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Highlands Today

Patraeus Letter

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Carl Hoyt

Published: January 7, 2008

I really don't know where to start; I will try to keep it simple. This is regarding the former retired military man who wrote the "The Patraeus Report (Betray-us);" his rank, won't be mentioned because his venom towards the military and our president is only substantiated in his mind.

At a time when support is desperately needed for our troops, this kind of accusation is almost criminal. However, he attained his rank is a mystery to me, as this former officer is apparently beyond understanding and needs help. With 37 years spent in reserve or active service, he has learned the word "I" usefully for his benefit.

This kind of anger can only be attributed to an individual who believes he has not been treated fairly. Well, sir, my son-in-law, a major and Marine pilot, just completed his second tour of duty in the Middle East and is pleased to be home and to have proudly served. He, by no means, shares your stated opinion in the letter to the editor on Jan. 5.

You, sir, are not to be commended for views that you only believe are true. A friend of mine who served in Vietnam as a captain and helicopter pilot also believes he proudly served. As a photojournalist, I spent a month in Vietnam back in the 1980s talking with former VC (Vietcong) and NVA (North Vietnamese Army) and they agreed that the protests in the U.S. assisted them, just like you are assisting our enemy in terrorism. Thank God, you are but one. You, sir, show disrespect to the rank you acquired.

Carl Hoyt
Sebring

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