To the editor:

As a veteran and father of two sons who have served in the military during wartimes.

(As well as my father, uncles, and many others in my family who have served) I am appalled by the treatment from some members in the Polk County Commission of county manager Ryan Whitson, who will soon be returning from a tour of active duty in the military.

To have any debate over him returning to his job or leaving his duties intact is a discredit to Polk County.

These very same politicians hanging political banners every election time (and only during election time) advertising they “support our troops,” and using veterans as objects for their own political gain, are now showing their true feelings regarding our military troops through their treatment of County Manager Whitson.

Actions do speak louder than words. One wonders who they are targeting when they have to remind people that they support the troops.

Perhaps they don’t understand that not agreeing with some of our government’s policies and the support for our troops are very different things. Or maybe they do understand the difference but feel it’s just an easy way of gaining political points.

To all those who have and do serve our country, it would be a disgrace to this county not to return county manager Whitson to his rightful position.

– Ken Brady, Mill Spring