4:1 Arlington National Cemetery, The Story Continues (Part II)

The sacred grounds of the hills of Arlington, VA, have become less of a news story, yet increasing prior practices, lack of leadership, oversight, and discrepancies are increasing. The story of the gravemarkers in the streams of ANC even skipped my attention a couple of weeks ago (News Video Below). On the other hand, behind the scenes, within the confines of ANC, behind the windows of the Pentagon, and in the halls of the House of Representatives, the story of ANC continues at full steam. Today, the Secretary of the Army, Honorable John McHugh and Inspector General of the Army, LtGen Steven Whitcomb gave testimony to the House Armed Services Committee on the Army Investigation of Arlington National Cemetery (Video will be added once the DOD releases the official copy).

In the first half of the testimony ending at 1100 this morning, Secretary McHugh commented that of the 211 graves in the Inspector General Report released 09 Jun 2010, 27 have been thus far resolved. Twenty-one days later, this is an average of 1 per day—you could expect another 6 months in this process of just locating and identifying the missing/misplaced Veterans. The other issues at hand are sight maps, burial cards, and records that need to be transformed from paper to digital media. With 330,000+ Veterans interred at Arlington, the US Army is looking at outside sources to assist with the digitization of those records. An effort that is well worth it!  


In the second half of the live streaming testimony ending at 1305 today, Honorable McHugh commented in reference to the news reports of the gravemarkers in the streams of Arlington and the Patuxent River Refuge. “Prior to 1994, it was an accepted practice to use damaged, excess gravemarkers for stream or structural stability.” “This practice is no longer utilized, I find it distasteful to say the least, and now the practice is to ground and discard them in an appropriate manner.”

I have been following as closely as I can, the ANC Investigation and the Army’s current role in the post-investigation. I am deeply pained by the actions with the previous leadership at ANC but have high faith with Secretary McHugh, The House Armed Services Committee, and the forward movement in correcting the wrongs. Let me remind all of you that read this, although there have been deeply disturbing wrongdoings at ANC, keep in mind the US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, and the ANC Internment Employees have and continue to provide the utmost honorable funerals without controversy. With an average of 100+ ceremonies per day, these Honor Guard Units and ANC Staff have a high Operations Tempo unmatched. In the words of the United States Air Force Honor Guard "In Honore et Dignitate," To Honor with Dignity.

Source Story: Arlington Investigation/House Armed Services Committee

Photo Source: Hills of Arlington, Publisher of Blog, Headstones found lining stream bed, Arlington National Cemetery Map of Locations of Headstones in Streams, Honor Guard, Publisher of Blog

3:3 Pick of the Week

In an effort to provide different and interesting content in my blog, I’ll begin “Pick of the Week.” Pick of the week will be a brief history/story on anything from an Airman, aircraft, systems, units and so forth. Completely random, it should be a great source and read!

This week’s (20-26 Jun) pick of the week is the United States Air Force’s RC-135 Cobra Ball—not listed on the US Air Force Official Website, in their aircraft fact sheets section. I first heard about this aircraft from a fellow crewdog that cross-trained from the Cobra Eye to AWACS. Darby Perrin, now a Reservist with the 507^th Air Refueling Wing in Oklahoma City is also a renowned aviation artist, shared a 20 second brief on the Cobra Ball. "It takes pictures and the wing is black to provide anti-glare," that was his brief. To the right, Darby painted the nose art on the only Cobra Eye in 1989. Above, top left, one of Darby's prints.

The Cobra Ball, visually similar (standing on the ground) to the RC-135 Rivet Joint, but if you were to stand atop a building and look down on a Cobra Ball and an RJ sitting side by side, you would notice that one just doesn’t look like the other. On the right side of the Cobra Ball, you cannot help but stare at the black wing. This black wing, now not of any significance other than tradition was used in the past to provide anti-glare capability for multiple spectral and optical sensors/systems inside the aircraft. The evolution of the Cobra Ball began with the “Nancy Rae,” RC-135D, 1961-69; the “Lisa Ann/Rivet Amber,” RC-135E, 1963-69; the “Wanda Bell/Rivet Ball,” RC-135S, 1966-69; and the present “Cobra Ball,” 1969-present.

