On the Vietnam Memorial at Panel/Line 15W/86 is listed “WILLIS WAYNE JOHNSON.”
He was killed in action on Dec. 23, 1969, in Quang Nam Province, I Corp, Republic of Vietnam. I knew “Willy” Johson. I believe he died to preserve a form of government, flawed as it may be, that offers the best hope for freedom and liberty.
Now some of us can objectively question what my friend died for.
Why do so many now seem to favor the “law ofrulers” instead of the “rule of law?” How can one of our U.S. senators from Alaska, a lawyer and commissioned United States Marine Corps Reserveofficer, be so dismissive of the sacrifice of my friend by comparing the conviction of Donald Trump, who certainly had access to more judicial representationthan I could ever afford, with a Stalinist “show
trial,” using the adage attributed to the Soviets: “Show me the man, I’ll show you the crime?”
How can an Alaska state representative and graduate of West Point ignore his oath as a commissioned Army officer to “keep” the “oath” of an extremist organization apparently more aligned with his current political philosophy and aspirations?
Does character still count?
Apparently not so much, as Donald Trump is preparing to represent the Republican Party as its candidate for president of the United States — a reflection of the change in political reality in America and Alaska.
That said, I will refuse to believe my friend and fellow service member died in vain.
— Lynn Willis
Eagle River
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.