Air mail - Letter to the Editor

Airman, Feb, 2003

Fallen hero

Having read the citation for Senior Airman Jason Cunningham ["Air Force Honors Fallen Hero," November 2002], I can only wonder why he wasn't awarded the Medal of Honor. Although not declared a "war" by Congress, the action seen by Cunningham is no less harsh than that of many of the other airmen awarded the highest honor. As a former Air Force member, I'm honored to salute Airman Cunningham and all PJs, past and present. You don't get the recognition you truly deserve!

James Kent

Columbia, S.C.

After reading what this airman did while in combat for his fellow soldiers, it reminds me of what another airman did about 35 years ago: Airman First Class William Pitsenbarger. I see a lot of similarities between the two in what they did for their fellow soldiers during a combat situation. I also see they were both given the Air Force Cross the first time around. I think we shouldn't wait 35 years to honor this air- man, but give him what he has earned: the Medal of Honor.

Staff Sgt. John Howard

Wright-Patterson Air Force Bose, Ohio

You presented a fine article on Senior Airman Jason Cunningham in your November issue. Just for clarity though, the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron is located at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., not Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

Capt. Steven Napier

Hurlburt Field, Fla.

I would like to let Senior Airman Jason Cunningham's parents know that the Air Force lost a truly brave man. I personally didn't know him; apparently that was my loss. We need more people in the world with the passion he had for his fellow man and his country.

Tech. Sgt. Tony Smith

Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

Mission safety

In AirMail [October 2002], a senior airman wrote in response to a June 2002 article, "A Clothes Encounter." I just wanted to set the record straight. I'm also a security forces member, and the individual who he was talking about in the article is a member of my unit. The letter states that the combat load for the M-16A2 is 210 rounds of ammunition. He's mistaken; it's 240 rounds. The reason we were armed with only 30 rounds is simple: We were performing a humanitarian mission, and the area was secure. Therefore, no body armor was needed. We also didn't want to intimidate small children. We were one of three National Guard units in Afghanistan--we did our job and arrived home safely.

Tech. Sgt. Clint Dudley

Rena, Nev.

National Defense Medal

The July 2002 article, "DOD Officials OK Medal for Defense," states that the Department of Defense has approved wear of the National Defense Service Medal for active duty personnel. It isn't being awarded to reservists or guardsmen unless they have been activated. I find this very discouraging that we are volunteering lust as much as the active duty and are being overlooked.

Most active duty personnel are not even In-country -- meaning the Middle East -- and yet they are given the award. I've volunteered repeatedly since Sept. 11, and each time the tour Is canceled or manning has been met. We're not needed. I've been in the Reserve for eight years and feel the same love and devotion toward my country.

I feel that we're being looked at like second-class citizens, but guess who'll be around when they need us. We're packed and ready to go, and will defend the legislators who disregard our hard work and training and cheat us out of benefits.

Staff Sgt. Paula Edwards

NAS Fort Worth JRB Carswell Field, Texas

Riding the wing

At the end of Lt. Col. Anthony Bevacqua's comments [AirMail, November 2002], he stated that he doubted any airman would climb on the wing of a taxiing U-2 for balance with pogos Installed. He's partially correct -- I worked In the U-2 program for four years as an electrical/environmental specialist, and I've personally ridden the wing of a Dragon Lady while she taxied.

The turn radius of the U-2 Isn't sharp at all. Couple that with the 103-foot wingspan and foreign taxiways not designed for this aircraft, and you can get In some pretty tight spots. For Instance, If a pilot overshoots a right turn with a heavy left wing, the left pogo can be dropped and airmen placed on the right wing for balance, allowing the pilot to continue taxiing through the turn without dragging the pogo off the taxiway. If the jet lands with a stuck or frozen pogo housing, airmen will ride it all the way to the chalks! These procedures are safe, legal and only used when absolutely necessary.

Staff Sgt. Adam Post

Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

Amazing shot

I am awestruck by the amazing photo Staff Sgt. Jennifer Gangemi took of the airmen in front of the Washington Monument with their M-t rifles ["Final Frame," October 2002]. If that photo doesn't win some major awards, twill be shocked.

It's truly a powerful photo. Please tell her what an amazing job she did.

Capt. Susan Romano

Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

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