LONE STAR SENDS CARD TO RESERVIST

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Richard Gentry is missed by his co-workers in a big way.

Gentry, who was among the 38 Naval reservists who left Cape Girardeau Jan. 12 for service in Saudi Arabia, will soon be the recipient of a giant greeting card from fellow workers (and the company pooch) at Lone Star Industries.

According to Lone Star's Martha Feeney, the card should reach Gentry in Port Hueneme, Calif., just before his unit is deployed to the Persian Gulf within a week to 10 days.

"This is one way our company is showing support for our boys," said Feeney. "This card was signed by all 164 employees everyone from plant manager Harry Philip to our hourly workers."

The giant card measured 2 feet by 3 feet.

Even Benji, sort of a company dog which hangs around the packing plant, placed his paw print on the card.

The card was designed by retired Lone Star employee Bob Krieger, whose artwork on the piece features a number of cartoon strips, featuring comic characters such as Beatle Bailey and Sarge, Garfield, Popeye, Bugs Bunny and Sylvester the Cat.

Other card illustrations include a barge being loaded and a railway car. Both are familiar signs to Gentry, whose Lone Star position is in the packing house, loading and unloading barges and railway cars.

In large letters, the card reads, "Lone Star Salutes You, Dick."

Feeney said she is pleased her suggestion of the giant card caught on. "Everybody was eager to sign it, and place a little remark," she said. "It carries our sincere best wishes to Richard and all members of his unit."

Gentry is a member of the Reserve Naval Construction Force Support Unit I, Detachment A, which trains at Cape Girardeau.