Letter to the Editor - Stationed overseas, but Havre always hometown

Editor,

I will take command of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 the “Bats” at 1442 JST on Friday May 25. At the ceremony, I will thank my parents, John and Nila Compton, and all of the many former commanders, mentors, and general officers that will be in attendance for preparing me for command of an F/A-18 squadron. As I prepared my remarks, I reflected on all the people I wish I could thank—and a lot about my hometown of Havre, Montana. Havre and the people I grew up with — and around — shaped me tremendously and gave me the right start in life.

Havre was a wonderful town to grow up in and a great place to be from. I benefited from all the wonderful teachers in the Havre Public Schools, but in particular those who refused to quit on me — like Mrs. Bymaster, Mrs. Staudinger and Mrs. Byars; and those that stretched my mind — like Mr. Kologi, Mr. Mack, Mrs. Margaris, Mr. Schmaing, Mr. Ita and Mrs. Safley. I was instilled with the discipline to be a Marine Officer by my coaches like Coach Sward, Coach Lanning, and Coach Williams — who also taught me the pride of wearing the Blue Pony colors and what it means to be a team. The pastors who invested in my spiritual growth, like Rev. Lee-Warner and Rev. Flateau gave me the skills to cope with the stresses of combat, long deployments, and family separation. The surrogate parents like Gregg and Ruth Carlson, Tom and Judi Adams, Pat and Karen Hoffman, Mick and Jenny Cunneen, and Toni Sward who were always there with love and support taught me how to care for others.

Although my family has moved away, and I currently live in Japan, I still have many wonderful friends in Havre, many I wish I could have listed here. Havre will always be my true hometown. Thank you Havre for the difference you made in my life—thank you for the difference you are making for the youth of today.

Semper Fidelis,

Lt. Col. James R. Compton, U.S. Marine Corps