Flavia,
I just came back from visiting 3 young Marines at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio. I had never met them before that day, but I will never forget them. They are the young and the brave, and the best our country has to offer. They have done all that has been asked of them by leaders who have not done the same when it was their time to serve. Please honor these young Americans by continuing to do all you can, so when the last Marine comes home, you, along with Jack Murtha, can say: "We did not forget them. We did all we could."
Respectfully,
Sgt G.J. Duran
USMC, New Orleans
________________
We need to measure success with hard numbers. We are "bowling in the dark". Without metrics we cannot make the best decisions as it regards to drawing down. This "slow bleed" is hurting our families and can effect morale in a negative manner. This will lead to attrition of force numbers, a reduction in recruitment numbers, and it leaves the men and women in the field without adequate reinforcements. Something as simple as winning or losing is indiscernable to the average citizen. This is wrong.
We must keep our promises. The leadership in DC is attempting to impose commissions and spending bills that will ultimately reduce military benefits and the Department of Veteran Affairs funding. These programs are committments made--not welfare. The servicemen and women have worked hard keeping our promise to defend this country. All we ask is for the same committment from those who send us to war.
We need accountability. The last thing a soldier or his family should have on their mind is faulty equipment. As families ready for deployment, unfortunately it is in the back of our minds. It is the responsibility of our leadership to provide the best equipment to its troops and to correct deficiencies. We cannot fight this war "on the cheap". We owe it to the troops to hold those responsible for sending us into harms way with inadequate armor accountable for their actions and inactions. We owe it to the troops and their families to investigate this.
We need to increase the size of our force. Right now we are spread too thin. Many hardworking men and women are asked to go back for a second and third tour. This puts an undue strain on the military families at home. These military families have done more than their share and should not be penalized for a failure to plan ahead. Hurricane Katrina spotlighted the glaring gap in our readiness created by the over extension of forces. People like my wife, a first-responder as a sheriff's deputy, were tasked with jobs reserved for the National Guard. Inadequate force size leaves us vulnerable at home. It doesn't have to be this way.
We need to utilize all resouces available to the United States to avert war. Unending war only weakens this country. The economy, the environment, dependence on foreign sources of energy, healthcare and AIDS funding, and every issue that affects not just the people of Louisiana, but every American as they take a backseat to the funding of this war. By employing a strong and smart diplomatic effort, America can deal from a position of strength and increase her respect in the world. Respect and strength leads to a de-escalation of conflict, and allows America's leaders to focus on issues that need more attention.
We must take care of the military family. TRICARE should be extended to all servicemembers. As the National Gaurdsmen and reservist shoulder more of the load in this war, it is only fair to cover them and their families for the extraordinary service they have given to our country. It is the right thing to do and they deserve it. In addition, due to the increased responsiblity placed on our veterans, it is important that we recognize their years of hard work by lowering the retirement age to 55 from 60. It is also of vital importance that we institue a pay increase to reflect the current cost of living for our servicemembers. This will increase moral and show our committment to them for a job that only few would do.
I hope this helps. These are by and large needs and issues that should be bi-partisan, but its good to see the democrats take the lead on these issues that affect so many families living in our state and everywhere.
Well said, Duran! You know, none of us regular citizens are being asked to make ANY sacrifices for this supposedly "crucial" war. We can go about our lives as if our nation is not engaged in a war that our president insists is vital to all of our interests. The only ones having to sacrfice are our military and their familes. Thanks Flavia and JD for trying to keep them on people's minds.
Posted by: lulu at April 3, 2006 07:49 PM