Ronny “Tony” Porta, injured by an IED explosion in Iraq, is a very inspirational Marine. He was severely burned, had his right arm amputated and is disfigured. Those who are blessed to know him see the sincere soul beneath the scars. He is a courageous person, and God has a plan for Porta and his family.

I see that through USA TODAY’s article, Porta has already inspired many readers to reflect on what the price of freedom can be.

— James F. Williams

News in general has been so negative lately, but this piece about Tony Porta had a distinctly positive lining. This Marine is making the best of his new life, and he has a lot of good things going for him, such as his wife and child.

This story also touched upon several valuable lessons: We should not forget the sacrifices made by those who served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and we should not forget to treat others well and respectfully, despite their “differences.”

— Billy Snapp

It saddens me to read about one of our heroes being disrespected by the very people he fought for. Porta was ordered to go and served bravely only to return and be mocked.

All I can say to him is thank you, sir, for your service to our country and your sacrifice. May God bless you always.

— Mike Weppner

Letters to the editor:

How ironic that the story on Tony Porta, who was gravely wounded and disfigured in Iraq, was in the same print edition with an editorial cartoon mocking the Bush administration’s false pretense for sending men such as Porta over there (“Disfigured veteran deals with disrespect at home”).

Like him, each of the 2.2 million who have served in the Middle East did the right thing, but those who sent them did not.

Charles Petty; Blairstown, N.J.

Iraq War veteran Tony Porta is a true hero who was burned and disfigured by an improvised explosive device. Shame on those people who have stared at him or made jokes about his disfigurement. Hopefully, future plastic surgery can eliminate the scar tissue that has built up on his face and arms. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You’re still a beautiful person to us, Tony Porta.