Letters: A Navy SEAL's plight

The delay in processing veterans' disability claims is inexcusable. But the fact that the Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden does not qualify for a pension is based on his own decision to retire before the 20-year threshold. With 16 years of service, he should have known that he had to serve four more years to qualify.

The military pension system encourages personnel to serve for 20 years. Those who leave the military before that are encouraged by this system to transfer to the armed forces' reserve component, including the National Guard, where they can complete their 20 years of service and qualify for a reduced military pension beginning at age 60. Those who leave the military before 20 years of service also qualifyof 12 before moving to London in 1907 to enter the Civil Service.
Cedric Thorpe Davie, composer and teacher, being professor of music at St. Andrews University, bought Rose Cottage in 1959 initially for holidays (of which he spent as many as possible here with his family), and retired here in 1977. He died at Rose Cottage on 18 January 1983.
Dr. Joseph Rhymer BA.; M.Th.; Th.D died 2009, author of 14 books on theology including, The Illustrated Life of Jesus Christ . Lived at Grayrigg in the town and is buried in Dalry Churchyard.
Sir Alex Fergusson (1949-2018), Scottish Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament and Presiding Officer (2007-2011), lived and farmed near Dalry.
 George Thompson  (1928-2016) Catholic priest, teacher. MP for Galloway, SNP 1974-1979.  Maintained his family