I am a resident of Virginia Place in Kingston. Several weeks ago my heavy duty locking mailbox was blown apart by a homemade bomb.

According to authorities the bomb was approximately 1.25 inches in diameter, 5 inches long and sealed with electrical tape. The blast was so extensive it blew the one-fourth-inch thick front of the mailbox 25 feet. The noise was so loud it awoke my neighbors.

I find it unconscionable when hoodlums commit indiscriminate acts against decent citizens without realizing the collateral damage these acts can cause. The night our mailbox was destroyed our neighbor came out to investigate. She subsequently fell and fractured her ankle so severely it may never heal properly. She had to have several operations thus far has been hospitalized three times and will not be ambulatory for several months. This kindly woman valiantly suffers from diabetes, COPD, and osteoporosis.

In the nine years we have lived in Kingston we have endured many pranks, chiefly among them were, one of our new vehicles was keyed o the extent that it had to be completely repainted, out lovely fifth-wheel trailer was totally paint-tagged with lewd and obscene graffiti, and our front lawn was extensively killed with a type of long-term grass killer.

We have no enemies as we love all God’s children including the persons who damaged our property. Anyone living within a mile of our house knows me because I wave to everyone I see during my daily walks or when the drive past our home. During my 48-year naval career, including 30 years of active military service, I fought in Korea, and served three tours of combat duty in Vietnam, however, I don’t think they are interested in retaliating against me at this stage of my life. I love America and will continue to do so despite people who have a need to maim, destroy, and hate without remorse.

Ed Edwards
Kingston