Reaction

Readers weigh in on January stories about healing the wounds of war, the AAP at 35, the "Solid Gold Sound" and navigating the ER.

I was incredibly moved by the article featuring Lt. Mark Daily ["Saving Grace," page 18] and his noble reasons for fighting in Iraq (quite unexpectedly moved, to be honest). What a shame this country has lost someone of such high character.

Brian Higby M.B.A. '07
San Francisco, CA

Thank you for putting a human face on the UCLA military and ROTC alumni. As a UCLA Army ROTC alumnus from the Vietnam era, I can safely say one of the many tragedies of that war was the shunning and humiliation the public inflicted on the war's veterans. The Iraq war shares many of the same characteristics, but hopefully this time the war's veterans will not be the target of the public's blame. If you are curious about the Vietnam-era UCLA Army ROTC, please visit our Web site at www.uclarotcalum.org.

Joe H. Hall '67
Santa Cruz, CA

Given the scope of UCLA alumni reading the magazine, I was surprised that Drs. Seefeld and Landman did not address the need for children of elderly parents to organize the needed medical history information ["Navigating the ER," page 16]. In addition, the names of all over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies should be identified as well as prescribed medications.

Anne Bradley Mitchell M.N. '90
Newtown Square, PA

I so enjoyed the wonderful article "Clothes Make the Band" [page 24]. One of the most unique uniforms (not shown) was worn from at least 1948 through the spring of 1950. It consisted of white shirt, gold tie, gold slacks, blue blazer with gold "UCLA Bruins" on the breast pocket, no hat, and saddle shoes. I played second snare drum in the "UCLA Greater Bruin Band," as we referred to it. Pat McNaughton and C.B. Hunt were our outstanding directors.

Steacy Hicks '50, M.S. '52
Poto/mac Falls, VA

Reading the article on UCLA Band uniforms renewed memories of my own participation in the Concert and Marching Band Program (1957-1961), under the inspiring leadership of Dr. Clarence Sawhill and Kelly James. I was also a participant in the band's first-ever European concert tour, in the summer of 1961. The black-and-white uniforms of that era were designed for media and black-and-white TV; there was little color broadcasting at that time. Because our halftime shows were often televised in their entirety, it was thought this color scheme would look better — and it did.

John Mouzakis '61
Redondo Beach, CA

Thanks for a nostalgic and endearing article ["Access Granted: AAP at 35," page 8]. I entered UCLA under the Educational Opportunities Program [EOP] in the fall of 1973. The faculty who mentored me were an invaluable source of information and inspiration. My decision to enter into the ordained ministry was ultimately a result of the many wonderful experiences I had at UCLA, all made possible by EOP. As I read your article on Christmas Day, I am reminded of this wonderful gift of education that I strive to pass on to others, especially youths who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, as I was.

Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa '78
Los Angeles, CA

Published Apr 1, 2008 8:00 AM