Cobra Ball is a measurement and signal intelligence (MASINT) collections airframe/system. It utilizes electronic-optical systems, designed to exploit the enemy electromagnetic spectrum to observe ballistic missile tests/flights at long-range. Cobra Ball tracks ballistic missiles for arms treaty compliance/verification and theater ballistic missile proliferation. A significant asset to the Defense and Security of our nation, it has also been an asset to other customers as well. With the proliferation of nuclear arms, it is clear that the two tails that exist will continue to serve our nation for quite a few more years.

The RC-135 Cobra Ball, based at Offut AFB, Nebraska, with it’s secretive nature, and peculiar exterior is an interesting aircraft to say the least. Good luck on finding any in-depth information concerning this weapons system and if you’re one of the lucky ones to serve aboard this aircraft, my hat is off to you.

3:2 Caution In The Wind, Post 9/11 GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is a wonderful fund overshadowing its predecessor, the Montgomery GI Bill. Amazingly enough, the 9/11 GIB can be transferred to spouses and/or children so that they may utilize it for higher education. At its full potential of 100%, the recipients education is fully funded, a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and book stipend is also supplied. BAH in the Northern Virginia area for instance is in excess of $1450+ and the book stipend is $1000 per year. If the recipient can truly be dedicated to schooling, a Bachelors Degree is well within reach in the 36-month time limit.

There is a catch though that many families are either unaware of or have been steered in the wrong direction. After speaking with fellow students who are receiving the 9/11 GIB as spouses or children, and accomplishing a bit of research on their behalf, there is a disconnect with the College Veterans Affairs (VA) Field Offices and the Regional VA Offices. The Field Offices have been informing “everyone” that they are eligible for the BAH and Book Stipend, when in fact some are not. Regardless if the student/recipient should be well aware of the VA policies and regulations regarding BAH/Book Stipend, it should be the responsibility of all VA Offices and its agents to also be aware of their own policies and regulations.

Some recipients, even after informing the field office that they are not eligible for the BAH and Book Stipend because their spouse is active-duty, have been told, “yes, you are eligible and you’ll receive the monies.” What about the few that are not aware of the policy concerning active-duty personnel with a transfer of the Post 9/11 GI Bill to spouse or child? What kind of situation does this put everyone in? Here are two cases:

Spouse “A” 1) Was well aware of the rules and regulations concerning BAH and Book Stipend, regardless of what the VA agents told him/her. 2) Field office was not aware of the rules and regulations, and/or neither offices was aware and the monies were sent to Spouse “A.” 3) Spouse “A” and Active Duty Spouse talks about this and decides to put the $1500 per month in BAH and $100 per month in Book Stipend in a savings account. 4) Five months later, Spouse “A” receives a letter stating “there was an overpayment” and your BAH and Book Stipend have been cancelled because it has come to our attention that your spouse is Active-Duty. 5) The total amount owed is $8000. 6) They are prepared.

Spouse “B” 1) Was not aware of the policies/regulations concerning BAH and Book Stipend—VA Agent not aware as well. 2) Spouse “A” is excited to receive some additional income, pays off bills and so forth with the additional income. 3) Five months later, Spouse “B” receives a letter stating “there was an overpayment” and your BAH and Book Stipend have been cancelled because it has come to our attention that your spouse is Active-Duty. 4) The total amount owed is $8000, yet the money was utilized for other issues and this family Active Duty person is an E-4. 6) Now, for the next two or three years, this family will be paying the VA the money back and has added another bill to their already strapped finances.

Who’s to blame here? I believe it is a shared accountability with the majority of the accountability on the VA. The VA is notorious for either “short changing” and/or overpayment. Yes, the families that are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill should and need to be fully aware of your rights and policies/regulations regarding the Bill. On the other hand, when the VA informs the recipients that, “you are getting the additional monies regardless,” who is really at fault?

So, “Caution In the Wind” to all of you recipients of the 9/11 GIB and have active-duty spouses—Read the fine print, contact your regional offices, and/or begin filing your grievances/appeal. As a recipient of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, I recommend to all that if you haven't participated in the program, transferred it to a family member, do so. It is by far a great program that should be taken advantage of--you've earned it! The link for the 9/11 GIB is in the first paragraph.

3:1 Does This Mean Burger King is Back in the AOR?

