Air Mail - Letter to the Editor

In 29 years of service to the Air Force, I haven't been compelled to write and comment on any of your fine articles. However, I must ask you for recognition of the members of the 49th Materiel Maintenance Squadron (Bare Base) at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. We set up the "tent city" you mention in both of your articles on Curacao ("Drug Sweep" and "Hello, Old Friend," February '01]. That city was built and operational within eight days of our hitting the ground in June 1999, using a small team of seven bare basers. With help from our bilingual contracting counterparts (mentioned in your article), we constructed the forward operating location with our usual quiet fortitude.

We arrive at a location when it's still just a location. As with Curacao, we turn it into a bare base In short order and then leave so others can accomplish their missions. We continue to assist In Curacao providing electrical, structural, air conditioning and engineering support as needed. By now, hundreds of tenants have passed through Curacao, working In the house we built. We continue to support the counterdrug mission worldwide, and most other expeditionary undertakings. It would have been nice to receive a mention.

Rob Coward

Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

A correction to your side article "Taking Care of Our Force in Curacao" [February '01]. The Detachment 5, 612th Air Operations Group, commander identified in the article was myself, Lt. Col. David Alexander, not Bruce Alexander.

Lt. Col. David Alexander

Colombus Air Force Base, Miss.

Flag display

Regarding the "Flag Flap" letters In the February Air Mail, I just have to say, shame on Staff Sgt. Nikkl Berry and Senior Master Sgt. Michael Shih for bashing Senior Airman Jessica Wilson's method of displaying the American flag in the privacy of her dorm room.

Berry was "angered" because he felt Wilson was inappropriately using the American flag as a window curtain. Berry stated, quoting the Promotion Fitness Examination, that "The flag is not to be used as a drapery of any sort." What the PFE means Is that the flag should not be hung with folds or pleats, but should "always fall and hang freely." Do not confuse drapery with window curtains.

Shih stated Wilson's display of the American flag as a window curtain was "disrespectful." I'm sure that Wilson's intention was to display patriotism, not disrespect.

I believe the only thing she is guilty of regarding flag display is she displayed the union on the viewers' right. But instead of criticizing Wilson for proudly decorating her dorm room with our Stars and Stripes, we should be praising her -- as I think just did.

Master Sgt. Mark A. Schueren

Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii

VA spokesman

Great reporting on Chuck Norris ["Chuck Norris Named 'Veteran of the Year,"' February 01]. 1 have always been a big fan; it's great to have him as the spokesman for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It's great to know that Chuck Norris is on our team; he will undoubtedly represent us well!

Master Sgt. Thomas Klerstead