Jan. 19, 2026 Editor, The News Gazette Your article about Vietnam veterans was appreciated by me. Many of us had a variety of reactions while serving and after returning home. While being processed out, I was told if we where in uniform to expect trouble. Kent State had occurred recently and those against the war were looking for G.I.’s at the airport waiting to fly home.
Many years after, there was still a stigma. While in college, many of us stood out due to our age, attitude, demeanor. Those that didn’t like the war that held places of authority and some students found us worthy of ridicule. Unless we would show contrition for our past deeds, we where less than good people.
We did what the leaders of our country, and those that elected those professional politicians of both parties, told us was what was our duty, what was in the best interest of our country.
Now we have federal agents dealing with the immigration laws, following the orders given to them to enforce laws that both parties for years have ignored out of fear of making a decision, or to reward special interest with cheap labor. They are being treated as we were for things beyond their control. Both parties have had control of all three branches of government many times. They could have changed the laws.
Protest those so-called leaders in Washington, both parties, who create solutions for problems that don’t exist, while pitting citizens against citizens, ignoring real problems. DAVE CRAIG Buena Vista
