As an American in the military, I took the oath to protect our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I’m an Air Force veteran, a Department of Defense contractor and a Muslim American. I believe what Spc. Zachari Klawonn is enduring is plain wrong and unprofessional (“Serving his country and testing his faith,” article, March 25).

Truly, I don’t recall any mistreatment while I was serving in the Air Force. They really took care of me, and I gave more than 100 percent in return.

We are at war, and there are radical Islamic cells trying to undermine our way of life and target America. But there are also thousands of Muslim servicemembers and contractors on the front lines fighting for the flag. My work and that of my colleagues has saved the lives of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan through intelligence, linguistics, advice and analysis, critical skills that the U.S. military is in desperate need of. And many of them have given their lives as a result.

The U.S. Army should address this discriminatory behavior seriously, educate troops about diversity and apply the law against offenders, regardless of rank.

We are Americans, and no one has the right to judge us or corner us because of our background or religion. Instead, we must be embraced and welcomed as vital team players in the war on terror. The last thing we need is for terror to be brought upon us by fellow Americans. In the end, this is what the terrorists want!

It is enough that the enemy calls us traitors. My family was persecuted back home for my affiliation with the U.S. military.

Omar EzzaidiCamp Victory, Iraq

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