The Widowmakers

I refer to the letter from Maurice Micallef Eynaud (March 27), who was concerned with the name of one of the US Army units whose photo was published in your paper on March 21.

The unit in question is 3/502 Infantry, the "Widowmakers". For three years, I was the chaplain for that unit. The name of the unit is historic, from World War Two, and though it may appear to be insensitive to many people, I am sure they also find the main job of the "Widowmakers", and that of military forces around the world, to be insensitive as well. In the military, soldiers are trained to break things and kill people.

And, for the most part, most military forces around the world do a very good job of it. Each unit, even down to the platoon level, has a name. For example, the 101st is referred to as the "Screaming Eagles," the 502nd Infantry is "Strike", and 3-502nd is both "Strike and Kill" and "Widowmakers" because of a long history with the names. Companies with names such as "Maddogs", "Bulldogs" and "Warrior" exist.

The names instil spirit in the warriors who serve their country, and remind them often of the heritage and legacy of those who have gone before.

Whenever I say "Widowmaker" in any context, I am reminded of the heroes who have gone before me - jumping in to Normandy, fighting to liberate Europe, keeping peace in the Sinai, Kosovo, and Macedonia, among other missions. Because of the heritage of the unit, I, even as a pastor, will always be proud to have been a "Widowmaker" with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).