Having just watched the presentation at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, of medals to those who were wounded in the war in Afghanistan, let me say that I have much praise for all the troops serving in the military, and much sympathy for those who are wounded or give up their lives to protect us each day, month, and year.

However, I cannot help but be a little saddened and disappointed when I see some of those being awarded honors for their service, that they themselves are not proud enough of their branch of military service to wear nothing but their best dress uniform. This also applies even stronger to our own community, when those who were shot down and detained in China chose not to wear theirs. Not once when they were being honored in many ways and at many places did I see them in anything but those nasty, pajama-looking, green flight suits.

I really do not mean to offend anyone. I am retired military, and in conversations with others in the community, this is a sore spot for many of us. The work uniforms should stay at work, and the dress uniform should be worn at all occasions of this magnitude both on and off the base. Be as proud of your service as we are of you.

Stanley R. Reed, U.S. Navy (Retired)

Oak Harbor