1topstor.gif (6018 bytes)

 

Tuesday, July 31

Heavy rains hit S. Korea for third straight weekend causing flooding, deaths
Fee for swimming at Tokyo’s New Sanno Hotel makes waves
Misawa troops recalled to hear talks on alcohol abuse
Seoul mayor wants Yongsan to be site of government complex
Successful training with S. Korean marines leads to future maneuvers
Officials deny problems exist with cooperation between KFOR, U.N.
Faced with a rising number of suicides, Army sponsors prevention workshops
Terrorist suspect expected to be transferred from Bosnia to France
American retirees form support system at Sigonella
ONW’s para-rescue troops get a taste of the real thing with downed pilot

Monday, July 30

When it comes to Internet connections, some ships are in better shape than others
In Far East, Direct-to-Sailor TV access can be spotty
Atsugi's Wings air show goes on despite lack of aerial display
Lajes, Kadena, Andersen, Misawa among top re-enlistment sites in Air Force
Ex-soldier battles Army over his Friedberg, Germany, bar's being declared off-limits
Customers say Friedberg club's treatment is heavy-handed
Landstuhl, Germany, medical facility gets a new commander

Sunday, July 29

Air Force program strives to halt enlisted exodus to private sector
Job dissatisfaction is cited as top reason why airmen leave the service
Under KFOR tutelage, KPC trains to become emergency services force
DOD advisory panel on women in service hears new twist on familiar problems
Marine says inequality was more than a perception during her early days in Corps
Hailston vows to curb off-base crime on Okinawa, but denies talk of curfew
Remains believed to be those of Marine killed in Korean War sent to Hawaii
Guam, Hawaii, Alaska to gain Air Force manpower slots
Navy retiree went from boiler room to top of Europe's enlisted ranks

Saturday, July 28

Misawa pilots on Northern Watch sorties say Iraqis getting more aggressive
USFJ commander: Use of club drugs an increasing problem for military
Navy salutes retiring SEAL credited with developing top aerial free-fall techniques
South Korean villagers want Koon-ni range included on U.S. closure list
Navy making adjustments to gasoline-voucher program in England
Town hall meetings provide a way to spread information, get feedback
North Koreans weigh in on alleged Okinawa rape, say victim's rights disregarded
Kanto Plain heat wave putting a big strain on air conditioners on bases
Seabees helping clean up debris left after demolition at orphanage
Popeye's to anchor new mall-style food court at Rota

Friday, July 27

Air Force chief of staff stresses need to modernize, replace fleet of aircraft
Marine platoon arrives in Skopje to boost security at U.S. Embassy
In police statement, witness describes events surrounding alleged Okinawa rape
Judge refuses bail for accused Air Force staff sergeant
Servicemembers debate reprimands of USS Safeguard personnel
"Jeopardy!" hopefuls, fans turn out in force for Yongsan Garrison tryouts
North Koreans say U.S. policy is forcing them to boost their military might
South Korea indicts U.S. servicemember for allegedly hacking dozens of web sites
Atsugi to open its gates for annual "Wings" air show this weekend
Dollar expected to remain strong against yen as Japan's economic reforms kick in
Bosnian police arrest four men, including one suspected of terrorist ties
Bush chooses Ellis as new commander-in-chief of STRATCOM
Avon Lady helps take the sting out of Bosnia with donation of skin lotion
Yongsan Garrison bike patrols encourage friendly interaction with police

Thursday, July 26

Powell: SOFA serving its purpose, no need to make changes
Victim of alleged Okinawa rape asks to be kept out of the spotlight
Three are given letters of reprimand in connection with diver's death
Navy continues to assess chances of recovering sunken fishing boat
Yokota base employee investigated on suspicion of theft of documents
Yokota’s new Kanto Lodge opens to rave reviews, solid bookings
USFK apologizes to Korean farmers for possible fuel leaks near Camp Long
Critics say U.N. should face reality, turn KPC into disciplined defensive force
Violence at Macedonia embassies has had no impact on Camp Able Sentry
After nature’s impressive display, threat from Sicily's Mt. Etna easing
Unrest in Macedonia delaying investigation of fatal mortar attack
Senate Democrats: Missile defense cash is better spent on counter-terrorism
Orthodox leaders urge Brcko school boycott over multiethnic curriculum
Banner is returned to family, providing link to Japanese soldier killed in WWII
Camp Humphreys copter crew saves camping family from rising river
Medics, engineers in Mozambique to practice skills for emergency missions

