Retirement changes<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Regarding recent coverage of proposed changes to the retirement system:]<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new proposed retirement system is not in the best interest of service members and is strictly a cost-saving measure by legislators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It relies solely on hoping the investment market does well, and if it doesn’t, military members could end up with less than they actually contribute to the investment plan including matching amounts by the military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it will save the military millions of dollars and at military members’ expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It should be kept the way it is now: 50 percent of base pay for the rest of the life of the member who stays for 20 years or more; plus still offer investment accounts using a 401(k) nonmatching contributions plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Master Sgt. Alan Hickey (ret.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oklahoma City<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every dollar the government saves by changing the military retirement system is a dollar out of a service member’s pocket. The money has to come from some place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Col. Robert Nichelini (ret.)<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oakland, Calif.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
SAC is back<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Regarding SAC is back: All bombers moved to Global Strike,” May 4 issue:]
SAC is back: I have been waiting for that phrase to appear in the Air Force Times for over 20 years now. Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh has the right idea: get the organizational chart up and in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I just wonder what took everybody so long to realize that the Strategic Air Command should never have been shut down in the first place. Gen. Curtis LeMay will most assuredly give his approval although we will not see; we who knew him know he will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Global Strike Command will be the old Strategic Air Command with all the new technologies available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I can now sew my “SAC is Back” patch on my jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, Gen. Welsh, Global Strike Commander Gen. Robin Rand: You have been given a great opportunity to bring our country and its air power back to where it should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chief Master Sgt. Donald Grannan (ret.)<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benbrook, Texas <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Freedom of speech<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
[Regarding “Group wants two-star court-martialed for speech,” posted May 15 on airforcetimes.com:]<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are a free country with free speech and every person, child, organization has the right to express what they believe. Why does the word “God” upset so many? Could it be the devil hates that word so badly he is busy causing such confusion?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leave this two-star alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becky Harding<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lincoln, Maine<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n