Friday, June 20
In honor of Dad on Father’s Day
There are few people alive in Greene County who knew my parents, John and Elizabeth Urban. Both were elected officials, Justices of the Peace. My father was the first generation from his family born in this country and so was my mom.
Both of their parents arrived at Ellis Island, two from Czechoslovakia, one from Moravia, one from Austria, between 1895 and 1905. My father was a coal miner at Mather. Even though he died young, in his mid-forties, I remember him as an honorable and just man, the man that people came to for problems to be solved.
Whether it was “city water” coming to Dry Tavern in the 50’s or child abuse of children up the road, or where the next meal for someone was coming from, he was the “go to” guy in Jefferson Township.
The miner statue at Beth Center reminds me of my dad, a coal miner with a book. I am proud to be a coal miner’s daughter, I am proud for the guts he gave me, and I am proud for the values of right from wrong that he clearly understood and somehow imprinted in me.
I just wanted to give a tribute on Father’s Day to someone who I still aspire to emulate, a great man, an ethical man, a coal miner from Greene County, John Joseph Urban.
Darlene Urban
Garrett. MPA
Rices Landing
Reader thanks recently retired doctor
Today, if a candidate for public office does not wear a flag lapel pin, the opposition spews forth falsehoods of subversive action. Yet on June 14, Flag Day passed without so much as an honorable mention, that I am aware, in the media or elsewhere.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The Messenger published an article about the history of Flag Day on the front page of last week’s issue.)
The same spewers harangue hollow accolades in support of a moronically conceived and disastrously executed “war on terrorism” as it is called, a war where needed troop numbers, equipment and opposition strength were ignored and grossly underestimated. The medical needs, as well as accommodations, for those who serve or have served are shamefully ill-provided.
Veterans of the Vietnam conflict were treated with utter disdain and were expected to get lost. Today’s spewers would have us believe that, currently, veterans are highly respected. Today veterans are told “thank you for your service,” and then they are expected to get lost.
Upon returning in 1982 in Greene County after retiring from 28 years of active military service, my primary medical carrier was Civilian Health and Medical Program for the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). In addition, I purchased a private supplemental health insurance policy.
Imagine my surprise when I learned that most local medical providers would not accept CHAMPUS allowable costs as full payment. CHAMPUS costs were based on military costs formulated to save taxpayers money, and therefore were less than civilian providers’ charges. The locals expected me to pay the difference out of my own pocket.
Finding that proposition to be unacceptable, I went from provider to provider like a beggar, seeking acceptance. In case after case, I found a bloated aristocracy swollen with self-importance and pride.
That all ended abruptly when I approached Dr. Shin S. Wu, who was based in Waynesburg and had an office, at that time, in Rices Landing.
Without hesitation or question, he fully accepted CHAMPUS as my carrier. Dr. Wu has helped to keep me ticking like a well-oiled clock for 20 years up until his retirement in May.
It is not necessary for American citizens the caliber of Dr. Wu to wear a flag lapel pin. His sterling professionalism and citizenship has earned my respect and gratitude without reservation or limit.
As my salute to his service, I extend a warm and most sincere “thank you” and a fond farewell. To all others unlike Dr. Wu, I also render a salute, however, of a different sort.
Paul Lagojda
Cumberland Township