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Hampton Roads vs. Mayport

Jun 08

8:54 AM

Re "Kaine slams Navy’s Fla. study," Hampton Roads, May 27: As a member of the U.S. Navy, I have lived and worked in both Mayport, Fla., and Hampton Roads.

If Hampton Roads and Virginia would like the Navy to maintain or increase its presence here, I would concentrate on improving the quality of life, rather than lobby the Navy with shallow and transparent environmental concerns for Mayport.

For someone in the military, Jacksonville is far superior to Hampton Roads. The cost of living is lower, the schools are better, traffic is better and law enforcement is friendlier and more effective.

There is no state income tax, and a higher percentage of physicians and hospitals accept Tricare. The local citizens and merchants appreciate the miltary service more. I could go on.

These are not subjective assertions. Most can be factually verified with a computer search. I do not know of one sailor, soldier, Marine, airman or civil servant in my years of service here that would tell me they like living in the Hampton Roads metro area.

Hampton Roads suffers from rapid and uncontrolled growth, and the cities are fat on the money they get from the military and don’t know how to properly use it.

This is why the roads are so bad, traffic is constantly backed up straining cars, gas mileage and tempers. Many merchants are rude and abusive to military members because one sailor years ago bounced a check. It’s hard to find a military discount here, but in Florida you will get a military discount and they will thank you for your service.

Virginia has stricter rules favoring the nonmilitary spouse in the distribution of retirement in a divorce. Hampton Roads has 17 military installations and has proven unable to handle the responsibility that comes with the benefit.

For the governor to complain that a few ships might be moved away is blatantly greedy.

Reducing the population by moving a few ships might be just what the area needs.

Chris Peterson

Chesapeake

View 8 comment(s) Link to post

Sir, yes sir.

Submitted by Ira Tateu on Mon, 06/09/2008 at 2:43 pm.

Sir, yes sir.

Navy in Norfolk

Submitted by contractorva on Sat, 06/07/2008 at 12:10 am.

The ships & the personnel will stay here & like it. Stop complaining. That is an order. LOL

Stop it Nikki

Submitted by Ira Tateu on Fri, 06/06/2008 at 4:29 pm.

It was obviously meant to as an insult. We can read.

Well well Eternal Sunshine and AM8...

Submitted by Nikki M. on Thu, 06/05/2008 at 7:55 pm.

What a perfect example of all things Hampton Roads Virginia in your totally typical, predictable, responses to the original letter writer. The original letter writer set forth his - note - his opinions, in a thoughtful, intelligent manner, and what he received was the usual repugnant derision so common in this area.

And what's so sad is that this area still makes men shudder and women cry when they learn they have been sentenced by the military to serve their time in the Hampton Roads area. It is generally not the natives that make their stay any easier, but instead all the folks they meet from elsewhere, because Virginians are generally not known for their hospitality. And once again you have shown everyone why and how!

Whatever

Submitted by Ira Tateu on Thu, 06/05/2008 at 3:26 pm.

I am no cheerleader for Hampton Roads but get real. Jacksonville stinks. Even civilian navy brats I have known CHOSE to leave. Ironically, from the time I have spent there, I do not see much difference between the two areas of sprawl. Jax has much more crime as well.

Truth hurts

Submitted by Phrog on Thu, 06/05/2008 at 2:22 pm.

Now, I wonder why someone would post on this article and actually call the author an "idiot"? Could it be that a nerve has been struck? Truth hurts? Or the poster is so overwhelmed with a well thought out piece that the poster feels obligated to attempt to lower the authour to his/her standards by personal name calling? I think it is a little of all the above. Truth is, quality of life in Jax (or Florida) is far superior to HR. The author of the article is spot on in his assessment. I have been there as active duty and enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, as an active duty member, the needs of the Navy outweigh the desires of the sailor and I was sent back here. I am retired now and chose to stay here for the benifit of my children (too much moving around and it was time to stay put). HR is okay, but FL is far better.

EternalSunshine

Submitted by am81430 on Thu, 06/05/2008 at 11:22 am.

Well said. I believe Mr. Peterson needs to get more friends. I know quite a few military, active, inactive and retired who love this area.

You, sir, are an idiot.

Submitted by EternalSunshine on Thu, 06/05/2008 at 10:35 am.

"I do not know of one sailor, soldier, Marine, airman or civil servant in my years of service here that would tell me they like living in the Hampton Roads metro area."

You must have a very limited circle of acquaintances.