STRATTON WAS OF THE GIVING GENERATION

By Marshall McClung
Contributing Writer to the Graham Star
Copyright  2001

Each year about this timer as the Graham County Rescue Squad Ramp Festival is held, I am reminded of the dedication and service rendered by one of its most faithful and dependable members. This is also close to the time of year that this member passed away.

"Tommie" Stratton, as she was affectionately known served as a dispatcher for the rescue squad from the early 1970's until shortly before her death near the end of March in 1999. You might say that Tommie was our original 911 system.

Tommie was so dedicated to serving her fellowman in time of need, that often she would not leave home where the base radio system was located for fear that there would be a mission and she would not be there to help. During all night search and rescue missions for missing people in the woods, Tommie would not go to bed until she was sure all the searchers were safely out. She considered them "her boys". Such dedication is rare today in this "me first" world.

We are burying Tommie's generation, the generation that worked, who respected life and property so that doors could be left unlocked, who believed in a higher authority, and thought that America was worth defending. In her place, too many times, are those who await a government handout and respect nothing.