Dear Real Change,
While doing some research online for some pictures of California National Guard unit 1498th Trans Company, I ran across your paper’s article about (then Capt.) Bill Morisette [“Stuck in Limbo: Disabled reservists fight for their veterans’ benefits,” March 14]. I could not believe what I read. I was in the 1498th and went to Iraq with the unit in May 2003. I spent a year in Iraq and came home in May 2004.
Bill Morisette was the commanding officer (a captain) up until about a month or so before we deployed to Iraq. I believe he told General Combs that the unit was not ready for Iraq, and he would not lead the unit into Iraq. The general did not care for that, so he replaced Capt. Morisette. Off to Iraq we went and not one 1498th solider was killed while deployed. The unit did a great job despite lack of training, shortage of parts, etc.
As far as Capt. Morisette getting hurt lifting equipment, I have never heard that story. I did hear that he was reassigned to the general’s staff with a cushy job at HQ. With 300 soldiers running around, there would be no reason for the command officer to be doing any lifting and getting hurt. As far as feeling sorry for Bill because he is a Gulf War veteran, give me a break. The Gulf War lasted what, a whole 100 hours? We had at least 3 Vietnam vets in the unit that went to Iraq.
There is a lot more to this story than I can tell you or your reporter has been told. I would do some more research before printing articles like the story on Morisette. I can tell you that I have no love for the California National Guard or the bozos in charge, but to print an article saying “Oh look at poor Bill Morisette” is a slap in the face to all 300 soldiers who did put in their time overseas. I hear the 1498th is due to be deployed again in March 2008. If Bill Morisette wants a pay check from Uncle Sam, tell him to rejoin the unit and earn his pay.
Glyn Hicks