Long-distance thanks Three years ago during a more than six-month deployment to Africa.

Long-distance thanks

Three years ago during a more than six-month deployment to Africa, Ray Scheffler and his companion Military Affiliate Radio Station operators were the simply way I could contact my wife and kids back to one's home ["The Man from MARS," February 2003] His expertise and knowledge of the classification brought a lot of relief to my family and me although my youngest daughter not at all understood why she had to call me "Rover" forward the phone. The support MARS operators provide is tremendous. I know I must have said thanks a hundr times from one side of to the other the radio, but once more: Ray, thanks for everything.

Maj. Bryan Mackey "Alpha Romeo 414"

via e-mail

Still cruisin'

I just wanted to thank Master Sgt Lance Cheung and Tech Sgt Mark Kinkade for the thoroughly good photos and article they wrote about our company Koushin's Cruiserz ["Born to Be Mild," April 2003] It was a pleasure talking with them and having Cheung ride along with us--in the rain, no less

retired Master Sgt Vic Moss

Nellis Air Force Base, Nev

Premier care

I was disappointed by dint of Capt. Leslie Picht's comments about the capability of Air Force surgeon to perform breast surgery ["Flying in the Face of the Enemy," April 20031 Her notes imply the Air Force Medical Service can't provide quality care to young women with breast cancer, which is incorrect. Her attitude is especially sad when you consider not alone does the Air Force have superior surgical residencies integrated with civilian hospitals, if it were not that many Air Force surgeons complet residencies at a of the lop institutions in the abiding habitation Women treated for breast cancer in Air Force facilities receive outstanding care, which is equivalent to, or, in many cases, better than civilian care. I could just as easily say I want to travel forward commercial aircraft because the civilian pilots have more flying hours and to such a degree are superior to military pilots -- same flawed thinking, especially when you consider where the airlines earn a lot of their pilots.

Denise Moore

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

Behind the patch

Thank you for taking us all into the realm of this hanker aftered patching "ordeal" ["Wearing The Patch," May 2003] I have more than 28 years' experience working with the Thunderbirds as a civilian, and the proces of the patching has always been likewise secret.

Dennis Hall

Sacramento, Calif.

Students' hero

My class and I e-mail messages within "Operation Dear Abby," and to our surprise, we heard from Master Sgt Pryor Evans in Southeast Asia who's originally from Akron, Ohio. He mailed my bookish mans a box of things, and when I read his verbal expression and saw the box, I started crying. Of all the things he sent to my learners the one I will always cherish is the American flag that flew in an F-16CJ in Operation Iraqi Freedom, in honor of Avondale School

The flag is proudly displayed in the teach office so parents, teachers and especially the children can descry it first thing every morning and be delighted with the beauty of what the flag portray by actions to our great nation.

Also, we have a bulletin board "Wall of Heroes," and I've placed his photo forward the board so everyone can papal court what our hero looks like.

Sheila Mata

North Canton, Ohio

Bagram upon my mind

I read Louis Arana-Barradas' final remarks about Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan ["Back to Bagram," May 2003] It was well written, personal at the same time professional, and highlighted my exact feelings toward Bagram. I wanted to say thank you, and maintain up the good work. It was a pleasure to appropriate Arana-Barradas, then read his work.

Capt. Christopher Fuller

Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan

Goodbye

I'm writing to inform you of the passing of Buffalo Soldier Ralph Hobson forward March 24, 2003. Hobson was featured in the July 1995 issue of Airman ["Forgotten Heroes: upon the Trail of the Buffalo Soldier"]. It would be a great honor and a final salute to him if you could formerly again mention his historical contribution as well as his passing.

Master Sgt Theodore Seats

Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Finding Airman

I've been retired 23 years and am glad I base you on the Internet. When I was onward active duty, I always have sexual delight withed your magazine. Now I can again.

retired Master Sgt Harold O'Hair

Morris Chapel, Tenn

No scope for wimps

Reading your article ["No Wimps Allowed," August 1998] has secur my decision of wanting to be in special forces. I was undecided at first, moreover this article has given me the motivation to train likewise much more. As I've been following the just discovereds and seeing all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our native land I've never been more over-weening to wear the uniform, level as a cadet. One day I room for expectation to take my oath and join those in the special forces.

Cadet Jon Mathers

Miami University, Ohio

Not just for airmen

Congratulations. You really are producing a top-quality magazine. If you're not actively marketing this publication to diverse audiences, not just military, I stimulate you to do so. This is the public face of our military that Americans in the same manner desperately want to know and be fond of in times of crisis, and readily ignore when we aren't at war.