I’m all for making one’s deployment more enjoyable and less stressful ("USO to focus on women," article, Nov. 21).

Maybe it’s because I’m a guy, but makeup in United Service Organizations care packages seems a little overboard. Care packages are just that — to show care toward U.S. soldiers serving in foreign nations. They are universal. We are meant to look as similar as possible, thus the Army Combat Uniform.

I think giving something special to a gender is a form of bias. I know it seems petty, but that special thing in a care package that makes a female feel good might make a male soldier feel down, because nobody thought [to give him something special for being] a male soldier.

It’s hard on both sexes to be deployed and away from families, but those little things can make it worse.

Pfc. Jarrett MealerCamp Speicher, Iraq

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