The governor and some environmental activists are trying to outlaw low-level training flights by our Air Force and National Guard. I am concerned that we are more interested in the “perceived” environmental pressures than about our safety as a nation.

I am a retired pastor (and a World War II vet) and had the privilege a while ago of officiating at a wedding on the shores of the small lake behind our home. During the ceremony a jet roared over us just above the treetops. Needless to say it drowned out the soloist for a minute but we were all thrilled. Just seconds later a hummingbird went through even lower. We were thrilled again.

We are blessed by these low-level flights occasionally so that the pilots can train to avoid radar contact in this flight pattern. We have to allow training for our pilots to be able to meet the need to be equipped for war. We are then more apt to be free of war.

Please allow our pilots to train realistically. My neighbors and I will be thrilled when that roar goes over; it means our pilots are keeping fit.

Lloyd Rozelle

Guilford