Christmas in the military is a very lonely time. I spent Christmas 1970 in the Army, infantry, in Vietnam. The gift boxes and cards were fine, but what I really wanted was to be home.

If you want to do something for those in the military this holiday season, consider these actions. Write a letter to your federal representative and senators telling them you want the troops home. Put a sign on your car and your lawn saying, “Bring the troops home.” Discuss the cost of invasions and occupations with your family and friends -- the dollar cost, the health costs, the moral costs, the environmental costs.

Then send a letter to someone in the military telling them what you’re doing to bring them home. Your letter will be the best gift they’ll receive.

Arnold Stieber
Grass Lake