But one subset of his supporters bothers me more than any other. I refer to Veterans for Trump.

Trump says that he “loves war” and “loves the vets.” He nonetheless avoided, through five education deferments followed by a highly questionable 4F classification, actual participation in the Vietnam War and, thus, actually becoming a veteran. Whether his decision to escape putting himself in harm’s way was a matter of cowardice or a feeling of economic entitlement, right-leaning veterans should reflect on their support for this man.

I am a Vietnam veteran, and I have the great regard for those who opposed the draft on moral and political grounds and paid the legal price for their opposition.

I reserve my highest respect for 1) my peer group who served in combat and 2) those very few conscientious objectors who opted to serve as unarmed combat medics; unimaginable courage.

The 1960s and early 1970s were difficult times for all young draft-eligible men. Most acted in accord with their conscience. Some, like Trump, acted only in self-interest. His type of draft avoidance is not worthy of a single veterans’ vote.

Michael S. Berry

Durango