THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 18, 1995 TAG: 9504180006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
In ``Without more money, commanders see cuts'' (news, March 31), Deputy Defense Secretary John M. Deutch saw the need for making an emergency appeal for defense programs to the Appropriations Committee chairman. However, no one has seen the need to make an emergency appeal for the civilian dependent evacuees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
As of Jan. 20, we were advised that legislation would be attached to the appropriation bill to provide funding for the extension of the evacuation. Our lives have been kept in turmoil waiting for this bill to be passed. Since March 5, we have not received funding from the Navy to support our families. Our children have suffered because of having to go through so many changes, adjustments and financial uncertainty.
Why haven't our needs been addressed? We have written letters and made phone calls to the president, the first lady, the White House liaison, Admiral Boorda, Vice Admiral Bowman and various senators and representatives. The only response and concern out of all these people has been from Sen. John Warner. His office has been in constant contact with us.
We implore the administration to address our plight on an emergency basis.
JULIE ERICSON
KATHY WALLER
FRANCES BEAUBIEN
Virginia Beach
ALICE STEVENS
Chesapeake
CINDY BORTE
Norfolk, April 3, 1995 by CNB