Category: Politics

Anything immediately wrong? I don’t recognize the shoulder DUI or whatever those are called. Anyone else? Someone is looking to use for some event, but wanted me to look at it first.

. . . or serving in another branch of the military, maybe you should be a bit cautious regarding what musical lyrics you quote in at text message or on the Internet.  As well as about what you say in such communications in general.

It seems a number of pilots at Laughlin AFB recently were grounded, then investigated for drug dealing. Some were even allegedly being processed for administrative separation, presumably with unfavorable characterization of their service.

The reason? Some of them had reportedly sent text messages to others quoting Miley Cyrus song lyrics referencing “Molly” – a common alias for the drug ecstasy.

Apparently, that’s it.  Reportedly all concerned passed drug tests, and apparently the matter was either not investigated by AFOSI or the investigation resulted in insufficient evidence for any form of criminal action. (USAF officials could not immediately confirm whether other evidence of wrongdoing existed concerning the pilots in question.  One of the pilots was apparently previously investigated for allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a female student pilot; the text messages mentioning “Molly” surfaced during that investigation. Whether those allegations of an inappropriate relationship were substantiated or not is unknown.)

The matter eventually came to the attention of Reps. Duncan Hunter and Adam Kinzinger, who in turn met with the USAF Chief of Staff, Gen. David Welsh concerning the issue.  Gen. Welsh has apparently ordered an IG inquiry concerning the matter.  He’s also reportedly ordered a GO inquiry into decision making by senior officials at Laughlin AFB.

Now, while quoting lyrics from songs by someone who’s IMO a drug-loving ditz who has little common sense (or, apparently, self-respect) might arguably violate the standards of good taste expected in a military officer, we are talking pilots here. (smile)  And that type of language in a private communications alone would seem to be far less that would be required to take criminal or adverse administrative action against someone – particularly if they’ve taken a drug test and come up clean and nothing else is found to support the allegation.

Do I know the full facts here?  No.  For all I know, the pilots involved may have indeed been dirty as alleged, and simply found a way to beat a drug test – or have been dealing only, not using. Or they may have simply been exchanging some rather juvenile text messages quoting popular music lyrics in a show of machismo. People in that age bracket and community often do seem to behave in “act first, think later” mode. Either could be the reality. Dunno.

Hell, when I was young I almost certainly said and did more stupid sh!t that I later wished I hadn’t than I can remember – or care to remember.  I think we all probably did.

Still: this is the same service where the ACC deputy recently called comments supporting the A-10 by USAF personnel “treason”.  (He later ended up getting removed from his position for doing so.)  So yeah: I can certainly also believe that someone in the chain of command might have had the proverbial “hardon” for a group of folks and tried to hammer them when no real evidence of wrongdoing existed.

Regardless: until this shakes out, if you’re still serving in the military it might be wise to think twice before making a questionable public comment on the Internet or in a text message. Even if ultimately exonerated, being the target of a witch hunt can kinda ruin your whole day – if not your career.

Q:  I see the term “Blue Falcon” used here from time to time.   What do you mean by a “Blue Falcon”?

A:  This question may occur to infrequent or new civilian visitors.  The term “Blue Falcon” is the euphemistic version of a somewhat earthier derisive military term for a “backstabber”.

A semi-polite version of that military term would be “buddy fornicator”.  The version commonly used in the military isn’t anywhere close to being that polite, but I don’t really think I need to spell things out further.

What are we talking about?  Here’s an example.  Think of the senior NCO in a military unit.  Now, suppose that NCO sees a Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Marine from another unit do something that’s out-of-line, corrects them – and gets ignored.

A professional NCO would then take the matter to their professional peer at the miscreant’s unit and request they “square away” their miscreant troop.  This would keep the matter at the appropriate level (the unit level), and would also keep it within NCO channels (where such matters generally belong).  That’s simply professional courtesy and using the chain-of-command/NCO support chain properly.

In contrast, a true “Blue Falcon” wouldn’t do that.  They’d jump 3 or 4 levels of command and take the matter directly to a GO or equivalent civilian executive.  Or maybe they’d complain directly to the senior NCO of their service (SMA, CMSAF, MCPON, or SGTMAJMC) instead.  That way, they might be able to screw over a whole bunch of their professional peers – and maybe even a number of people senior to themselves – at once, by proxy.

Of course, this latter type of unprofessional behavior could never happen in today’s highly professional military, right?  And if someone did pull such an unprofessional stunt they’d certainly not be publicly rewarded for doing so, right?

Yeah, right.

