Letters to the Editor for Tuesday, February 10
European and Mideast editions
(EDITOR’S NOTE: These are the letters that appeared in each edition of Stripes on this publication date. Click here to jump ahead to the Pacific edition letters)
Committed to security pact
A Feb. 7 article by Ashley Rowland, "FOB Delta not just enduring — it’s growing," suggests there may be uncertainty regarding the future of the base. With the implementation of the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement, the future is clear, not only for Forward Operating Base Delta, but for operating sites across Iraq. No later than June 30 of this year, U.S. combat forces will be withdrawn from Iraqi cities. No later than the end of 2011, U.S. forces are scheduled to redeploy from Iraq.
As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently testified before Congress, the security agreement balances the interests of both countries as a sovereign Iraq emerges and assumes full control of its territory. The U.S. and Multi-National Force-Iraq are committed to full and transparent implementation of this historic agreement.
Col. Anne R. Morris, MNF-I spokeswoman
Baghdad
Why print ‘Candorville’ strip?
Someone sent me the "Candorville" cartoon [with references to the "n" word] from the Feb. 4 edition of Stars and Stripes.
I am a bit confused as to why the paper decided to run that cartoon. Many individuals have gathered around it stating their opinions about it and the majority of it was anger for it being in the paper.
For me, I do not know what the artist is trying to say, and that, I know, you cannot answer. However, I believe someone on the staff should have contacted the artist and asked the question before the decision was made to run it. "What is my audience suppose to learn from it?" Especially that last window [in which Richard Pryor is shown using the "n" word].
Richard Pryor did make a decision not to use the word, and as far as I know, never did use it again all the way up to his death. So now, after death, he comes back and I guess even after life, they are using that word.
Just trying to understand.
Kenneth Taylor
Washington, D.C.
Lack of black leaders
The writer of "Why no black commandants?" (letter, Jan. 28) has finally spoken up and said what a lot of us in the military have already pondered.
While race is not a determining factor of who will succeed in the position of leadership, it is not too often that we have blacks in key leadership positions (general officers), which is a huge disappointment to many, considering the military now has about a 17 percent black population. Since 2003, the military recruiting of black enlisted and officers has continued to drastically decline.
The lack of black leaders is a large part of this as it shows our younger black servicemembers that no matter how hard they try, the system is still against them. As the demographics of America change, so will the military, and finally more blacks will be given the opportunity to achieve those leadership ranks instead of being judged by their race.
Sgt. Mark Cronan
Fallujah, Iraq
Pacific edition
Helping those with PTSD
The writer’s views in "About the ‘mental health card’ " (letter, Jan. 29) clearly do not represent those shared by Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Multi-National Force-Iraq or the Department of Defense. Further, they do not reflect the U.S. Army Medical Command’s attitudes toward mental illness or the brave men and women enduring through post-traumatic stress disorder or other combat-related mental illnesses.
The military has always asked a great deal of its servicemembers and, like the generations of patriots before them, our current-day warriors have risen to the challenge in a time of war. Unfortunately, warfare is associated with the risk of behavioral health symptoms and illnesses. Privileged to be health care providers, we encourage servicemembers to make ready use of behavioral health services rather than perpetuate stereotypes of healthy individuals invoking factitious symptoms for secondary gain. Health care providers are bound by honor and our profession to understand, appreciate and manage the frailties of the human mind and body. To this end, we must recognize the significance of behavioral health disorders if we have any hope of treating them.
It is important we convey our support to those suffering from behavioral health illness. It is also important we encourage those afflicted to seek appropriate care. Finally, it is important your readers understand this letter more accurately reflects the views of military medicine.
Dr. (Col.) Steven Braverman, Deputy surgeon for clinical operations
Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Baghdad
A proud, diverse America
The author of "Overcoming labels, stereotypes" (letter, Feb. 4) criticized the Marine who has a dream. I, too, share his dream.
I will also be proud to see a Hispanic-American become president of the United States, just as I’m proud that we have the first female four-star general, Ann Dunwoody, commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command; African-American Maj. Gen. Dennis Via, commander, U.S. Communications-Electronics Life Cycle Management Command; retired Gen. Eric Shinseki was the first Asian-American to be Army chief of staff and now secretary of Veterans Affairs; and Gen. John Abizaid, former commander of U.S. Central Command, an Arab-American.
