EDITOR:
I am responding to Mr. Roland Peachee's letter regarding his disagreement with my dad's letter referring to the Merchant Marines.
Mr. Peachee, my dad was not "off base" but you sir, were badly misinformed. One statement you made is true.
After much discussion the Merchant Marines were given "veteran status." The rest of your statements are bogus. A few stats: Casualties (dead): Merchant Marines ratio 1 in 25, Army 1 in 48, Marines 1 in 34, Navy 1 in 114, Coast Guard 1 in 421. Annual wages: Seaman First Class $1,886, Mariner $1,897. Benefits: Permanent Disability - Merchant Seaman, value $6,290; Partial Disability - Navy, value $11,500. On your computer type in "Merchant Marines vs. Navy Wages WWII" for more detailed information. Also, check out another site www.usmm.org/strugglevetstatus.html for unbelievable information and history of the US Merchant Marines. Since Reid has been re-elected the pending bill will remain in his desk drawer gathering more dust.
He is not a friend of the military as he proclaims, he is a politician looking out for Reid. Almost forgot one point, Mr. Peachee. My dad did receive a letter three years back. At the age of 80 he was eligible for one benefit - educational classes.
I'm appreciative of his service to our country for I am a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. This government gave the US Merchant Marines the royal shaft. I'm signing off as if my dad was writing this letter. God bless and thank you Roland for your service to America and her people.
William Lepore Jr.
Gardnerville