Wednesday, July 25

Three Okinawa mayors call for midnight curfew for U.S. airmen on island
Attorneys for Okinawa rape suspect seek his release on bail
President heaps praise on GIs, signs defense budget hike during Kosovo visit
Commander fights for protection corps’ credibility in Kosovo, internationally
With Albanians comprising majority of relief corps, Serbs wary of joining
Two airmen from Incirlik sentenced following courts-martial
Public access cut to DOD Web site in attempt to stop spread of computer virus
Two military personnel investigated for alleged use of child pornography
Korean-American couples face language barriers, stereotypes, culture shock
Record heat wave has Kanto Plain residents looking for respite
USS Kitty Hawk gets upgrade with Rolling Airframe Missile weapon system

Tuesday, July 24

Army unit at Taegu holds open house to foster relations with Korean community
Protesters outnumber police at labor unionist demonstration in Seoul
Staffing changes at Camp Zama clinic draws criticism from former employee
Japanese ambulance crews go through rigorous training comparable to U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers helps build a student’s dream in South Korea
Rumors swirling in Balkans around war crime suspect’s whereabouts
Portugal toughens drunken-driving laws including lower limits, stiffer penalties
Accounts vary about Kosovo Protection Corps’ role as disaster relief group
Members of protection corps run into problems prompting reprimand from U.S.
Summer Warrior’s Army-like combat trains air control squadron on land

Monday, July 23

Powell to tackle some tough issues, seek common ground on Asia tour
GIs, spouses see need for plan to improve, expand housing in S. Korea
Multiethnic curriculum strives to bring unity to Bosnia’s classrooms
Camp Bondsteel makes preparations for President Bush’s visit
Servicemember found guilty of assault in Kuwait
GAO report: Germany-based Apache units rank higher than most in preparedness
In classroom, Army lawyer sees troops grapple with law of war
Web shoppers have post offices hustling to handle increase in volume

Sunday, July 22

S. Korean foreign minister says U.S. plays vital role in inter-Korea stability
Koon-ni demonstrators plan rally to protest Air Force gunnery range
Yokosuka parking problems driving people on base crazy
N. Korea declines to meet with U.S., S. Korea during ASEAN conference
U.S. Japanese forces meet to develop game plan for natural disaster response
Marine searching for clues to help return WWII battle flag to Japanese family
AFN’s NewSports channel going to split in two starting in August
Insiders say MFO-style mission would help Israel, Palestinians
Rota housing boom gives civilians chance to live on base
Discounts attract shoppers to new outlet center in Germany

Saturday, July 21

Okinawa staff sergeant trying to secure bail after indictment for rape
Navy presented with compensation plan for family, victims of Ehime Maru
Historic K-2 Air Base in Taegu reopens as home to two U.S. military units
Retired military officers to head study on alternatives for training at Vieques
Misawa NCO picked as one of only twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year
President nominates Jumper for chief of Air Force
As lava inches uncomfortably near, Sicily keeps an eye on active Mount Etna
Germans oppose expanded airfield at Mannheim saying it will increase noise
NATO delays presence of Yugoslav security forces in Kosovo
U.S., Yugoslavia take ‘important first step’ in rebuilding fractured relations
NATO mission in Macedonia limited to disarmament
Test your trivia knowledge at ‘Jeopardy!’ tryouts on Pacific bases next week
AFRTS to split programming into separate news, sports channels
Dutch tell USAREUR to do their fair share in supporting troops for 100-mile march
Elation and admiration greet participants at finish of Four Days Marches
Couple’s re-enlistment ceremony conducted with presidential style

