LETTERS: Donna Brickler
To the Editor:
As Paul Harvey would say, that was the rest of the story. Thank you for revisiting Matt Classen. I regret that Mr. Classen's first interview response was not printed in its entirety. When the whole story is told in context, quite a different picture is painted.
That was a great story. His slice of Americana circa WW II does contrast vividly with today's war scenario. It gives a different perspective to his comments. In final comment, we're on the same side here.
The people he speaks of and the people I speak of are extraordinary. While they are about the business of war, we all watch from different places on the sidelines as it unfolds.
All of the men and women in LtC. Brickler's command asked or volunteered to participate in this mission. These people indeed enlisted knowing what they may be called on to do and stepped forward when needed. They are ready, willing, trained, and able to do anything. How they withstand 135 degree heat while wearing 75 pounds of gear and 35 pounds of weaponry with gas mask, chemical barrier suits, and Kevlar bullet resistant vests on top of that while out in sandstorms or riding in closed metal vehicles or running for a bunker is unfathomable to me.
I have never heard one of these people complain, and I won't. That is just the way they are. They also are there because they believe God placed them there to change the hearts and minds of evil. They believe in America and for what it stands. We thank them. As for me, well, they would have thrown me from the transport plane on the way over — without parachute.
Final note — Lt. Col. Brickler and troops left Ft. Lewis, Wash., August 1 for Kuwait. Their replacements will be from Ft. Riley; the 445 MEDVET unit supporting the 3rd MEDCOM. This group also volunteered, giving up jobs and housing to serve for two years.
Respectfully submitted.
Susan Brickler
By e-mai
