Arlington National Cemetery: Problems Amplified (Part III) 10:7:5

Arlington National Cemetery

This week, the Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight conducted a hearing on the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) Management and its mishandlings in the 19 years of tenure of Mr. John Metzler, former Superintendent ANC.  Also in the hearing, Mr. Thurmond Higginbotham, former Deputy Superintendent, ANC, “pled the fifth.”  Brief history on Mr. Metzler—he was Superintendent of ANC for 19 years, 17 years with the VA Cemetery System, and an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, total 42 years of service to the United States.  “I hold “them” in highest regards,” Metzler referring “them” to the men and women who lie at rest in ANC.  Metzler retired from active Federal Service on 02 July 2010. 

John Metzler

The hearing was approximately 2.75 hours long and after 1.25 hours, I had already picked out several inaccuracies in Metzler’s testimony and actually needed to take a break, a breath of fresh air, it was somewhat making me sick to listen to him.  I actually began to feel a bit of remorse for his actions until I paused, reviewed my notes, and reviewed some of the photos that I have taken of issues that made me uneasy whilst walking the grounds of Arlington.  To begin with, Metzler stated that he was not aware of any issues in ANC until the US Army IG report disclosed in June of this year.  Later in the testimony, he disclosed that an issue did come to light in 2005 when two urns “turned up” in the fill dirt in a section of the cemetery referred to as “ID90.”  This section is where all loose dirt, fill dirt, and other cemetery logistical needs are located until it is needed elsewhere in the cemetery. 

Urn  Burial Vault

Also Metzler initially noted that all caskets/urns are tagged prior to funeral service/burial by ANC staff.  This “tag” is a device that marks each casket or urn and identifies them.  Again, later in his testimony, he stated that the two urns that “turned up” in the fill dirt were not tagged and that the two urns were then interred as “unknowns.”  Mr. Metzler, are the caskets and urns tagged or not?  Also, this poses another question.  Why in the first place were the two urns not interred in burial vaults?  It’s obvious to me that the urns were not in burial vaults because if they were, the operator of the tractor excavating a burial site or the men located on the ground with shovels would have seen the vault.  Also, how were the urns, if excavated, not damaged to the point that the ashes didn’t fall out of the urns or why didn’t the urns at least deteriorate?  Were the urns disposed of purposefully because they were unidentifiable and another employee with no knowledge found them?  Or… were the urns removed from the Columbarium to make space? 

Metzler stated further into the hearing that tree maintenance, “all trees and branches were lifted (section 27) to a six foot level.”  “Section 27 receives every bit of maintenance as any other section.”  I beg to differ with Metzler.  Let me point out another discrepancy in his testimony before I go into grounds maintenance.  Prior to Metzler’s arrival at ANC, an experiment was accomplished to switch out the upright gravemarkers with flat markers (gravemarkers lying flat with the surface of the earth).  This was changed when Metzler became Superintendent, “all that was accomplished between 1993 and 1994,” said Metzler.

      -Let’s cover the tree/grounds maintenance.  His statement is incorrect and my photos prove this.  There are many more gravemarkers that are covered by shrubbery and/or trees.  In fact, there are many markers that are indiscernible because there are trees that have completely overgrown the markers.  I don’t care if some think it’s part of the “character” or “history” of ANC—it’s not.  What if a family member wanted to pay a visit to a distant family member and now can’t even see the name of their loved one?  There are also markers that don’t even have the appropriate Section and Plot Number on the back of the grave marker. 

Marker Underneath Tree

Barely Visible, Only Marked by Flag, Assume That This
Marker Is No Longer Visible Because of Growth
There Are Several Just Like This

     -Lastly, Metzler’s statement concerning flat gravemarkers were removed is completely false.  As you can see in the photos below, they have not been removed.  The photo of the marker covered with mud, was missed by the men and women service members that place flags at each marker prior to Memorial Day.  I can guarantee you that based on the location of the one with mud (not on typical tourist route) is now covered with grass.  I will actually verify that this weekend when I visit ANC. 