Friday, July 20

Faced with deadline, prosecutors hurry to indict sergeant in Okinawa rape
8th Army clarifies 5-year rule for overseas civilian employees
DOD seeking larger pay raise for troops; all ranks to get at least five percent boost
Pentagon puts focus on keeping quality personnel by increasing their pay
Death toll rises to 52 from S. Korean floods last weekend
Survey: No lead contamination found at former Camp Courtney skeet range
House challenges Pentagon officials on missile defense program
Three USAID-funded schools scheduled to open this fall in Bosnia
Court rejects appeal of American teens convicted in fatal rock-throwing case
Officials cancel trip to Macedonia following prime minister’s criticism
Humanitarian exercise in Africa will leave  positive mark long after troops are gone
AAFES halts T-shirt sales that too closely resemble those of German police
Japanese media get a close look at what goes on at Ripsaw Range
After months at sea, USS Inchon crew dreams of home sweet home
Medical corps endures blisters, jibes to build esprit de corps on 100-mile march

Thursday, July 19

Postal rate increase affects only letters weighing more than an ounce
Pay and the front lines: USFK seeks incentives for all GIs in S. Korea
Koreans mark Constitution Day with protests outside Yongsan gates
Death toll climbs to 49 in S. Korean floods, with nine others still missing
Yokosuka sailor sentenced to 45 days in brig in ecstasy case
Lawyers argue for servicemember’s release from Okinawa police
F-16 lost in no-fly mission over northern Iraq; pilot ejects safely from plane
Army addresses committee with plans for 2002 budget request
Army’s V corps welcomes new commander for new times
Senegal, Malawi team up in EUCOM-led exercise focusing on peacekeeping
Two Friedberg soldiers in hospital after being stabbed during a fight
NATO considers Albania for supply routes if war in Macedonia closes main roads
Police arrest suspect in connection with Muslim girl’s slaying last week
High-speed catamaran delivers troops from Okinawa to Japan quickly
Atsugi librarian hopes eBook will become best seller

Wednesday, July 18

United Nations hands over body of N. Korean soldier found floating in river
DECA mulls approval for Japanese milk, poultry to be sold at commissaries
Defense attorneys plot strategy in Okinawa rape case
Blair conveys regret to Okinawa governor over alleged rape
DECA investigating alleged sexual harassment at Yokosuka commissary
S. Korea flooding death toll now at 45; officials fear spread of disease
Koreans want tablets with forced soldiers’ names removed from Tokyo war shrine
Navy meets need for greater protection by beefing up armed security force
American troops join thousands of others in first day of traditional Netherlands march
KFOR: Arrested Kosovo Protection Force official posed ‘direct threat’ to troops
Former servicemembers have chance to increase their GI Bill benefits
Navy looks to e-business as possible reason for surge in mail to bases, ships
Servicemembers’ reactions mixed to IOC selecting Beijing for 2008 Olympics

Tuesday, July 17

Decades later, Vietnam War hero is awarded Medal of Honor
U.S. may close 15 major bases in Korea, consolidate troops at one location
Air Force lab seeks war-era items to help identify non-human remains
Air Force NCO accused of rape appoints defense lawyer, maintains his innocence
Heavy rains wreak havoc on Yongsan, cutting off utilities, flooding buildings
At least 38 dead as Seoul is drenched in weekend downpour
Troops at Camp Henry get lesson on defending their base
"Misplaced Okinawan" survived two wars, served two countries
Renovations completed, runway at RAF Fairford reopens
New hotel at Stuttgart should ease shortage of temporary lodging

Monday, July 16

Pacific "test bed" for missile defense raises questions about ABM Treaty
S. Korean students hold protest at Yongsan gate over U.S. missile plan
Report on human trafficking could result in sanctions against Seoul, loss of trade
USS Inchon makes visit to its roots in South Korea
Admiral: Guam has ‘great future’ as strategic component of U.S. military
Leveling the infantry playing field, Army combines three 11-series into single unit
Military teams to test their stamina on 100-mile march in Nijmegen area
Sports: Hawaii's Todd Tapper named MVP of CMFPAC softball tourney
Sports: Arabian American squad blanks Eifel, earns trip to Little League World Series

Sunday, July 15

Air Force NCO accused of rape faces different world in Japan legal system
Anxiety in the mix as cultures mingle at Okinawa’s American Village
U.S. supports more courtesy patrols, but not curfews on Okinawa
Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement reviewed following alleged rape
S. Korea parliament adopts resolution protesting contentious Japanese textbook
Investigation of Army commander in Japan finished
Japanese man cleared of assault charges for slapping U.S. military retiree
Defense official says outcome of missile test won’t determine program’s fate
DNA research facility puts Bosnian war victims’ souls to rest, lets family close a chapter
Agency seeks to modernize field abilities giving instant surveillance information
Exercise Koa Thunder tests ‘the whole Marine team’ during training in Guam
Sports: Hawaii captures Marine Forces Pacific regional softball championship
Sports: Pacific Force/Nike players leave their mark on tourney

