October 16, 2009 in Letters

Let young vets drink, carry

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My husband has just returned from Iraq after a yearlong deployment. The United States Army sent him to a hostile country and ordered him to carry around an M-4 and a 9 mm pistol. He was given the responsibility to protect other soldiers’ lives and perform dangerous missions. He is now expected to have the mental capability to adapt back to normal life after long-term exposure to war’s detrimental effects.

At 18 years old, he signed away his life to the Army, yet, due to his age, he can’t legally have a glass of wine or carry around a pistol for protection.

The current age limits make no sense. How can we expect a person to have the maturity to go off to war but not drink responsibly? Why can a 21-year-old who hasn’t had any experience in handling a gun get a concealed weapons permit, but a 20-year-old Iraq veteran can’t?

The legal age limits need to be adjusted. Yes, some people under the age of 21 can’t handle their alcohol and shouldn’t carry a gun. However, society needs to show respect to the veterans and give them the freedoms they continue to fight for.

Kayela Robertson

Spokane Valley

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