In answer to a question posed in the letter, “’Winning’ isn’t reason for war”: Yes, the people who stand on the corner deserve recognition. Kevin Moeller does not stand in support of the Iraq War, but in support of the mean and women who had to fight it. Why would anyone not want to win? What government goes to war to lose? The members of our group agree with Kevin that politicians have badly mismanaged Iraq and Afghanistan. How many Iraqis have died since U.S. forces withdrew and who is responsible now? It’s the same old story since Korea and Vietnam. We’re cutting and running because America does not have the will to make our troops’ sacrifices worthwhile. To compound the tragedy, our government is reneging on its promise to help our troops when they return.

Most members of our group are veterans and their families. The families also serve and may even suffer more hardship than the military member. Mr. Moeller comes from a military family. Our group represents many in the armed forces who stop by to thank us every week.

Members of the Evergreen Troop Support Group are out in four communities in the area every single week and have been since 2002. We help the families of deployed service members and have actively supported units overseas. Each year we collect and distribute 800 Christmas cards to the troops, the wounded and each patient in VA hospitals in Seattle and American Lake. Each card carries a hand-written message and a candy cane.

To be clear, all Americans are entitled to express their opinions. In fact, it is their duty to do so. I am pleased to inform you that you will continue to see us as long as we can continue to serve our troops and I make no apologies.

Audrey E. McKee

Evergreen Troop Support Group

Lynnwood