Burial Benefit for Reservists
* Re “Another Perk for the Military, Forevermore,” Column Left, May 17:
As Colman McCarthy sits comfortably in his home tonight, he would do well to thank the National Guard and Reserve personnel who have put their lives on the line so that he can do so.
Amazement. That was my reaction, and I suspect the reaction of most others who read McCarthy’s column begrudging those who have served their country in uniform for 20 or more years a dignified burial in one of our 114 national cemeteries. Perhaps it was the heat of deadline that prompted him to rail against such a justifiable measure or perhaps it is because he is one of the misinformed who still believes reservists are nothing more than “weekend warriors.”
The truth is that the United States cannot go into any level of conflict without the National Guard and Reserves. They account for 44% of the Army’s combat power (soon to be 54%) and 62% of the tactical airlift.
To call reservists’ service “meaningless” is an affront to every person in uniform. Was it “meaningless” when the Reserves, as part of the total force, responded to Iraqi aggression in the Persian Gulf? Was it “meaningless” when they left behind their families to fight in the brutal climate of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam and in the Pacific and European theaters of World War II? Is it “meaningless” when they put their lives on hold to keep order and provide humanitarian aid during hurricanes, floods, riots and other national emergencies?
The new statute will result in less than 500 additional burials annually. What is important is that these reservists have earned the right to be laid to rest in a national cemetery.
REP. G.V. (SONNY) MONTGOMERY
Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
D-Miss.
* It was disappointing to read McCarthy’s complaints about the benefits given to military reservists. He seems to think that reserve duty is “easy.” Apparently he has never seen a reservist inside a tank when the temperature is 117 degrees (tanks, contrary to the popular myth, are not air-conditioned). Apparently he seems to think that what we do is “meaningless.” Was our service “meaningless” when the reserves were needed in the Gulf War? Over the past several years California reservists and guardsmen were called up for floods, wildfires, riots and even sent to war. He claims that we see our service in the Guard and Reserves merely as an income supplement. I am asked to “donate” my time to the extent that I am paid for less than half the time I actually spend in uniform. Every time my unit has been mobilized I have had to contend with a reduced income, as my military pay is much lower than my civilian salary. In complaining about the burial benefits for reservists, McCarthy is ignoring the large numbers of reservists and guardsmen who are presently interred in the national cemeteries after dying in combat.
STAFF SGT. COLIN CAMPBELL
California Army National Guard
Altadena
* McCarthy’s article is petty and small-minded. He not only exaggerates the extent of benefits afforded anyone in the armed forces but ignores the requisite level of sacrifice and commitment. With the 50th anniversary of D-day fast approaching, we should be looking for more ways to honor those few who were, and are, willing to give of themselves in the service of their country.
MICHAEL P. ROUNTREE
Burbank