Revisiting the Vets The “War Stories” special issue [Sept/Oct 2012] is the most enlightening and compelling DAM I have read in 32 years. My fellow alums opened my eyes to a world that I never could have imagined. Their honesty is refreshing as they describe situations where the “lesser of two evils” must often prevail. The courage and creativity with which they approached problems was inspirational. I am filled with hope that such intelligent and dedicated soldiers are leading our nation’s efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am grateful they repre-sent our country—and Dartmouth. Their stories will be with me always.

Carla Boehm Sloan ’80 River Forest, Illinois

On a quiet Veterans Day I picked up the Sept/Oct 2012 DAM buried under stuff on my desk and quickly became absorbed in its “War Stories,” some of which paralleled my own experiences in Vietnam and Iraq during Desert Storm. These poignant narratives remind us all of realities, events and people that should not be forgotten. I am intensely proud that Dartmouth men and women—people of remarkable humanity, learning and hopeful countenance—will consider an interlude of military duty as a worthy option. Although few of us are warriors by nature or inclination, the influence of liberal-minded, service-oriented and hugely talented young Americans can only bring quality to the service and a lifetime of pride to those who serve.

David Goodwillie ’63 Potomac, Maryland

I find it interesting those who wrote letters critical of alums’ service in Iraq and Afghanistan [“Letters,” Nov/Dec 2012] never addressed the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. For most Americans this unprovoked attack prompted the subsequent retaliations by the United States. War is hell, the last resort after all else fails, but sometimes in the real world we are called on to respond. In all the foreign wars we have fought we have never sought land beyond enough to bury our dead, who died to preserve the liberties we enjoy and which some now take for granted.

Fritz Corrigan ’64 Edina, Minnesota

It was with some trepidation that I scanned the letters written in response to DAM’s excellent veterans issue. I found reaction that was positive and some reasoned comments that veered off to the left, but whatever possessed you to publish the insulting and judgmental letter from Ken Meyercord ’66, who chose to describe our alumni vets as “war criminals?” I served in Vietnam just after the Tet Offensive in 1969 as an Infantry officer, skated on the hockey team with Bill Smoyer ’67, who died in ’Nam, and had classmates who served honorably in combat and support positions there. My son (a captain in the 75th Ranger Regiment) is on his third deployment to Afghanistan after a one-year tour in Iraq. Perhaps Meyercord is the one who can determine what is a “justifiable,” moral war and therefore can identify the war criminals from the rest of society. I would enjoy the thought of a local police officer responding to criminal behavior at Meyercord’s residence and deciding whether or not taking action was worth risking his life. If our protectors, who are the real patriots and take an oath to defend our citizens both home and abroad, were each to decide which war to fight, we would no longer exist as a country.

Peter Rosser ’67 Bedford, New Hampshire

It is not surprising that the rhetoric of those with a disdain for the military has not changed much in years. It is also an ironic truism that their right to pontificate from some supposedly higher (read arrogant) moral plane has been guaranteed by those who served in the armed forces in the past 240 years. Many of my good friends are Vietnam vets. I guess we are “war criminals,” too. I have two words for people who believe as Meyercord does: You’re wrong.

John Lallis ’69 Gladstone, New Jersey

Thank you for your thoughtfully conceived and superbly well-executed tribute to the men and women of Dartmouth who have served our country with honor and distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I’m aware that the College already makes a sincere effort to recruit and support our veterans—I believe 18 are now enrolled as undergraduates—I can’t help wondering if more could be done. Yes, there are in some cases admissions challenges to be overcome—secondary school education gaps, married student housing, spousal employment, for example—but Dartmouth faced even more daunting challenges in the 1970s when a bold commitment was made to a Native American program that today supports more than 100 undergraduates and earns well-deserved plaudits. How about making a strengthened undergraduate veterans program a meaningful part of the current strategic planning process? And while we’re at it, how about taking a hard look at a rejuvenated ROTC program designed to populate our U.S. military community with more thoughtful, Dartmouth-educated men and women such as those celebrated in DAM’s special issue?

Jim Adler ’60 Norwich, Vermont

More, Please I just got to the May/June 2012 issue of the alumni magazine and want to thank you for encouraging creative writing. I thoroughly enjoyed Jennifer Wulff’s personal history [“New Girl in Town”]. It was moving, perceptive and funny. I hope you will provide more personal histories that veer off from Dartmouth boosterism whenever it is possible.

Charles C. Stuart ’66 Nobleboro, Maine

Out With the Inn We had a wonderful time at our 55th reunion. The College did a great job. The campus looked great. Only one thing was disturbing. The new Hanover Inn [“Campus,” May/June 2012] lobby looks more like an 80th-floor hedge fund reception room than a cozy North Country inn. It is visually unattractive, physically uncomfortable and totally inappropriate to the location.

William Breer ’57 Washington, D.C.