This Marker Was Barely Visible, More Uncovered by Removing Soil

One of Many Flat Markers Within ANC

The story of Arlington National Cemetery is long from over.  The recent hearings and further investigations now disclose that possibly over 6,000 internments may be mismarked.  Personally, I think there are more and based on Metzler’s testimony, the number will increase.  Metzler has a hard enough time recalling his own testimony, nonetheless recalling if he “misplaced” bodies here or there.  Keep in mind that in his 19 years of service to ANC, he has supervised the burial of over 110,000 men and women.  Former Deputy Superintendent Thurmond Higginbotham referred to he and Metzler’s work there as “Metzler owning 51% and I owning 49%, we’re a corporation.”  Since they were a “corporation,” they surely got their bailout or golden parachute to—they both were able to retire from Federal Service.  An Airman gets a DUI and is dishonorably discharged.  A superintendent of a cemetery possibly misplaces 6,000 bodies and he gets a full retirement?

Lastly, let me comment on one other issue that I witnessed.  I was so sickened, I forgot that the camera was in my hand and didn’t snap a photo.  As I was walking through a section (middle of the afternoon), while family members, friends of the fallen were visiting, a John Deere Six-Wheel Gator with two ANC groundskeepers aboard rode through the gravemarkers.  Stopping occasionally within plain view of everyone, removed flowers, keepsakes left behind by those very same visitors and then tossed/threw them in the back of the Gator.  I can recall the horror and disbelief in the family members faces as these two employees accomplished their job.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this has to be accomplished to keep the Cemetery in good order—I believe that this can be done prior to opening and after closing to the General Public.  What do you think?

Source Story:  Pentagon Channel, CSPAN

Photo Source:  Metzler, Cemetery Photos (Self, Editor of this Blog)

7:4 General Stanley McChrystal Retires, 23 June 2010

Surprisingly enough, I came home tonight to find out that just up the highway, General Stanley McChrystal held his retirement ceremony on the lawns of Fort McNair, location of the National Defense University.  In a partial video of the ceremony, Secretary of Defense, Honorable Robert Gates and Chief of Staff of the Army General George W. Casey, Jr., presided over the ceremony on a very hot Summer afternoon in Washington DC.  Fitting enough, since the Army and other branches are currently in combat abroad, General’s Casey, McChrystal and retirement personnel are uniformed in ACU’s.  Side note:  this is where I believe the Air Force should take note—the U.S. military is currently in combat abroad and should rethink their idea of “blues Monday”—just saying. 

Nevertheless, the ceremony, just like the many that I have seen was filled with speeches, applause, ceremonial functions, happiness and sadness.  Regardless of General McChrystal’s incident, a little more than a month ago, he served his nation with honor, integrity, and glory.  General Casey’s comments from the soldiers, “when you ask soldiers about Stan McChrystal, what they think, they say,” “they trust and respect him that he is truly remarkable,” “they say he is man of integrity and great personal courage.”  General Casey also comments about General McChrystal’s wife Annie—a reoccurring theme throughout the retirement: “spouses” and their courage, their devotion, and their willingness to assist with the “fight.” 

“Stan has grown so accustomed to Zulu time over the years, that when Stan finally comes home, he has Annie change all the clocks in the house to Zulu time.”  Annie has been there for what I added to be 33 years of marriage and about 3-4 years of dating—they were married as 2^nd Lt. McChrystal was assigned to his first post.  “Annie has been there, including the toughest and more important of assignments, raising an Army family.”  This is true in all branches.  The military spouse is unlike any spouse—especially in the last 10 years.  Military families have endured so much over the past 10 years—it is without a doubt and singlehandedly been the military spouse that has kept our military strong here on the homefront.  It’s no wonder that the spouse was the reoccurring theme in the retirement!  “A nation is deeply in your debt,” for the grace and resilience like so many military families separated from the military member.

“Nothing about this man can be considered ordinary,” stated Secretary Gates.  “This consummate Ranger, possessed one of the sharpest and inquisitive minds in the Army.”  General McChrystal’s look at warfare in the present day and future fights will be studied and utilized in years to come.  He has laid the groundwork for the success of the national security objectives in the warzone.  Since 9/11, “no single American has inflicted more fear and more loss of life on our country’s most vicious and violent enemies than Stan McChrystal.” 

