LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Once again, American Soldiers are closing with, engaging, and destroying the enemy on the battlefield. As this new war is underway in Iran, already 6 soldiers have died in combat:

· Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35

• Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42

• Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39

• Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20

• Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45

• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54

The Bennettsville community, and Marlboro County, has been and remains very supportive of our active military and our veterans. Today, men and women from these communities are serving at military bases across America, overseas, and deployed at forward operating bases. Seeing on the news the names of those Soldiers just killed in Kuwait, I am reminded of the 8 Soldiers from Marlboro County killed in the Korean War, and the 5 Soldiers and 5 Marines from Marlboro County killed in Vietnam. Also, I am reminded of veterans from our community who have served not only in the Great Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, but during the Global War on Terrorism as well. To all of them both then and now, I say thank you for your service. I encourage you reading this open letter to take a moment to remember with me the names of the 6 soldiers named above. These are lives that we have lost forever and they deserve a moment of our time to reflect on their sacrifice for America. Bennettsville, and other Marlboro County families, have loved ones today serving in the United States Military. Should you know one of these families, please take a moment and tell them how thankful you are for those who have chosen to defend our American values by serving in the United States Military. God bless our troops, and God bless America.

For God and Country, I am

JOHN HARLOW

The Marine Corps League Detachment #1219 Bennettsville SC