Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I, along with the majority of the residents in Mathews County, was outraged upon hearing the announcement of a seasonal closing of the Milford Haven Coast Guard Base during the winter months.

If Milford Haven were to close seasonally, the ability to perform rescue operations for many watermen, whose lives depend on our rivers and bays year-round, would be severely diminished and in life or death situations, every second counts.

I was beginning to feel discouraged until I tuned into Rob Wittman’s town hall that was held in August on this very issue. The town hall-style public forum had over 100 members of our community voicing their concerns. This meeting was held just days before the deadline for public comment was nearing an end. Representative Wittman asked for an extension in the commenting period that led to a nearly monthlong expansion of which many of us took the opportunity to share our thoughts with the Coast Guard and fight for our community.

Last week, Representative Wittman announced that full-time operations at Milford Haven would be maintained. I am relieved to know that not only do we have a Congressman that truly understands the needs of his district, but also that he truly is a man of action. I want to thank Representative Rob Wittman for his relentless leadership from the very beginning of this proposed closing. Rob was able to rally our community-led grassroots efforts and push us in the right direction. Thanks to Representative Wittman’s outstanding leadership, we can all rest easier knowing that our loved ones will be safe on our waters.

Debora Kast
Bohannon, Va.