The U.S. military’s top man in uniform wants you to exercise your right and privilege by voting in this year’s elections.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is telling fellow servicemembers that “[a]s members of the armed forces, we each have a responsibility to take part in determining our nation’s leadership.”

“In this election year, you — our men and women in uniform — are stationed around the globe serving our Nation and defending democracy. We have both the responsibility and the privilege to participate in our democracy by exercising our fundamental right to vote,” Myers said in his 2004 voting message.

“The 2004 elections will determine our choice for president and vice president, 34 senators, the entire House of Representatives, and 13 governors, as well as thousands of local officials,” Myers wrote. “I urge each of you to participate, starting with the primaries already under way and continuing through the general election on Nov. 2.

“Recent elections have demonstrated the importance of every absentee ballot. Your vote does count!”

Ramstein exercise set

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — The 435th Air Base Wing will conduct a daytime exercise Wednesday in the central part of Ramstein Air Base, using ground burst simulators and smoke grenades.

Petra Day, a base spokeswoman, said there should be no traffic delays because of the exercise.

The purpose of the exercise is to provide realistic training for emergency and security forces members who would respond to terrorist incidents.

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