Editor,

To Ken Pickard: I think it’s time that you are reminded of the fact that your father made a living from Naval Air Station Whidbey at Ault Field, with his store, “Prairie Center Mercantile.”

I know because a lot of the materials in my home and the homes of the early residents came from your father’s store.

I lived in Coupeville for nine years and shopped there most of the time along with my peers. My husband was stationed at Ault Field for a while prior to sea duty for the rest of his 20 years, and planes flew off the OLF and practiced ever since I arrived in Coupeville in January 1950.

I live less than a mile from the base with the beautiful sound of my freedom overheard most every day and night.

Ken, the Navy customers kept a roof over your head and food in your mouth, plus sent you to college to become a lawyer.

Shame on you for biting the hand that fed you. Our men and women at our base, and the OLF, are putting their lives on the line for all of us, and that includes you Ken, so grow up and give them a hand of applause instead of a kick in the butt.

I played bridge with your mother and watched you grow up. Ken, you should have to be in the cockpit of a Growler that has practiced at OLF as it lands on the deck of a careening carrier at sea — you just might have to change your skivvies upon landing. God bless and hold His hands our brave and courageous Navy personnel.

Constance M. Kuhn

Oak Harbor