Hi Nancy,

The negative experiences reported by COL Wright, SGT Hogg and SGT Dougherty are all unfortunate incidences that should not go unrecognized. I do appreciate these women telling their stories but have to say that as a woman who has served in the military for 18 years (11 active duty and 8 National Guard) I have nothing but GREAT things to report about my military experience. True enough, I have heard the Jody calls, and some of the jokes about women but these cadences and jokes did not cause a hostile environment for me, neither did they make me feel as if I was a member of an organization that did not respect women. The Army is an organization comprised of a mix of people from different cultures and backgrounds so it goes without saying that the Army is no safe haven. But that doesn't make it a pit from hell either.

Again, it is unfortunate that these women had to endure such negative experiences during their time in the Army. I have to ask whether these women reported any of these bad acts? The Army gives bi-annual Equal Opportunity (EO) training that is extemely detailed and walks all listeners through the the acts adn how to report the acts. I don't condone such behavior and as an attorney in the Army would be the first to tell any Soldier or Officer to report such abuse so that the command can take appropriate measures to punish and or discharge those male Soldiers and Officers who perceive women in uniform in a negative light. As a 18 year veteran, I would like to think that today's military leadership is fully committed to EO and takes the necessary steps to purge this negative activity from their units.

I submit my story merely to get a positive experience out there to your readers, not to diminish the value of this story.

My opinions do not reflect the official poilicy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.

- MAJ Carla T. Peters, U.S. Army