Dear FRONTLINE,

I grew up thirty years ago in the "stereotypical" coal and corn country of Southern Indiana. "Country Boys" was my story, too, in parallels too painful to draw here.Cody, you are the most rational Christian I have heard in a long time. Keep rocking and keep the faith.Chris, you can be anything you want to be. David Sutherland alluded to that in the "making of" online segment.

Like you, my father (and later my step-father) were both alchoholics and "um hum, ok" is a phrase I heard more times than I can count. It was hard to watch the segments with your Dad because I had seen it all before with mine. Hang on to your dreams. Trust yourself. Don't ever quit trying.

Joseph
Glen Burnie, Maryland

Dear FRONTLINE,

This was an extremely powerful story, Country Boys tells my story on so many levels. My father was an alcoholic and married four times before he was married to my mother. He was quite good with a guitar and played in local bars in his spare time. My father died in an automobile accident eight days after my 5th birthday. He was drunk and fortunately alone when he smashed into a parked semi tractor trailer rig in the middle of the night.

He left a widow with an eighth grade education and two babies in the mid sixties, at the time there was not much available for a women in my mother's situation. She took a job at an ammunition plant to support us. It was dangerous work and yes there were fatal accidents at this plant. She did the best she could to keep us clothed and fed and to keep a roof over our head.

I was raised in Shepherdsville, KY, a one stop light town in the 70's, where I attended Bullitt Central High School, the only one in the entire county. My mother allowed me freedom to be who I wanted to be, all she asked of me in return was to graduate from High School. I always promised her that I would and I kept that promise, barely.

I worked a full time job at a truck stop pumping fuel in my senior year after school. I also moved out of the trailer we lived in and lived with my best friend in a small house owned by his father, a shack would be a better description. I did not move out because I did not love my mother, I felt that I could support myself and be less of a burden on her. I also had joined the Navy on the delayed entry program and knew that I was going to be leaving as soon as I graduated High School.

My best friend's father was illiterate and worked at a bathtub plant in Louisville, very hard hot work. My best friend lost his mother when he was a boy, so we shared each others parents, our efforts to get them together never worked out.

Like Chris and Cody I had my share of ups and downs, and experimented with things I should not have. Also like Chris and Cody, I had a great desire to have an education and do better in life than my parents. My only way out was the military, there were no college scholarships, no trust fund, no silver spoons in my future, nothing but a pretty bleak outlook.

Because of the support system of my mother, best friend and his father, I managed to steer a path down a better road. I spent ten years in the navy soaking up all the education they would give me. While in the navy, I had a job that took me into harms way more than once. I received numerous awards, medals and citations. I earned my naval aircreman wings of gold, my proudest accomplishment Aircrew wings are not given to just anyone, they are hard earned.

That road took many twists and turns and eventually leads me to become a Park Ranger, a job that brings with it, much respect. I am on the states disaster response team, I have fought wildfires, worked with chainsaw crews and have operated heavy equipment to open up communities after hurricanes. I have been touched by the kindness of others whose homes, jobs and cars that have been wiped out by these disasters. I have seen human spirit persevere in the face of insurmountable odds and the most hopeless of conditions in both my careers.

While I believe it is a worn out euphemism that anyone can become a billionaire in America, I also believe that with a little determination, perseverance and work anyone can have a better life, and there is hope.

Recently I have been depressed about mounting bills and the daily struggle to stay alive. Country Boys reminded me of where I once was and how far I have come in life's journey. It really put things into perspective for me, I have made many accomplishments and a life that anyone would be proud to have. I know that I can get through these hard times; I have had to survive much worse.

Well that's the readers digest version of my story.

So for Chris and Cody, by making this film, know that you have touched many lives and have made a difference for incalculable numbers of people. I thank you, for reminding me of the good things I have in my life. Keep "chasing your Dreams" Cody, because you and Chris "do have a future".

Larry Busby
St. Petersburg, Fl.

Dear FRONTLINE,

My husband and I came upon Country Boys by luck (and my husband's need to channel-surf!)and were mesmerized. Initially, we expected the standard exploitation of poverty and lack of motivation that is often the hallmark of these types of documentaries. And, yes, these are "stereotypes" that do exist, not only in the Appalachians, but can be found nationwide. And, yes, they are appalling and shocking, especially to those who have never been exposed to the true socioeconomic status levels that exist, imposed by the hands of the government and by the people themselves.

