What happened to all the good people in the world? Do they even exist? I for had my doubts until Thursday, Sept. 13.

On my way from a long day of work, I decided that I would go to Wal-Mart. I needed to pick up a few things before I went home. As usual I got into my car and turned on my stereo, I came to the intersection of Broughton and Chestnut. I noticed that the light changed for crossing traffic to come from the Prince of Orange Mall. I then noticed a car drive across the light and the car's door suddenly fly open. At first I thought to myself someone didn't close a door tight enough; they should be more careful.

Boy was I right. As I watched to driver's expression to the door suddenly opening, I noticed something was wrong. The driver looked back in horror and that's when I realized what had really transpired. A little girl sat in the street crying. Her mother in horror rushed to pick her baby up from the middle of the street, but she couldn't get to the child in time. People who where behind me in the cars rushed to help the child, even before her mother could get to her.

I put my car in park and got out along with about six other strangers who saw a child in need and went to help. Complete strangers that were probably doing the same thing I was got out of their cars to help a child. Luckily, the child appeared to be okay and was quickly placed into the arms of cousins or friends who must have known the child or her mother.

As I got back into my car and headed to Wal-Mart, all I could think about was how complete strangers went to the aid of this child. The only thing that was important to them was making sure that child was safe. For one moment I along with several others forgot about ourselves to come the aid of a child.

To me that's what being a good person is all about -- unselfish acts of kindness. To all the people who got out of their cars and took time out of their busy day to help a child in need, thank you. This event opened my eyes and made me realize that there are good people in the world. And to the mother of that young child, I say accidents happen. Be glad the child was okay and nothing serious happened to her. It could have been a lot worse.

-- Nicklous Blair, Orangeburg

Military training

can save lives

Yes, we have all thought at one time or another that we should write a letter to The T&D regarding an opinion we had at the time. Most of the time, that letter never gets written. I am no different. However, this time, I could not refrain from responding to the Sept. 11 article about the Army Rangers' night training disturbing the peace for some Cordova residents.

Please do not judge those residents unfairly for their complaints. Surely they can't possibly have a connection to anyone in our armed forces. If the U.S. military did noisy night maneuvers over my place, yes, it would disturb my much-needed rest, too. However, if I knew my actions would not distract them from training safely, I'd have all of my floodlights on, and I'd also be out there waving the biggest American flag I have as a way of showing my support for all of the sacrifices they make so that we might rest a little easier most nights.

You've probably guessed by now, I have that personal connection. My nephew, Army Staff Sgt. Derek Fogle, is now doing two months of practice maneuvers in the 125-degree California desert heat in preparation for his second tour of duty in Iraq. He is proudly being redeployed in Baghdad in November.

As I have been known to say so many times, all soldiers are "somebody's Derek." I dare say that ALL families of U.S. military personnel would be proud to have them "make noise" over our homes any time if it meant that they might later be safe in combat. They were not drafted. They made choices, knowing that they might possibly put their lives on the line for others one day.

On behalf of my family, I want to ask readers to remember Derek. Please support our troops, no matter what political views you may have. Pray that God will keep each soldier safe in these trying times. By the way, Derek, I love you. Thanks! You're my hero.

-- Beth Fogle Booth, Orangeburg

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