LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Response to “Aim Low”

In response to Mr. Charles P. Reyes, Jr.’s article on the Opinion section of the Tuesday’s Saipan Tribune Online. What I get from his opinion that young men joined the service out of desperation and poverty is outright untrue. Maybe for some but not the entire service population. I am in the military now, I have two years of college and the reason for enlisting in the service is plainly not out of desperation or poverty but to be proud and happy that I’ve conquerred my dreams and proud to serve my country. One has to remember, servicemen and women yesterday, today and tomorrow are the true defenders of freedom. Without these men and women, I strongly doubt if Mr. Reyes would enjoy his freedom today.

I do agree that for some impoverished individuals, joining the military is an option and a way of seeing the world. Yes, the military gives priviledges and benefits. Retirements points are for the reservists and not the servicemen and women on active duty. Lets get the record straight. Men and women on active duty who contributed 20 or more years are entitled to a paycheck after retirement. Reservist get retirement check at age 60 only if they make their retirements point for retirement. I would like to ask Mr. Reyes what company in this free world or anywhere can offer an individual a paycheck, benefits (medical, dental, PX, commissary, recreational ammenities and low-cost leisure travel and much, much more.), low-cost insurance, free housing, and free Space-Available flight to all AMC terminals in the world.

I wonder if Mr. Reyes has ever been in the military. Has Mr. Reyes been to boot camp? What source did he get his information from? I have sixteen years in the service and still love the military. I respect his opinion, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but to say that only the poor would join the service is irresponsible. If this was true, then, I ask Mr. Reyes why is it that some rich kids join the service and still in the service. I have nothing against Mr. Reyes but his opinion is his opinion but one must research and find out the truth before you put them on the media. I am wondering if Mr. Reyes has any grudge against the military or he has tried and failed basic training. Today’s military are the best brain there is. Lastly, the logo of the US Army is not “Aim High” but “Be All You Can Be”. He’s confusing the US AirForce from the US Army’s logo. The US AirForce’s logo is “Aim High”. I hope you understand that I’m entitled to an opinion too. And I’ve been in and still in the service and loving it.

By: SSG DelaCruz, United States Army

“BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE”. United States Army

“THE PROUD, THE FEW”. United States Marine Corps

“IT’S NOT ONLY A JOB BUT AN ADVENTURE”. United States Navy

“AIM HIGH”. United States AirForce

Clarification

I am writing regarding an article in the Saipan Tribune about corruption in the CNMI. I want to let you know that the words “rampant corruption” are not my words. In fact, I was careful to make it clear that I have no way of quantifying any corruption in the CNMI. I only know about specific instances of corruption shown by our audit reports.

I was especially careful about not characterizing any level of corruption because about four years ago a similar article appeared in the Marianas Variety saying “LaMotte says corruption runs rampant”. When the reporter asked me about how much corruption there was in the CNMI, I answered I had no perspectives about that. At that time, I wrote then Governor Froilan Tenorio that I didn’t characterize his administration as being corrupt and that I will not characterize any other administration as being corrupt. I have stayed within that decision, and regret that sometimes reporters misquote in order to embellish their stories.

Leo LaMotte

Public Auditor

Note: This letter was sent to the governor, a copy of which was given to the Tribune. Publisher.