My 40-year Department of Defense career was entirely in the trenches but with random Forrest Gump experiences. I had the tremendous honor and privilege to serve in times and circumstances that proved consequential.

I worked with the White House Situation Room and a number of real-time crises, including 9/11. I admire President Joe Biden as a selfless defender of our nation. But it’s imperative that he pass the torch to a new generation.

I’m frustrated that campaign discussions have not emphasized the duties of the president as commander in chief in crisis. The responsibilities are not simply to engage the daily global political calendar. It is most critical to be able to be awakened at 2 am after a busy day to confront and deal instantly with existential threats with energy, sharpness and brilliance, and maintain that state for hours, days and months with little sleep and respite.

I just read a book about Ukraine President Zelensky’s initial months of coping with Russia’s invasion and it details his sleepless stamina that proved critical.

There are many other examples. Woodrow Wilson’s stroke, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decline and Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer's while in office were times of great risk to our national security with no fault of those great men.

At 78, Donald Trump, with deeply questionable character, delusion of truth and intent, is especially unqualified. Biden needs to yield with honor to a younger capable candidate for the sake of the nation.

Jim Holt

Bayfield