THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, September 24, 1996           TAG: 9609240006
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A14  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   23 lines

STILL ``SAILORS KEEP OFF THE GRASS''

It is obvious that the ``Sailors and dogs keep off the grass'' attitude still exists in this area. The media continue to report on the ``ex-Navy SEAL trainees'' (in the Jennifer Evans murder case).

That these individuals committed a tragic, heinous act has absolutely nothing to do with the Navy. Continuing to link the Navy to acts committed by people on their own time, when no other employer is linked to the actions of their employees, is evidence of this.

The military makes a tremendous contribution to Hampton Roads. In fact, without the military, the economy here would crumble, as occurred during Desert Storm.

I call on all the media in this area to report more responsibly on this tragic episode as well as all other issues.

J. B. MATLOW

Virginia Beach, Sept. 13, 1996 by CNB