This is my first letter to the editor of what I consider the best credit union publication ever published. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are two of our most important assets that we own as free men in a wonderful free country. A third most valuable asset we have as free men in a free society is the rule of law and the rule of innocent until proven guilty. Publisher Mike Welch's column in the February 18th issue of Credit Union Times was one-half truth and one-half false and based upon alleged incidents stated in a lawsuit that as of this date does not have a judge assigned to the case. Half of Welch's column hits the nail on the head for what the responsibility of a board should be. The big error in the column was using my name without talking to me and finding out the facts before shooting from the hip. I suggest you set up a forum with our fellow credit union people to air all the charges brought against me. I will be there. John V. Loudermilk Retired CEO and Member Jet Credit Union Indianapolis, Ind. (Editor's Note: Repeated attempts to locate and talk to Loudermilk were unsuccessful. See related story on page 40.)