Re: “Councilman fears Fort Lewis retail plan” (TNT 1-28).

Lakewood City Councilman Walter Neary should make an immediate apology to the Army for his thoughtless and insulting comment concerning plans for retail expansion on Fort Lewis.

There may a legitimate downside this project could impose on Lakewood’s business community, and that should receive rational analysis (as proposed by the deputy mayor and city manager) without rancor towards the military. Nowhere is it set in stone that every dime a soldier has to spend is the exclusive domain for business located in Pierce County.

When I first came to Fort Lewis many years ago, I was in the process of repaying college loans and unable to afford a car. Under those circumstances, leaving post for a few hours wasn’t always an option. It would have been very nice to use the amenities Neary opposes for Fort Lewis, and I firmly believe today’s soldiers deserve more quality opportunities on the installation during their free time.

The councilman did a disservice to Lakewood. That’s something he should think about as I determine where I’ll spend my Army retirement dollars.