Curiously enough, there’s actually a second possibly valid definition of the term “Blue Falcon”.  The US Air Force Academy’s athletic mascot is the falcon; their colors are blue and white.  Here’s one version of their athletic logo, used from 1963-1994:

Simply coincidence, I’m sure.  (smile)

Q:  What is this, some kind of “military male drum circle” with “no girls allowed”?

A:  Umm, no.  The site doesn’t keep detailed statistics; commenters are not asked to provide information concerning their gender.  And yes, the best I can tell from what’s posted the majority of commenters at TAH do appear to be male.

 

One would expect that, actually; the military is around 80% male. However, there are indeed a fair number of female regular commenters here at TAH.

FWIW:  I wouldn’t recommend getting on those ladies’ bad side.  Well, I wouldn’t unless you are a masochist and enjoy being verbally savaged.  Then you might enjoy the experience.  (smile)

 

Q:  I love what you do here!  How can I help?

A:  There are two ways you can help if so inclined.

(a)  If you suspect you know of a case of stolen valor that should be exposed, send as much information about the individual making questionable claims as you can get to the site owner. His contact information can be found under the “Contact Us” tab on the site banner.

Verifying an individual’s actual military service involves filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for information from their official military personnel records archived by the Federal government.  The process of filing a FOIA request is covered in detail here.  To file one, the following information is needed:

1. Full name (first/middle/last) of the individual in question at the time the individual served.
2. Their date and place (city/state) of birth, OR their SSN.
3. Approximate dates of service (a multi-year range such as “1990-1996” or even “late 1990s” is generally close enough).
4. Branch of service (Army/Navy/USAF/USMC/National Guard).
5. Any other information regarding the individual’s military claims that is readily available.

(b) If you’d like to support the site financially, you can donate $$$ using the “Donate” button just below the site banner. Or you can mail the site owner a check or cash (postal info is at the “Contact Us” tab on the site banner).  Contrary to rumor, Jonn does not spend all the donations on rum and cigars.  (smile)

The TAH FNG FAQ has been up for a bit over a year now.

Anyone out there have suggestions regarding additions?   Can’t guarantee they’ll be added, but I promise to consider virtually all legal and reasonable suggestions.  Hell, I’ll also probably consider most not-so-reasonable suggestions – so long as they don’t involve farm animals or physically impossible solo acts.

But don’ t even think about suggesting I get “friendly” with any of our candidates for POTUS.  That ain’t reasonable, and it ain’t gonna happen.  (smile)

 

Picked this up from Twitchy, but The Federalist has a much better explanation of what happened.

Most of the Democrats at the debate gave predictably boring answers to Cooper’s question. Lincoln Chafee said he was proud that the coal industry disliked him. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said the National Rifle Association. Bernie Sanders said Wall Street. What about Hillary?

“Probably the Republicans,” Hillary responded, in the apparent belief that nearly half the country is her enemy.

But the answer from former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, a highly decorated Marine combat veteran, is what shook everyone awake.

“Which enemy are you most proud of?” Cooper asked. “Senator Webb?”

“I’d have to say the enemy soldier that threw the grenade that wounded me,” Webb calmly replied, “but he’s not around right now to talk to.”

Webb was referring to an operation during the Vietnam War that eventually led to Webb being awarded the Navy Cross. After being repeatedly shot at while trying to clear enemy bunkers, Webb deliberately put himself between an enemy grenade and one of his fellow Marines in order to shield that Marine from the grenade blast.

So let me give you my own take, not that anyone asked for it. I hated Jim Webb for the longest time. Not only did he run against Allen who I liked, but he always was in opposition to the surge. I respected him, but I didn’t like him. It was weird, because I also thought his book Fields of Fire was the best book ever written about Vietnam. And still believe that.

But as a lobbyist, I sometimes get stuck in weird situations. Case in point was last year, when I was asked to greet Chairman Miller of the Veterans Affairs committee, and I was waiting for him to show up when in walked Dick Blumenthal. Everyone knows how I feel about him, and if I specialize in any one thing it is Stolen Valor. So, not exactly bosom buddies. But I’m also non-confrontational. Knowing that he was early, and the person designated to meet Blumenthal was running late I introduced myself and walked him backstage. We had a great conversation……about UCONN basketball. Some people would say I should have used the opportunity to light him up, but that’s just not my speed. I’m not that guy. I’m not confrontational, and I tend to look at peoples good sides. And Blumenthal has been pretty good at grilling the VA. But, UCONN basketball (and my hatred of that team) was a good ice breaker.

Anyway, a few years ago the same sort of thing happened with Webb. I was supposed to greet Steve Buyer, but Webb arrived first. So I grabbed him, introduced myself, and took him to the Green Room. (He was speaking at our convention.) Now, the only people I hate more than Jets fans in general is the Secret Service. So I am sitting backstage with Webb, trying to not hate the dude, when in walks secret service and asks “does anyone in here have a gun on them.” Webb sits back, puts on a huge smile and responds “What do you think?” The poor secret service guy just ran away.