My husband and I are both from southwest Virginia, a relatively short drive from Floyd County. Country Boys could've easily been filmed anywhere in this region. That, in itself is a sad realization. We have always been appreciative that we had the support of our families. We both knew many, many kids our age who did not have an opportunity to attend college or grad school...the coal mines or Walmart became the goals. Nor, did they have the encouragement. And, while we pray and work hard for the future academic careers, success and happiness of our two sons, there are those who cannot comprehend the fact that children should be encouraged to do better than their parents. In this area, "achieving" status quo is acceptable and expected.Disability ("on the draw" -- Appalachian slang) runs like genetics...through entire families. Alcoholism and drug addiction infiltrate many families. Poor-paying jobs, lack of quality education and unmotivated workers result in additional welfare, disability and SSI enrollees. It's a neverending circle.

But, there are those who continue to try, to keep their "eyes on the prize" and there are families for whom lack of education or economic support doesn't prevent them from encouraging their children to strive for a better life. And, since we've moved here from northern Virgina, where we completed post-grad education, the situation is slightly better. Technical jobs, additional opportunities for education and job-training are more prevalent. And, there does seem to be more professionals lving in the area, either moving here from larger areas or are moving back to their hometown. It's an incredibly painful and slow process to watch these little pockets of progress. But, if one child, such as Cody or Chris, is helped and can improve their circumstances, it's worth it. Country Boys is a mesmerizing and yet, hurtful documentary. It epitomizes the true spirit of human nature. But, it also shows the incredible odds that so many have to face on a daily basis.I wish each of them success and happiness and encourage them to keep striving...I'll pray for them and all of the others with the same plight.

PBS, please keep presenting these types of shows. As painful as they may be, everyone should see the underlying problems in this country. Maybe, then, through gratitude for your own situation and subsequent motivation, monetary support as well as mentoring, we can bring about positive change!

Cody and Chris, please keep pushing. There is a better life!

Amy M
Norton, Virginia

Dear FRONTLINE,

Like many other folks, I found the film by accident. While watching, I have been overwhelmed by encouraging thoughts for Chris & Cody, conflicting emotions about their struggles and memories of my own experience.

Though I have lived in suberban northern California most of my life, I have a story that is similar to some of the David students. I grew up in a poor single parent household with little supervision during my teen years. I didn't finish high school as I was married and expecting my first son halfway through my senior year. Two years later I was a single, 20 year old mother of two with no job and no training.

Like Chris & Cody I got close many times to giving up and never getting my GED, much less going to college. However I was blessed in that something, or someone would help me to hang in there and try a little harder. While I don't have my degree just yet, I now have the confidence to know I will someday.

A small group of teachers, friends, family and mentors made a huge difference in my life and (as evidenced by the film) in Chris & Cody's lives as well. I am so grateful to these people, and to God for the vital encouragement and help they gave me. So much so that I believe that it is my honor and responsibility to be one of those people to someone else.

I am now 38, remarried to a wonderful husband and father, and my older 2 sons are in college. My middle son (who has struggled with a learning disability himself) is planning to become a teacher, to be able to help other kids like him who struggled in school. My youngest son already has plans (at 10 yrs old) to go to college and become an engineer.

I am grateful that my sons believe in the importance and power of education. I pray that we can, as a family and individually, help other children to get a second, third and even fourth chance at obtaining an education, a positive image of themselves and a chance at a better future.

Thank you for this amazing film - it is so important, touching and powerful, yet not overblown or consescending.

Cathy C.

Dear FRONTLINE,

I'm really glad that David Sutherland chose such a "real" topic to cover.

I am a first generation college student and can relate to Cody and Chris's upbringing in a very dysfunctional family; my father did graduate high school, however my mother is a drop-out of the 10th grade.

I was especially relived to see Chris succeed, he is a extremely smart, compassionate, and sincere individual that deserves better--and I'm glad that he found within himself the ability to believe in his potential that so many others had already seen.

I wish Cody, Jessica, and Chris the best of luck in their future endeavors. Liz is a godsend.

Jonathan Fuchs
Plattsburgh, Ny

Dear FRONTLINE,

Thank you for showing how important a caring adult is for a growing child. Having a 'cheerleader' is a great ego builder.I didn't have to face the same circumstances as Chris and Cody, but I know the feeling of not being adequate. Even though I was a good student, my mother always asked why the B wasn't and A, and if a C showed up I was grounded for six weeks. She never understood that sometimes the subject didn't just jump off the page and into the brain. I always tried to help other students who were having trouble with a class.

I started school knowing how to read because I use to sit in my dad's lap when traveling and read billboards. This was a man with an eighth grade education who worked as a barber until he retired at 79.

