Letter-writer Robert Ebitz’s definition of a veteran is that “there are veterans and there are others who are not really veterans” (“Veterans should always count,” July 20, TribLIVE). A veteran is a person who has served in the U.S. armed forces in times of war and peace. There should not be a distinction whether they actually fought in combat or not.
Those who participated in combat need the support of those who provide them the services that they need whether in logistics, administration, medical, engineering, military policing (which you question), etc. You cannot just have all servicemen fighting in a combat zone to be considered a true veteran. It doesn’t work that way. You are deciding who is the more qualified veteran.
In time of war, the government sends men who are serving in times of peace. Your letter insults all those veterans who serve and diminishes their service.
Edna Martorell
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