His resignation and retirement should be a model for those that still wear the uniform.  Although such a distinguished service prior to the Rolling Stone article, men and women of our Armed Forces should be reminded that we are held to higher code, a code that those who have never worn a stitch of the military uniform and never laced a pair of combat boots will ever understand.  A code that must be adhered to no matter what the circumstance may be.  “This is frustrating, I spent a career waiting to give a retirement speech and lie about what a great soldier I was.  Then people show up that are actually there.  It proves what Doug Brown taught me long ago, nothing ruins a good war story, like an eyewitness.”  “To those here tonight who feel they need to contradict my memories with the truth, remember I was there to.  I have stories on all of you, photos on many, and I know a Rolling Stone reporter.”  That seemed to be just the jab that I expected out of General McChrystal as he began his retirement speech to those that may have stretched the truth.  “With my resignation, I left a mission that I feel strongly about.” 

“I ended a career I began over 38 years ago and I left unfulfilled commitments I made to many comrades in the fight, commitments I hold sacred.  My service did not end as I would have wished, and there are misperceptions about the loyalty and service of some dedicated professionals that will likely take some time, but I will be corrected.”

Source Story:  Pentagon News Release

Photo Source:  All Photos

7:3 Air Force Motto: Searching For An Identity.

“Aim High,” “Cross Into The Blue,” and “Above All,” have been mottos for the US Air Force over the years and is again searching for an identity.  At 63 years young, the Air Force has continuously, especially since the early 1990’s, redesigned uniforms, changed mottos, and even the symbol.  It’s no wonder Airman are essentially saying, “enough already.”  “Why can’t we just be happy with our heritage,” said one Airman.  Heritage, something I think the Air Force should really look at.  For instance, the Marine Corps adopted their motto “Semper Fidelis” in 1883, 108 years after their birth.  The mottos preceding Semper Fidelis were “Fortitudine” (with courage), “Per Mare, Per Terram” (by sea, by land), and “To The Shores of Tripoli” are mottos that actually have meaning and follow heritage.  Crossing into the blue, has to be, by far the worst motto!  Above All?  Where is the heritage or meaning in those mottos?

At least “Aim High” had some semblance of meaning.  When searching all the branches under a consolidated roof of semi-knowledge, the Air Force is the only branch that has a side note next to its motto:  “Above All, (as of 19 February 2008)”—that’s just sad.  I believe that the USAF Pipe Band has absolutely kept a bit of heritage since the early days of the US Air Force by retaining the same tartan over the years.  Named the “Mitchell” Tartan after General William “Billy” Mitchell, the colors and pattern of the tartan have remained the same to this day.  There you go, a bit of heritage, kept because it doesn’t need to be changed.  Grant it, the uniforms of the USAF needed change, but every few years?  What was really wrong with the four-pocket, four-button service dress uniform?

Back to the motto—rambling can even occur online!  The Air Force Times is running it’s own contest in selecting a motto for the Air Force.  With over 300 entries to date, some of which are:

Above and Beyond

Fly, Fight, Win

Global Strike

Always in the Fight

Victory from Above

Higher, Farther, Faster

Here are some that will probably not make it past the first round of deliberations:

Get High, Legally

It Ain’t Broke, So Let’s Fix It

Shut Up and Color

If You Don’t Like Air Force Policy Today, Wait Two Years

I believe I have a motto for the Air Force:

Prestantia Per Vigilare

Superiority Through Vigilance

I hope I didn’t slaughter Latin!  I believe that could stick with the Air Force through the ages!  It’s by far a motto that surely could have been used through the birth of the Air Force, through the Korean and Vietnam Wars and surely through the Cold War Era!  The Air Force has always remained vigilant and air superiority and now cyber superiority is huge!  By utilizing only “superiority,” units can attach their mission statement to the motto, for instance:  Fighter Units, “Air Superiority Through vigilance;” Civil Engineering Units, “Engineering Superiority Through Vigilance;”  Cyber Space Units, “Cyber Superiority Through Vigilance.”  Easy enough, no need to ever change!  What are your opinions?

