My job in this column is to foster a closer relationship between the Tri County Record and the local people. In 2014 a variety of topics were shared here, some extending into the lives of those that reach out beyond our borders, and so it is with the diversity of this dance of life.
One such event I would like to share with you is about a letter that was written to Lisa Mitchell, our editor, from a Morgantown nurse Janet Creitz.
Here is an excerpt from the letter to the editor that was published:
“On Saturday, Dec. 13, I had the pleasure of attending once again “Wreaths Across America” at Fort Indiantown Gap, a national Pennsylvania Veterans Cemetery.
The day was very cold and started with an aircraft fly over, then a military ceremony honoring gold star mothers, (those mothers who have lost their sons in the line of duty). Opening remarks were made …. Followed with the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps.
We dispersed …to lay the ceremonial wreaths. We were encouraged to take the time to reflect on just who that person may have been when we place the wreath. Perhaps take a picture and share on Facebook which I have done in the hopes someone may know him. I paused a moment, to say a prayer and thanked him for his service.
Someone mentioned that they thought this Korean War veteran, Joseph J. Riggs, was a local man to the Tri County area. Please, if any one recognizes his name, I would like to know and I am sure it would be a treasure to his family.”
Many Thanks, Jan Creitz, Morgantown”
I followed up by watching her Facebook postings. Her letter spurred local interest, a great way for the paper to mesh with social media.
Andy Etman, a Facebook friend of Creitz, who does genealogical research, using a lot of different sources contacted her and said she had located that name in East Stroudsburg.
December 16, 2014 Jane Crietz replied, “Awesome, Andy, how do you find things like that so quick? I just had someone tell me the gentleman here in Morgantown spells his name Rigg without the S. Next on the list is to try and contact someone in that area. I think I’ll attempt through the legion up there.”
Indeed her worked paid off. He was a member of American Legion George Kemp Post 346 from East Stroudsburg.
Her plan is to mail copies of the Tri County Record stories to his wife Elizabeth G. Riggs, an auxiliary member of a post in East Stroudsburg. Creitz already called the other post and spoke to the membership chairman and is going to surprise her with her card and information.
“I called the legion. He was a member of in East Stroudsburg and they are currently speaking to their older members to see who would remember him. I asked if his daughter Carol is a current member but the bartender did not recognize her name. I offered to send along a picture. They were impressed I tracked it to their post and would like to see the article. I left my name and phone number as she said most of her members did not have Facebook,” Creitz to Tri County Record.
And so that is how it goes with a little ingenuity and writing to quaintancecarol@gmail.com or Lisa Mitchell editor@tricountyrecord.com. Those who do not use social media can reach out to the paper and we are always willing to help through our local stories to reach a larger audience.
A special honor to Mrs. Elizabeth Riggs to recognize your husband’s service. I am sure you will be happy to see the photo of how it all started with a wreath and a prayer. Happy 2015! And to you, the reader, stay in touch and let’s make it a very great year for everyone.
Carol Quaintance is a correspondent for the Tri County Record. In addition to writing about local happenings and people, Carol writes a monthly On the Record column.
