Webster says war protests discouraging

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard (McMinnville, Tenn.)

A Tomahawk land attack missile is launched Sunday from the guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. Warren County resident Jesse Webster is aboard that ship.

Jesse Webster is a long way from home. A sailor in the U.S. Navy, Webster is currently aboard a guided missile cruiser that’s been firing Tomahawk land attack missiles at Iraq.

But even though he’s thousands of miles from home, Webster has been keeping up with news in the Unites States. And he’s disturbed at the growing number of people openly protesting the war.

“Watching the news and seeing all those protesters whining and complaining about the United States going to war to fight for the freedoms they take for granted causes the soldiers and sailors discouragement,” Webster wrote in a letter to the editor. “We don’t need more time for diplomacy. Twelve years of having diplomacy slapped in our face is surely enough.”

Webster, 26, is serving aboard the USS Cape St. George, which is currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. The St. George has been firing Tomahawk missiles at targets in Iraq since last Thursday. As an electronics technician 3rd class, Webster’s job is to repair any radar problems the ship may encounter.

The son of Don and Peggy Webster, Jesse is a Warren County graduate who comes from a military family. Don served in the National Guard and Army Reserve for over 20 years. Jesse’s brother, Joe, served in the Navy for five years. His grandfather, Frank Killebrew, was a member of the 101st Airborne.

Peggy admits she is concerned about her son’s safety but says his strong religious beliefs make his mission easier to accept.

“I guess any mother would be nervous,” said Peggy. “But it helps that Jesse is a solid Christian. He knows where his future lies.”

Jesse has served in the Navy for over three years. He’s stationed out of Norfolk, Va. To read his complete letter to the editor, see Commentary.

Jesse
A young man taught to love his fellow man and the Lord,
Navy bound, on Cape St. George, he goes aboard.
A tall man with a heart of gold,
Jesse fights for our freedom, brave and bold.
Although we’re thousands of miles apart,
He’ll be in our prayers and stay in our hearts.
The Mediterranean holds that ship, Jesse and crew, so dear,
With missiles launched in Iraq they’ll appear.
Some lives will be lost, evil and good,
We’ll pray for peace, that’s understood.
So let’s stand together and show Jesse we care,
By giving all our support and lots of prayer.
Aunt Shirley Hyder