In response to the letter, "Afghanistan war is won," the writer makes reference to a letter that was submitted by a former commander of American Legion post 211, who served in the early 1990s, speaking on his own behalf.

The original letter was the personal opinion of one person, and does not reflect the views and opinions of the board of officers of any component - American Legion, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Riders - or current commander of American Legion Post 211.

We are saddened that such a gross misunderstanding has occurred, and unequivocally state that in his premise and inference that the colors of American Legion Post 211 do run, there is nothing further from the truth.

The board of officers of Post 211 stands on the credo "For God and Country," and will support and honor current, past and future members of all the U.S. armed forces. We stand for all the defenders of Old Glory, and the freedoms of the Republic for which it stands. We have and will proudly salute this flag and her defenders.

We may disagree with the opinion of that letter writer, but we defend his right to express them, with the understanding that there are dissenters in every walk of life, and we invite him to enter in a dialog for the good of all veterans who proudly fly the flag of the United States of America, of which American Legion Post 211 is honor to be included.

G. Buck Barker

Commander

American Legion Post 211

Lompoc