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VETERANS CHALLENGE PLAN TO NAME POST OFFICE FOR

IRAQ WAR SOLDIER -- Legion member says he is not

opposed to doing something to remember, but he

said several soldiers from town have died in

other wars and nothing was named for them.

 

 

Story here... http://www.kansascity.
com/news/politics/story/236759.html

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Veterans challenge plan to name post office for Iraq war soldier

By JIM SULLINGER
The Kansas City Star

Ray Smith of Olathe and several other veterans question U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore’s plan to name the Gardner post office for a soldier killed in Iraq.

Moore’s bill, which still must be signed by the president, would honor Shane R. Austin, an Edgerton soldier killed last year in Iraq.

Smith, 79, a longtime member of the Gardner American Legion, said he respects Austin and the sacrifice he made.

He is not opposed to doing something to remember him, but he said several soldiers from Gardner have died in other wars and nothing was named for them.

Smith, a retired Air Force veteran, also believes Moore, a Lenexa Democrat, should have consulted the American Legion and VFW chapters there before authoring the measure.

“They really pushed this through fast,” he said.

Smith agreed it might be too late to do much about it since the bill already has passed both the House and Senate.

He still plans to meet with Moore about the issue when the congressman greets constituents between 2 and 4 p.m. today at the Hy-Vee store at 119th Street and Ridgeview Road in Olathe.

Rebecca Black, a spokeswoman for Moore, said the congressman wrote the legislation with the wishes of the Austin family in mind.

“I hope that those who walk through the doors, including Shane’s mother who visits the Gardner post office every day, will be reminded to take a moment to thank those who have served and continue to serve our country,” Moore said.

 

Jim Sullinger, jsullinger@kcstar.com

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Larry Scott  --