In recent events that broke late Monday evening/early Tuesday morning (21/22 Jun) about General Stanley McCrystal’s and staff’s comments about President Obama and his Administration in a Rolling Stone news report was shocking to say the least. On the flip side of the coin, I cannot name one person who hasn’t done something to that effect—in private conversation though. I believe General McCrystal and his staff showed flagrant disregard for conformity, professionalism, and military decorum. Now, we will only know of what the reporter supposedly dictated as his word in his report and I’m sure that there was at least some embellishing. Needless to say, General McChrystal’s resignation was the right thing to do--General Petraeus, "batter-up!"

I mean that in a very professional way. If he had not resigned and/or did not at the minimum be fired for his actions, it would have undermined the entire Military Judicial system. The Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 88 explicitly states:

“Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department,
the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”

In other words, “shut up and color,” or at least that is what I was told when I served. Nevertheless, I shouldn’t have to delve further, if what happened was correct or incorrect. Morally, ethically, professionally, it was incorrect. It’s not okay for a military member to do what was done in Gen McCrystal’s camp, plain and simple.

Now, for the lighter side of this situation… does this mean that the Burger Kings, Pizza Huts, and other restaurants and MWR activities will return to some FOB’s like Kandahar and Bagram, now that Gen McChrystal is departing? Late last year to earlier this year, the famed BK and Pizza Huts had to pull out due to an order given by the Commanding General in an effort to free up funds, cargo, and so forth. “This is a war zone, not an amusement park,” wrote Command Sergeant-Major Michael T. Hall in a military blog—What it comes down to is focus, and to using the resources we have in the most efficient and effective ways possible.” I agree with him to some extent and I also understand that there are troops in the outposts/more remote bases that can’t even get the essentials (food and water). On the other hand, there’s nothing like coming in from those remote bases, or after “humping” it all day and un-wrapping that “Whopper.”

I wish the best of luck to all the men and women deployed and to the new Commanding General, General David Petraeus. The road is long and arduous, our country and our military men and women are all too familiar with that road--we will succeed!

2:3 "Living History Books"

I have considered those from previous generations, “living history books” for quite some time. In 1999, I interviewed a WWII Veteran, SSgt Holtzclaw in his home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for a short biography needed to award him the WWII Victory Medal, Air Medal and POW Medal for his actions as a crewmember aboard a B-17 (if I remember correctly). I couldn’t believe how vivid his memory was—recalling events and details like the exact time of his last flight, the weather, and of course his parachute landing after his plane was hit by flak. A “living history book” is what I called SSgt Holtzclaw, he laughed, and said “I have not thought about these things in years Chris, until I found out the US Air Force was going to give me some medals.”

I planned his ceremony—every minute of it. From he and his family’s arrival to the reception in the wing headquarters building. The weather that day was not well. It was a wintery day and personnel were being told to head home and/or not come to work. I called his home informing them of the weather and the status of the base, yet he and his family wanted to “press.” His health wasn’t the best and his wife and family wanted this for him. Later that day, he received his medals, with great pride and he walked up those stairs to get them. I don’t know if SSgt Holtzclaw is still alive, but I thought of him today when I came across a story of another Tuskegee Airman passing on 11 June.

Retired LtCol William H. Holloman, famous Tuskegee Pilot during WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the US Air Force’s first black helicopter pilot passed. Known for breaking the military’s color barrier during WWII, LtCol Holloman continued his military service as a Reservist with the Air Force and finally retiring with the US Army in 1972. Another living history book has passed. It is estimated that over 1000 WWII vets pass per day and with them, they take the memories, and all that generation offered to their country, and we now live in their legacy.

Some suggest that only 50-60 Tuskegee pilots and approximately 240+ ground personnel from the Tuskegee groups remain alive. Tuskegee Airmen during WWII suffered sixty-six killed in action and another 32 became prisoners of war. One of the most decorated units during WWII, the pilots were awarded 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Bronze Stars, 8 Purple Hearts, 744 Air Medals, and 2 Presidential Unit Citations. The Airmen have an astounding 112 air-to-air victories and 150 planes destroyed on ground.

Many novels, biographies, videos, documentaries, and movies have been made about our Veterans in WWII. Yet, all of those resources will never replace the thoughts, memories and stories that Veterans keepin their hearts and minds. Take a moment to first thank he or she for their service, offer a coffee or a moment of your time. Listen to their story—it’ll beat any book you’ve ever read or any movie you’ve ever seen. Nothing beats a “living history book!”

