A big lift for a soldier overseas

To the editor:Since I cannot possibly thank each one of you, I thought I could say a heartfelt thank you here. Because of you, my husband, Staff Sgt. Rod Styer, was picked as SHE magazine's sexiest man of Southeast Missouri. You do not realize how you touched that soldier's heart to know that he is thought of even though he is thousands of miles away in Iraq.

It is also comforting to know that Southeast Missouri and the surrounding area still support our soldiers. No matter what your view is about the war, it is important for you all to know that our loved ones are still there fighting and still in danger. Thank You, Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, for loving this soldier as much as I do. He and others fight the fight because they come from places like his hometown, Jackson, where they embrace our soldiers, not shun them. Just about the time Rod thinks no one in the U.S. cares, his home area brings him the lift he needed. I am proud to have married a Jackson soldier, because I see what a hometown does when it comes together.

Thank you again, Jackson, Cape Girardeau and all surrounding areas. God's blessings to you all.

APRIL STYER, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.