It's a really good feeling to know this means a lot to them.

This is financed entirely through the generosity of the community. It's very important that our troops know just how much we support them. There's always an upsurge (in support) during the holidays. And that support is absolutely wonderful. But we also think it's important not to forget our soldiers the other 11 months.

His mother called and said they were new to the area and wondered if we'd help welcome him home. I told her 'You bet,' and we showed up with several people.

We said to ourselves, we want to welcome everyone in the group and support the troops and their families, and we've been steadfast in that view. The community response has been terrific.

It seems like the key issue in this debate is the issue of open space and needing to protect open space.

When we did this, it was an exceptionally good deal for the state. With all the one-time money the state has, I think they ought to be able to do it.