Where’s the peace dividend? American troops now are mostly out of Iraq. And their numbers are declining in Afghanistan, with about a third of the 98,000 troops scheduled to come home by summer. Yet, defense spending is not declining despite tough budget times and a federal deficit of $1.3 trillion for fiscal year 2011-12. This […]
Veteran encounter reminder of soldier sacrifices
Judy Brandon Some readers have asked for this account so I am submitting it once again as we reflect on the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. War is not far from many people’s minds these days and we as a nation must never forget the service of our military men and women. Several years ago, I […]
Korean War veterans reflect on Memorial Day
Veterans reflect on meaning of Memorial Day
David Ash By Clarence Plank: Cannon Connections The Korean War is commonly called the forgotten war, but not for the men who served in the three-year conflict. Local veterans George Martin, Dale Davis, and David Ash share their experiences.
Dog names reflect habits
By Karl Terry: Freedom columnist Sometimes a given name just doesn’t suffice for a dog. A nickname sometimes works better. The new dog at the Terry household, Ranger, earned one early on in his residence for his tendency to find out of the way, even hiding places to sleep. We found him behind the couch […]
Ag Sense: Planting season time for optimism
By Mark Marsalis: New Mexico State University If fall is a time to look back and reflect on the season’s bountiful produce, then spring is certainly a time to look ahead in anticipation of what is to come. As the winds start to blow and temperatures rise, you’ll begin to notice more and more activity […]
OKC team should reflect something local
Now that Oklahoma City has a pro basketball team, what should they call it?
Survivors reflect on fight against cancer

Freedom New Mexico: Liliana Castillo Luu’s Bad Crew members Betty Bumgardner, from left, Dzung Luu and Donna Canales gathered around the grill in their camp site for warmth and food during Friday’s Relay for Life. By Mickey Winfield: Freedom New Mexico Phien Luu is a Clovis pediatrician, and more than three years ago, his wife, […]
Area residents reflect on Pope’s visit
By Helena Rodriguez: Freedom New Mexico Catholic priests in Clovis and Portales describe Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the U.S. this week as a shepherd tending his flock while Ted Olmos of Clovis recalls the “awe” of seeing another pontiff, John Paul II, in 1987. Following a visit to Ground Zero in New York […]
Military service may be difficut, but not in vain
By Wendy Franklin December 7th is here, and each one of us should take a moment to reflect and give thanks to those of our grandfather’s generation who served America during the second World War. Especially those of us fortunate enough to be a part of today’s military. We all endure hardships today, but not […]