To the Editor:

Marine Corps Four Star General John Kelly wrote that Trump called dead US service members “Suckers” and “Losers.” General Kelly first wrote of Trump’s remarks in The Atlantic and then repeated his account on CNN with Jake Tapper.

I flew the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). In 1964 and again in 1965 we made lengthy trips to the Mediterranean Sea. Each year about five crewmen died. In 1966 we deployed to the Tonkin Gulf and flew combat missions over North Vietnam. On that deployment about fifteen shipmates lost their lives.

Not all the fatalities were pilots. An aircraft carrier was a hazardous place. Flight ops were conducted both day and night. Wind over the deck was usually 25-30 knots. Jet engine intakes, tailpipe exhaust and propellers all posed a danger. A majority of the men who lost their lives were in their twenties. None were older than forty.

Memorial services were held in the bow of the ship on the forecastle (folk-sul). There was a eulogy, the Navy Hymn, the marine detachment fired a salute, taps was sounded and a wreath was dropped onto the surface of the sea.

How should we honor our men and women who died in the service of our nation? Please, in November, make Trump a Loser.

Respectfully,

Paul R. Arneth

Southbury