These great Americans reflect a great nation. I’m also proud that many official applications ask what race and/or ethnicity the applicant is. America recognizes diversity.
I beg to differ that the use of African-American or any other hyphenated American "delineates the walls we strive to tear down." We have struggled to raise awareness of the contributions of Americans of different ethnicity. So I ask you to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian-Pacific Heritage Month and African-American Heritage Month. Do not hate, appreciate!These celebratory months are not just for those ethnicities to celebrate their heritage, but for all Americans to appreciate and experience the great diversity of the U.S. This is not self-imposed segregation, it’s America. Love it, relish it and enjoy it.
Shaheed Simms
Heidelberg, Germany
Excessive drinking by troops
Germany is a great place to be deployed. It is located in the hub of Europe and offers vast opportunities to travel and enjoy the beautiful countryside. The German people are very friendly toward Americans and to our troops. Germany is a nice place to party and have fun. We, as soldiers representing the United States and its military, however, must not lose sight of our mission: to defend our country and take care of our wounded warriors and comrades.
Many soldiers do an excessive amount of drinking. That may be difficult not to do, because Germany is well-known for its great beers and fine wines. Drinking beer is also part of the German culture. We can still party and "get high" on social interactions and good friendships. We can get high on life without having to get intoxicated with alcoholic beverages. I have never seen so much drinking. Many of our troops do not know when to stop.
I enjoy an occasional glass of wine or a bottle of beer. Three drinks is my limit. Many troops drink all night. Excessive drinking is not only habit-forming, but also lessens our inhibitions and leads to other risky and dangerous behaviors.
Anyone who has to drink more than three or four drinks a night, three or more times a week, should consider cutting down or seeking counseling because they are on the verge of having a drinking problem.
Lt. Cmdr. Simon P. Pignataro, Registered nurse/family therapist
Landstuhl, Germany
Why were civilians excluded?
I am a retired soldier serving with an attack helicopter battalion in Iraq as an instructor pilot.
The soldiers were treated to a lift in the ban on alcohol consumption during the telecast of the Super Bowl with two beers. What a good morale booster, which allowed them to relax a little and feel more at home while serving in Iraq. I applaud whoever decided to do this for the soldiers.
As a civilian who volunteered to support this unit, and as a retired soldier who served more than 22 years in the Army, I fall under the same restrictions and regulations the soldiers do, for the most part. Specifically under this topic, I am restricted from any alcohol consumption/possession as are all of the military serving in theater.
Maybe it was a shortage in supplies, or maybe it was a local directive, but why weren’t the civilians serving in theater allowed the same privilege? It is disrespectful to all of us supporting the war who volunteered to serve here. Most of us work the same hours, live in the same accommodations, and sit in the same shelters as soldiers when there is a rocket or mortar attack. We faithfully serve our country even after retirement, and some of us directly support and follow a unit wherever it goes.
The Super Bowl is over, the beer is gone, but not the disrespect given to us still serving faithfully. Two beers is just enough to remind some of us of home, to feel a little better about what we are giving up to be here, and more, to bond a little more with the soldiers we serve. A small thing, but a bigger impact on morale than can be realized. So why was that privilege denied?
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rich Hanberg (retired)
Joint Base Balad, Iraq
Couldn’t wet whistle like GIs
I just want to comment on the Super Bowl celebrations. I think that it was an excellent idea that Gen. Ray Odierno decided to allow soldiers to have a couple of beers during the Super Bowl. The troops absolutely deserve to sit back, relax and enjoy a couple of drinks while watching the game with their brothers in arms.
My only quarrel is why this courtesy wasn’t extended to civilians. I tried to understand the possible reasons that were given to me, but I don’t think it was very fair to ban civilians from fully participating in the celebration.
I can understand banning third-country nationals or local nationals for security reasons, but I am an American, or does that not mean anything out here? The majority of U.S. civilians here are either prior service or combat veterans. We were hired because of our experiences gained while serving in the armed forces. Though we may work for a civilian company, we have been here for extensive periods of time, abide by military rules and regulations, and support the U.S. and coalition forces fully — just like our troops. We are separated from our families, disconnected from society and endure the same living conditions as our servicemembers.
Please don’t misunderstand. I am in no way whining. It’s just I thought we are all in the same boat.
Rolston Burton
Sather Air Base, Iraq
