Despite a recent Memorial Day parade and local celebrations, Woodstock Police Chief Byron Kelly Jr. told Village Trustees Tuesday night that we may forget, as a community, that we are still a nation at war. And with that reality, it’s time we remember that we have a local Afghanistan war veteran here who has just returned home. His name is Joe Swanson, son of Woodstock Municipal Manager Phil Swanson.
Kelly mentioned during his police report to Village Trustees that Joe is back working for the Woodstock Police Department and is an asset to the community. But, more importantly, he said, locals should make sure to say hello to Joe and to thank him for his war service.
Unlike World War II which seemed to grip the nation in its every day realities, Kelly thinks this war may seem far away, something that doesn’t affect our daily lives. Not true. Joe knows.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 