As a former Marine, I salute all women who volunteered for military service.
Yet I am concerned about a JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) report on the increased risk of chronic pain in female soldiers after they return to civilian life. Female soldiers who have experienced combat operations are 53 percent more likely than men to suffer from chronic muscle and joint pain after leaving the service. I am concerned enough to voice my opinion; remember, this is just my opinion! Men and women are different – viva la differences! Women should not be exposed to combat operations and especially should not be mixed in combat teams with men. Let the men fight; women should serve as medical personnel, com-net controllers, air traffic controllers, logistics personnel, technicians, administrative personnel – essential jobs that are not exposed to the rigors of combat operations.
A special note for local veterans who enjoy fishing: Montauk State Park is honoring veterans by hosting a free veterans fishing event on September 7th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No limit; keep whatever you catch! Non-veterans may participate for the normal fee and limits. Location and information can be found on the Montauk website. Questions? Call the Montauk main office at 573-548-2201.
Here’s a suggestion for many of the 2,000+ veterans in Texas County: Consider joining one of the veterans organizations listed below. They all welcome new members and there are distinct benefits: you’ll find new friends who share the same military experience and have the opportunity to lead our youth on the path of freedom, patriotism and responsibility. Plus, we gray-haired veterans take care of each other, provide health and welfare, transportation and physical support.
Texas County Veterans Organizations:
•The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 473 meets on the last Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at its Post Meeting Hall on Highway 63 north of Cabool.
•American Legion Post 559 meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the meeting hall of VFW Post 6337 in Licking. Post 559 was revived by former members and is looking for new members.
•The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6337 in Licking meets the third Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in its meeting room on Main Street south of Highway 32.
• Fleet Reserve Association Branch 364 meets the fourth Sunday of every month at 2:30 p.m. in the American Legion Post 41 meeting room in Houston. The FRA serves all veterans and active members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard.
•The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7222 meets the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in its meeting hall east of Summersville.
•The American Legion Post 41 meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in its meeting hall on the west end of the Chilton Oil Company in Houston (just north of Pizza Hut). Changes in membership requirements now allow U.S. veterans of all branches and periods of service to join the American Legion.
Houston resident Robert E. Simpson is a retired U.S. Navy chief electronics engineer who served from 1969 to 1990. Email: [email protected].
