Letter was wrong about McHugh's record

I would like to address a few things that have been in the paper recently. As a couple who has been here nearly 10 years and who recently retired after more than 33 years in the Army, I think we are more than qualified.

Recently, Roland Van Deusen wrote a scathing letter accusing Congressman John McHugh of all kinds of malfeasances and, more disturbing, with regard to the Army and Fort Drum. Let me clear that up for you.

I have personally seen the congressman help military members. No way would the Army ever allow a soldier to wallow in bed for three days without meals. That is a lie. If he was that ill, he would have been in a hospital and if it would have happened, the commander would have been stripped of his command.

As far as the soldier who deserted because of supposed post-traumatic stress disorder is concerned, I have to say I have known and continue to know many a soldier who has had much more severe cases than he. When you see your friends killed less than 200 yards from you, I think that is much more stressful than being picked on.

And if he was, there is a chain of command he could have used. He signed a contract in a time of war. It's not a video game, it's real life. He shames all those who fulfilled their obligations.

Lastly, to the article regarding Congressman McHugh and the fear of the atheists worried about evangelical Christians taking over the Army: You know what, there are things about the world I don't like.

I don't like that Christian chaplains are forced to perform Wiccan ceremonies and are disciplined if they say Jesus's name in a prayer in public. I don't like abortion, trillion-dollar deficit, the fact that there won't be Social Security in 10 years and the rising gas prices again. But you have to grow up and deal with it.

Charles and Jean Benson

LaFargeville