As the parent of an Air Force ROTC cadet, I can certainly relate to the recent descriptions of the Junior ROTC program: It nurtures confidence, leadership, patriotism, respect and a close-knit quality. Additionally, as the parent of a pilot, I can attest to the same close-knit element among pilots, akin to police and firefighters.

It has been, therefore, immensely disappointing that there has been recurringly scant mention of Charlie Weir, a highly respected pilot, also tragically lost in the recent Newry accident. Charlie’s death was no less devastating to his family and friends, to the employees of Twin Cities Air, to his students, and to all the pilots who knew him or heard of the accident. Though he was not a child, he was nevertheless merely 24 years old, and he had a full and promising life and career ahead of him.

That this community shares in mourning the loss of three young high schoolers is indeed admirable. Let’s also be mindful of the Weirs’ equally substantial grief.

Madeleine Martel, Lewiston