RE: 'Pardon our noise' [Letter, Village News, 6/26/08]

My good Colonel Seaton III, I read your – whoops, it was actually “our” – apology for being a noisy neighbor.

First, it is not necessary for you to give us an education regarding the achievements of our Marines in the current or any other war. American citizens are aware of what they do for us and our country and our appreciation and love for them knows no bounds. They don’t need your words to elevate their stature; they stand tall in their own right.

Second, I wonder how you can be aware of what the “norm” in noise level here was five or more years ago, since you state you have only been Base Commander for two years. While there are laws that prohibit disturbing noise after a reasonable hour from someone’s radio, my home is being raised off its foundation all night long, night after night after night. I live in Fallbrook, not the Iraq war zone. And guess what? Fallbrook was here before Camp Pendleton.

On the subject of “good” neighbors, let’s talk about the Base fires resulting from this heavy duty artillery training. I would much appreciate your using your expertise as an intelligent, high-ranking officer to curtail your fires, thus reducing smoke and falling ash in my neighborhood.

You must realize that people here are a little nervous, with very good reason, when smoke and ash descends on them. Perhaps you might have the Base fire department on hand during training or use fire-retardant drops prior to training.

How about it, good neighbor?

Bonnie Wright