Both sets of grandparents were country folks, so I know about outhouses, well water, milking cows, slopping hogs, feeding chickens, churing milk, making quilts, etc. Both grandparents always encouraged education. But the one thing they gave to me was their knowledge and their love. I firmly believe I achieved because of their encouragement. The sharing of themselves has remained with me for my 53 years. Learning how to plait a gradma's hair, how to wring the neck of chicken and get it prepared for the dinner table, having grandpa make a homemade sling shot to shoot at rats on the rafters of the corn crib, planting a garden when all you could do was use the hoe handle to make holes for the seeds to be dropped in, planting flowers in the garden, learning to recognize your ring tone on a party line with 8 others, listening to the preacher and the Grand Old Operery on the radio on Saturday night, waking up the the smell of coffee so rich and dark that you felt the spoon could stand up by itself, sleeping under enough quilts that you felt like you couldn't move, making mud pies and trying to learn how to walk barefooted on gravel roads, the excitement of buying a new linoleum rug or oil cloth. washing snuff speckles off the front porch with water and a broom. These are some of my memories because my grandparents shared of themselves. Not having the best clothes, the newest car, etc. will ever replace the people who influenced me through sharing of themselves. When I look at the people in my extended family, I see that we all landed in a different place, but we the admiration of the people who got us here is high. I found my experiences were of a great help when I became involved in re-enacting. I was especially proud one year at an event where I, a female, was able to get 30 campfires going using wet and green wood.

It is not where you come from in the economic level, it is what you do with what you have and how those around you mentor. I made the choice to never have children because I chose to break a cycle. The one thing I have done for children is to encourage them to greater things. I have children come to me when they felt they couldn't communicate with their parents. I also encourage older people, like my father, who may not have had the chance to finish high school.

To Chris and Cody, I wish you the best for your future. I also hope that you remember to give back to the ones like you who might need the same words of encouragement that you needed.

Beverly Merrill
Natchez, MS

Dear FRONTLINE,

As a rural Kansas boy I know what it means to have a place be a part of you, and the challenges that come with such a background. Do you stay or do you leave? Leaving is the hardest thing I've ever done, but I think staying would have been harder. As a young man fresh out of college these issues are still fresh with me, and I can fully appreciate the struggle ahead for these young men. Thank you for being honest enough in your portrayal to not place a pretty bow around the ending, though I certainly hope for one. I firmly believe that America is a land of opportunity, and for me your show represented that in all of its brutal reality. Thank you.

Steven Swartz
Duluth, MN

Dear FRONTLINE,

Hi Chris,I truly enjoyed learning about you and Cody's story. Your storycould have been written where I grew up in rural North Carolina.I, like you, did not know my father. My mother had to leave him after years of physical and mental abuse. I was just seven months old, along with my two older brothers when she finally got the strength to leave. Then she married a man who was just as bad. I was already told ever since I was a kid that I would never amount to nothing. So, after years of working in a tobacco field, textile mills and working in a office for a mere wage, I finally got the nerve and went back to school. Unlike you, I went to a high school that did not care about most of the students. If you were not scholastic or a jock, you were nothing. I bearly got my diploma by the skin of my teeth. There were actual students that finished high school that could not read a newspaper. Ten years after high school, I enrolled in a technical school and earned a practical nurse diploma. I worked number of years and decided to enter a college to earn a BS degree. Do you know, I had to start at baby steps with learning algebra, chemistry and college writing just to get into college. I worked two part-time jobs and went to college, getting my degree in four yearsNow, I am add that I was 35 years old when I finished college.Chris, if you have not already done so, please continue with your education, even if it is just a course here and there. I know what it is like to live in a area where there's not much opportunity. I had to leave my hometown and work in a large city where there were better health care jobs. Please don't give up pal!!Best Wishes for Success,

John Phillips
Rural Hall, NC

Dear FRONTLINE,

My father's people come from eastern Kentucky and, had he not moved away, so would I. My dad's childhood shared many of the hardships Chris and Cody inherited. What struck me most about watching the touching and riveting stories of the lives of Chris and Cody was how strikingly different my teenage years were; I have been considering if it is as much a question of geography as anything else. While the rest of the world paints us all with one brush, I can't help but wonder, after seeing "Country Boys", if we are much more Kentukians, Californians, or Hawaiians than we are Americans. Thank you for making television worthwhile.

Michael Williams
Menifee, CA

Dear FRONTLINE,

Wow! What an amazing documentary. My wife, oldest son, and I have been following these boys journey each night and look forward to the next. My wife and I are from Arkansas, married very early and know these boys situation. There is no motivation from their community and families to better themselves. They are stuck (or so it seems to them) it a rut that holds hard with its grasp.

