More on the National Guard as a Key Military Force

The cover story “Death of a Citizen Soldier” (by Rone Tempest, Jan. 30) was very poignant. The Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Separate Infantry Brigade was mobilized in 1968. About 1,500 members of the unit went to Vietnam, reported the Honolulu Advertiser last summer, accounting for nearly 25% of the Guard troops activated for that war, according to statistics cited in your article. Brigadier Gen. Joseph J. Chaves is the brigade commander today, and the brigade was recently mobilized to serve in combat in Iraq.

Stuart H. Williams

Former lieutenant

Hawaii Army National Guard

29th Separate Infantry Brigade

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The pall The Times attempts to cast over the successful elections in Iraq by retelling the awful story of the Americans who have died in the freeing of that country only reminds me of how irrelevant and dishonest The Times and other newspapers and American television networks have become.

We don’t have to be reminded how dangerous it is in Iraq for both Iraqis and Americans. We have a son standing by in Ramadi. He and his fellow Marines and the Army and others are there to protect Iraqis.

We know you didn’t decide yesterday to run that story. At least weeks or months ago you knew the date of the Iraqi election. My family and I know what you were up to. You are all despicable.

James E. Porter Sr.

Via the Internet