Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

The fear that a phone call won’t come, that the emails will cease, that a government car will soon be parked outside of your home is a fear that some Americans will never experience and I would be lying if I said I didn’t envy them.  However, I am proud as an American, a Navy sailor and as a sister, that men like my brother, James, defend this great nation that we live in.

The night before your column (Dennis Wyatt: “Keep men like Navy SEAL James Parra in your thoughts and prayers” – Tuesday, Aug. 9) was published I had horrendous dreams about my brother.  I was haunted by the idea of seeing that government car.  Although it was just a dream, I experienced the empty feeling that my brother had been taken away from me and had trouble going back to sleep. Being in the Navy myself, I have met individuals where this fear wasn’t just something keeping them awake at night but a heart wrenching reality.  Upon getting out of bed, I was filled with sadness and also relief. Relief that my brother was still out there keeping me safe and blessing me with the opportunity to dream, good or bad. 

I wish I could express to you the peace that filled my heart when reading your article.  I forget how much of an impact James has made in others lives and that it’s not just my family praying for his safety and a safe return home for him and his team. On behalf of my family I would like to personally thank you and all of the people back home that keep these brave and selfless men, like James, in your thoughts and prayers.  Your article meant more to us than words will ever have the ability to express. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Jacquelyn Parra
Navy Sailor
Manteca High graduate