To the editor: As a retired U.S. Military colonel with greater than 25 years of service and two Iraq deployments, I’m ashamed of the 50 Republican veterans who signed a letter denigrating the navy service of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
They know higher. They know that servicemembers generally serve in billets above their grade whereas ready for colleges or promotion lists. They know that deployment orders are arduous to nail down. They know that whether or not deployed to a fight zone, or to a base within the rear, weapons are carried.
Most of all, they know that anyone who says “sure” to placing on the uniform deserves nothing lower than, “Thanks in your service.”
Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, left the Marine Corps after 4 years, far lower than the 24 that Walz was within the Military Nationwide Guard. To him, I nonetheless say, “Thanks in your service.”
Scott Sterling, Indio
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To the editor: A very egregious lie within the letter signed by 50 Republican veterans is the declare that Walz “deserted his put up.”
As a matter of public report, we all know Walz served honorably. As an alternative of retiring after 20 years, he stayed on for 4 extra out of patriotic responsibility after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist assaults.
He retired months earlier than his unit was notified of potential deployment with the intention to run for Congress. The deployment occurred the next 12 months.
What’s galling is that this cynical bunch serves a person who acquired 5 deferments through the Vietnam Conflict. A person who claimed avoiding venereal illnesses was his “private Vietnam.” A person who has disparaged the service of veterans and conflict heroes.
Most just lately, he asserted that the civilian Presidential Medal of Freedom was “higher” than the navy Congressional Medal of Honor. His cause? The troopers who earn the latter are both “in very dangerous form … or they’re lifeless.”
Shameful.
Cathy Goldberg, Seal Seaside
