I want to communicate a wonderful experience I recently had in a neighboring community.

A young man returned home from Iraq to his loving wife and newborn son whom he had just met, since he was serving his country while his wife was giving birth. There were numerous Vietnam veterans, community members and another group who belonged to a car club, along with Patriot Guard Riders who showed up at his residence — in conjunction with his parents' approval — to surprise him and show him the respect he deserves.

The Patriot Guard Riders are those who protect the families of our fallen heroes from protesters at funerals and memorial services. There is plenty of coverage of protests, anti-war advocates and just plain hatemongers. Why can't our own community honor our returning forces?

As a guest of the members of the car club, I was included in this moving event. There was a procession of motorcycles and cars that made it a festive event, and each person personally thanked him in his or her own way. This young Marine's wife was overwhelmed, saying to us, "We see and hear so many negatives that it is awesome to get some positive feedback.”

Is there someone in our community who belongs to a car club? Is there someone in our community who belongs to a motorcycle club? Any club? Would you like to be a patriot and welcome home one of our combat veterans from overseas? It really doesn't take much time or effort.

The Patriot Guard Riders has a Web site, http://www.patriotguard.org. I was told that if anyone contacts them, they will respond.

I am old enough to remember the "unwelcome" Vietnam veterans received. Let's not let this Iraq/Afghanistan war ruin another generation of our finest young men.

— DeAnna Brown, Camarillo