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A note of thanks

The families at Slopeside would like to take this opportunity to thank the Big Mountain Fire Dept, Whitefish Fire Dept., Columbia Falls Fire Dept., Evergreen Fire Dept., and Kalispell Fire Dept. and their personnel that responded to a fire at Slopeside at Whitefish Mountain Resort on the evening of Nov. 2.

There are no words to completely express our deepest gratitude to ALL who worked and fought so hard and diligently in the brutal winter storm to keep the fire contained to three units and from spreading throughout the complex.

The training and expertise of these firefighters and emergency crews (many of whom are volunteers) was evident in everything they did in regard to keeping the fire contained.

We’d also like to thank Mark Morris who kept the roads plowed and Grizzly Security for protecting and driving through our complex.

In addition we’d like to express deep thanks to Dan and Jennifer Bester who opened their home to the emergency crews and provided hot beverages and a warm place to go to. Plus many thanks to Logan Carlson, our maintenance manager, who showed his dedication by staying at the scene many hours to make sure our homes were safe.

Again, thank you everyone. Whitefish and the Flathead Valley are truly “The Last Best Place”! —Mike Stallings, President, Slopeslide Condominium Association

Thank you, vets

This Saturday, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marks the 99th anniversary of the ending of World War I. What was once known as Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 and proclaimed a day to honor all veterans for their service to our country.

I’m often asked what motivated me to serve our country, first as an officer in the United States Air Force and now as a Montana state legislator.

It’s simple. Duty, honor, to defend our Constitution, to serve God, our families, and for love of our country. Our country, which is founded upon the undeniable truths that all men and women are created equal, our inalienable rights are bestowed upon us by God, and that our Constitution establishes a limited government that is “of, by, and for” the people.

There is no higher calling than to serve in the defense of our country.

There is no greater sacrifice to be made than to lose one’s life while defending our country, our people, and our Constitution.

On behalf of my family, thank you to all veterans and their families for your service and the sacrifices you have made while serving this great nation.

God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America. —Albert Olszewski, Kalispell

American sacrifice

It breaks my heart every time that I hear of another American soldier being killed in some remote part of the world.

I do not know why these soldiers were in Niger, but from what I know about many areas of the world where our military men and women are sent, I can’t help but question if their country is worth even one American life. When President Trump telephoned the widow of her ambushed and killed husband to offer his condolences, he undoubtedly could have used a better choice of words other than what he is rumored to have said. I am inclined to accept President Trump’s version of what he said. I am sure it is a very awkward position for any president to be faced with.

But I am angry about any condolence letters being signed by a machine. A machine signing these letters is insensitivity to the extreme. Our protectors, our heroes, deserve all our support and appreciation for their self-sacrificing spirit. I arn very proud of all of them! From a personal perspective, I know what they are going through. —Sinowa Cruz, Kalispell