Gen Chandler, AF/CV, notified MAJCOM leaders of his direction to create an Air Force motto. SAF/PA has the lead and will conduct an AF-wide, summer-long effort to develop a new motto.

The Air Force motto is to be a short phrase that captures what it means to be an Airman, that summarizes what the Air Force stands for. It should be unique to the Air Force. It should be an internal rallying cry for all Airmen. The Air Force motto should endure to future generations of Airmen.

Once established internally, it can be used in external advertising and communication.

Source Story:  Air Force Times

Photo Source:  Air Force

7:2 Stolen Valor Act: Unconstitutional?

Richard Glen Strandlof

Richard Duncan, Capt, USMC, Veteran.  Annapolis graduate, survivor of the 11 Sept 2001 attack on the Pentagon, three-tour veteran of the Iraq War, Capt Duncan received a wound by an improvised explosive device (IED) during his second tour in Iraq.  Launching an organization, the Colorado Veterans Alliance, an American hero himself, supported the local vets in Colorado Springs and purportedly had a mailing list of 32,000 veterans.  Rick Duncan, graduate of Annapolis actually graduated in 1948—an individual internal to the organization that Rick Duncan created grew suspicious of Rick.  Eventually finding out Capt Rick Duncan was actually Richard Glen Strandlof, a convicted felon, and a long history of fraud followed

The Federal government issued an arrest warrant in October of 2009 and charged Strandlhof with one count of making false claims about receipt of military decorations, under the Stolen Valor Act.

The Stolen Valor Act, Public Law 109-437 by the 109^th Congress, found that 1) Fraudulent claims surrounding the receipt of the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross, the Purple Heart, and other decorations and medals awarded by the President or the Armed Forces of the United States damage the reputation and meaning of such decorations and medals.  2) Federal law enforcement officers have limited ability to prosecute fraudulent claims of receipt of military decorations and medals.  3) Legislative action is necessary to permit law enforcement officers to protect the reputation and meaning of military decorations and medals. 

Just a few days ago, US District Judge Robert Blackburn dismissed the case against Richard Strandlof and found the Stolen Valor Act was unconstitutional because it violated his freedom of speech.  That “the government did not show it has a compelling reason to restrict that type of statement.”  “This wholly unsubstantiated assertion is, frankly, shocking and, indeed, unintentionally insulting to the profound sacrifices of military personnel the Stolen Valor Act purports to honor," Blackburn wrote. "To suggest that the battlefield heroism of our servicemen and women is motivated in any way, let alone in a compelling way, by considerations of whether a medal may be awarded simply defies my comprehension.” 

I for one believe that he should face punishment.  Strandlof’s only intentions were fraudulent and eventually would have again, taken the money and run as he did in Nevada.  I guess, people on the other side of the fence make the claim that the Stolen Valor Act does, in some way violate one’s right to free speech.  The Act does have holes that I think should be repaired to make it a more solid law—this is the reason why Strandlof wasn’t punished and many more will continue to press on with life without punishment.  On the other hand, bringing these folks to court, pressing their photos on the web and the media also pressing his/her photos out to the public, is punishment as well.  Until Congress decides to update the law, it will continue to be shot down in a court of law or until a higher court strikes down Judge Robert Blackburn’s ruling.  This case hasn’t killed this Act, so we can count on hearing more about the Stolen Valor Act in the future.

Source Story:  Associated Press

Photo Source:  Richard Strandlof, Medals

7:1 Avoiding the Vertical Pronoun

The following is an Air Force release concerning the third award of the Air Force Cross to an enlisted member, SSgt Zachary Ryner and the only Airman not receiving it Posthumously since 11 Sept, 2001.  The release, a commentary by Brig. Gen. Darryl W. Burke, Commander, 82nd Training Wing, essentially outlines "teamwork," that the principle of "we" versus "I" in the joint fight arena is essential to mission success.  I guess this same concept can be used in everyday life, even mine.  Here is the commentary:

Commentary - Avoiding the Vertical Pronoun

7/16/2010 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner is one of only three Airmen since Sept. 11, 2001, to receive the Air Force's highest honor, the Air Force Cross, and the only one who did not receive it posthumously.

