To the editor:

I trace my roots here to the Air Force base, like many of my North Country neighbors. My dad was assigned to Plattsburgh in 1968. He went to Vietnam for my senior year of high school, and I will never forget the daily worry of listening to the body counts, jumping at each mention of Tan Son Nhut, where he was stationed, and the relief we experienced when he got home and retired here. He died of Agent Orange-related lung cancer in 1989 at the age of 58.

I understand that our area has been traditionally Republican, I think in large part because of our ties to the military and the perception that Republicans are more supportive of the military. So the question is: Which presidential candidate honors those who serve in our military?

Joe Biden, who knows what it is like to have a family member in harm’s way, has honored thousands of military members over his years in public service, and whose wife had that as her priority when she was second lady? Or Donald Trump, who has belittled war heroes and Gold Star families publicly and whose brother, the only Trump to serve in the military, was shunned by his family?

The answer is obvious: Vote for Joe Biden, and restore the dignity for service our loved ones deserve.

Theresa Bennett

Plattsburgh