In the Dec. 8 Whidbey News-Times and Dec. 6 Whidbey Examiner, reporter Justin Burnett documented many concerns about Naval Outlying Field Coupeville and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (hereafter NASWI) arising in recent months.

However I’m sure Ken Pickard has some apologetic explanations to make for his supposedly pro-Navy petition seeking “dialogue” yet has such comments as, “There was hope when NAS Whidbey Island was placed on the BRAC list.”

I propose a better path forward than insults and histrionics.

I think concerned citizens should contact, in a polite and gracious manner, Congressman Rick Larsen’s district office at Wall Street Building, 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 9F, Everett, WA 98201 or call 425-252-3188 and request a research request.

This request should be for Navy Region Northwest to research the costs of alternatives to Coupeville NOLF. Purchase of persons’ property who have hardship should also be considered.

The findings should be made public within six months.

For those fellow patriots wondering how to reply to the progressive agitation, I propose letting us show our love for America by rebutting ignorance and intolerance with information and celebration.

For starters, please join the Facebook group “Americans & Allies In Support of NAS Whidbey Island.”

Second, please join me in contacting Larsen’s office to request the air station please a) start a monthly column from NASWI explaining to the public what NASWI does and b) help us patriots host an open house this summer to brief the public on the vital national defense missions and environmentally friendly practices of the air station followed by celebrating its accomplishments, complete with flying demonstrations.

Let us overcome ignorance and intolerance with information and celebration.

In conclusion, although I know some hearts are troubled when I publicly profess reverence for NAS Whidbey Island to the point one fellow open government advocate wanted me to thank the ACLU for access to public records instead of the U.S. Navy; I feel the U.S. military is what defends America from external tampering.

Therefore the sound of freedom I hear from NAS Whidbey aircraft heading to Eastern Washington from my Sedro-Woolley property is a wonderful sound and the attitude of progressive agitators currently needs adjustment. At the least, the smears toward service members needs to cease and respectful dialogue needs to begin.

Joe A. Kunzler
Sedro-Woolley