Dear Editor,
I would like to personally thank Jarrett Stepman, on behalf of my former comrades-in-arms and all military personnel, for his column in Tuesday’s edition of The California Aggie. It’s rare to see such focused statements of support for veterans from members of the college population, and especially those expressed with the conviction and clarity of Stepman’s column.
Veterans around the country are struggling with stress and trauma in ever-greater numbers as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan rage on with no clear end in sight. Additional strain, of course, is brought to bear on members of the military and all U.S. citizens with news of the tragedy at Ft. Hood on Nov. 5 and the murder of Staff Sergeant David Booher one day prior in Mexico.
I urge all UC Davis students, staff and faculty to join Senator Barbara Boxer in her efforts in promoting legislation to assist in securing care and support for veterans in America.
The following link directs to Boxer’s website and a petition to have a checkbox added to tax returns: boxer.enews.senate.gov/mail/util.cfm?gpiv=2100049620.584292.121&gen=1.
This would allow citizens to opt to donate $3 of income to Veterans Administration services. Please stand by our men and women in uniform.
Sincerely,
AARON J. SIKES
Veteran Operation Just Cause
Panama, 1989
