Wilton’s McGettigan and Greeley are true heroes

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

To the Editor:

Some people are outstanding in their particular work, and some people are outstanding simply as people. There is all sorts of recognition for outstanding contributions to one’s community and people who need and deserve our support and yet it has always seemed to me that the truest recognition if that which comes from the heart of friends and citizens, which is the reason for this sincere letter.

My town of Wilton and the Souhegan Valley in general is filled with good people who make volunteering a normal part of their life, give generously to others, and make a difference through their lifestyle and hard work. We try to honor these people for doing the seemingly impossible and we owe them a great debt of gratitude for showing all of us that the right person doing the right job in the right way will always earn our respect and our thanks for their service.

My hometown of Wilton has two such individuals who prove every day that they have never allowed themselves to wish, hope, or trust that anyone else will do their work for them. My friend Charlie McGettigan and my new hero, Debbie Greeley, fit this mold and deserve the accolades they have recently received. All-purpose resident Charles O. McGettigan and patriot Debbie Greeley have set new standards of dedication for all to emulate and are my heroes for the year 2011.

Recently Charles McGettigan Jr. was presented with the Citizen of the Year Award for 2011 by the Wilton Main Street Association and was recognized by the Board of Selectmen as the first native born resident to be so honored. He is so much more than the first native born resident: He has been the face of Wilton’s heritage, champion of good government, dedicated volunteer, willing to serve in the dust and grime of local politics as a member of the Board of Selectmen, Water and Sewer Commission, commissioner of welfare, the Cemetery Department, road agent, fireman, and a part of just about every celebration, school program, or fundraiser in his lifetime. He is a truly remarkable individual, outspoken at times and battered by those of differing opinions, but his love for his town and the people in it have always overshadowed any adversity. Thanks to Charlie for just being Charlie to all who know him.

With our men and women still serving all over the world and too many times being forgotten as the years and years of involvement in conflicts continue, Wilton has a hero whose dedication to our troops is worthy of the thanks of every citizen. Using the young people of her preschool and appealing to all who wish to help, Debbie continues to work hard to ensure our troops are not forgotten. Whether sending Christmas cheer to those who will not be home for the holidays, making yellow ribbons to attach on envelopes for men and women serving overseas, or spending endless hours attending patriotic observances asking spectators to remember our troops, Debbie Greeley is a one of a kind, patriotic mother of a son serving with the Army’s 173rd Airborne overseas who I believe could never donate blood as it would come out red, white and blue. What a citizen of her community, what a dedicated mother, what a hero for all of us to respect and admire.

Now that our living environment has too many times been impacted by bozos with nothing but time on their hands creating a “it’s all about me” environment, folks who sadly look upon our military men and women with disdain, and those who love to criticize but would never think to volunteer for a committee or serve on a town board, this writer is highly energized to send along a huge thank you and congratulations to Wilton’s pair of heroes, Charlie McGettigan and Debbie Greeley.

FRANCIS GROS LOUIS

Leesburg, Virginia