THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 2, 1996 TAG: 9512300003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
Frank O. Strailman's views on women in the military are 100 percent wrong (letter, Dec. 15). I am a Navy veteran. My husband, two brothers, two brothers-in-law, father-in-law and mother-in-law are also Navy veterans. No way am I a ``lesbian-feminist.'' Apparently, Mr. Strailman has had little or no education in history.
If you look back to the early settlers of the West, you will see women fighting beside their male counterparts with just as much competence and fierceness. When it comes to protecting our homes and loved ones, we, too, are worthy adversaries.
As far as harassment in the military, we face the same problem in the civilian work force. The incidents in the military are publicized more often. Mr. Strailman says that he will ``convey the true picture'' of what is going on ``inside'' the armed forces. I don't think he really knows.
Contrary to what Mr. Strailman states, people in the military do not enjoy the luxury of selecting those who ``lead them to battle.'' Those in the trenches, historically, have found themselves at the mercy of leaders chosen by the ``political and military hierarchy.'' As far as our warriors following the ``right man'' into battle, who can say that the ``right man'' isn't a woman?
MARTHA KISER
Suffolk, Dec. 20, 1995 by CNB