From Mike "Gunner" Furgal

Vietnam Veteran, USMC Monroe

To the editor:

As a combat veteran who proudly served this nation in Vietnam, I understand how important it is to have superior defense aviation with which to protect our brave ground troops during combat operations. Yet, as a taxpayer, I understand the concerns regarding the costs to support and ensure the effectiveness of programs in areas such as defense. With a program such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, however, I believe the investment made by the taxpayers is worth it.

It was recently reported that this program has turned a major corner. The cost to build each jet is projected to be cut nearly in half from its initial costs. This certainly demonstrates the commitment of everyone involved with developing the aircraft in responding to concerns regarding costs and working to make the F-35 program much more affordable for both American taxpayers and our foreign allies who are upgrading their own aircraft fleets with the F-35.

The F-35's design team is to be commended for these extraordinary improvements to one of the most important military projects undertaken in our nation's history. Having served on the front lines, I cannot stress enough how critical air defense is in combat operations and the F-35 will catapult our nation ahead of other nations such as Russia and China who are developing their own next-generation aircraft. With the F-35, we will maintain our control of the skies while providing our brave soldiers with the protection they need to carry out dangerous missions.