I am writing in regard to “Fallen hero’s family has stronger case,” (Opinion, Michael Smerconish, March 20). I don’t usually respond to articles [or columns], but this one struck a nerve, quite possibly my last nerve.

I am an American soldier currently deployed to Afghanistan with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team/148th Brigade Support Battalion. My brigade has lost eight American heroes from the state of Georgia who died fighting for our country. To think that people like Fred Phelps, who claims to be a man of God, could possibly interfere with their funerals is nauseating, to say the least.

It makes me proud to know that my parents are active Patriot Guard Riders in Georgia and that they keep [Phelps’ followers] away from our fallen heroes.

Spc. Cassandra SchletzCamp Phoenix, Afghanistan