2:2 "Jolly Green Footprint"

I can remember some time ago at Incirlik AB, Turkey, standing on the second floor of the billeting breezeway and looking up at this smoke stack from the boiler room building. Wondering what in the hell those two green footprints were about three-quarters of the way up the stack and how did they get there. About a week later, I found myself having a few beers on the first floor with some HC-130 guys one night, and I asked them the question. "Hey, what are those footprints up there?" I thought to myself in the seconds/minutes after the question was posed, maybe I should have asked my fellow crewmembers.

Yes, I got razzed. I ended up having beers with them my entire rotation and they invited me for a flight with them—one that I’ll never forget. “Those footprints my friend are part of a long tradition dating back to the AF Pararescue days of Vietnam,” said this old MSgt. “It is the sign of the PJ.” When the concept for the footprint was born, the idea was to affix it somewhere unusual, somewhere to gain attention-to command awe-when displayed. That footprint did just that! I wondered for a week, “who would want to become a PJ?”

Well, who really becomes a PJ is a very easy question to answer now, and this is who a PJ is:

Airman First Class “x” distinguished himself by extreme valor on 11 April 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron.

On that date, Airman “x”was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an on-going firefight between elements of the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division and a sizable enemy force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman “x” volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle, to the ground.

On the ground, he organized and coordinated rescue efforts, cared for the wounded, prepared casualties for evacuation, and insured that the recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. As each of the nine casualties evacuated that day were recovered, “x” refused evacuation in order to get one more wounded soldier to safety. After several pick-ups, one of the two rescue helicopters involved in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy ground fire and was forced to leave the scene for an emergency landing. Airman “x” stayed behind, on the ground, to perform medical duties.

Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and Airman “x” took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to American defenders.

As the battle raged on, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for the wounded, pull them out of the line of fire, and return fire whenever he could, during which time, he was wounded three times. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. In the vicious fighting which followed, the American forces suffered 80 percent casualties as their perimeter was breached, and Airman “x” was finally fatally wounded.

Airman “x” exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force.

“x” is Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger. Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on 08 December 2000, at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio to his surviving Mother and Father. His Silver Star was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. With almost 100% certainty, every PJ, if called to do so, follows the same code that A1C Pitsenbarger followed. This code, a badge of honor is as follows:

“IT IS MY DUTY AS A PARARESCUEMAN TO SAVE LIFE AND TO AID THE INJURED. I WILL BE PREPARED AT ALL TIMES TO PERFORM MY ASSIGNED DUTIES QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY, PLACING THESE DUTIES BEFORE PERSONAL DESIRES AND COMFORTS.

THESE THINGS I DO,

THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE.”

The Secretary of the Air Force General Norton Scwartz announced in a recent briefing that “our Air Force was deeply saddened by the loss of four of our own,” 09 June 2010 was the bloodiest day for the Air Force in Afghanistan since 23 Nov 2003, when four Airmen were killed in a helicopter crash in Parwan Province. The HH60G on 09 June, was providing support for British Troops and was shot down by Taliban insurgents--were performing a med-evac mission. Three Airmen were also injured and are being treated at Landstuhl, Germany. The four killed are:

1^st Lt. Joel C. Gentz, 25, of Grass Lake, Michigan

Combat Rescue Officer, 58^th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada

SSgt David C. Smith, 26, of Eight Mile, Alabama

HH60G Flight Engineer, 66^th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada

TSgt Michael P. Flores, 31, of San Antonio, Texas

Pararescueman, 48^th Rescue Squadron, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona

Distinguished Flying Cross, 9^th Deployment

SrA Benjamin D. White, 24, of Erwin, Tennessee

Pararescueman, 48^th Rescue Squadron, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona

1^st Deployment

This short blog is in honor to the men that passed last week, accomplishing one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs in the US Air Force. Your commitment and sacrifice is well respected by the person behind these words—I mourn your loss and appreciate your gift. Salute.

2:1 The Search and Identification Continues.

As the USAF and the other branches continuously conduct operations throughout the world, sustain injuries, and pay ultimate sacrifices, there are still many across the globe unaccounted for and missing. An office located in the heart of the Pentagon was created to continue to “the fullest possible accounting of those who become missing due to hostile action while pursuing U.S. national objectives abroad.” The Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO), continue, on a daily basis to account for all of our Missing In Action (MIA) throughout the world.

