‘Heroes’ rescue missing students
Around 11 p.m. Friday evening, April 9, I was informed that two youth associated with our church who had been hiking in the Pocket Wilderness near Soddy-Daisy that afternoon had not returned home.
Many of us spent that night in the woods praying and being with the family and friends of the missing students, as team after team of rescuers came and went from the trails. It wasn’t until mid-morning Saturday, after being spotted by helicopter, that the students were reached by rescuers and brought off the trail, safe and sound.
A special thanks to the National Park Service, Mowbray Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Sequoyah Volunteer Fire Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, CHCR Cave Cliff Team and Rescue Rehab Truck, as well other agencies that I might have missed. I would like to applaud each of the men and women of these agencies, heroes, who volunteered that evening to bring our students out of the woods.
I apologize that it took this experience for me to know the amazing services you selfishly provide so frequently for the residents of Hamilton County. Thank you.
BOBBY BOUTWELL
First Baptist
Soddy-Daisy
Retiring doctor gave healing care
April 30 will mark the retirement of Billy J. Allen, M.D., from 46-plus years of family practice.
In a time of highly specialized medicine, family practice is neither a popular or profitable option — it is a true vocation.
Over these years, three generations of my family have been privileged to call Dr. Allen “our doctor.” We followed him from the neighborhood office to Ooltewah, where along with his daughter, Dr. Diane Allen Shuck, wife Mary and nurse Lynn McDade Henry, Dr. Allen continued a practice where patients were able to be seen most often as needed — now, that very day.
There are simply not enough complimentary adjectives to describe the compassionate and healing care this gentleman doctor has administered day after day. Care always given in a professional but never hurried manner, often adding a bit of homespun philosophy and humor — that extra touch at times just as important as the prescription patients walked out with.
Respected by patients and colleges for his integrity and excellence, Dr. Allen served as president of the Hamilton County Medical Society.
All good wishes and thanks to you, Dr. Allen. You will be greatly missed.
BETTY BORK
JOHNSON