To the editor:

History will indicate that world wars and “conflicts” are to be with us until the end of time. While I am not a fan of Rep. Charles Rangel, I do applaud and respect his service and meritorious honors while a veteran of the Korean War.

Rep. Rangel advocates the implementation of the draft for military service and for the manpower shortage to handle and staff our future needs. I do agree completely with some modifications:

¢ All able-bodied men and women should serve a minimum of three years active duty.

¢ The requirement should be at age 18 and at the completion of high school.

¢ Upon completion of the three-year obligation, transfer them to the ready reserve to be called up at a moment’s notice whenever situations so merit, serving in this capacity until age 40-45.

¢ College and employment vocations can be resumed after serving their country – active duty, three years.

There is no such thing as “freedom” without the “cost of freedom.”

What a beautiful thing for every able-bodied person to serve their country through mandatory service. It’s all of our jobs to secure the freedoms of which we all enjoy! Why depend just on volunteers?

Eugene F. Reding,

Lawrence