Bob Jones

To the editor,

On Thursday, April 16, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napalitano apologized to veterans organizations for adding “veterans” to the names of possible extremist lists.

First, not all veterans belong to organizations and if the word “extremist” means “one who advocates or resorts to measures beyond the norm” then those who stand the POW/MIA Vigil in Meredith EVERY Thursday evening and have for the past 21 years are “extremists” and YES it would be great if ALL returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan would join the effort. If veteran organizations had been involved in this honest awareness effort then we may not have such an issue where American servicemen/women captured by a TRUE enemy are hidden by terminology.

Sometimes going beyond “normal” efforts is necessary to gain the attention of those supposed leaders and legislatures who have no idea what harm they bring to those willing to serve Our Great Country.

I’ll report to those who show up at the POW/MIA Vigil in Heskey Park in Meredith (home of The Original State POW/MIA Memorial) at 7 p.m. every Thursday evening that they may be looked at as “extremists”. I’m sure the Korean War Veteran and his son (Desert Storm veteran) and a retired Med Evac. Army Major will be interested in knowing that — just to name a few of the thousands who have joined the effort over the years in hopes for a little Faith and Trust. Those who serve in uniform are NOT expendable.

Bob Jones

Meredith

Northeast POW/MIA Network

Bob Jones