As a Brewer native and 30-year naval veteran, I was raised to believe that one should always attempt to separate the “wheat from the chaff” when viewing events and before openly expressing views.

Since returning from eight months in Iraq and being subjected to reading “know-it-all” comments from peace activists and other Bash Bush vigil groups, I believe it is necessary to relay a few facts. I say facts because I was there, unlike Jane McCloskey (“Fogginess about Iraq,” BDN letter, Nov. 7) and other anti-war groups’ alleged views of our fighting men and women and civilian contractors.

Fact one: I can proudly state that I never once heard of any serviceman (other than those under disciplinary action) ever resent private contractors. As a matter of fact, the convoy commanders welcome additional civilian contractors assisting in the security for Iraq operations.

Likewise, many civilians assist our troops in so many other ways and are respected for what they are doing. They do not “cowboy around shooting civilians” and believe it or not, they are under the direct operational command and control of our military leaders and will pay a heavy price if they attempt to violate military directives.

Fact two: The private contractors in Iraq (both U.S. and foreign) are not corrupted because of the huge amounts of money to be made from Halliburton. All contracts are issued, controlled and funded through our military (yes, military) Accounting-Contracting branch. Competitive bidding is always performed.

It is true that Halliburton’s subcompany, KBR, was formed out of Kuwait to establish Iraq infrastructure. They were the only company fully capable and on-scene with equipment and experience necessary to perform the job at hand. Thus was also true when they built many logistical refinery sites in Saudi Arabia after the attempted invasion by Saddam into Kuwait.

Fact three: All civilian personnel heading for employment in Iraq receives a complete employment package including job description, housing, logistics, vacation and financial requirements before they leave the United States (or another foreign country).

The main unknown factor in the amount of salary is predicted on “overtime.” No one can anticipate that and thus salaries are fluid. There is always accountability and to say otherwise is untrue. Workers from the Philippines and other Third-World countries are not “lured” in for employment, but rather are provided an opportunity for employment not only in Iraq but in the United States.

All of these workers cherish this opportunity to provide an income for their families who are struggling in their home countries.

Fact four: While I hate to be a deliverer of bad news to peace activists, out troops do not view the commander in chief as “foggy” in his policy of treating insurgents (we call them cowards). I have visited some ties and with the exception of a few isolated incidents, our troops have clear decisive military guidance-directives on handling “cowards” and to violate this policy will bring quick punishment.

Fact five: I urge the anti-war activists to go to Iraq and view the hundreds of new schools, hospitals, banking establishments, sanitation facilities, women with new freedoms and so many other good accomplishments which our troops are so proud to discuss and support. It is a shame that so few listen or so few editorials are printed to cover these many new accomplishments.

A coward’s bomb always gets the attention. Such a shame indeed.

Unlike McCloskey, I am proud to be an American and can speak for all of the good Iraqi citizens along with our troops who have a difficult mission but are proud to complete it.

Thomas W. Kelly III is a retired Navy captain who lives in Blue Hill.