To the editor:
I am writing this in response to an article written by Fr. Jim Murphy. The article was part of your December 25, 2008 edition.
Being a proud part of four generations of a military family, I retired from the USAF in 1982, I found his opinions on the Armed Forces of this great nation to be flawed.
The United States is the greatest nation in the world because of all its freedoms — freedoms that are preserved 24/7 by people willing to put their lives on the line for something they believe in.
To say “that now is not the right time to be in the military” is an insult and a slap in the face to the thousands who faithfully serve and have served.
Having been stationed in Berlin from 1972 to 1976, when “the wall” was still intact, being outnumbered by communist troops 17 to one, and living with my wife and four small children with soviet tanks at the “checkpoints” of the city — I can tell you that the Allied Forces, French, British, and American, preserved freedom for the citizens of Berlin.
What if we, as military members, had decided “that now is not the time to be in the military”? Freedom is never, ever free. Hate the war — but support the members of the Armed Forces who give you the freedom to live in this great nation. Without them you would not have the freedom of religion to express your opinions or practice your faith.
Art Clark, Janesville