Distinction is needed between Guard, Reserve

To the editor:

Your article "Days of thunder" about events at the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival said, "A couple of Black Hawk helicopters were also showcased as military re-servists demonstrated a typical refueling operation." The story left the Missouri National Guard helicopter crew members who participated in the air show a little flat.

It is true that we are military reservists. But we are more than that. We are Missouri National Guardsmen. That is to say we have a closer relationship to Missouri and its people than simply "a reservist." Several of our people participating in the show live in or are from Southeast Missouri. They take pride in being part of the military reserves but particularly being part of the Missouri National Guard. A distinction needs to be made.

Your story disappointed us by apparently not understanding or caring about the distinction.

GEORGE JAMES

Chief Warrant Officer

Missouri Army National Guard

Jefferson City, Mo.