Our son is a career Air Force noncommissioned officer who has spent deployments in Iraq and Uzbekistan. While we don't support this war, we certainly support our troops. Therefore, we're appalled at the classification of the Air Force report on the burn pit at Balad Air Base ("Military mum on dirty air in Iraq," Tribune, Nov. 23).

The danger for our troops from improvised explosive devices, snipers, etc. is grave enough. But to be put in danger by our own stupidity and then cover it up and ignore the problem is unconscionable. How can the report possibly affect national security, unless it shows serious toxic exposure for our troops and the Iraqi people?

The Pentagon's denial of the lack of protective equipment for service people, its past denials of the effects of radiation exposure to the downwinders, Agent Orange, post-traumatic stress disorder and Gulf War Syndrome -- all of which have proven hazardous to health -- has ruined its credibility. Congress should demand an immediate accounting from the Department of Defense on this matter.

What illnesses will our son and others contract from their exposure to this toxic smoke over the next 20 years?

Donald J. Ries and Linda B. Ries

Salt Lake City