Military Response to Vaccination Refusal

Re “No Vaccine, No Glory, Navy Says,” July 21: As a practicing physician for 43 years, I find the action of the Navy on Troy Goodwin reprehensible and ludicrous. Forcing a seaman to take a vaccine that is known to be potentially dangerous and life-threatening is unconscionable. A recent death from the vaccination should be enough evidence to at least give the serviceman an option as to whether he takes it or not. To demote him, cut his pay and then put him in jail is ridiculous. What are our military priorities coming to?

Leon M. Trunk MD

Los Angeles

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The first mistake sailor Goodwin made was calling himself a “soldier.” The soldiers of the sea are the Marines. The second mistake was thinking he could disobey orders that he didn’t like and still have a career in the Navy. The Navy was right in giving him a 60-day sentence.

Tim Elliott

Burbank