Editor,

I am a senior at Coupeville High School and I have lived near Outlying Field Coupeville all of my life.

I read the newspaper quite frequently and have avoided the fact that the complaints and fits irk me.

I have played softball and soccer at Rhododendron Park and my hearing has never been impaired. I was never afraid of the planes because I was educated they are here to protect us.

I never lose sleep when they fly. Having grown up with the planes flying, hearing the sounds comfort me. I have told people who live off the island these things.

The ones who do not like the planes tried to tell me no, I have adjusted.

Maybe I have, but if you truly love the island you should have adjusted now also. I was speaking to my mom, who is married to a Navy man, about a conversation she had with someone the other day.

She had spoken with someone who did not realize my stepdad actually works on the planes that fly out there, and this person didn’t realize that, by taking away OLF, we would be sending pilots away from their families for an unnecessary amount of time.

There are very few touch-and-go strips on the West Coast and we should appreciate the fact that we have one and don’t have to send dads, husbands, wives, moms and so on away from their families for more than they already have to be away.

This may offend people, but honestly, I think some of you need to hear it from someone who loves this island and all things that come with it.

Thank you to all (who are) in the Navy, I appreciate you.

Madeline Roberts

Coupeville