A combat controller, Sergeant Rhyner saved countless lives by calling in more than 50 "danger close" air strikes, many virtually on top of his own position, after his special operations team was caught in a 360-degree ambush in Afghanistan's Shok Valley in April 2008. Even as he controlled eight Air Force fighters and four Army attack helicopters while perched on the side of a cliff, he laid down suppressing fire so wounded teammates could be extracted from the line of fire.

Sergeant Rhyner's actions that day were truly heroic, and his story has been rightfully used by many, including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, to illustrate what Airmen bring to the joint fight.

But I'd like to use his actions off the battlefield to illustrate another principle.

Earning the Air Force Cross was a big news story, and many interviews followed. Sergeant Rhyner's conduct during that time demonstrated his character almost as much as the Shok Valley experience did.

You find one word repeated over and over when Sergeant Rhyner is quoted: "We."

"We had to pull the wounded guys out ..."

"I think that was the moment when the insurgents we were fighting called time-out."

"What was going through my head was we don't have another option. We are still taking fire. We need it to stop ..."

Even noted news personality Glen Beck couldn't get Sergeant Rhyner to talk about himself.

"You make this sound like it was just, you know, another day at the office," Mr. Beck said in a Fox News interview. "But there are only -- what is it? -- 192 people who have ever received the Air Force Cross... How do you put that together in your head? I mean, you are in a very elite group."

Sergeant Rhyner's response? 

"Any other combat controller put in the same situation would have performed in the same, exact way" he said. "Credit that to the training we receive and the process that we go through to become a combat controller."

No other Airman would have been more justified in basking a little in the light of fame. Yet given the ultimate opportunity to make it "all about me," Sergeant Rhyner chose instead to make it all about "we."

That is a great, great lesson for all of us. 

"It's all about me" sometimes seems to be the mantra of our time, but that attitude has no place in our Air Force. We are taught from the first day we don our uniforms to subordinate our personal ambitions and desires to the needs of our unit, our service and our nation. 

We can't allow ourselves to get puffed up because of rank or position, or to let awards and accolades go to our heads. 

We know that "we" is a much stronger word than "I." What "I" can accomplish is insignificant, but what "we" can accomplish is virtually without limit.

Sergeant Rhyner understands that well. We can learn much from his great courage and selfless sacrifice in the line of duty. We can learn much, too, from his humble ability to avoid the vertical pronoun, even as the cameras rolled.

I have to say General Burke is on the mark, but what General would you tell is wrong?  Okay, maybe a few, but this General hit some very important points and I know it made me think about "we" and not just "me."  I can't remember every single time that I chose to say me--I'm sure if I had chose differently, maybe some of the outcomes would have turned differently.  Salute to General Burke and SSgt Ryhner--reasons why the US Air Force maintains to be the most powerful Air Force on the globe.  Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do!  Hope you enjoyed the commentary.  General Burke also had commentary on "The 1.0 Rule" as well--worth a read!

Combat Controller Receives Air Force Cross, Purple Heart - Story from 11 Mar 2009

Source Story:  Avoiding the Vertical Pronoun

Photo Source:  All photos, Air Force

6:3 Shadowbox, A Military Tradition

I have had the unique opportunity over the past year to attend several retirements—really reminds me how old I’m getting, and how soon I would have been retiring from the Air Force if I had remained on Active Duty.  Nevertheless, at these ceremonies, some short, some long, they all received a token of their fellow service men and women’s appreciation for the retiree’s service and dedication to his/her country and branch of service.  This token, a military shadowbox is a reflection or “shadow” of that person’s career.  To me, the shadowbox is the highlight of any retirement ceremony and I know those that have received one, display it with honor and pride.  

