Re: Thanks


From: Tom Hiter - tyhiter@wk.net
Date: Wed, Jun 17, 2009

H.K.:

I appreciate your thanks, but have to say that I thought it the simple truth, and not deserving of any accolades.

I WANTED to register a strong statement of support and friendship, but after a considerable round of debate with myself and considering Bazz Chgildress' injunction, decided not to do so. There were, as far as I can tell, no emotion in that message, at all. Just facts. And, the facts are that you've been a wonderful resource to the Kentucky Division, and you ARE an honorary member.

H.K., here's another fact: some people don't like you. Maybe it's your race, more likely it's your propensity for speaking out. I know for a fact a lot of people don't like me, for the same reasons. Different people, some of them, maybe some not. It doesn't matter.

As I believe I have shared with you before, my G-Grandfather, Chesterfield James Hiter fought for four years as a Confederate cavalryman, but survived the War. His body servant, who he freed about mid-war, enlisted in the Confederate army and was killed in Virginia, fighting for the South. As I grew up in the 1950s and 60's, this fact was regularly drummed into my head, even while all the racial stuff was blowing up, in Watts and Detroit and so forth. John Hiter was a Confederate soldier who died for me. That he was black doesn't seem to have deterred him, and I see no reason why it should deter me.

I consider it an honor to know yoou, and if it shoul;d ever come to a debate over your service to the men of the Kentucky Division, I will say so as forcefully as I can do. I don't think it will.

Tom Hiter

----- Original Message -----
From: HK Edgerton
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Dear Dr. (Commander) Hiter,

Thanks for the very kind message in defense of my honor. It is a very high comment; especially with the great men who serve in your Command, and that includes yourself who have taught me so much, and given me so much love. I only hope that I can make you all proud.

Your Brother,
HK