thedrifter
06-23-08, 08:00 AM
Marine Commander: Marines Not Predators, Willing Neighbors
Written by Patti Arroyo, Pacific News Center - Guam, Saipan, CNMI, Asia-Pacific
Monday, June 23, 2008 08:17 AM
Guam
Guam - The Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces in the Pacific is making assurances that the Marines that are coming from Okinawa are not trouble-making predators, but rather new neighbors willing to be a part of the community.
Lt. General John F. Goodman answers four questions posed by Senator Judi Guthertz on whether the crime rate will increase with the Marines here, the impact of demands on the island’s healthcare, issues of mental health and whether Goodman thinks the Marines will disrupt Guam’s society.
Goodman, in a letter to Guthertz says her question on the crime rate “strikes at the heart of who we are and what we represent”. He sent statistics to show that a mere seven Marines get into trouble every year in Okinawa compared to the number of locals that have run-ins with police. Goodman says seven Marines are still too many but face stiff penalties over the Uniformed Code of Military Justice standard of conduct.
Guthertz asked the questions in an attempt to secure data and profiles that would help in the planning of the Marines arrival to Guam in the coming years.
Ellie
Written by Patti Arroyo, Pacific News Center - Guam, Saipan, CNMI, Asia-Pacific
Monday, June 23, 2008 08:17 AM
Guam
Guam - The Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces in the Pacific is making assurances that the Marines that are coming from Okinawa are not trouble-making predators, but rather new neighbors willing to be a part of the community.
Lt. General John F. Goodman answers four questions posed by Senator Judi Guthertz on whether the crime rate will increase with the Marines here, the impact of demands on the island’s healthcare, issues of mental health and whether Goodman thinks the Marines will disrupt Guam’s society.
Goodman, in a letter to Guthertz says her question on the crime rate “strikes at the heart of who we are and what we represent”. He sent statistics to show that a mere seven Marines get into trouble every year in Okinawa compared to the number of locals that have run-ins with police. Goodman says seven Marines are still too many but face stiff penalties over the Uniformed Code of Military Justice standard of conduct.
Guthertz asked the questions in an attempt to secure data and profiles that would help in the planning of the Marines arrival to Guam in the coming years.
Ellie