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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 20, 1993                   TAG: 9301200342
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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MARINES ARE DOING THEIR DUTY

AS AN "inactive" Marine (there's no such thing as an ex-Marine; once a Marine, always a Marine), I would like to respond to De Phillips letter to the editor (Jan. 9). If the photo of L/CPL Scamman kicking a Somali "child" saddens you, what do the photos of the starving Somalis whom he is risking his life to help do to you? That well-fed and clothed "child" was part of a group of clansmen who were throwing rocks at the Marines to prevent them from accomplishing their mission: getting food and medicine to the destitute of Somalia.

Ask yourself how much stolen food did that "child" consume as other Somali children starved to death? Our Marines are in a difficult situation and are performing in a commendable manner. Marines have a strong sense of justice, which can come in the form of a hug or a "swift kick to the breeches." Our corps has 217 years of a proud and illustrious history, and is still serving with honor.

To L/CPL Scamman and all Marines in Somalia and elsewhere, I say "Semper Fi." TONY CARTOLARO BUENA VISTA

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