To the editor:

I am deeply saddened at the recent shooting of two National Guard soldiers. I mourn the death of Sarah Beckstrom and pray for Adrew Wolfe’s recovery. This event has brought Operation Allies Welcome, the effort stood up to hastily evacuate Afghans who had supported this nation and its allies during 20 years of combat, under new scrutiny. In 2021 as a DHS employee, I volunteered to support OAW at the start for three months at sites in New Jersey, a hastily established transition facility in Camden and Camp Liberty in nearby Fort Dix; the former processed over 20,000 evacuees, and the latter housed up to 11,000. I cannot speak to the vetting of the shooting suspect, only to what I saw and experienced. What I do recall most of all are the children who were exceptionally friendly, open and resilient, and the many adults who expressed thanks to me and my colleagues for helping them get out of a very dangerous situation; I continue to be thankful I was able to play a part in that effort. Yes, I’m sure mistakes were made and there should be accountability, and the suspect will be held accountable as well. What I’m really afraid of is how the current administration will use this very isolated and tragic event to continue its demonization of all immigrants (who statistically commit fewer crimes than the natural born). The Afghans evacuated supported us at great risk to themselves and their families so we, as a nation, should reciprocate.

David L. Teska,

Lawrence