It’s time we denounce politicians that all too often prey on the sorrow of families by twisting the words of others to fit their political agenda.

Florida U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson is the most recent to jump on this wagon of political convenience by criticizing President Trump’s words, “He knew what he signed up for,” to the wife of a fallen hero, Sgt. Johnson. In her ignorance, Rep. Wilson labeled them “insensitive and disrespectful” when they were anything but insensitive and disrespectful.

As a 20-year military veteran who served with in the Submarine Service and with the Fleet Marine Force, let me share with you why President Trump’s words to Sgt. Johnson’s widow only enhance the fallen hero’s bravery and are not demeaning as the congresswoman would have you believe.

I ask you, which shows more bravery, volunteering to go into the military knowing you will likely be sent into combat and potentially be killed or going into the military thinking it will be a picnic and you have no chance of putting your life on the line? I assure you that, with rare exception, all soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen know what they are “signing up for” and do so knowing the potential ultimate sacrifice of their decision.

Had I not been fortune enough to return from Vietnam, my wife would have been honored had the president of the United States said, “He knew what he signed up for” (yet he did so). I believe all military families appreciate the significance of this accolade.

— Chuck Hughes

Salisbury