Voices: Military are heroes

August 28, 2008 10:29 pm

— Concerning Larry Wood’s letter (Globe, Aug. 24) on whether those in the military should be honored as heroes, I think he should contrast the hardships, difficulties and self-sacrificing experienced by those in uniform.
Minimum fitness and weight standards must be maintained to keep their position and to be eligible for advancement.
They must leave friends, family and loved ones behind to go wherever needed. They have no choice where they are sent, even if they are married to a service member. They must assign others to assume custody of their children in the event of sudden deployment or if they are assigned a duty station that does not allow family to accompany them.
They forfeit a minimum of six years of life and career advancement to serve our country. When discharged, the veteran receives a plane ticket to the city and state he or she started from and must start over from nothing, without severance pay, a job or medical coverage.
They must travel light, so valuables and keepsakes are not encouraged. Vehicle and home ownership is difficult if not impossible.
They support and defend our Constitution although they have no rights or voice themselves. If a doctor is negligent, there is no lawsuit filed. If a military member becomes unfit for duty, for any reason, they are out of work.
They are paid less than minimum wage, but must be ready at all times to do their duty. They are sent into harm’s way, without bonus pay, and somehow find ways to get the mission done.
Why criticize a good thing done by someone else?
Sherry Woitowitz
Neosho