Comment on FR Doc # E8-18869

Regardless of time of service, all military should be treated the same, dependent upon the need. If a prior service member suffers form a service related injury, that should take priority over someone who does not, older ex service should be treated by need, not be time period of service. Service is voluntary, and requires sacrifice whether or not one serves in a combat zone, nor in what era they serve. For example, I served almost 10 years, 4.5 years active duty, 3 years Active Reserves and 2 years IRR. If there had been a conflict, I would have still been forbidden to go, and was on several occassions denied access to areas under fire due to my gender. Consequently, whether or not the US was in conflict, I was there and ready to go. Being denied any kind of preference is a slap in the face, as I served willingly and honorably, as did many others. If one is to give more points for injuries sustained in combat, awards earned under fire, etc that is fine, but do not deny preference to others who also served honorably. Thank-you.