Female Veteran Refutes USA Today Cover Story on Women Soldiers (Available for Interview)

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Jan 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a Letter-To- The Editor titled "Coping under fire," printed in USA Today, U.S. veteran and author Melia Meichelbock takes issue with the article "Mental toll of war hitting female service members" by Andrea Stone, (JAN 2, 2008) http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/01/support-troops.html.

Meichelbock's argument:

In regards to your recent article, "Mental toll of war hitting female service members," although I empathize with the women you interviewed, this does not represent the vast majority of female soldiers serving in Iraq.

Speaking for those of who have worked outside the safety of the compounds, with large groups of all men, most of us have measured up and assimilated quite well to combat. These examples are extreme, and for woman or man, these instances are not the norm. It scares me to think someone with 25 years of military service, with as high of rank as master sergeant, would be so fearful of living within the safety of the compound. Senior NCOs (non-commissioned officers) are supposed to be our leaders and role models.

As a female soldier, it is true that it has always been tough to be treated as an equal. But are special treatment programs and talk of female emotional needs really going to improve the situation?

How about focusing on some of the positive work female soldiers have been doing in Iraq? Or all the ways female soldiers are coping successfully. In my case, I was separated from my unit and everyone I knew, moved six times, was exposed to multiple explosions and gun fire, served as a gunner on the top of a Humvee, stuck with all men, sexual harassment, you name it. I coped by keeping a journal and my sense of humor.

It is possible to withstand all the pressure and stress and still come out with a positive experience. If you are interested, please check out the excerpts from my now published journal at http://www.companyofsoldiers.com. Ten percent of all profits benefit disabled veterans.

Sincerely,

Melia Meichelbock

As a Civil Affairs Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve Special Operations Command, Meichelbock received the Combat Action Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for her service in Iraq.

For More Information Contact: info@companyofsoldiers.com