The Observer Newspapers | Wilson Has Family Heritage of Activism

April 17, 2008

Wilson Has Family Heritage of Activism

To the editor:

The Herndon area is blessed with a number of organizations that serve the needs of its residents. It has been my privilege, during our 31 plus years here, to be involved in organizations such as Reston Interfaith, LINK, Herndon Youth Soccer, and the Herndon Optimist Club. These organizations, regardless of their name, provide services to the broad Herndon community. One of the constants during our years here has been the involvement of the Bunting family.

Keith Bunting and I crossed paths in the soccer program, initially run by the Optimist Club and by Herndon Youth Soccer since the late 1970s. Keith was in charge of the referees for many years.

Bonnie Bunting helped my daughter learn to read at Hutchison Elementary School. We bumped into each other again in November at the polls where she was collecting signatures to have John McCain's name placed on the ballot in Virginia. Keith and John had been roommates at the Naval Academy.

Kerrie Wilson, Keith and Bonnie's daughter, is carrying on the family's mission of serving members of our community. As chief executive officer of Reston Interfaith, she oversees services to our less fortunate residents. Reston Interfaith impresses me because it not only meets immediate needs but also tries to provide a foundation for people to address their problems in the future. To use a cliche, Reston Interfaith not only offers the hungry a fish to eat but also teaches them how to fish so that they will be less likely to need to ask for food in the future.

Like the prophets of old, Kerrie has had to endure personal attacks for being a voice for the poor and the powerless. Perhaps, Kerrie got a little of her toughness from watching her dad handle the criticism that referees invariably get.

Pope Benedict reminded us while he was here that our faith must permeate every aspect our lives. Like Kerrie, he too had to endure challenges when he applied this principle to supporting immigrants.

Bob Ashdown

Herndon