DEAR ABBY: Thank you for the letter you printed saluting military wives and husbands. I, too, am thankful for the dedicated men and women in our armed forces, and for the camaraderie of military families who support each other.
I am also pleased that the armed services have finally realized that the men and women in the services are better soldiers, sailors and Marines when their families are taken care of and watched over.
Nowadays, most military bases have family support organizations that help in these areas, and caring commanders see to it that they are manned and properly working.
A humorous incident occurred when my husband retired from the Air Force some 30 years ago. His commander also gave me a certificate of retirement. As he read the citation, "... devoted, dedicated, unselfish, unwavering ... UNFAITHFUL ... service ..." the entire division erupted with laughter. A red-faced colonel apologized, but it was a day I remember with great amusement. -- BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, COLUMBUS, MISS.
DEAR BTDT: That's why the first rule of public speaking is to never let your mind wander -- even for an instant.