LETTERS One of us First let me say, my heart goes out to people struggling with gender dysphoria; however, I am troubled by what some would call “positive spin” placed on your articles [in the May/June DAV Magazine ]. It’s clear to me the folks in Michigan were trying to be kind to this veteran. Yet I think the DAV needs to take a hard, long look at ALL the facts, and not just the stuff certain political entities are trying to force on our culture. Your writing needs a more scientific, balanced and valid commentary. Lt. Col. Alfred M. McGowen, Chaplain, USAFR (Ret.) I am a senior transitioning from female to male late in life. I was so heartened to read the article pointing to the bonds of service and bravery that the Michigan chapter of DAV exemplifies in their acceptance and appreciation of Sharon Herron. I wish for a world where personal character and ethics, purpose and drive are important, and gender is no more a concern than eye color. That isn’t always where our society is at this point as a whole, so it makes it so much greater to see these attitudes of acceptance in groups and individuals. Thank you for this positive piece of writing. Liam Carson Thank you for this terrific article. As ignorance and hatred grow ever more pervasive in our country, it is heartening to see that vets still take care of and watch out for each other. I simply can’t imagine any reason why Sharon Herron shouldn’t be accepted, celebrated and helped when help is needed. We really are a Band of Brothers, and Sisters. George O’Hagan, life member, Redmond, Wash. Trailblazing women As a veteran who served three decades, covering every era from Vietnam to the Global War on Terrorism, I am proud of how far DAV has come in terms of recognizing the sacrifices of women veterans. Seeing our sisters-in-arms on the cover [of the March/April DAV Magazine ] is particularly validating for those who encountered resistance when they left the military and wanted to continue to serve through veterans groups. It gives us hope that future generations will be welcomed into the organization and given the same opportunities to contribute as our male counterparts. Wanda Janus, Portland, Ore., via email These women played an integral part in paving the way for women in the military. Every day a woman enters the military, she continues to pave the road for future generations of women veterans. As a veteran, I thank these women who sacrificed so much so that I could proudly serve my country. Darlene Moody, via Facebook Alive Day There are those who believe that making light of the [anniversary of their injury] each year does not assist with the healing process. On the contrary, I believe that making light of it and assigning a day to it is an act of strength. It gives the combat-wounded the opportunity to vent something in defiance, which is much more valuable than holding anything in and much more graceful than letting that particular moment define you every day. Jason Bingham, via Facebook Passing of last Doolittle Raider Thank you [retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dick Cole] for your service! As we say your name aloud, we show you the honor and respect you so rightly deserve. May you rest in peace. May all who knew and loved you be surrounded by blessings of comfort. Noelle George, via Facebook DAV Freedom Award recipient Congrats, Alex [Hussey], and thanks for your service. I was sorry to miss [the winter sports clinic] this year after seeing all the pictures. Until next year, keep on getting out there and living it up, brother. Michael Guilbault, via Facebook Vietnam War Veterans Day Thank you to all the Vietnam veterans. Thank you all who came home, and those who did not make it home alive. Thank you to my brother-in-law who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was not the same person he was before he went to Vietnam, and I’m sure he is not the only one who changed. Mary Bowles, via Facebook I want to also thank all those nurses who held our heroes hands and helped them, whether they were recovering or dying. My husband treasured those women, and words can’t express what their compassion meant to them. Maryann Heiderman, via Facebook WRITE TO US Please send feedback to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, or via email to feedback@dav.org. We also welcome feedback on our Facebook (facebook.com/DAV) and Twitter (twitter.com/davhq) pages. We regret we are unable to acknowledge every letter due to the volume received. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and propriety. Letters involving claims are referred to DAV’s Service Department. 4 DAV MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2019 | DAV.ORG
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LETTERS
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