Some retirees choose to have companies construct one for them and most choose to have either fellow service members or loved ones construct the shadowbox.  I had the opportunity several years ago to assist in the build of one--it takes a lot of time and effort. From the construction of the shadowbox to locating all the appropriate badges, ranks, patches and so forth.  Some, not readily available and/or not sold at the military clothing.  It usually involves the spouse going through the retirees belongings without he/she knowing--the shadowbox is typically a surprise.  At the end of the day, it is well worth the effort to see the expression and sometimes tears of joy and remembrance.  The retiree will forever see the shadowbox in his/her home as a culmination of their career.  

History/Lore

According to some accounts of naval history and tradition, when a sailor retires and is departing the ship for the last time, it's considered bad luck for the sailor's shadow to touch land before he/she does. Thus, the sailor's shipmates would construct a sturdy box, hand-crafted of the finest materials, in which to display mementos of the sailor's accomplishments—thereby symbolically creating a "shadow" of the sailor. The box safely contains the sailor's "shadow" until he/she is safely ashore, at which time the shadow box can be given to the sailor in a presentation ceremony.
 
 

Historically, when a sailor would join a ship's crew, he would join that ship for his entire career. During the sailor's voyages to ports of call around the world, he would collect many trinkets, souvenirs, and reminders of his travels. Naturally, as space aboard ship was at a premium, these items tended to be small. When the sailor piped ashore for the last time, his shipmates saw to it that a special ceremonial box was constructed for him. The box would hold all the possessions that had been collected during those many voyages, a and would simultaneously symbolize the sailor's career and time aboard ship. 


Ideally, a shadow box serves not only as a reminder of achievements and accomplishments, but also as a summation, a culmination, of a career. A shadow box should enable a stranger glancing at its contents to gain a substantial understanding of the owner's past service and achievements.

Source Story:  History

Photo Source:  Large Shadowbox-Friend, Enlisted Shadowbox-Friend, 595 SG Shadowbox  

6:2 Pick of the Week, C-32

The C-32 is a specially configured version of the Boeing 757-200 commercial airliner, which along with the C-37A (Gulfstream V, “G5”) replaced the aging C-137 in 1996-1998.  The C-32 often named “Air Force Two” or Air Force One Foxtrot (Executive Foxtrot One), is identical to that of it’s sister B757-200 yet has different interior furnishings and 21^st century avionics. 

           

-Forward Area:  Communications Suite, Galley, Lavatory, 10 Business Class Seats

-Second Section:  Stateroom that includes a Changing Area, Private Lavatory, Separate Entertainment System, Two First-Class Seats, Bed

Third Section:  Conference/Staff Facility, Eight Business Class Seats

Aft Section:  General Seating/32 Business Class Seats, Galley, Two Lavatories, Closets

The aircraft can travel 5,500 nautical miles unrefueled and has the availability to utilize runways as short as 5,000 feet.  Among the many 21^st century systems aboard include the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), EGPWS (Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System), Predictive Windshear Warning System, Future Air Navigation System with GPS and Flight Management/Electronic Flight Instrument System.  All of which the standard B757 only wishes it had as standard equipment.  The leaders that fly aboard the C-32 can conduct business as if they were sitting in their offices in Washington DC, utilizing the vast array of improved telephones, satellite equipment, computers, televisions, facsimiles and copy machines. 

TCAS – The TCAS system scans the vicinity by interrogating the transponders of other aircraft.  It then uses the received response signals to compute distance, bearing and altitude relative to the own aircraft. The information is then displayed for the pilot(s) as information in the HUD or other relative displays, alerting the pilot(s) of traffic.

EGPWS – The EGPWS system uses aircraft inputs such as position, attitude, air speed and glideslope, which along with internal terrain, obstacles, and airport databases, predict a potential conflict between the aircraft’s flight path and terrain or an obstacle (tall buildings, mountains, trees). 

FANS – An Avionics System which provides direct data link information between the aircraft and the Air Traffic Controller.  It includes position reporting, requests, and control clearances. 

