U.S. Troops in Bosnia

As we read the daily accounts of the developing saga, “the crossing of the Sava” and as complaints of our troops are reported as they suffer the hardships of bivouac in rain and, God forbid, snow, we must wonder (Dec. 29): Are those the quiet chuckles of old veterans that we hear?

Can it be that those lucky enough to have survived the crossings of the Rhine, Rhone, Rapido and countless other streams and rivers under unimaginable fire, might have a word or two to convey to their sons and grandsons? Do they whisper in loving concern, “suck it up and get it done, son. And thank whatever gods may be that at least for now you have only the water and the weather to overcome.”

And may it ever be so.

RICHARD G. BERRY

Manhattan Beach

Yes, we must be in Bosnia to assist making peace there, but forget the guns and flak jackets. Our presence should be as volunteers carrying copies of the U.S. Constitution, explaining how respect for individuals’ rights leads to peace. I repeat for emphasis: individuals’ rights, not group rights.

Even people of diverse religions and origins can live side by side in harmony. It is by the U.S. Constitution that Muslim, Christian, Jew, Buddhist and atheist live and work side by side in our great country.

Our Constitution was carefully crafted to promote mutual respect for each other’s rights, and, therefore, to live by laws, and not to gang up on one another. Mutual respect for each other’s rights is the only route to peace anywhere.

This is a great opportunity for us to make a lasting difference, and gain stature while we’re at it. Let’s do it.

SCOTT MANSFIELD

San Gabriel

The following is from a personal phone call received early Christmas morning from Tuzla, Bosnia:

Capt. Malcolm Frost, company commander, Charlie Company, 325th Infantry, wants to personally thank the students at John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica. Their letters were the first ones they received after arriving at Tuzla. They were very much appreciated by all the soldiers. He’d like to encourage the American people to continue their support and keep the letters coming. He and his soldiers are proud to be in Bosnia representing the U.S., and their mission is going well. In fact, he went on to say that his soldiers “are busting their butts” to ensure a successful mission.

There are large numbers of media people in Tuzla, however, all the news is outgoing. Virtually no news is incoming. Capt. Frost asked that any articles from newspapers and magazines concerning the U.S. effort in Bosnia, and especially those articles concerning Charlie Company be sent to them. This includes articles from the last couple of weeks.

Send them to: Capt. Malcolm Frost, for Charlie Company, 3-325 ABCT, Operation Joint Endeavor, APO AE 09789.

Capt. Frost is from the Southland. He graduated from North High School in Torrance in 1984 and from the U.S.Military Academy at West Point in 1988.

RICHARD FROST

Castaic