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Letters to the Editor It should be squarely be put on the shoulders of the previous administration- before 2000 and Congress since. It also should be put on the special interests affecting the Army's ability to buy the CORRECT armor for our soldiers. I am a Navy Reservist and in Kuwait in support of Iraqi Freedom on 04-05. I DO understand the outrage. I have also seen the majority of soldiers having their armor necessary to fight. Shortages have been festering when Congress holds back money. We as the American Legion SHOULD respond to that. The best way to make ourselves heard is to keep prodding our representatives in the U.S. Legislature to push for the right armor until it's given; push for the funds to be used to support new innovation then be rapidly deployed in theater. We should bug them everyday until our service members on the field get the proper supplies to fight and finish this war. We also need to unleash the defense industry to support not only our needs but the needs of the Iraqi Soldiers. This will benefit our economy as well as theirs. That is where the Iraqi oil revenue could pay for its defense. We also need to support those fallen and wounded in battle with less red tape and welcome them home wherever throughout these 50 states they come from. Most of this is already being done; but more needs to be done - better and with more diligence. Patrick O'Brien
It has been our dream to take our clients to visit the Wall for many years. We have made several unsuccessful attempts to raise the money in the past to fulfill this dream. Because of the American Legion's generosity, our clients will be able to participate in the healing journey to the Wall. Many of our clients suffer from PTSD and have not been able to make this journey alone. This will allow us to create a safe and supportive environment in which our clients can participate in another step in their recovery. Thank you for all of your work in supporting Ohio veterans. Vivian Vasser |