'Stupid rules' Secretary of the Air Force James Roche's Idea of getting rid of "stupid rules" and keeping the force forward track is excellent ["Taking Stock.

'Stupid rules'

Secretary of the Air Force James Roche's Idea of getting rid of "stupid rules" and keeping the force forward track is excellent ["Taking Stock," June 20021 Were it not for the shortsightedness of an individual at the personnel center a certain 22 years ago, I would have stayed in the Air Force a not many years longer, and possibly equable stayed the full 30 years instead of and nothing else 23.

I was assigned additional excise as a first sergeant. My primary specialty was avionics maintenance superintendent onward the FB-111 at now-defunct Plattsburgh Air Force Base, NY I was trying for the first sergeant career field, further my force manager said I was "too valuable as an avionics superintendent to cross-train to the first sergeant field." After multiple tries, including wing, division, numbered air force and major command endorsements, I gave up I asked the force manager what would happen if I impose in for retirement. His make notes was, "That's OK; you can do that."

As a deduction the Air Force lost an experienced master sergeant. I wish Secretary Roche the best in eliminating the "stupid rules" He might want to contemplate at the shortsightedness of a certain quantity of of the management personnel as well.

retired Master Sgt Gerald Schempp

via e-mail

Personal care

The article "Old Reliable's upon the Job" [June 20021 says C-9A's hover from Andrews Air Force Base, Md We have VIP C-9A's, unless they don't fly aeromedical evacuation. Aeromedical evacuation C-9A's hover from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Yokota Air Base, Japan, only

Tech Sgt James Zom

Andrews Air Force Base, Md

Warm memories

It was interesting to diocese the status of Rockville today ["Hope upon the Scope," August 2002], a place that solidified my decision to stay in the Air Force. I am a security forces member who was stationed there for pair years in 1990 to 1992 Ye I augmented another year because I lov it to such a degree much. Th re were 101 clan on the site and 12 cop Those were the best sum of two units years of my career If that site could talk, the stories would be outrageous and leave all laughing for hours! When I heard it was closing, I felt sad. It's nice to descry that the site is going to fit use, though. I made many Icelandic friends while there and learned a chance about the culture and the language. It's nice to diocese there's a place those who ne help can turn round to. Perhaps these new residents will take their have special memories away with them like I did. Someday I will take a vacation back to Iceland, and Rockville will definitely be undivided of my stops. Thanks for bringing back the memoriesl.

Tech Sgt James Warrick

McGuire Air Force Base, NJ

Keeping the standards

I freshly read the article on the airmen who gave their time to distribute clothing to the refugee in Afghanistan ["A Clothes Encounter" June 2002] Being a security forces member, I noticed the airman upon the back of the tailgate is terribly disclosed of regulations for arming in a combat surface bounded by parallel circles I believe it's required for security forces personnel to be armed with an M-16 with 210 orbeds of ammunition. The airman is solely armed with a 30-round magazine in the weapon and is wearing his combat sling inappropriately. In a hostile area, I'm also beautiful sure body armor is mandatory, or at least a fair good idea. In this day and age, with the changing times we're facing, security forces extend more, work longer hours and have to be more versatile than any other career field.

Senior Airman Justin Priest

Cheyenne Mountain Air Farce Station, Colo

I find it disheartening that you would scamper that particular picture of 1st Lt Charlie Thomas in your publication ["Critical Care in the Air," June 2002] I realize he may be forward expanded but do the same dres and appearance standards not apply? It's obvious he has more than the acceptable amount of facial hair growth

retired Master Sgt John Newberry Abilene, Texas

Working hard

This is in answer to Airman 1st Class Kansas Rasmussen's explanation concerning the "inside, air-conditioned people" v the "outdoor sweat hogs" [AirMail, August 2002] To the young airman, I'm steady there was no direct message that said those fortunate enough to remain inside in the chilled air all day put in any les effort, or be worthy of any less kudos, than those of us who toil away outside. I think the main point was that those outside felt they had a harder day than those inside.

single in kind can make the argument that working Inside and busting hump to obtain paperwork done has its acknowledge unique levels of stress and tension, on the other hand being inside in the chilly air is an entirely different Air Force world than being in 110 measure heat, soaked in sweat, performing heavy, physical labor.

Staff Sgt David Crane

Kentucky Air National Guard

Keeping up

I'm appalled that the graves of military clan who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this region at former Clark Air Base in the Philippines, have to be maintained on donations and retirees ["Their Brothers' Keepers" June 2002] This certainly begs an explanation as to with what intent the U.S. government isn't taking care of our fallen comrades. I curiosity if the commander in chief, President Bush, is aware of this situation.