Editor,

Terry Sparks’ recent letter is an attack on all veterans. He attacks Clyde Shavers’ military record and volunteering, and praises Greg Gilday’s dangerous voting record. He mentions that Greg Gilday has been “fighting to ensure every veteran gets the benefits and care they deserve.”

This is false. Instead, Mr. Gilday voted “no” on a bill that would have exempted the spouses of active-duty military and disabled veterans from paying WA Cares premiums which could have saved them hundreds of dollars.

Mr. Sparks falsely accuses Mr. Shavers of living in Kirkland. In fact, Mr. Shavers owns a small apartment unit in Kirkland to support his father and mother. He understands the challenges of unaffordable housing, and he’s fighting to make sure every family can own a home. He even volunteers every week at the Skagit Friendship House, a faith-based organization that serves the homeless and working poor, by donating and cooking food. While supporting his parents, he lives in Oak Harbor, and he’s proud of it.

Mr. Sparks mentions that Mr. Shavers is “living well while working for a volunteer nonprofit group.” Contrast that to Mr. Gilday who tried to profit from putting a sewage plant in the heart of Stanwood and held the city hostage for $835,000 in a dispute.

Mr. Shavers was able to afford education by attending the U.S. Naval Academy and law school using the GI Bill from his military service. Mr. Sparks attacks the non-profit Whidbey Veterans Resource Center (WVRC) that’s dedicated to serving our veterans. As a board member, Clyde Shavers supports free transportation to VA hospitals and clinics, support groups for veterans, and VA benefits assistance. More than 85% of donations and 100% of grants to the WVRC go directly back to veterans. Mr. Shavers puts his money where his mouth is. He dedicates his time and money to make sure veterans get the services they deserve.

Mr. Sparks attacks his military record by pointing to pictures and online sources falsely accusing Mr. Shavers of not achieving his rank. If he had just looked at the campaign’s Facebook page, he would have seen a photo of Mr. Shavers as a Lieutenant. If he had just read the campaign’s “Meet Clyde” page and numerous letters to the editor, he would have read that Mr. Shavers served in the Navy for eight years.

Mr. Sparks falsely accuses Mr. Shavers of having no ties to Washington. Mr.Shavers grew up in Washington. Since leaving to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, the longest time he has spent in one location is during his naval service in the Middle East or Southeast Asia. In fact, he just came back from serving in the Middle East for the second time last year.

I believe candidate quality is most important – and we know that Clyde Shavers is definitely the better candidate. As the son of a police officer and U.S. Marine, Mr. Shavers grew up in a family dedicated to public service. Life-long public service is in his blood, and he’s going to fight for us in Olympia. Let’s look beyond political party and Mr. Sparks’ false and ridiculous attacks. Let’s elect veterans who put our community and country first – vote for Clyde Shavers for District 10 State Representative.

Patricia Rose, Maj Gen, USAF, retired

Coupeville