Source Story:  C-32, TCAS, EGPWS, FANS

Photo Source:  C-32 Hangar, C-32 Takeoff, TCAS

6:1 The Age of Multimedia in the Military

I can remember almost twenty years ago where taking a large camcorder anywhere was a task and developing film was another hassle.  Today, with SD cards, digital recordings, and with the availability of the internet, a person can film something, edit it on their laptop/pc and have it streaming live on the web within minutes.  So this blog, is going to be a multimedia frenzy of videos from all branches, exhibiting videos and photos from deployed locations throughout the world.  Have Fun!

Below, video of a Marine and an Iraqi taxi driver/posted in 2008…

Marines Blowing up a Washing Machine/posted in 2007

MRAP Ghost Ride

Below, Navy’s VAW 113 “Sun Kings” have done a series of videos with the first being a rendition of Outkasts, “Hey Ya,” followed by the Black Eyed Peas, “Pump It,” and then lastly All American Rejects, “Move Along.” 

Great Army Video—Army Aviation or what is called AirCav

This is Why I'm Hot, Deployed

Air Force Combat Talon II

Some funny, some not so funny.  The above videos prove the ingenuity, the talent, and yes, maybe some boredom, but shows that you don't have to wait for a news broadcast or official video of those deployed. Multimedia and military personnel have to draw a line--what is and what isn't appropriate, like in some cases above should not be taken lightly.  Immediate availability of multimedia resources doesn't give free will to post anything and everything--what happened to military censorship?  Anyways, I always enjoy a well put together, authentic, and especially if someone is credible (has first hand/is knowledgeable on the subject).


Source Story:  Self


Video Sources:  YouTube

5:2 Media Engagement, Rules From Secretary Gates

DOD Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, conducted a briefing today highlighting the Memorandum to senior civilian and military members of DOD, concerning the rules and recommendations for media engagement today (08 Jul 10). It was noted that the process concerning the memo for media engagement was occurring long before the Rolling Stone article that inevitably led to the resignation of Gen Stanley McChrystal, ISAF Commander, Afghanistan. It is ironic that the memo was on the heels of the Gen McChrystal debacle, yet Secretary Gates did note in the briefing today and in the memo of the two high-level commanders that he’s lost over the last two years to “media related” issues.

The above video is the briefing from today with questions from the press in the Pentagon press room. At about 1025, up to 1320, a single reporter asked approximately three questions—she interpreted the memo from Secretary Gates as an interruption of First Amendement Rights of military members. Admiral Mullen answered the question in length and of which, “military members follow certain guidelines.” Folks that have never served their country will never fully understand the many policies, rules, and regulations that a military member follows and the reporter that asked the Secretary and Chairman the question is a perfect example of that. Since the Secretary and Chairman have to remain political in answering questions, I’ll answer her question. Military members follow rules/regulations that are more strict than civilian law(s). There is a saying when you join the military, “you don’t have rights, you belong to me, you belong to the government.” Every military unit/base has a public affairs office—“they’ll answer your question.”

At 1720, Secretary Gates draws a comparison of a Captain with a reporter embedded in the field versus a Captain working on budgets for the DOD—I think you’ll find that a bit funny just as well the reporters did. Admiral Mullen makes this clear, “But military and civilian personnel need to follow certain guidelines when they interact with members of the media. Mullen said. “[The memo] is to actually, in great part, emphasize guidance that has been out there for an extensive period of time, but we’ve just walked away from,” he said.” In another briefing followed below, Lt. Gen David Rodriquez was asked from who I believe is the same reporter concerning “rights” of military members. Gen Rodriguez stated, “the memo from Secretary Gates is only reaffirmation and reinforces the policies, and makes clear what our personnel are to accomplish when engaging with the media, that they are to speak on what they have expertise in.”

The memo, not released to the public as of yet, is viewed by most media outlets as Secretary Gates “tightening the rules” on media engagement. I don’t view it as a “tightening” of the rules—I view the memo as a method of reaffirming and/or reminding those working for DOD that they follow a different set of rules and the rules have been in place for a long time. I applaud the Secretary and Chairman for broaching this subject with the public and those serving. People are people and people have opinions, regardless if you’re in uniform or not. On the other hand, those serving in uniform know when to share those opinions, either when they get out of the military or never.

