I have nothing but sympathy for Cathy D'Amato ("Remember troops when deciding to extend war," Sept. 16). She must miss her brother terribly and be very disappointed that he may miss out on the holidays. Being the daughter of a career Marine, I understand the frustrations felt when return dates are changed, extended or uncertain. Ms. D'Amato stated, "Ideologies aside, our troops deserve to come home ... They deserve to be sent home when they were promised to be sent home." What I take issue with is Ms. D'Amato's use of the word "deserve." Soldiers (or sailors or Marines) are unlike civilians. They sign up to do what their commanding officer deems necessary, based ultimately on the decisions of the commander in chief. This is explained to them when they enlist.

What they do deserve is the unqualified support of the civilian populace for doing one of the hardest (and most important) jobs there is. It is not the soldiers' job to question where they are sent or for how long. If the exigencies of war lead to an extension of their tours, well, that's what they signed up for as members of the armed services.

My thoughts are with Ms. D'Amato's brother and all our troops for a safe return home when the commander in chief determines it is time.