I'd like to thank you for the tribute to our fellow nurses serving in Iraq ("Grace under Fire," May 2005). As a soldier in the National Guard, a nursing student, and an LPN, I appreciate being reminded that even though we have conveniences of modern medicine, people elsewhere in the world aren't so fortunate.

Having a brother who was recently in Iraq, I've learned about the devastation of war and feel a strong sense of kinship with both military nurses and doctors and with our troops around the world. If anyone were to ask me whom I see as a hero, I'd say, "Anyone with enough courage and skill to take care of our soldiers during times of war."

I'm a proud member of the Army Nurse Corps who feels honored to provide nursing care to the troops and their families. Nothing is more gratifying than knowing you're caring for service members who are protecting this country. Thank you for spotlighting these often-overlooked heroes: Army nurses who work long hours under dangerous conditions to provide the best nursing care possible.

MATTHEW SCRUGGS, LPN

Greenwood, S.C.

2LT PATRICIA HODSON, RN, BSSN

Fort Hood, Tex.