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Hernando Today

Earl Column Conveniently Forgets History

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 31, 2008

Apparently, Francis Earl has slept through a decade of American history. In her latest pronouncement, she goes to great lengths to defend the American military and its veterans. But she greatly misstates two things.

First, that the present conflict in Iraq is the first time American troops have faced an enemy who didn't wear uniforms. It appears she missed the entire Vietnam War. Yes, for the most part the North Vietnamese troops wore uniforms, but most engagements involved the Viet Cong personnel. They dressed identically to their civilian counterparts. In fact they would work for the U.S. military during the day and at night engage in attacks against our troops.

Another era that Ms. Earl slept through was the benefits available to Korean- and Vietnam-era veterans.

As one who served in Vietnam, I didn't receive full tuition and expenses for college as my father did who was a veteran of World War II. I received a monthly allowance, which was to cover tuition, books and living expenses. The amount I received was barely enough to cover the tuition and books at a community college. Anything more had to come out of my pocket or that of my employer.

There were no large bonuses available when I left service for educational benefits. What has been proposed in Congress is a return to the World War II-type benefit. That proposal would pay tuition at an educational institution and provide an allowance for living expenses and books. The only drawback to the proposed bill is that it would provide full benefits after only three years service. This would be a huge incentive to enlist for three years and then get out and take the benefit.

The bill should index benefits to the length of service. This would reward those who desired to serve longer and still provide some benefits to those who chose not to go beyond the basic enlistment. The American military should consist of those who are willing to serve their county willingly. A military who serves only for money and benefits has another name. They are called mercenaries.

Harry E. Chamberlain

Spring Hill

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