Pat,
I know you think I'm simple, but let me try to explain it to you.
Mr. Reed's, writing makes it clear he was a serving soldier. If you read the whole sentence, I point out that this sort of thing has been going on for a long, long time. I suspect many serving members of the military will feel he has "gone over to the other side." His message has reached you and found fertile ground.
Thank you, however for highlighting and repeating the relevant part.
(and thanks for the laugh!)
Les