The writer of a letter to the editor (“Who is Metcalfe?” published July 9) egregiously misrepresents the mission and goals of the clean energy campaign Operation Free. As advocacy director for the organization, I appreciate the opportunity to correct the record.

Operation Free is a nonpartisan, nationwide coalition of veterans and national security experts who advocate for securing our nation with clean energy. Along with senior national security and military experts, members of Operation Free agree that oil dependence and climate change pose serious threats to our national security.

Since its founding in 2009, Operation Free has brought together more than 5,000 veterans who feel passionately about energy issues. We’ve provided them with a forum to discuss their service, share their stories and make the case that investments in clean energy improve our military’s operational capabilities, help keep Americans safe at home, and make our troops more secure while they’re carrying out the mission abroad.

When it comes to energy security and keeping our country safe, Operation Free advocates believe politics should not get in the way of progress. America’s clean energy future is too important.