As a former Army soldier and New York National Guardsman, I was deeply troubled to learn that JPMorgan Chase Bank defrauded thousands of our servicemembers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan (“Lenders who prey on troops may face harsher penalties,” article, Feb. 10). The paltry refunds provided to the victims do not begin to undo the damage the bank’s callous actions caused.

It was equally disturbing to learn that the bank also foreclosed on 18 military families in violation of federal law.

I agree with Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., who has called for an investigation of the violations admitted by bank officials. I would urge all veterans and active-duty military personnel to boycott JPMorgan Chase to protest their detestable treatment of our troops.

Robert T. Koenig

Bartlett, Tenn.

Big-ticket HQ busts budget

The Feb. 9 article “NATO draws fire over cost of new headquarters” (Europe edition) stated that the cost of the new headquarters complex is estimated at $1.3 billion. Considering there are now 28 member states in NATO, that should average out to about $46 million per member — peanuts.

Here in Wiesbaden, Germany, we are preparing for the U.S. Army Europe headquarters to move here from Heidelberg/Mannheim. That move will cost us taxpayers in the neighborhood of $500 million. I’ve yet to read any comment on that. As a matter of fact, the city of Wiesbaden is delighted with that added income. But do we really need a “new” battle and command center with a 1,000-car garage?

If we keep it up, we’ll be on that pace to have our U.S. deficit reach the $1.5 trillion prophetized for this year.

Ronald MacArthur Hirst

Kaiserslautern, Germany

Stripes keeps me in the game

I want to thank Stars and Stripes for the new video game review section every Sunday (Diversions: Video Games). As a 13-year-old, I am very interested in reading the newspaper other than the comics. I like the video game reviews that make the newspaper more interesting and fun for me. They also help me decide which games to purchase.

Please continue to add sections that young readers like me will enjoy. Thank you again.

Bob Corey

Wiesbaden, Germany

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