Letters

Dear Paul, Gene, Eric and Tommy: I am a full on 45-year fan and have seen you 39 times across the US. I salute the support you give to veterans. Along those lines I'm writing to ask if you would consider adding the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine to the group when you shout out your love. During WWII the only service that suffered more KIA than the USMM was the Marine Corps. During every conflict the US has been involved in the Merchant Marine delivered the bullets, blankets, beans and gas. The difference? We do it without fail and we can't shoot back. I've been a merchant mariner for 30 years, along with 8 years active service in the USN. Currently I am 20 years in to service with the United States Navy Military Sealift Command, rated as a Boatswain. (www.msc.navy.mil if you want to find out about us). We feed, fuel and arm the US Fleet at sea. Not looking for anything special, just inclusion. We are America's 4th Arm of Defense. Not in the same league as the armed service shooters, but we do play a real part. Just asking, fellas. Your final tour is a true harbinger of the passing of my youth. Sorry to see you go, but all good things come to an end. No doubt you all will go out beyond "on top" Thanks for listening and thanks for the ride. It's been a gas! William "Billy" Bushey Boatswain, Military Sealift Command