Take their place and see

Allow me to share a message on certain comments that Ruth Tighe made in her criticism of the government’s “recklessly wasteful and wildly extravagant” attitude with regards to H.B. 14-218—a bill awaiting Senate approval to grant CNMI Reservists 50 percent of their civilian salary for a period of one year after they have exhausted all applicable leave entitlements.

“The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys order instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you’re thirsty, he’ll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He’ll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life—or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ‘square-away’ those around him who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful and opinionated in the media.

He is paying the price of our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American fighting man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked for nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.”

Additionally, Ms. Tighe cites that hazardous pay on top of the basic pay is supposed to be some kind of a big bonus that all would rush to sign up for in the military. According to my husband’s latest LES (the military pay stub), his hazardous pay allowance was a mere $50 every 15 days. I will gladly pay her and the senators opposed to approving this bill and anyone else in the Legislature who would like to volunteer DOUBLE that amount so that they can replace my husband in Iraq in order for him to come home and attend our 6-year old daughter’s first Holy Communion, our 12-year-old daughter’s graduation from middle school, or our baby’s graduation from kindergarten. These are but some of the important events that my husband will not be here for, not to mention their birthdays or our anniversary. And while these events may seem insignificant to her and the senators, I assure you, they are not insignificant to the lives of the countless children and family members left behind.

She further mentions that it is neither “wise, prudent or fair” for this bill to be passed. In point of fact, Rep. R.N. Yumul is the only reservist who has gotten paid 100 percent of his salary since his deployment in August. Wise, prudent, or fair, Ms. Tighe? I think NOT! Is he more deserving than any of the other reservists? Is he more of a citizen?

So to Ms. Ruth Tighe, Sen. Joseph Mendiola, Sen. Kiyu Villagomez, Sen. Pete Reyes and others in the Senate, go ahead and contest H.B. 14-214. You’re welcome! You are protected by the best. They are the ones who left behind all they own and everyone they love. In order for that flag you love to fly, wars must be fought and young men and women must die.

When this conflict is over and all is well, be thankful that THEY, not YOU, chose to go through hell.

I would only ask one thing. I’d like to see those who are against the passing of H.B. 14-218 pick up a rifle, live in a tent under extreme weather conditions, be overwhelmed with exhaustion with a total of less than eight hours of sleep in four days and see if you have the courage to do what our Reservists are doing or to go through the hardships they and their supportive families must endure.

Our boys are constantly monitoring our local newspapers in Iraq, so to the lawmakers from Tinian, Saipan and Rota, keep in mind, it is election year and I have listed down those who are opposed to the bill.

I would like to commend Rep. Arnold Palacios for adding the clause for those who work in the private sector by granting these companies a tax benefit should they pay for the soldier’s salary and ask that the Legislature immediately pass the bill to provide for 100 percent, as opposed to 50 percent, of their civilian salary. Big government has always talked of being supportive of our soldier, when in fact their actions speak volumes in opposition.

Cathy Benavente
P.O. Box 501490
Saipan