To date, more than 88,000 Americans remain MIA from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. It is the goal that every single one of the MIA’s are located, identified and repatriated. The process is long and arduous to repatriate our MIA’s—from the analysts, to the negotiations with other countries, the investigations, excavations, identification of the remains, and then, hopefully, notifying the next of kin. In many cases, from the time the process begins and ends, 5-10 years have passed—still, well worth it.

In a recent accounting, nine USAF personnel from the Vietnam Conflict were returned to their families for burial with full military honors. On 22 May 1968, the nine men aboard a C-130A flareship known as “Blind Bats,” of the 41^st Tactical Airlift Squadron, were conducting an evening flare mission over Laos. The crew made a radio call and 15 minutes later, another C-130 crew reported seeing a large ground fire near the last known location. This particular C-130, was the first C-130 lost over Laos. The crew remained missing for 40 years. DPMO and several DOD agencies, brought the men home.

In another story, Technical Sergeant Walter A. McClellan of Pensacola, Florida was buried Friday, 23 April 2010. Almost 65 years to the day that his B-17 was shot down near Dresden, Germany by German Fighters in WWII. TSgt McClellan parachuted, was captured by German SS Forces, interrogated, and later executed. One report in 1956 and another in 2007 by German citizens stated that a young Airman was buried in a Burkhardswalde, German church by the townspeople after once being buried in the town’s sports field. In 2008, DPMO and JPAC determined that the remains in fact, were TSgt McClellan.

I believe that there are two things to write about. Complete and utter “BS” where a and complete and utterly important issues. Today’s blog, is of the latter. This is an organization/office that needs the full support of every Veteran and Active Duty person. If you can volunteer, do it. If you can’t volunteer, support it. The black flag with “POW/MIA,” written on it has more meaning than most think. It’s okay to display the flag, but when asked, “do you know what that flag means?” And the response is “nawww, but I thought it was cool looking,” you’re going to get a lesson and you’re going to sit and listen to it.

The following video is an example of what the POW/MIA's mean to some:

Here is a video of a "Repatriation." This is only a very small part of the process, on the other hand, probably the most important and highly honorable part of the process--"bringing 'em home."

1:3 Arlington National Cemetery, The Institution Isn't Broken, The Leadership Was.

The unbelievable news broke this morning (Thu, 10 Jun 10) around 0900 Eastern Standard Time, concerning the US Army’s forthcoming report on the leadership and handlings of day-to-day operations in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). The report only mentioned an Air Force MSgt was buried on top of a SSgt already in the grave—as you could imagine this became the watercooler talk in Washington D.C., and then the media frenzy began. Later this afternoon, Secretary of the Army, The Honorable John McHugh broke the news and findings of the REPORT, one that has been in the making for the past two years, that there are approximately 200 remains of our fallen men and women that have been misidentified or misplaced.

John Metzler, now former Superintendent of ANC, commented to Salon.com “About a fourth is somewhat factual, and the rest isn’t even close,” Metzler said. “Nobody here is doing anything malicious. … Sure, mistakes get made. … Does anyone run a perfect organization?” Really, Mr. Metzler! Are you serious? I have a bone to pick with you since you have risen to your soapbox. Why don’t you make that statement to the 200+ families of the misidentified and misplaced? I don’t think you should just be reprimanded, allowed to retire, I believe that you should be judged in a court of law. What you did, yes you Mr. Metzler, WAS malicious, unconscionable, and downright unpatriotic. In a more recent case of a Maryland funeral home, the director was prosecuted for stacking 40+ remains in a room. Here are 200+ remains of our fallen heroes, mis-identified and/or misplaced, and the leadership is allowed to retire and issued a reprimand. Where is the disconnect?

Now, the US Army must step in to correct and update a system that has not failed the institution of ANC as most have come to know, yet failed the 200+ men and women lost within the confines of ANC. The US Army must figure out how to find the remains of our fallen either by utilizing a ground-penetrating radar or disinterring the remains. The fallen deserve the investigation and the search, they earned their own resting place!

What do you think of this debacle? What do you think should happen to the leadership that have "retired" as of today? When was the last time you visited Arlington National Cemetery?

