As logistics support area camp commander, I, along with my command sergeant major, vehemently detest the hateful, offensive graffiti that routinely shows up on the walls of the transient latrines here, especially since they were cleaned and painted during our relief in place/transfer of authority (“Graffiti surprises, saddens,” letter, Sept. 14). We certainly don’t have those problems with permanent-party billets here and we, like the letter writer, find it incredible and offensive that in this day and age there can be so much hateful virulence written on public walls anywhere.

I agree that it’s intolerable, and we will fix it quickly. Our plan is to offer the Joint Enlisted Council the opportunity to paint the walls as its next project, using “graffiti-proof” paint we just purchased. These young male and female enlisted sailors, soldiers, Marines, airmen and our coalition friends can set the example, as they did on our campwide clean-up two weeks ago, and discover that by continuing to work together they can overcome old hatreds, prejudices and stigmas. The leadership will be there in a supporting role with paintbrushes in hand and we encourage all servicemembers to take part in this unifying effort.

I’m confident our young servicemembers will come together over this clean-up project and, while doing so, will retain this strong bond of friendship they have painstakingly built across genders, races, branches, services and even countries.

My concern is about the concerted efforts of all leaders to ensure we reach all servicemembers and civilians representing the U.S. to reinforce that it’s not OK to deface public property with small-minded, closed-hearted thoughts and words.

Lt. Col. Larry TerranovaLSA mayor cell commanderAli al Salem Air Base, Kuwait