Motives questioned

In the noted article, Jim Piccillo stated, "If Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite really wants to curry favor with veterans she needs to do it with her votes, not by issuing tax-payer funded certificates."

What is Mr. Piccillo's motive to fault her for certificates of recognition if not for his votes since he admits he is running against her in the coming election? Mr. Piccillo's intent seems to be more at "issuing taxpayer funded certificates" than the purpose of recognition for the military service of female veterans. Sixteen certificates were presented to the veterans and a limited number were mailed. This was not a mass mailing.

He also stated, "I'm not faulting for recognizing veterans - who certainly deserve the honor - except when it comes to playing politics with veterans." Congresswoman Brown-Waite has a proven record of honoring veterans, e.g., the three annual veterans fairs she has hosted for the benefit of veterans. She does not have to curry favor with a limited number of certificates.

This comes down to his motives for faulting her in this isolated case. Smacks of politicking to me. If he thought so much about veterans, why pick on this event honoring female veterans to express his disapproval about the congresswoman's honorable intentions. He should be examining his own motives.

Mr. Piccillo is sounding off at a time when he should be campaigning about issues other than veteran affairs. I for one would not vote for a person who is disguising his political aspirations behind an issue that could create waves among the veteran population. In my opinion, I believe he is faulting her intentions to further his own quest for her seat.

It seems to have escaped his awareness that female veterans are truly worthy of recognition. On the second anniversary of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service in 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated, "History will record that the WAVES fulfilled a great purpose."

During wartime there was nothing more important than the will to serve our country during a time when all "hands" were needed to bring the war to an early end. The females who volunteered for the military during World War II and the more recent conflicts are still volunteering their services - at schools, hospitals, hospice facilities, presenting scholarships, et al.

The certificates that I received on Jan. 20 at the Brooksville Elks was greatly appreciated and the recognition made me feel honored.

Lee C. Lund

Spring Hill

U.S. Navy WAVES

World War II veteran