Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

To the Editor:

Re “Fed Up With War” (column, Sept. 26):

If Bob Herbert thinks Americans are tired of the war in Afghanistan—a “long, hard, tragic and expensive campaign . . . with no promise of ultimate victory, or even a serious definition of what would constitute victory”—they should know that the troops are fed up, too.

My son has been serving with the United States Marines in Helmand Province since April. Morale is low, and sinking. Stress is skyrocketing. As in Iraq, the most dangerous enemy, in the form of roadside bombs, can neither be engaged nor defeated.

In such a harsh environment, links to the outside world are vital, but military mail delivery is spotty, phone lines are often down, and my son and his mates haven’t had a single day off in almost six months—with nowhere to go if they had.

Years of deploying troops to a bleak, unforgiving and dangerous terrain, on an undefinable mission, without an opportunity to recharge their batteries, is disastrous for the spirits of these brave young men and women—and their families.

Donna J. Anton
Hayle, England, Sept. 26, 2009