In reply to the letter from Markelle Sanders (Jan. 7, 2009):

I did not know Johnnie Pike or Chelsey Sedlacek or their families, but I lost a dear friend in a senseless death in Afghanistan last year. She was a wonderful woman who was there to help the children of a war-torn country.

I should want her husband and parents to know that we remember the day we lost her, so it will remain marked on my calendar as an important event of 2008 – to commemorate Jackie’s life and to inspire us all from her courage and generosity.

I hope the families of the Morenci teens find comfort in knowing that their children are remembered, and their loss acknowledged.

 – Kay Johnson

Montreal, Que.