Father speaks up for fallen hero

To the editor:

Sue Niederer recently spoke at the Osage Community Centre. I grieve for her in the loss of her son, 2nd Lt. Seth Dvorin, but also for Seth's father. Dvorin has been credited by his mother with statements that are being used to fuel the anti-war movement. Here's an e-mail from Seth's father that I believe may present a balanced view:

"I am Richard Dvorin, father of 2nd Lt. Seth Dvorin. My son was killed in action on Feb. 3, 2004, in Iraq. Contrary to what his mother has said, Seth was not killed while trying to defuse an explosive device. Seth was a trained and professional soldier and certainly would not put others in harms way. Seth enlisted as part of fulfilling a life dream. He did not receive an enlistment bonus, nor did the military promise to repay his educational loans. We had several discussions about him joining the Army, and Seth was well aware of the dangers. The recruiter never told Seth he would not see combat. I am thankful to the U.S. Army and the men who served with Seth for all they have done for my family and the care they gave to their fallen soldier. Seth's mother has made many statements which she attributes to my son. To that I can only say that Seth was a professional soldier and would never say what he has been reported as saying. Respectfully yours, Richard Dvorin."

CHAD CRAFT, Jackson