To the editor:

As a former U.S. Army National Guard member, I take great exception to the way Joe Biden and his new administration treated and referred to the 25,000 National Guard members on duty in Washington D.C. Those military members were assigned from a number of states to provide security and protection during this week’s inauguration activities, culminating in the inauguration of President Biden.

While news media stated that 12 members of the Guard were relieved, because of certain “concerns” after being vetted by federal authorities, that number pales in comparison to the overall number of troops assigned for security and safeguard during the inauguration activities.

Joe Biden said he was actually afraid of the U.S. military members assigned there to protect and safeguard him. This comment was disrespectful to all who honorably serve or served in the U.S. military and a “very questionable” comment from our new commander and chief. Joe Biden than calls for “unity” while disrespecting service members and their mission… to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

It is of utmost importance that we heal the divisions in our country and I sincerely hope this new administration can do that. The proper rhetoric and action from our President and constitutional leaders in both parties will help set that tone and hopefully let that healing begin.

Thomas Gunderman

Cape Coral