Editor,

I read in the July 20 edition of the Whidbey News-Times that a federal suit was filed regarding the use of the Outlying Field Coupeville.

Not only I am appalled at the lawsuit itself, but also the fact that this special interest group included in the lawsuit both the commander of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and the admiral of the Fleet Forces Command.

Does the group calling itself the Ebey’s Reserve for a Healthy, Safe and Peaceful Environment really see the big picture?

Is this group aware of the fact that the Navy is one of the largest, if not the largest, employers on the island? Do they not understand that their taxes will be much higher without the Navy?

Is the occasional use of this field causing a major disruption in the lives of these people? It’s hard to fathom, but if so, I find it hard to believe that they would go as far as to bring a federal suit against the Navy.

What has happened to, “the sound of freedom?” What has happened to the appreciation that we all owe these men and women of the Navy?

Get real, people, and look at something beyond your own little world.

How about thanking the next armed forces person you see?

Phyllis Corson
Coupeville