Source Story: Pentagon News Report, 08 Jul10; Pentagon News Report, 06 Jul 10

Photo Source: Pentagon

5:1 Air Commando One, Final Bag Drag

On Tuesday, 29 June 2010, Congressman Robert Aderholt of Alabama and relative of Brigadier General Harry “Heinie” Aderholt paid tribute to Heinie in The House of Representatives. Heinie passed on 20 May 2010, almost 8 years to the day of his wife, Jessie’s passing. “Surrounded by family, loyal friends, and his devoted caregiver, Jamie Newman, Heinie passed away at his Okaloosa County, Florida home.” General Aderholt pioneered Air Force Special Operations and developed the first Air Commando Unit in the US Air Force in the 1960’s. A memorial ceremony in honor of Heinie was held at the Hurlburt Field Soundside Club, Friday, 02 July. In attendance were Airmen from throughout the Air Force, Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel George “Bud” Day, and General Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. Gen Schwartz stated, “with his passing, our nation has lost a storied member of the greatest nation, a visionary leader of combat air power, and a founding father of modern special operations.” “In the time we have today, it would be impossible to cover even the best of his wartime stories, his finest qualities, or his most notable accomplishments,” Gen Schwartz said.

It’s apparent that I too will not be able to note all of Heinie’s accomplishments or his career in a blog(reference video), yet I will give it my best to pay tribute to the legend.  Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1920, he joined the military through the Aviation Cadet Program and graduated from pilot training as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps in 1943. General Aderholt flew the B-17 and the C-47 during WWII and is also a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He began his career in the Air Special Warfare arena in 1948 upon his graduation from the Air Tactical School at Tyndall AFB and two years later, commanded a Special Air Warfare Detachment of the 21st Troop Carrier Squadron during the Korean War. With Air Intelligence Service Group, Tactical and Operations, Unconventional Warfare, and Special Warfare staff officer experience behind him, in 1960, he departed for Okinawa to become Commander of the 1095th Operational Evaluation Training Group. This is where Heinie was able to contribute to the pioneering of Special Air Warfare techniques.

General Aderholt assigned as a Special Advisor to the Commander of the US Air Force Special Air Warfare Center at Eglin AFB 1962-1964 contributed and participated in RAND Corporation studies, which resulted in the publication of the Single Integrated Attack Team Study. The study proposed a tactic for close air support in operations and in particular for the war in Vietnam, involving small aggressive ground units, closely supported by airborne visual reconnaissance and strike (SIAT, A Concept for Offensive Military Operations in South Vietnam).

There are other stories that Heinie was a part of that are left to be talked about in taverns and behind closed doors but the newspaper of the Hmong Community quoted him in their article: “However, Aderhold said of the Hmong,” "If we'd had a policy, they would not have been left behind. Whatever it took, we would have had a war plan to bring the airplanes in and kick the s-t out of whoever was there-or even if we had to threaten an atomic bomb and bring them out. But what about the Montagnards? What about the Tibetans? What about all the others??? Every country in Southeast Asia, we've betrayed ... Americans that knew the situation was over there wanted to win that war, wanted to see that the Hmong were not left behind (pg. 161)." You see, in all the internet writings, articles, and biographies of General Aderholt, the majority fail to mention that Heinie was part of the “bigger” picture in Vietnam. That a seemingly small community of people from Laos would recognize him in their online paper is something to note. The Hmong people were an integral part of the US Forces stationed in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia—Hmong soldiers were trained to be pilots and flew for the Air Force. Aderholt skeptical, later accepted the Hmong as full fledged members of his team and operations.

Even after his service, Heinie was recognized by the noncommissioned officers of AFSOC by inducting him into the AFSOC Order of the Sword, the third person to be inducted. NCO’s recognized Heinie for his distinct service, leadership, that they hold him in high esteem and was deserving of the honor in 2001. It is unknown as to where his burial will take place—once I find this out, I will post.

Source Story: Air Force News, Air Force Bio

Photo Source: Heinie in the Jet, Heinie in his Blues