I’m writing on the story about the woman who was denied enlistment in the Marine Corps because of a neck tattoo (“Pingree presses Marines on refusal to admit woman with visible neck tattoo,” Feb. 22).

If joining the Marines has always been a dream of hers, where and when did she speak with a recruiter about tattoo placement? Did they advise her to put it somewhere it is not visible? Did she ask for examples? I want to know if the conversation took place. It’s about personal accountability, not discrimination. Stop with the sob story.

The congresswoman needs to back off. A female can be feminine in few uniforms pieces. Is she aware what uniform is in question? It’s the Service C or Charlie short sleeved blouse. It is not low cut. The first button is just above breast level with an open collar. It would be weird for women to wear crew neck T-shirts with this uniform. It’s the only time you need a V-neck T-shirt. All others you wear a collar tab. No one would know or care what T-shirt you wear under it. Let the women of the Marine Corps have this one thing.

I served in the Marines from 1989 to 1993. I knew from the time I was in the eighth grade that the military would be in my future. I joined the Corps and never doubted the decision. I love being a Marine and am hurt by the changes the people on Capitol Hill want to make. The Corps is not their playpen for a social experiment.

Our 240 years of pride, dedication and traditions are at risks because of society’s bent toward blaming everyone else. We need to hold people accountable for their actions and in this case, Pimental should have asked the questions. I know in that recruiter’s office, there are pictures of the uniforms.

Carol Jones

Atlanta, Georgia

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