'Lifers' I just read "The Lifers" in the July '01 issue.

'Lifers'

I just read "The Lifers" in the July '01 issue. I take pleasure ined the personal stories of those interviewed, still wondered whether the Air Force make an exception of or Air National Guard also tracks those who are the longest serving with uninterrupted service. Also, I noted that you used the boundary "maverick" for an enlisted [i]role[/i] who became commissioned. The mete I'm more familiar with is "mustang."

Lt Col Kenneth E Seguin

Via e-mail, Ithaca, NY

Extra credit

While I understand many the public both military and civilian, are financially "over their heads," I would hesitate to advise them to "avoid credit cards at all costs" as commended in "Financial Fitness" [August '01] Credit cards, used responsibly, are a great financial tool. They allow you to establish a profitable credit record and defer payments for dutifuls and services really needed, while the stocks for those purchases earn interest in the bank. They also negate the necessity of carrying a haphazard of cash while traveling. All travel costs can be charged and paid the following month when the bill arrives from the bank. In fact, a credit card is required at one car rental agencies and hotels!

appropriate credit card use means purchasing simply what is necessary and paying the bill in replete when it arrives, and in no degree or rarely, paying any interest.

retired Chief Master Sgt Joseph P Pannitto

Melbourne, Fla.

Dangerous dog

We have stayed in and have sexual delight withed Travis billeting ["Purr-fect Solution," August '01] I papal court nothing wrong with having fondlings in these areas, but the dog pictured appears to be a pit male Isn't that pushing it a bit far? Pit edict s are a well-known vicious bre of dog. With the amount of small children in billeting, I don't perceive pit bulls should be allowed in subordinate to any circumstances.

Staff Sgt Kevin D Markey

Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England

Detachment discrepancies

Thanks for Tech Sgt Ann Bennett's astonishing article on the 56th ransom Squadron, ["Above Icy Water," July'01] During my tour in Iceland in 1998-1999 I came to honor the dedicated professionalism of the folks assigned to the squadron. I must however, point public an inaccuracy in the article. Detachment 14 was not redesignated as the 56th bring off Squadron. Instead, "Det. 14, 67th Aerospace preserve and Recovery Squadron was inactivated May 1 1988 and the 56th Aerospace free and Recovery Squadron - later extricate Squadron - was activated the same day. The the public and equipment previously assigned to Det 14 were subsequently transferred to the 56th This left the impression that undivided unit "became" the other moreover in fact, they are not related.

Tech Sgt L B St Amant

Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England

Pararescue proposal

As an ex-airman, it gives me great pleasure knowing that pararescue training is the toughest in the military ["Above Icy Water," July '01] It's about time there was a name that signified the dedication, sacrifice and the tenacity of pararescuemen. I would like to recommend a new name for the units that fits into the same mold as the verdant Berets and the Navy Seals: Air Force RAPTOR for Rapid Assault Para horse-soldiers Organized Rescue. The only known raptors that are still around today are birds of pillage This fits right into the Air Force's mascot area. Also the paratrooper part of the name pays homage to the Army, which is the Air Force's parent service.

D Terry Wedley

San Antonio, Texas

Getting fired up

Aside from the corny title, "Buffy the Fire Slayer" [September '01] was an first-rate article. It's always good to read about population who are dedicated to serving the one and the other the military and civilian communities. Kudos to Tech Sgt Tim Whittington for a do job-work well done.

Lisa Gustafson

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

RELATED ARTICLE: Thule Trippin'

One-of-a-kind trip Caption:

It was a pleasure to finally read about the best kept retired in the Air Force ["Thule Trippin," September '01] I remember stepping on the farther side the plane in August 1996 not knowing what to rely upon and then being welcomed by means of what seemed to be the entire base community. steady though you were at the greatest in number remote of Air Force alien assignments, you were a member of undivided big Air Force family, something bases stateside strive for, nevertheless will never equal.

Tech Sgt Jeffrey s Michalke

Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Great story forward Thule. Nearing the end of my career in 1978 I reported to Thule with an trepidation, quickly discovering that it would be my greatest in number rewarding and remembered assignment.

retired Master Sgt Vance Whitesides

Fallon, Nev

Caption:- Prime photos

I've been retired 20 years now - doesn't strike one as being possible - and Airman still has the greatest photos. Kudos to the shooter for "Dock of the Bay" [August '01] To all serving today: thanks for your sacrifice and hard work.

retired Senior Master Sgt to leeward Harris

Indianapolis, Ill.

interpret letter to U.S. armed forces

When tragedy strikes, as it has in our region Americans band together and point out to their support and patriotism. I just wanted to thank all the men and women who exhibit their patriotism for this geographical division 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.