Air mail.

Safety first

On the front cover of the November [2002] issue, there's a picture of members of the 436th Aerial Port Squadron preparing to deploy. The person to the far left in the picture has his hand over the muzzle of the M-249 automatic rifle. This is a blatant disregard for weapon safety. I believe that by this being on the cover of the magazine, it promotes a lackadaisical attitude toward weapon safety. The M-249, especially, cannot be treated with such a lack of safety due to the construction and type of action the weapon has.

Staff Sgt. Cassandra Barrentine

Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

On the cover of your November 2002 issue, there seems to be an airman with his hand over the muzzle of an M-249. The last time I checked, that was a no-no, whether it's loaded or unloaded. You may want to look closely at some of your photos for safety and proper handling so that the wrong signal is not published.

Master Sgt. El wood Huckabee

via e-mail

A senior airman wrote in response to "A Clothes Encounter," June 2002 that the combat load for the M-16A2 is 210 rounds of ammunition. He's mistaken--it's 240 rounds.

I'm also a security sorces member, and the individual he was talking about [AirMail, October 2002] is a member of my unit. The reason we were armed with only 30 rounds is simple: We were performing a humanitarian mission, and the area was secure. Therefore, no body armor was needed. We also didn't want to intimidate small children. We were one of three National Guard units in Afghanistan--we did our job and arrived home safely.

Tech. Sgt. Clint Dudley

via e-mail

Snapshot of Jimmy

Thank you very much for this article ["Jimmy's Way," December 2002]. It's quite pleasant to read about someone of Jimmy's caliber--he's selfless and determined to help where able. This snapshot of his life shows how much good one person can do.

2nd Lt. Kimball Boone

Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho

'The Book' is back

Regarding your page on Air Force berets [January 2003], security forces berets are blue - very dark blue, but blue nonetheless. None of your staff has heard the saying, "Bond of the blue beret?" I can't believe it!

Tech. Sgt. Jeff Hearn

Channel Islands

Air National Guard Station, Calif.

I've always valued the annual edition of "The Book" and agree that a Web-based version is a great idea and tool. However, I'm quite disappointed with the Web-based version. It appears that it was simply scanned and posted. It's very difficult to read and would be much more usable if each of the items--a base, a function badge, or an Air Force Specialty Code--were hyperlinked to a true Web page. Also, it would be great if each base name was hyperlinked to that base's Web page. Hopefully, next year the Web-based version will be much improved. In the meantime, the printed version will be more user-friendly.

Tech. Sgt. Gary Billington

Randolph Air Force Base, Texas

While reading through "The Book 2003," I saw a photo on Page 22 that caught my eye. You should always show Air Force people properly clothed and equipped. Personal appearance of the subject, as well as the photographer, must conform to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel.

Airman Kenny Kimbrell

Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

Airman lifers

I've read Airman since I was a kid growing up in an Air Force family. Dad would bring home a copy from work every time the newest issue came out, and I continue to read it via the Internet now that I am no longer an active duty. I'm impressed with the way the Web site looks, the ease in use, and with the quality and content of the material that you and your staff publish.

Chuck Cranford

Richmond, Va.

I really enjoy Airman. I've been retired since 1975, but I'm still 100 percent Air Force. I only regret that I can't relive those 20 wonderful years. You young flyboys/flygirls keep up the good work, and never let the enemy catch you sleeping!

retired Master Sgt. Doyle Dalton

via e-mail

Recognize the supporters

Articles like this ["The Rescuers," July 1999] need to be placed in newspapers all over the country. These are the people who are never heard of, never make the news and get damned little credit for risking their lives. People need to know that there's more going on in the military than what they read in the papers. Support crews need and deserve a pat on the back and recognition.

Robert Lewis

via e-mail

Name tag news

The new Air Force name tag is a pure example of fraud, waste and abuse! It's good that the Air Force has realized the need for a name tag on dress blues--it shouldn't have changed that in the first place. However, it's not good that they should reinvent the wheel by designing a tag that costs $7, is Inconsistent with our "old blue tag"--which we all still use and have--and is a waste of money at a time when frivolous spending should be curtailed.

Master Sgt. Leslie Bass

Eglin Air Force Base, Plo.

The question circulating here is, if the new nametag is a mandatory-wear item, is it going to be issued or are we required to purchase It? After our initial issue of nametags, name-tapes and uniforms, as well as first-issue items, we were to buy the replacements.

Senior Airman Sean Knott

Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Becoming Superman

I read the article on Air Force pararescue-men, or PJs" ["Superman School," February 2000]. I recently signed up for the Air Force, but because of my vision, I feel that a lot of jobs I like are now out of the question. I've finished one year of college and plan on getting a bachelor's degree once my four years of active duty are complete. However, if I got a degree and became an officer, would It be possible to have my eyesight laser-corrected so I could become an air traffic controller, a helicopter or A-10 pilot, or even a PJ?

Chris Harvard

McDonough, Ga.

Editor's note: Brian Hicks is the Special Tactics Group point of contact for recruiting, public relations and other career field-specific Issues. You can email him at [e-mail], or contact him by phone at [phone] or DSN 579-3346.

History lessons

Great story on how the Wright brothers brought it all together to be the first in powered flight ["Slipping the Surly Bonds," December 20021. But there is someone you forgot to mention--their mechanic Charlie Taylor. It was Taylor who designed and built the wind tunnel that provided the edge to the Wrights through their testing of new designs, and lie's also credited for designing and building the engine that powered that first flight.

Charlie Taylor wanted to fly, too, but the Wrights discouraged him because he was too valuable to lose. They needed him to maintain their machines. He died in 1955, unrecognized and destitute. Today there's an award named in his honor for outstanding achievements in aircraft maintenance.

Master Sgt. Eric Winchell

March Air Reserve Base, Calif.