Veterans say thanks to Criteser

  • Sydney Criteser, who has been with The News Observer for almost three years, was surprised Friday by a group of local veterans who came by to say thank you on her last day with the local newspaper. They presented her with a plaque and spoke many words of appreciation. Criteser is surrounded by, from left, Gerald "Chief" McMillen, Bill Stodghill, Richard Crosley, Paul Hunter, Charles Spivey, Ron Wallace, and Sonny Payne.
    Sydney Criteser, who has been with The News Observer for almost three years, was surprised Friday by a group of local veterans who came by to say thank you on her last day with the local newspaper. They presented her with a plaque and spoke many words of appreciation. Criteser is surrounded by, from left, Gerald "Chief" McMillen, Bill Stodghill, Richard Crosley, Paul Hunter, Charles Spivey, Ron Wallace, and Sonny Payne.

    She will always cherish the plaque, but the memories will always be in her heart.

    Sydney Criteser, who has been with The News Observer since July 2018, was surprised Friday morning, May 7, by a group of area veterans who stopped by the newspaper office to say goodbye on her last day. They brought with them a plaque, thanking her for her work with their various organizations.

    The plaque reads, “In recognition and appreciation of our professional journalism publications of 'Hometown Heroes,' and communications for Veterans. Thank you for your kindness and respect you have shown, we are forever grateful. God Bless you. Best Wishes always.”

    And while the plaque was a sincere expression of appreciation, no doubt the visit, parting words and hugs meant just as much to Criteser.

    She listened to the good-natured kidding as veterans asked "can’t you make her stay?" And there was the offer of, "if you have a back room, we can lock her up and keep her here." Those words were wrapped around others expressing thanks and appreciation for her support of veterans, written on the plaque but spoken with sincerity.