?” Cell phones use radio towers to help in locating the general area in which the caller is at. Being able to text one’s location can greatly assist 911 in getting law enforcement and other first responders to the scene as quickly as possible.”

Things to remember when texting 911:

• Voice calls are always preferred when possible.

• To send a text, enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field.

• Keep the text message brief and include the location of the emergency and type of help needed.

• Photos and videos cannot be accepted by 911 at this time.

• Texters should be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.

• Use simple words. Don’t use abbreviations.

• Be aware that even though Marshall County supports text messages to 911, there may be times when callers are unable to send a text if their cell signal is picked up by a tower in a county where text-to-911 is not available.

While we can hope we never have to use this technology, it’s good to know that Marshall County residents have another option in which to reach first responders in case an emergency strikes.

——–

Contact Jeff Hutton at 641-753-6611 or jhutton@timesrepublican.com

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today