How sad that you took the word of one individual and have asked the veteran community to ruin the life and business of a veteran who has worked for veterans many years.
On your Web site you fight for veteran rights, but you did not get the whole story on this veteran.
Your father was a retired Marine and I am a retired Marine. I am still out there every day helping veterans get enrolled in the VA, a volunteer at the VA and working for the homeless. I am a member of the American Legion, Marine Corps League, Women Marine Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, Veteran of the Year for Summit County and a member of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs. The only reason I tell you this is because I meet many veterans and work with them on veteran affair projects.
I am a friend of Ken Noon and have done business with his company. I was asked to join the committee you are working to dismantle. I did not join because of my busy schedule. Ken was asked by the forming committee to join, but said he would have to check with his lawyer. He was told as long as he did not vote on granite business, there would not be a conflict. He put in many hours without pay.
Ken has done many veteran projects at a reduced cost or no pay at all. He works in the community repairing headstones damaged by storms or vandals at no charge. He provides headstones for children when the family can not afford one.
The Memorial Site is beautiful and many man hours were spent getting it ready for the dedication. This was not a one person project. Before another project is started, the original project bills must be paid. Ken Noon is not lining his pockets from this Memorial. He is hoping he gets paid for what he spent simply in material cost.
I would like to know why you posted Chell Rossi's letter before you checked all the facts. I would ask you to keep an open mind and get the true story. It is a shame Ken is being ripped apart and his business and reputation are being dragged through the mud and he has to prove he is innocent from untruths. You tried him and sentenced him without a trial.
Elva Pounders
Springfield
