I have had this letter in my mind for nine months, so I suppose it is time to give it birth.

I am a displaced worker from Burlington Industries. I lost my job last May after 19 years at the corporate office in the IT department. Finding myself in the job market with more than 30 years of IT experience, in an arena that was no longer state of the art, I was terrified to say the least. However, Burlington Industries had the desire to help in the only way that it could — get Trade Assistance Act coverage for its displaced workers. The government may not be able to stop the influx of foreign trade, but it has tried to protect the people that have been left high and dry.

My experience, although painful, has been made palatable by the people at the Employment Security Commission, especially Diana Little. She has gone beyond the call of duty to take care of people who have lost their jobs.

Diana has just retired, and I wanted to let her know how very much I appreciate all that she has done for me, making sure that I get all the benefits available to me in my current situation. Therefore, I say to Burlington Industries and to Diana Little, thank you.

M.J. Reed
Greensboro