Sports: Eifel, Arabian American to meet in European Little League finals

Saturday, July 14

Chatan mayor, council want curfew for servicemembers, more safety patrols
Festivities aim to demonstrate positive side of U.S.-Okinawan relations
New Army brigades spotlight Pentagon's emphasis on Pacific
Glitches in Air Force computer system showing up in some paychecks in Korea
Army personnel officer outlines programs geared to benefit soldiers on the move
Textbook flap halts Japan-S. Korea military exchanges, cultural imports
S. Korean textbooks to feature more information on WWII "comfort women"
Japanese teen who needs new heart gets help from Americans on Okinawa
Budget add-on request includes $400 million to improve military housing
American teachers at Incirlik gain settlement allowing them to live off base
As top commands shift in Europe, Gen. Meigs' next move uncertain
Fish fly around Kaiserslautern as German city celebrates 725th anniversary
GIs help save Macedonian soldier wounded in battle with rebels
Sports: Solid defense puts Wing in CMFPAC winner's bracket softball final

Friday, July 13

Officials considering overhaul of exchanges, fuel pricing policy
Armed Services panel head blasts Pentagon over missile defense plan
U.S. forces await orders for possible Macedonia peacekeeping mission
Defects found on tail wings of JASDF's F-2 aircraft
Oil spill cleanup completed at Navy's Tsurumi Fuel Terminal in Japan
Army counterintelligence agents in S. Korea looking for tips on possible security threats
Yokota investigators seek cause of fire at 374th Civil Engineer Squadron building
Marines still eyeing Guam as possible location for training exercises
Anger over controversial Japanese textbooks grows in South Korea
Army's "1000 Kilometer Club" program encourages bike travel around Europe
Shuttle support personnel at Morón hold their breath as Atlantis roars aloft
Sports: Leadoff hitters setting the tone in Marine softball tournament

Thursday, July 12

Japanese lawmakers adopt resolution calling for changes to SOFA
Yokota pays respects to remains believed to be U.S. soldiers lost in Korean War
F-22 production again delayed over funding problems, need for testing
Army conducts inspections for faulty tail rotors on Apache copters in S. Korea
Study calls DOD business practices inefficient, urges standardization
Japan’s refusal to make revisions to textbook rankles S. Koreans
N. Korea has yet to respond to Bush’s offer to resume talks
Muslims return to Srebrenica area to mourn victims of 1995 massacre
Threats to U.S. interests in Morocco halt travel, impede shuttle landing site
U.S., S. Korean marines participate in rare combat training exercises
New readiness center finished for Guam Army National Guard
Maj. Gen. William Mortensen takes over 21st Theater Support Command
Exercise in (and over) Kosovo tests KFOR paratroopers’ skills
Longtime Stars and Stripes staffer Joseph F. McBride dies at 84
Sports: Division ends Camp Lester's hopes of ending softball losing streak
Sports: Rupp made his mark in volleyball, now he's a softball Force

Wednesday, July 11

Most service chiefs back base closings; Navy is lone dissenter
Inspectors in Europe to check Apache copters’ rotors before they can fly again
Forces prepare to protect Srebrenica mourners at war memorial ceremony
Decision to return land at Story Range to South Korea still up in the air
Japanese prime minister wants discipline bolstered for U.S. troops on Okinawa
Misawa sinks wells to gauge spread of underground fuel from spill 45 years ago
China will allow two Sasebo ships to make Hong Kong port calls
PAC-3 missile test at White Sands is a partial success
Family, neighbors rally to save life of boy stricken by severe asthma attack
100th Operations Group’s new home at Mildenhall combines comfort, efficiency
Yokota squadron recognized as best Air Mobility Command for 2000
1st Armored Division gets a new leader for its new home
Servicemembers work long days, drive for many hours to deliver mail
Panel for military women’s issues to visit Pacific theater this month
Sports: Wing gets good start, blasts old nemesis Base in CMFPAC softball tourney

