Four readers penned letters to the editor for the April 20 issue of Navy Times.

Have thoughts you'd like to share on Navy Times stories or letters? Send them to navylet@navytimes.com. Include your name, address, phone number and rank. Submissions may be published in print and online.

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PROGRAM IS ILL-CONCEIVED

I'm writing in regard to Master Chief Petty Officer of Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens' eSailor initiative ["Tablet in your seabag," March 30].

With ongoing budget issues and the downsizing of all military branches, who will be flipping the bill for these new tablets? How will the MCPON's eSailor Program provide these new high-tech resources to the entire Navy — active and reserve? I assume these would be considered "serialized gear" and would be tied to sailors throughout their career.

Since these tablets are provided to sailors by the Navy, it would only make sense that the Navy would be responsible for providing software updates, etc. If left to the individual sailor to update programs and software, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect that a fair percentage of these tablets would become paperweights. Given the near yearly changes and advances in technology, is this a worthwhile venture? I don't think so.

I believe this is an ill-conceived attempt to reach out to a younger generation and lure them into military service. Citizens who are interested in serving their country do not need to be lured into service. The estimate of funds tied to this program — including initial cost for all sailors, updating software and projected replacement costs — needs to be released, full disclosure.

This type of program lends itself to fraud, waste and abuse and would require a significant amount of oversight, yet another burden for leadership.

HMCS (FMF) Jeffrey A. Chunglo

Ashland, Mass.

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MEMORIES OF 'IRON NICKEL'

I served aboard the amphibious assault ship Peleliu on its maiden Western Pacific cruise in the early 1980s. It was an amazing experience for a young 19-year-old Marine aviation mechanic. I served with Marine Attack Squadron 513, a Harrier squadron from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.

I don't have any one particular experience that stands out. The whole voyage was memorable and keeps me going back there in time often.

Maybe the first time entering Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and seeing that hallowed ground, awestruck and excited at the same time. Or our stop at Iwo Jima, Japan — humbling to say the least. I regret not going ashore!

I don't have a timeline written down and the old photo album is tucked away somewhere. But I have the views in my mind. We watched from the flight deck as Navy personnel plucked 62 Vietnamese refugees from the ocean after their escape vessel began sinking. We earned the Humanitarian Service Medal for that.

The daily flight operations were a treat. How amazing it was to launch and recover AV-8A Harriers from the small, 820-foot deck. So was being part of a team, the "Flying Nightmares" of VMA-513 and the U.S. Navy!

Then on June 25, 1982, we crossed the equator at 84 degrees, 35.5 minutes E, and we all know what happens during that experience. I have the plaque on my wall to prove it, signed by Capt. Thomas P. Scott.

I recall walking down the street in Freemantle, Western Australia, and meeting an old gentlemen who recalled what the U.S. did for his country in World War II. The sincerity of his comments was especially humbling for this young kid from Saginaw, Michigan.

The Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Hawaii — those were really cool places to visit, and I would love to do it again! Any sailor will tell you that there is nothing like sailing the ocean on a moonlit night and just being amazed at the view.

Very proud to have served aboard the Peleliu.

Former Marine Cpl. Kelly T. Madigan

Pendleton, Ky.

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NAVY FAILED CHAPLAIN

I read the recent article on Lt. Cmdr. Wes Modder with trepidation ["Chaplain faces discharge after sailors say he's 'intolerant,'" March 23].

I suspect that a lot has changed in the Navy since Modder, who initially enlisted in the Marine Corps and spent eight years there, came onboard as a chaplain in 1999. The Navy has evolved into a kinder, gentler, more politically correct service. This was brought on by profound societal changes that have trickled down to impact the Navy and other services.

I trust that the Navy knew just about what they were getting when Modder signed on. Over the ensuing years, judging from his glowing fitness reports, they got just what they were paying for.

Defense Department and Navy policies changed over the years, but apparently Modder did not. The Navy became more tolerant, diverse and pluralistic. For his employer to expect as much from him, an Assembly of God chaplain, really was asking a lot.

Like all men of the cloth, whether in or out of uniform, he answers first and foremost to a higher authority.

Over the years, Navy guidance transformed, but the ultimate book of rules, the Holy Bible, did not. Premarital sex, homosexuality, and having children out of wedlock are still "sins" according to the Good Book, Modder's primary manual for day-to-day operations.

Maybe Modder needs to leave the Navy. Most assuredly the Navy has already left him. His employer is just as guilty of breach of contract as Modder is accused of being. A compromise is in order; Modder should be allowed to retire.

Then it can be left up to the highest authority to write Modder's final fitness report and decide whether the bottom line will read, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Air Force Col. Bill Malec (ret.)

O'Fallon, Ill.

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INVESTIGATE DFAS

The recent article and letter about DFAS problems were on the mark ["Vet declared dead, loses pay — but he's alive," March 9; "DFAS service is broken," Letters, March 30.] I had a problem on something that should have been simple to fix via the website.

I checked my account on line and noted that my beneficiary was incorrect — my daughter's address had changed.

I tried changing it online several times, through phone calls, and via letter with the correct form, starting Jan. 19, 2005. I finally got it changed via online on Feb. 25 and verified March 5.

I never did get a reply to the letter, nor was I able to contact them by phone.

My problem wasn't as serious as the other retirees, but it certainly was frustrating not being able to correct something easily on the website.

Maybe they need an inspector general to look at their performance and responsiveness to the retirees!

Cmdr. Gary Geithmann (ret.)

Hampton, Va.

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