Geneva Conventions

The reported “rampant confusion” among our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan regarding the applicability of the Geneva Conventions doesn’t surprise me given the two viewpoints expressed by the writers in [“Accountable to the Code,” December 2005].

Perhaps our young men and women, who see their buddies blown to bits daily, are having difficulty finding the weight of their ballot on the scales of justice as expressed in the two viewpoints. Justice in their eyes, regarding their sacrifices versus the creature comforts we give to their captured enemies, is a hell of a lot more important than any pat on the back we may get from the rest of this world — which we are unlikely to receive in any event.

This is a classic example of “left” and “right” political philosophies and how they impact on defense policies. I cannot agree with Rear Adm. John D. Hutson, USN-Ret., that the question of Geneva applicability is so important that our decision should rest on discussions in coffee shops and in schools around the country. On the other hand, after reading all of the “truisms” outlined by Brig. Gen. Thomas Hemingway, USAF, I am convinced that we have already given up too much to satisfy world opinion and the good will of some of our so-called “allies.”

Lt. Col. Donald E. Sawyer, USA-Ret.
Tampa, Fla.

Thanks to Brigadier General Hemingway for his literary equivalent of torture. His is the very same twisted logic used by our current administration to “make the case” for everything that common sense and basic human decency argue against. Our country, and by extension, our military, acts based upon our own moral compass, not some circumstance, geography, or the behavior of others. “Must the United States comply with the Geneva Convention?” Sadly, that the question was even raised says much about the degree to which political expediency and external forces have been allowed to cloud our judgment. We are so much better than that.

Maj. Jeff Anthony, USAR-Ret.
Yorktown, Va.

I grow very weary of hearing the ACLU, Amnesty International, and others complaining of our handling of the detainees. The Geneva Convention states it is an agreement between high signing authorities. Neither the Taliban nor al-Qaida ever signed the convention, therefore it does not apply to their murderous terrorists. I might ask, “When will those agencies ever complain about the kidnapped innocents who have been tortured and beheaded?”

Lt. Col. Jim Kelly, USAF-Ret.
via e-mail

Note of Appreciation

“True Grit” and “Return Flight” [December 2005] were endearing, uplifting, optimistic, and so needed in this period of recriminations about the effects of the ongoing war — especially on our young military.

Margaraeat Roberts Drucker
via e-mail

Misrepresenting the USO

I am not prudish, but couldn’t you find a better representative picture of the USO than a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader [“USO for the Holidays,” “Rapid Fire,” December 2005]? That organization is too great to have this as its only symbol.

Col. Robert L. Vidrick, USA-Ret.
via e-mail

PTSD Dissent

In [“House Slams PTSD Review,” “Washington Scene,” December 2005], MOAA “couldn’t agree more” with the call to cancel reviews of PTSD claims. Well, I couldn’t disagree more with you. I have to assume that you have not read Jug Burkett’s and Glenna Whitley’s magnificently documented volume, Stolen Valor. In part II of this book you will find out about the massive abuse of the VA health care system by, among others, people (note I do not say veterans) claiming PTSD. …

Given the facts documented in Stolen Valor and elsewhere, it is the height of irresponsibility not to look closely at such claims. While MOAA is and should be an advocate for veterans, it cannot be blinded by cries of “insensitivity.” I remember being constantly reminded not to abuse my commissary and exchange privileges so they would still be available in the future. The same logic applies here.

Lt. Col. Patrick R. Glass, USA-Ret.
Westminster, Md.

You’re Welcome

I’m sure I’m not the first to thank you for the MOAA Info Exchange guide on TRICARE pharmacy programs. But, as a retired Naval Reservist who will receive these benefits in about a year, it is an excellent, concise reference for all military retirees. MOAA is a great organization. Your service to our members is without equal.

Capt. John G. McCandless, USNR-Ret.
via e-mail

Belated Honors

I read with great interest and dismay your article on the recent Medal of Honor recipient Tibor Rubin [“Overdue Recognition,” “Pages of History,” December 2005]. What a sad and beautiful story. I was a participant in Big Switch in Korea in 1953 and was in on debriefing a number of our American POWs upon their release from North Korea, and it is outstanding what Rubin was able to do for his fellow POWs. The individual who held up his award should be ashamed of himself. God bless Tibor Rubin.

Maj. Harold Dunmar, USA-Ret.
via e-mail

I question that it is the policy of wisdom to make Medal of Honor awards 50 or 60 years after a war has ended. Too many veterans will regard such belated awards as being political in nature, no matter how well-deserved.

Lt. Col. R.C. Corbyn, USAR-Ret.
Amarillo, Texas

Sharing Memories

[“Christmas Past,” “Encore,” December 2005] is touching in many ways. The imagery provided by the widow of Col. Francis J. Smith Jr. of their daughter standing by for the overseas operator at Christmastime, “all dressed up and wearing her favorite shoes” and clutching her favorite doll, is a very emotional picture. She was anticipating that phone call from her dad serving in the Korean War.

The humor, of course, was that the “nonstop-talking” daughter became speechless when the call arrived. But there is so much more to this account. The pride of the little girl all dressed up just waiting for that overseas phone call is one aspect, the separation at Christmastime of all members of the armed forces who serve our country is another. …

We can only imagine how many times this scene may have occurred in similar homes of overseas veterans. Thank you for printing the story and allowing us to share.

Lt. Col. Dennis L. Dauphin, USAR-Ret.
via e-mail