To the editor:

I am generally conflicted about Veteran’s Day and statements from our elected representatives like that of Rep. Lynn Jenkins quoted in your article of Nov. 11, “Dole Institute marks Marines’ 240th year,” don’t help.

‘”I have made it my duty to provide them all the resources they need, in battle and when they return home, Jenkins said.'” My conflict comes from my belief that we should honor the veteran but question the cause and the commitment to provide services when they return first. I served during the era of the Vietnam conflict. (I would point out I was deployed overseas but never in Vietnam.) The men and women with whom I served were honorable, dedicated and committed to the mission to which they were assigned. They should be honored and we owe them much, certainly at least full recompense for any damage they suffered. Perhaps a better honor would be to make sure that our elected representatives fully vet the battles and causes into which we insert our service men and women before that happens. This is not a partisan issue. Vietnam and Iraq are two good examples but there are numerous more. Bipartisan, yes. Thoughtful and meritorious, no.