Educated force

RÓISÍN PEDDLE needs to get her facts straight (Irish Examiner letters, July 12).

The US forces fighting terror are the best educated in US history. More than 95% are high school graduates in all the services. Many have college degrees and doctorates.

It is a rarity to find a serviceman or woman who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan who feels that the mission there is not worthwhile.

Ms Peddle may be interested in the ethnic breakdown (as of July 1) of US fatalities in the war on terror. Of the 2,528 killed, 1,866 (or 74%) were Caucasian, 252 were black Americans (10%) and 283 were Hispanic Americans (11%). The remainder were other races or unknown. Ms Peddle may not want to join us in this battle, which is her right, but we will persevere.

Bill Hurley

59 School Street

Hyannis

Massachusetts 02601

USA