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© St. Petersburg Times, published December 12, 2001
Re: WWII veteran's story is a source of pride, Dec. 3 Bill Stevens column.
Editor: After reading the column, Mario Battista called Tony Russo to find out if this fellow was a member of our chapter. We found that Mr. Swift was a life member of DAV Largo Chapter 11. Then Mario called Mr. Fred Harrop of the Pasco County Veterans Service Office to find out if we could get a "Thank You America" certificate in time to have Mr. Swift receive his certificate at the DAV 78 presentation ceremony, to take place Dec. 6 at the DAV 78 Chapter Hall.
The French consul said if we could fax the proper papers to him he would Federal Express the certificate back to us. Tony Russo received the certificate in time to have it presented by retired Lt. Col. Fred Harrop, so Mr. Swift along with many other liberators of France could receive their certificates at the ceremony.
Mr. Swift's family, along with many other participants, took pictures of their part of the presentation conducted by DAV 78 Commander Paul Clamp and Mr. Fred Harrop.
A luncheon was served to more than 100 guests and members.
This Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 with the presentation of the certificates was the largest of its kind throughout the United States. The Suncoast Veterans Affiliated Council and the 2001 Veterans Day Committee and the city of New Port Richey are very proud to have had the honor of presenting this program.
It should also be noted that Mr. Swift transferred to Chapter 78 the day of the DAV ceremony.
-- Corky Callahan, adjutant, DAV New Port Richey Chapter 78
Re: Representative should "step up" for residents, Dec. 4 letter
Editor: The writer seems to be blaming State Rep. Mike Fasano for the increases in his property taxes.
Doesn't the writer know that property taxes are set by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners, not the state Legislature? Rep. Fasano is a member of the state Legislature, not the Board of County Commissioners.
The letter also accuses Rep. Fasano of catering to special interest groups. Rep. Fasano has been instrumental in getting legislation passed to aid the elderly, veterans, crime victims, and consumers.
If these are the special interest groups, then I say thank God a member of the state Legislature has gone to bat for them.
Incidentally, does the writer know that Rep. Fasano, at the request of World War II veterans, sponsored the legislation that designated State Road 54 as "The Purple Heart Highway?"
A lot of people need help in Pasco County. Rep. Fasano has done his best to assist our residents through the Legislature process. I believe we need to be more concerned about people in need than about property taxes.
-- Caryl Melancon, Hudson