Letter to the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard

February 21, 2006

Public Affairs Office

400 Langley Rd.

Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234

An article in the Press of Atlantic City reported the deployment Sunday morning of approximately 150 members of the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard. A soldier, disheartened by the waning public backing of the conflict stated that she was upset “as people in the nation are supporting soldiers less and less in this war.” She affirmed anyone’s right to be against the war but was opposed to them being against the people who go over there and fight for their lives so our children can be safe. If I had been able to talk to her before their departure, I would have told her that I am one of a growing number of Americans who do not support this war and that I attend many peace vigils in Atlantic, Cape May, Salem, and Cumberland Counties. She should never believe those in our government who equate our lack of support for the war with a lack of support for our military men and women. We are resolute in our support; even more so than some in positions of power who do not properly fund or outfit our troops so that they are adequately protected. We are angry that our military are expected to do their job while little more than rhetoric issues from Washington along with cuts in funding and benefits for not only active duty personnel but also for Veterans. We check bills being considered and contact those in Congress who we feel are not voting in your best interests. We don't just listen to political spin. When I carry a sign in a protest it may say “Give Peace a Chance” or “Honk for Peace” or “Bush Lied, 2276 Died” or “Bring our National Guard Home” or any other of a number of phrases. In none of them do we disrespect or disparage our men or women fighting on foreign soil. The politicians in control have been very successful in their attempt to paint anyone who differs with them as unpatriotic, a traitor, or opposed to our soldiers, but that is just not so. We are devastated by each report of another death or injury and are aware that the real costs of this war will not be known until we can fully assess the psychological damage to the minds of the people who return apparently unharmed. And what of the long-term effects on those who have been exposed to depleted uranium? We fear that this will be another “agent orange” issue where our government will deny that a problem even exists. Please forward this message to the 177th, the Jersey Devils. We are all extremely proud of them and they will be in our hearts and minds, until they return, hopefully safe and sound in both mind and body. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those they leave behind, who are more than deserving of our appreciation.

Sincerely,

Bettie J. Reina

Milmay, NJ

P.S. I have never had such a fast response as when I asked if anyone wanted to add their name to this letter.

Nick Reina Brian Moore Charles A. Andrade Norm Cohen Janet L. Fayter Michael St. Amour Janet Brenner Paula Dunn Sharon Gray Mildred Kish Ed Hall Alisa Cooper, Freeholder Eileen Faucey Mary Slomine John Brigandi Joe Gabisch, Dasabled Vet Beth Schroeder Mariam d’Eustachio Brian Moore Lisa Gabisch Charlotte MacNiece Dan MacNiece Ron Ruff James McCarthy, Cdr jfm, USN/Ret. Sally McInerney Robin Birth George Rementer Richard Neill Robert Salsburg Dan Campbell Jerry Crawford, Loc # 19, Phil Steve Padmore Karen Padmore