Letter: Fireworks will affect veterans

I wonder if Iowa lawmakers took time to talk to the veterans groups about lifting the restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks?

Many veterans, past and present, have experienced areas of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many veterans have returned home with mental and physical injuries, many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, having witnessed the suicide bomber, IED's, snipers and gunfights. For many, myself included, the sound of large bangs and explosions can send us back to the nightmares and traumas of service in war zones. Explosions bring out the sweats, the tremors, the need to find refuge in our safe 'rooms.”

With the expectation of six weeks in the summer and three weeks in December and January of fireworks being set of at any time, those of us who are surviving post-traumatic stress disorder will be living a hell on earth. Once again, the veterans have been ignored and there was no concern for how the firework free-for-all will affect us.

Paul Wood

Central City