Depleted Uranium Bullets and Fort Chaffee, ArkansasThu Sep 29, 2005 21:5167.160.81.87
While browsing thru APFN today, this headline really stood out to me --
Depleted uranium tests for US troops returning from Iraq --
and it made me recollect a certain "Letter to the Editor" at The Times Record, Fort Smith's daily newspaper. (Background Geography: Fort Smith is the 'big town' next to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, which has been in the news more in the last few weeks than in the last few decades.)
Headline: URANIUM BULLETS NOT USED FOR PRACTICE
Date: 9-28-05
Link: http://www.swtimes.com/letters_to_the_editor/09-28-05/
On Sept. 3, your paper printed a letter from a Frank Newman from Huntington. In his letter to the editor, Newman addressed his concerns and beliefs that the A-10 close-air-support aircraft is allowed to fire depleted uranium rounds during training sessions while on Fort Chaffee property.
Let me assure everyone in the Fort Smith and Arkansas River Valley areas that this is totally incorrect. While on Fort Chaffee training and bombing ranges, all aircraft are allowed to fire only inert practice rounds, which are referred to as Target Practice rounds.
The rounds Newman refers to are a combat ordnance that is used against combat targets, such as tanks and hard-density targets. Their use is strictly regulated by the Department of Defense.
The 188th members are excited about the prospects of converting from the F-16 to the A-10 aircraft based on the BRAC Commission's recommendations. The A-10 Thunderbolt is a truly unique weapons platform, and we look forward to undertaking this new mission. But more importantly, the members of the 188th Fighter Wing are excited about continuing with the high standards of excellence that we have come to be known for, right here in Fort Smith. The 188th is a valuable commodity, and we are proud to call Fort Smith our home. May the 188th Fighter Wing serve our great state and country well for decades to come!
J.R. Dallas
Fort Smith
Two more things popped into my mind:
1. Isn't "Depleted Uranium" kinda dangerous to have around? Yet notice that this guy never actually DENIES the rounds are on the post, potentially available for use... just that there are strict guidelines on their use and troops are only allowed to fire inert practice rounds. Heck, I find it interesting - and disturbing - enough just to know that DU bullets are laying around somewhere nearby.
2. J.R. Dallas - that names sounds familiar. I did a little checking and sure enough, he's head honcho over at Fort Chaffee, and also listed on the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Notice he signed his letter without any use of title, to give his 'word' more weight or authority. I found that interesting, too.
For "informational, educational and entertainment purposes only" I made an image to go along with this Letter to the Editor:
http://tellamerica.bravepages.com/img/j-r-dallas.jpg
Just thought someone else would find this interesting, too.
-- A whole collection of interesting stuff gathered at Raw Intel on the Tell America website --
tellamerica.bravepages.com/raw-intel
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