Tuesday, July 10

Japanese calling for SOFA revisions regarding handing over of Americans
Following protests, USFK issues gate policy, warning on vehicle registration
Despite frosty relations, S. Korea has increased aid to the North
Soldiers take to the classroom to help Korean teachers improve their English
Seoul prevents U.S. representative from meeting defector from N. Korea
Air Force says pay glitches easily remedied; personnel advised to examine LES
Army cleaning up 30 years worth of bullets at Germany firing range
Fire at meat processing plant in Ramstein cuts power, halts production
SFOR hopes extradition of Milosevic leads to more arrests of war criminals
Father makes tough decision on which son will be ‘keeper’ of bicentennial flag
Doctors, concerned over increase in trampoline injuries, caution parents
Army unit in South Korea to hold open house July 22

Monday, July 9

Powell might meet N. Korean official as part of Asia-Pacific tour
Japanese cell phone company to charge U.S. military customers huge deposit
U.S., S. Korea remember fierce battle against the North at Chonan
Kadena squadron's quick response saves Marine injured during training
Some ethnic Albanians optimistic about peace, but feelings of distrust are strong
U.S. soldiers seize weapons, arrest suspect near Macedonia border
Short-staffed health clinic in Ramstein not cutting off all retirees from care
Marine Corps tests high-speed catamaran for transporting troops to exercises
Group returns to days of combat, chivalry with recreation of Middle Ages
Soldiers look for ways to stay cool as temperatures soar in Balkans
Kadena airman hits the jackpot in Vegas, but has no plans to leave Air Force
Sports: Mildenhall takes soccer title in shootout with Giessen

Sunday, July 8

JASDF may consider alternate sites for air-to-ground training operations
Air Force rape suspect handed over to Japanese police
Team discovers additional mines close to site of accident in Kosovo
Rhein-Main air traffic to pick up during construction project at Ramstein
Navy looks to build memorial, rename Ripsaw Range for diver
Philanthropic group, surgeons help reshape Philippine woman's jaw
USFK commander testifies of "grim" living conditions for servicemembers
Army intelligence agents keep eagle eye on security in S. Korea
U.S. families at Misawa Air Base commended for setting example of civic etiquette
Sports: Mildenhall, Giessen reach soccer tourney finals

Saturday, July 7

U.S. agrees to release Okinawa rape suspect to Japanese for arrest
NATO gearing up for "Operation Essential Harvest" to disarm guerrillas in Macedonia
Four American WWII aces are honored at Flying Legends Air Show in England
Some in Air Force may have been shortchanged by computer glitches
Yamato City renews "friendship ties" with Atsugi after months-long chill
Stateside tetanus vaccine shortage is being felt in Pacific military hospitals
Accidental firing by JASDF jet is blamed on extra bundle of wiring
Army veterinarians providing much-needed care in the Balkans
Compensation is on the way for owners of POVs damaged in fire on ship
Army's extra trucks, water trailers are being put to good use in Burundi
Camp Zama access returns to normal after "threatening" phone call

Friday, July 6

U.S. military holds rape suspect on Okinawa, awaits word from Washington
When traveling to Turkey, U.S. military personnel should carry NATO orders
Spanish kids get a close-up look at a U.S. reconnaissance plane during Rota tour
Relying on each other, U.S., South Korean teams finish survival training
Major general aims to take care of troops' morale, readiness in South Korea
Challenge, chance to learn leadership skills drawing more females to JROTC
Discipline is order of the day at JROTC summer school on Okinawa
Navy says it will be difficult to replace Vieques training range with a single facility
Athletes from Pakistan disappear from S. Korean tae kwan do festival
U.S. seems like a foreign country to young American globetrotters
Battered BDUs worth big bucks in England, and charity for children is big winner
USO, online booking agency team up to help travelers find B&Bs in Italy

