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Most say military response to attacks seemed inevitable Mail Tribune / Andrew Mariman Rachael Barry, 12, and friends from Hedrick and other middle schools put their finishing touches on an American flag they painted in a driveway at 2811 Poppie Circle in Medford. They said the painting was to show support for their country. By BILL KETTLER When bombs finally fell on Afghanistan Sunday, no one in Southern Oregon seemed surprised. Some people heard about the air strikes against the Taliban regime in church. A few learned about the attacks during Ashland's first independent film festival. As news spread across the region, most people acknowledged the almost-inevitable need for a military response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. Many deplored the inevitable civilian casualties. "You can't kill 5,000 Americans and not expect us to respond," said Eric Evenson and Debra Grant as they strolled down Main Street in Ashland. "There needs to be some kind of retaliation," Grant said. "That's a law of nature." The Rev. Paul Robinson learned about the attacks midway through services at Medford's Congregational United Church of Christ and shared the news with his congregation. "There was almost a gasp that went up," Robinson said. "Some people started to cry. "I think we all knew deep down inside that innocent people were going to die." Robinson said the bombing left members of his congregation numb. "After church there's usually this real desire to hang around with each other and talk. Today we were back to being numb, like we were the first Sunday after Sept. 11. People just don't know what to say." Paul Fallgreen of Medford said President Bush gave Afghan leaders plenty of time to hand over suspected terrorist leaders before launching the attack. "We have to do what we have to do and I'm all for it," said Fallgreen, who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. "We can't let people come into our country and do what they did without some retaliation. I just wish I could be involved." Susan Nicholas of Orange County, Calif., learned about the bombings in the midst of Ashland's first independent film festival. "I wasn't surprised," Nicholas said. "The president told us 10 days ago that's what we were going to do. I suppose that when he says we're going to do that, we've got to follow through." Gabrielle Mayer started to cry when she heard the news during the film festival. "I don't know what I feel," said Meyer, who was born in Germany near the end of World War II. "War is loaded for me with a lot of emotions. I hope there are not very many people who have to suffer. There was probably enough suffering already." Despite her anxiety about the attacks, Mayer said she could not see any peaceful solution. "It probably has to happen in order for things to change," she said. "That doesn't mean I'm for the bombing. I don't know what to do. I'm helpless and confused and sad and shocked." Corey Berry of Medford said the attacks showed America's resolve to eradicate terrorism. "We are not going to stand for that and we're showing it right now," Berry said as he attached two small American flags to the radio antenna of his truck. A Grants Pass National Guardsman greeted the news with excitement. "I'm hoping we're going to mobilize soon," said Tim Galloway, a member of Delta company of the 186th Infantry Battalion. "If they wait any longer, they're going to lose public support. "I have a good job," said Galloway, who works for the Oregon Youth Authority, "and I'm hoping to stay here. But if the stuff hits the proverbial fan, I'm ready to go." Galloway said many members of his unit have volunteered for airport security duty or service in Bosnia. Airport manager Bern Case said there had been no changes in security measures since National Guardsmen began patrolling Saturday. "I expect some changes, but none were initiated today," Case said. "Things change almost every day." Galloway said National Guard armories are being staffed seven days a week, waiting to provide assistance if another terrorist attack occurs. Kent and Gloria Rex of Central Point gave President George W. Bush high marks for taking time to implement anti-terrorist precautions at home before launching an attack. "I think the president wanted the United States to be as safe as he could make it before he retaliated," Kent Rex said as he and his wife enjoyed the soft evening air on a bench in the Medford Shopping Center. The bombing probably marks the beginning of a "long and drawn-out struggle," Gloria Rex said. "And we need to be patient." Reach reporter Bill Kettler at 776-4492, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.