We were at the poverty level our first three or four years of marriage going from one no end job to the next to either receive higher pay per hour or better medical benefits. I pretty much stayed with one job for no more than a year and then moved on. I did graduate from high school and tried my hand at college but disliked school so much through high school I found it easier to work full time an dpay for bills than go to anymore school. My wife and I had our first child within six months of marriage so on top of making minimum wage in the 90's, being married, we now have a child to provide for.

Our break came when I was moved to California, Orange County, California at that, and was trained on the job in the retirement plan industry as an administrator/consultant. The whole reason for writing now is to hopefully encourage these young men and any others in a similar situation to hold on to their dreams and proceed forth. They can make it over any obstacle out there if they so desire. Don't give up on yourself or sell yourself short that you cannot do this or that. It's all a matter of where your mind and heart are. Keep focused. Also our faith as Cody's got us through many times turbulence. Hold on it's a ride but well worth the journey.

Brian Rowe
Laguna Niguel, CA

Dear FRONTLINE,

This is a wonderful story. I live in rural Washington State and have raised three children two boys and one girl. I have one boy left in high school.

I find this story could have been filmed here. The beautiful country, the depressed economy with the traditional jobs scarce (here fishing and logging). Thank you for showing the struggles of young people in rural America so movingly.

Sue Yanik
Port Angeles, Washington

Dear FRONTLINE,

Watching this program has churned up a variety of emotions in me. As an Appalachian, I can relate to the situations. Because of lack of work opportunities, I moved to Ohio in 1966; there was just no employment to be had in Middle Tennessee then. The beautiful scenery made me so homesick! There isn't a day go by I don't think of home.

While the David School appeared to be positive, the lack of more opportunities ,resources,and motiviation for those needing it was heartwrenching . I was touched by the bone-weary tiredness in the face of Chris' mother from her efforts to support the family (probably with a minimal wage position at the Holiday Inn ) and deal with the un-motivated father. I feel these people do the best they can with the resources they have,and am surprised they manage to accomplish anything with the depressive conditions they experience. Unfortunately, the constant use of cigarettes and alcohol by the majority in the film only reinforces the stereotypes of Southerners.I think this should be COMPULSORY VIEWING for spoiled,whining urban kids with their electronic toys, cars, cell phones, designer clothes and other indulgences.I felt a sadness during the whole viewing,wishing I had an answer to helping these kids.

doris ernst
Huber hts, Ohio

Dear FRONTLINE,

Though growing up in the DC metro area, I went to college in Shepherdstown, WV. A roommate was from little coal mining town just like the one in this documentary.

He dropped out of school ½ way through his sophomore year. He struggled with his love for home and a girlfriend he left behind with his need to make something of his life. I lost touch with him, however, this story helps me understand what his life was probably like and what things must have been like for him.

What I find most interesting is that through the many obstacles and struggles, this story is as much about every day life problems that occur in students in high schools across the country.

I found myself remembering what it was like to be that age again and what it was like to have every road in front of me but fear to take the wheel. It reinforces how lucky I was to have parents that eventually gave me the confidence to make my own path.

The David School is doing amazing things with these kids. It reinforces, that you don't have to perfect, but you have to try. If you try, God will let you take care of yourself.

Jeff Ferony
Bowie, MD

Dear FRONTLINE,

Dear Frontline,I think the Country Boys documentary should be viewed in all high schools. What a great teaching tool it would be for some unmotivated, spoiled young people. but I'm afraid that is not going to happen because of political correctness, especially with Cody's strong religious beliefs and expressions which is a shame. I am 81 years old. I grew up during the depression in New Jerseyand my family had financial struggles similar to the people depicted in the documentary. Fortunately, I did graduate from high school that many weren't able to do at the time. College was out of the question but I learned from each job I had. I started out as a bookkeeper and when I retired in 1987, I was working as an accountant for a CPA firm. Where there is a will, there is a way. I have been a resident of Kentucky for 55 years. I love the beauty of the State and the people. I have been very touched by the documentary and the spirit of Chris and Cody and the good people of that area. I would love to know where life takes these two young wonderful men. I wish them the best and thank you all who produced this superb documentary.

Martha Humphrey
Louisville, Kentucky

Dear FRONTLINE,

I accidentally bumped into "Country Boys" late last night and became so engrossed I couldn't could to bed. I found the documentary engrossing and disturbing. I grew up in Jersey City and found myself frustrated with Chris's self defeatist attitude. Why?, because he was me!! After a long bout with heroin addiction, I became an alcohol and drug counselor and enrolled in the Rutgers U. school of social work (at 42). The boys captured my heart and I wish them all the best. I know their feelings of hoplessness and helplessness all too well. Congratulations to David Sutherland for bringing to light the poverty and hoplessness of a seemingly forgotten area. I would love to help.

Nick
Old Bridge, NJ