TO THE EDITOR:

During the run-up to the general election in November, where he will be up for re-election, I find Sen. Mathews piece, “19 Year Old Cooks?” to be nothing more than a way to get some election year print.

Governor Walz, himself a veteran officer of the MN National Guard, would be the last person to denigrate his fellow service people. His statement was, rather, a compliment to those men and women who may come from any background, including humble private lives, to serve their country. His statement was a way to drive home a point that the Guard is not a full-time standing army, but rather our friends and neighbors who are called on to step up at a moment's notice to serve and protect.

If anything, I think Sen. Mathews owes those in the MN Guard an apology for interpreting Gov. Walz’ message as an insult rather than a reflection of who they are.

Nancy Hassett

Big Lake, MN