To the Editor,

I am writing this letter in response to your article “COMtech Gets VA Building” published on Oct. 22. I am appalled at the notion that “a lot of veterans won’t use a clinic in Pembroke ... .”

I am a former United States Marine and a resident of Pembroke. My father, Henry Locklear, served in World War II with the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team 12 (SEAL), participating in some of the most bitterly contested battles of the Pacific. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action.

He was born and raised in the Pembroke area. My oldest brother, Jimmy, whom I am named for, was a paratrooper with the Army’s elite 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He sacrificed his life for his comrades on the battlefield Sept. 4, 1968 and yes, once upon a time, he too was a Pembroke resident.

When I was in the military, we used the same chow hall, the same latrine facilities and the same barracks. Always in close quarters, I cannot recall anyone ever threatening to “go elsewhere” because he didn’t like the individuals or location. We were a team; this was the lesson we were taught.

Obviously, some have forgotten the lessons they were taught. I hope my fellow veterans set aside their petty contentions and come to realize this as an opportunity and a blessing even though it may not be located across their street. Pembroke is just as deserving as any other area to receive the honor of having a Veterans clinic located there.

Jimmy P. Locklear

Pembroke