Thursday, July 5

U.S. officials offer apologies amid rape allegations on Okinawa
Camp Zama steps up security following "potential problem" phone call
New Air Force squadron joining Taegu community to support helicopter unit
S. Korea optimistic there will soon be breakthroughs in dialogue with North
S. Korea worried many elderly applicants may die before being reunited with relatives
Baumholder community festival: A weekend of revelry, solidarity
Fourth of July celebration in Belgium SHAPEs up into something special
Festa Americana raises lots of smiles, but little revenue for sponsor
USS Cushing's sailors, officers clean up streets near Yokosuka
Farmer says noise from jet engines killed his cow; demands compensation
Middle Ages coming to Osan at Warrior’s Gate summer bash on Saturday

Wednesday, July 4

Kosovo investigation indicates wounded GI probably wasn't in a minefield
Arrest warrant issued for Air Force staff sergeant accused of rape on Okinawa
New commander stresses PACAF's importance in regional stability
You can never stop learning, says Gen. Begert
WWII pilot's heroics were omitted from squadron history until nephew took action
As strike looms in South Korea, Americans urged to avoid rallies, protests
Okinawa Army base helps protect injured giant sea turtle
Clergy members to chip in at Habitat for Humanity site in Asan, South Korea
High-flying Turkish teens on their way to Air Force Academy
Concentration camp survivor recounts liberation by U.S. troops
Man challenges sons to put into words how they feel about Old Glory
Sports: Pacific Force/Nike captures 35th Grand Slam men's softball title

Tuesday, July 3

Current U.S. peacekeepers will assist any NATO missions in Macedonia
Bondsteel jail kept busy with recent influx of suspected extremist detainees
Search is under way for owners of POVs damaged in cargo ship fire
Algerian officers' visit to USAFE signals first steps in establishing ties
Okinawan police expected to arrest Air Force technical sergeant
Marine commandant makes rounds on Okinawa, meets with governor
Officials went to the source to ensure new Marine uniform pleased troops
Renovation project aims to make Sung Nam a 'world-class' golf course
First 'Night Stalkers' aircraft arrive at Korea's K-2 Air Base
Policy change requires riders to reserve seat on bus to Incheon airport
In East Timor, Okinawa-based MPs took mission to a personal level
Misawa fire station boasts deluxe living quarters, technical improvements
Sports: Yongsan Garrison wins women's Firecracker Shootout softball title

Monday, July 2

Seoul supports N. Korea's renewed diplomatic ties with Turkey
Police continue questioning Kadena sergeant over alleged rape
Okinawan panel extends two leases for military base property
Army considers need for new airstrip ground rules for clearance in S. Korea
Air Force inquiry into F-15s' crash on hold until Scotland finishes investigation
Officer overcharged for call-back phone service warns others of pitfalls
Red Cross recognizing nurse at Kadena who saved choking child
Climbing Mount Fuji has hidden health risk for those with sickle cell disease
For 2ID soldiers getting access to their cash can be difficult, time-consuming
Taegu unit giving S. Koreans a glimpse of its base with translated Web site

Sunday, July 1

Alleged rape on Okinawa casts shadow over U.S.-Japan summit
Flags, fun, food and fireworks ... it must be the Fourth of July on Pacific bases
Thousands of mid-career NCOs will get pay adjustment, starting today
Constant mess, fines lead Yokosuka to close bins for off-base trash
Navy's Tsurumi Fuel Terminal develops leak spilling 6,100 gallons of diesel fuel
New fuel leaks alleged at Camp Long; investigators search for source
Eagle Base battles swarms of pesky mosquitoes with pesticides, repellents
“Old Ironsides” packs up Bad Kreuznach and makes the move to Wiesbaden
Europeans join Americans for July Fourth festivities in Germany
Troops arrest 30 suspected Albanian extremists at Kosovo border


(Stories from June, 2001)
(Stories from May, 2001)
(Stories from April, 2001)
(Stories from March, 2001)
(Stories from February, 2001)
(Stories from January, 2001)
(Stories from December, 2000)
(Stories from November, 2000)
(Stories from October, 2000)
(Stories from August and September, 2000)
(Stories from June 18 to July 31, 2000)

Stars and Stripes is authorized for publication by the Department of Defense for members of the Military Services overseas. However, the contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, including the Department of Defense or the U.S. European or Pacific Commands. As a DoD newspaper, Stars and Stripes may be distributed through official channels and use appropriated funds for distribution to remote and isolated locations where overseas DoD personnel are located.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised.

Products or services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.