Letters to the Editor: Readers react to gun control legislation, veteran caregiving needs

FILE - Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gives the State of the State address in the Ohio House chambers at the Ohio Statehouse on March 12, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Samantha Madar/The Columbus Dispatch via AP, Pool)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

FILE - Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gives the State of the State address in the Ohio House chambers at the Ohio Statehouse on March 12, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Samantha Madar/The Columbus Dispatch via AP, Pool)

A recent front page headline was about Gov. DeWine‘s presence in Dayton promoting DeWine’s war against violent criminals.

This is the same guy who in 2019 proposed STRONG OHIO, reasonable, and rational gun control legislation in response to the horrific mass shootings that occurred in Dayton in 2019 in the Oregon District.

Once introduced DeWine never aggressively pursued his own legislation and, not surprisingly, the Ohio legislature killed DeWine’s STRONG OHIO initiative.

Not only that, in March 2022 DeWine signed Senate Bill 215 which eliminated existing legislation requiring training, background checks, licensing and a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

And now all of a sudden, he’s going to be tough on those who unlawfully possess firearms?

DeWine’s legacy is clear. He introduced STRONG OHIO gun legislation as a political stunt he knew would never get through the Ohio legislature. He signed Senate bill 215 so as not to impede his election effort in 2022. A consummate politician. His personal interests trumped the people’s interests every time.

- Alan Schaeffer, Dayton

Attending the 2025 Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Heroes & History Makers celebration in Washington, DC, reminded me how powerful it is when caregivers step out of the shadows and share their stories. As the caregiver of my husband, Dwayne, a U.S. Air Force retired veteran, I know how easily caregiving can consume your life. When Dwayne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after returning from the Gulf War, our lives changed dramatically. His care needs increased, and it became apparent that I had to choose caregiving over employment. Management of his medical needs and therapies was necessary to help him stay active and connected to the veteran community.

Becoming a Dole Caregiver Fellow changed everything. EDF introduced me to resources I didn’t know existed and connected me with other caregivers who understood the unique challenges we face. Through their programs and peer support, I found guidance, confidence, and a community that helped me navigate the most challenging moments of this journey.

Here in Ohio, thousands of people are fulfilling caregiving roles without realizing they’re caregivers. I hope they see themselves in my story and reach out to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. When caregivers have support, our veterans and our communities are stronger.

- Jeanette Ezell, Dayton


This is an aerial of downtown Dayton skyline looking northeast. The warm early autumn weather will continue until cool weather moves in over the weekend. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

Credit: JIM NOELKER

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Credit: JIM NOELKER

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