Letters: Thanks to Muelhoefer for his insightful letter

I want to thank Mr. Al Muelhoefer, Col., USAF, Ret., for his insightful letter stating his support for Sen. Obama (Oct. 28). He voiced my same fears and feelings much more eloquently than I could have. I also support Sen. Obama.

I am also a veteran, although without as illustrious a career as Mr. Muelhoefer. I was just a "swabby," a sailor who worked around aircraft. I come from a large family with 11 children — seven boys and four girls. Six of my seven brothers were either in the Army or Navy. The seventh failed the physical. Three were in Vietnam, two on Navy gunboats and one with the 101st Airborne during the 1968-69 Tet Offensive. One was killed. My father served in the Army in WWII. My ex was also in the Navy with me and later, Desert Shield/Storm. He also works for the defense industry now.

I mention all this because I have strong feelings for the military and those who sign on that dotted line. You never know what can and will happen in the future that you're signing up for. Peacetime, war or somewhere in between. We would like to believe that if military action is to be used, it would be as a last resort after all other options have been considered. It would be for a cause that is just and necessary. I am heartbroken whenever I see the lists of killed or wounded from this war in Iraq, which was neither.

I also thought Gen. Colin Powell stated his reasons very well. I am grateful for the integrity and honest critical thinking that can help us get out of this mess.

Linda R. Ehrisman

Gasquet