I have to express my utmost disgust at "USO to focus on women," (article, Nov. 21).

Makeup in a combat zone? Are you kidding me? The last thing I think about when I’m getting ready to start the workday is, "How can I make myself prettier today?"

For years, women have been working hard to ensure we are considered equal to our male counterparts and afforded the same opportunities they are. They stress the "no sexual intercourse" policy in a deployed area. What kind of message does it send when young ladies are prancing around wearing makeup to enhance their appeal?

I can see the skin care products, because not only women, but men also, utilize what they can to make sure they have well-kept skin. But makeup?

Maybe we can account for [the makeup] like we do our M-16s and night-vision goggles. You know, the things that save our lives in a combat zone.

Good on the United Service Organizations for wanting to make us feel appreciated, but makeup is definitely not necessarily the best choice to send to our women serving overseas.

Cpl. Jacquie R. EbyCamp Dwyer, Afghanistan

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