US Army IG Report of Investigation

US Army Special Inspection of ANC Final Report

ANC Directive Official Reprimand of Superintendent of ANC

The following is a tribute video that I made this past Memorial Day, 2010, to honor those that have served and sacrificed. The song, Arlington is by Mr. Trace Adkins. 90% of its photos are mine and the remainder were clips from Google's Photo Tab.

1:2 Help Me Find “Rank Based” Criteria for Medals.

I’ve looked at the criteria for the AF Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star and I seem to be having a difficult time finding “based on rank.” We have all been told at one time or another that a Commendation Medal won’t be awarded to a SrA or an MSM to a retiring TSgt. Please click on the links above and help me find, “Based on Rank” in the criteria.

I recently attended a retirement for an 25 year Army SFC, with many joint assignments, two-four tours to three different conflicts, and previously received two Meritorious Service Medals. The award for the time she served her country with distinction was another MSM. The SFC was told that she ineligible for the DMSM based on rank. The medal above the MSM is the DMSM and the criteria is as follows:

The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to military personnel serving with or assigned to a number of joint activities including the Secretary of Defense, organizations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and headquarters of joint commands. Other joint activities and specified commands such as military assistance advisory groups and joint missions; and jointly manned staffs within Allied Command Europe, Allied Command Atlantic, the NATO Military Committee, and military agencies associated with functions of the military or other joint activities as may be designated by the secretary are also included.The medal is awarded for non-combat meritorious achievement or service that is incontestably exceptional and of magnitude that clearly places the individual above his peers while serving in one of the assignments for which the medal has been designated.

Can’t seem to find “Based on Rank” in the above criteria, can you?

I could go on and on about every medal and as a matter of fact, I’ll talk about one more. I frequently walk through Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery—this is the section in which the majority of the OIF and OEF fatalities are laid to rest. On the majority of those gravemarkers of our fallen brethren, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart are inscribed. The Bronze Star criteria is as follows:

This decoration authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 on Feb. 4, 1944, is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces of the United States on or after Dec. 7, 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction.

“Ground Combat,” is the key word that I chose here in reference to two or three persons that I know wear the medal with great distinction but never stepped outside of the wire or fired a weapon. It seems very disheartening to know that those men and women in Section 60 lie there with their Purple Hearts and Bronze Star Medals, yet there are some marching about proudly with their Bronze Stars. How has the Bronze Star been degraded to award for “outstanding service” and “directly impacted the mission outside of the wire?” Shouldn't an MSM been more appropriate?

As I end this very long blog, I want to ask three questions: 1) When did the “Based on Rank” stigma become attached to criteria and is the criteria left for interpretation to that extreme? 2) Do you think it’s okay to award Bronze Star Medals for service inside the wire or am I crazy? 3) Doesn’t all of this sound like the EPR system?

1:1 Patches on the ABU's?

Recently published in the Air Force Times, titled "Give Me Back My Patches," there are some that believe that unit, US Flag, and morale patches should be permitted for wear on the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU). On the same token, Airmen completing flight operations continuously display their unit, US Flag, and morale patches without any flak from above. For some, the ABU (outside of comfort) was a welcome uniform for ease of cleaning and less clutter over the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). For others like Special Forces, Airborne, those that have pride in their units, and so forth welcome another look at a "uniform change."

Key word here, "uniform change." Uniform changes have been occurring for many years now and most are well aware of changing out of the 4-button dress blues to the 3-button airline dress blues. Nametapes to black-leather name-patches and then back to nametapes on the BDU's. BDU's to ABU's. Creases on flightsuits. Circle, non-circle U.S. insignia and the list can go on. It's been a long ride for those serving from the late 80's, early 90's to present. Yet, Air Force Staff leadership refuse to re-visit uniform changes and initiating the uniform board to consider changes. Why is this?

I know, there are those that don't want the patches and those that want the patches. The Air Force wants to separate themselves from the other branches--didn't this happen on 18 Sept 1947? The only branch without vehicle window decals, now re-instating decals (a whole other issue reserved for later discussion), the Air Force is in constant change or is it one putting their stamp on history? If anything, how about rolling out summer weights, replacing the buttons with a zipper on the ABU blouse (like the Army Combat Uniform) and at minimum, allow subdued US Flags on the ABU's. Another thing, make the boots like the desert boots and rid Airman of the baby puke boots currently in clothing sales!