We were told once before by the Veterans Administration that the reason why that the CNMI can’t have their own clinic is that our numbers (eligible veterans and family members) were low (that was 15 years ago).
The story of our CNMI Troops (today) is weighted at the same level (small in numbers) as well, Now that’s not FAIR, due to the following facts: the CNMI has also LOST 10 of their SONS during the so call IRAQ and Afghanistan wars, and three during the Vietnam War, and Hundreds of innocent civilians during World War II, I guess our LOST is not much (in terms of DOLLARS), my guess is that our CNMI SONS and Daughters who are currently serving world wide are cheap and expendables and that Uncle Sam don’t give a damn for our people here in the CNMI, my guess is we are a second class U.S. Citizens and not even close to compatibility to our Mainland USA citizens. I find this to be DISCRIMINATORY to us the People of the CNMI. Questions: #1. How much are we worth? #2. Is the color of our blood different? #3. Are we not human enough (compatible to all other U.S. citizens)? #4. Is this all about Money? And question #5. Does Uncle Sam care for our people or does he care only for our close proximity (Asia) for strategic purpose?
The CNMI has recently lost another son (SSG Julian Manglona) while in training with his fellow comrades (100 Bn., 442nd, Inf., Echo Company, 3rd Platoon), preparing for his second tour for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. How many more casualties do we need to have in order for us to be equal to our fellow soldiers, our fellow veterans and their families from abroad? I believe we are all equal when we wore that uniform, same blood color and same common goal, and that is peace and stability for our world.
Just recently I heard that the old building at the Reserve Center next to the Troop Store will be demolished to build a basketball court, how sad, instead of expanding the Troop Store they come up with a joke, a “basketball court.” Again, it’s a numbers game, CNMI troops are not worthy enough to have what our counter part Reserves and their family members in Guam, Hawaii and America Samoa are benefiting from our dear old Uncle Sam. I heard from one of our officers that the sales in Saipan is twice the amount verses the sales in American Samoa, yet, the size of their PX is four times larger and more commodities (more choices to offer) than the Troop Store here in Saipan. What wrong with this situation? I wonder?
My other guess is perhaps the concern of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s and its members. Rumors had spread out that SCC has made numerous complaint against AAFES and its policies. I would agree that there are people (Active Duty, Reserves, Contract Civilian and Eligible Veterans and their families) tend to abuse the systems. Perhaps, rather than to deprived those that do not abuse their privileges, The solution to this problem is to place a guard at the gate (during operation hours), 100 percent I.D. checked, and a signed memorandum between the beneficiary and AAFES that items purchase is for personal and or family use only. Of course, should anyone get caught abusing the system, their privileges should be suspended for a period of six months for first time offense and up to two years or more for second time offense.
As a former member of the 44Deuce, I respectfully urge your support and time to this urgent matter. Thank you and may God Bless America and its People.
JOSEPH MAFNAS PALACIOS
Dandan, Saipan