Anyway, for the next hour I talked to Webb about all sorts of things, his book about the Scots in war, his own experiences etc. As much as I wanted to hate the guy, he’s actually an amazing guy to talk to. Later I would find out that in the USNA boxing championships Ollie North and he faced off. (Ollie won.) But I realized then that despite political differences, hating someone based on their beliefs is just a waste of time.

But it REALLY pisses me off that some Politico asswipe would call Webb creepy for his comments last night.

That’s the best debate moment since Admiral Stockdale. Don’t get me wrong, unlikely I will ever vote for Webb, but anyone who would try to ridicule that answer needs their head examined.

As the Federalist reporter noted:

Given what he must’ve experienced in combat — the physical and mental hardships, both of which I’m sure left scars that will remain forever — Jim Webb can “smirk” wherever and whenever he wants for all I care. He has every right to look back upon his actions and to be proud of them, because he did exactly what his country asked him to do. He did his job, and he did it well.

I took a few weeks off from my weekly contemplations which lately seem to always focus on cultural, societal, political and even global woes. It was a brain cleansing. I recommend it.

I spent my morning at the local VA Medical Center. I travel there once every few months for an injection into either my spine or arthritic hip. According to the docs, it is my reward for years of pounding the ground engaging in the fitness craze of the times. Problem is my body more resembles a tree stump than it does a 125 pound distance runner. Like a Lincoln Town Car, built for comfort not speed. Well, more accurately it is akin to a tow truck. What did Bruce Springsteen call it in one of his tunes – the glory days? In that regard, I would do the same things all over again. So I may need a metal hip someday. There are many who served this great nation that would be eternally grateful if all they needed was a new hip joint.

I know all of you have heard horror stories about VA medical care, but the system does a lot of good for a lot of people. I have had my unpleasant experiences with the bureaucratic side of it, but for me the medical treatment side has always been good. Whenever I am there, no matter the time of day, the place appears overwhelmed. Many older Veterans, some of them seeking treatment because they believe that is where they are supposed to go and many others seek treatment because that is their only option. I see all of the ball caps from Vietnam, Korea and occasionally a WWII one. I simply do not see that many younger Veterans. It is humbling to know I was fortunate enough to spend a lifetime serving with men and women such as these. They left our country’s defense to the following generations from which still comes that few men and women dedicated to being the Guardians of our freedom. God bless them everyone.

I wanted to come home and mow the grass this evening, but my hip had a mind of its own and experience tells me it will until all of the numbing medicine has worn off. Suzie-Q, watching my wobbly trip up the stairs ordered me to the couch. When household six speaks retired Sergeants Major step lively – well maybe we wobble lively. I picked the wicker couch on the back porch and Suzie-Q handed me the day’s first cup of coffee. It was one of those spectacular fall days. Very tall blue sky, temperatures peaking in the 70s, light breeze, just a hint of color in the trees.

The deer wander through my yard. Treat it like their private buffet. I am always complaining to Suzie-Q about damage they do to our shrubbery. Up in the back yard, we have some knock-out roses and she calls them knock you out roses. Flower blooms do not last too long on them. HH6 told me I worried too much about the deer. The other day I called her out on to the patio. She has some very large mums, a bright yellow one, a burgundy one, and a white one there all in a row. Beautiful this time of year. Looks like the Washington Redskins offensive line. What I wanted to show her was a bald spot on the top of her white mum. I also pointed out the deer hoof prints. Needless to say the next order from HH6 was for me to put a chicken wire barrier around the mums to protect them from the deer. You know, the deer that I worry about too much.

I got myself into the supine position on that old wicker couch so that I could have a good view of my little piece of Wild and Wonderful hillside. I still need to mow that grass. Tomorrow I guess. Up the hill, the sound of my neighbor’s weed-eater was actually lulling me into a light coma. To me that weed-eater is just another sound of freedom.

I am a blessed man. Blessed to be born in the greatest nation on God’s green earth as is often said in these parts. I am blessed with a Soldier’s wife, a little bossy at times, but unequaled in my view. Blessed with a Son and Daughter-in-law who honor our family name every day. We are blessed with two gorgeous granddaughters, thankfully neither of which favors me even slightly. Blessed to be living a little piece of the American dream. Blessed to firmly believe that where we live, the place and the idea, will weather the times no matter the cultural or political tides because I believe God meant for it to. I am blessed with the understanding that peace and freedom are internal and cannot be taken by anyone except the Giver.

My cup runneth over.

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