In response to “Feeling of entitlement” (letter, March 8): A soldier complaining about what award he received is completely, no doubt, ridiculous. So is any soldier complaining about what award another soldier received.

We are not here to get medals. We are here to humbly serve our country. That humility of service comes with an understanding that, no matter your role in the system, you do your job to the best of your ability. The whole force here gets the job done, with hundreds of job specialties and rates all working as one to complete the task. The base is supplied, defended and operated by these servicemembers.

You don’t deserve a medal for your actions. You are awarded a medal from your commanders. If a commander thinks a servicemember performed at the level that should be awarded with a medal, he receives that medal.

In the 21st century, with the technology we use to wage war, you will find that the NCO in the air-conditioned office is fighting the war.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua MillerCamp Victory, Iraq