In IVAW news today
The word is that Carl Webb has been asked to leave IVAW. I can’t verify that, but his profile is gone;
Here’s why he’s disappeared for the time being;
In other news, something happened at Darnall Hospital at Fort Hood the other day involving some IVAW members. Apparently, one member was thought to be suicidal by his chain of command, but the mental health experts at Under The Hood Cafe thought they knew better and went to the hospital - who knows why.
Now this fellow mixbyspyke has been talking to every media source he can find to tell the world that the Army wouldn’t give him help when he needed it - now the Army moves to stop what they thought was suicidal behavior (no, I don’t know what that was) and Kern tries to make it sound like they didn’t like the guy’s T-shirt.
So as far as the ass-clowns at UTHC are concerned, they’re the only people trained well enough to spot suicidal behavior. Anyway, here’s mixbyspyke’s account of the incident in his own version of English - obviously not his first language;
During a meeting at Under the Hood cafe, the chapter was informed that one of our members was admitted to the Carl R Darnell [sic] Medical Facility, for supposed suicidal tendency’s [sic]. We had just seen this member not to [sic] long ago and knew he was having problems with his chain of command for wherein [sic] a IVAW shirt on post. The chain of command told to [sic] soldier to report to staff duty and once he got there was placed on line of sight and taken to the ER because (according to the chain of command) someone had “called” staff duty to tell them that there [sic] soldier was going to kill himself. Our member was shocked by this news went along peacefully making sure to say that he was NOT suicidal but would get evaluated to put his chain of command worry s [sic] at ease… The rest of the chapter got the news of this and was concerned, and wanted to see if they could help so five of us piled into a car and went down there to the ER. At the ER our member was not in the waiting room so after asking if he had been admitted we told [sic] a seat and sat quietly to wait for the arrival of our friend. Apparently we were not allowed sit in there waiting to see if our friend was ok… the police told us that the hospitals standard operating procedure was to only allow family and chain of command in there, witch [sic] is false, but we left respectfully after the police said that we were trying to make a statement, witch [sic] for the record we were not! long story short a group of veterans can sit in the hospital wearing IVAW shirts lol.
** ATTENTION **
the member has since been released from the hospital and now is restricted to post and told not to were [sic] his IVAW shirt anymore, by the same chain of command that threatend [sic] the soldier saying ” i will kick your ass if i ever see you wearing that shirt ever again”
- Last time I spoke to this soldier he was still wearing it and is filing complainants [sic] against his chain of command!
So the Army is damned if they do and damned if they don’t. This can all be traced back to Cindy Thomas’ yammering about young commanders who don’t know what they’re doing. Like Cindy is an expert on anything besides working people into a frenzy while they’re hopped up on coffee.
November 20th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I need a new project. I’m thinking a little more volunteer work. Maybe at Under The Hood?
November 20th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
WOW…The Independent Virgins Against Whores should sue for these people stealing their organizations initials…that being said,how could anyone with more than two brain cells to rub together,want to be associated with these morons…it is so f**king sad that supposedly GROWN people would debase themselves, all because their Mommy wouldn’t breast feed them! That is sad…truley sad shit…
November 20th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Geeze, looks like the UTHC needs some ESL classes.
November 20th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I don’t even want to comment. Maybe Casey can shed some light on this?
November 20th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Shouldn’t be too hard to catch him as he rounds a corner and knee cap him with a good old wood baseball bat. He’ll never know what, or who, hit him but will get out of the army as a cowardly assclown with a busted knee.
November 20th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
A “Winter Soldier” of IVAW … waging war against McDonalds ….
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-359458
What a total joke !!!!
November 20th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Vets For Peace asks us to understand the murderous animal who killed soldiers at Fort Hood …..
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/opinion/20091118_Getting_the_Fort_Hood_murders_right.html
November 21st, 2009 at 12:55 am
It seems that Jose, the ED of IVAW, actually cares about Soldiers. Can’t say too much for the Board of Directors. More action must be done to ban Carl Webb from IVAW, but it’s a start.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:19 am
Jeezus Keerist!
Two cowards having a discussion is cause for a video? Is there an element of Americans that find this entertaining? I endured the full length of this one just to see what in hell is the least bit patriotic, or supportive of the Military, and found only a couple of sissies who want the cake but won’t clean up the crumbs. How in hell can someone be so damned cowardly in an all-volunteer military? If they don’t like what we do, they could just go join the local garden club. I din’t like the ‘Nam protestors, but at least some of them were drafted against their will. That is a small hook in their favor, but IVAW? Cowards, pure cowards. And that includes the total membership. If you don’t like being in the US Military, get the phuck out, and leave the tough stuff to the big boys.
IVAW from member A to member Z are pathetic!
“Never Forget Ft. Hood Texas 11/5/09!” because “99.999% of Terrorists are Muslim!”
November 21st, 2009 at 10:54 am
Casey,
Do you know this IVAW “Winter Soldier?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnG6eTdFqfA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4as9Y8peKdI&feature=related
He’s now suing McDonalds for millions of dollars ….
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/10/30/Iraq_Vet_Says_McDonald_s_Workers_Beat_Him.htm
http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/livewire/special_report/vet/
November 21st, 2009 at 11:57 am
All I can say is WOW at the mess posted above (and the comments). First, IVAW membership continues to grow. We are all veterans who have served during the “War on Terror” in OIF/OEF. We are not “cowards,” and all the members I personally know care about the welfare of all soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. Having served 22+ years myself, I think I have earned the right to speak out.
Yes, I volunteered to serve in the Corps. Young men and women are heading to foreign countries and fighting a battle they don’t understand…and neither does their leadership! They witness things over there that many civilians could never understand. Some come back and don’t know what to do with everything they’re feeling; many feel abandoned and basically get angry. Others, though, are proud of their participation and the mission they accomplished. Keep in mind that there are many things going on over there. Some of our service members are kicking in doors and raiding homes; others are building bridges and paving roads; and yet others are vaccinating livestock, teaching English and training the military. Certainly you can see how an anti-war sentiment can be derived from participating in some of these tasks rather than others.
Still, I’m personally not anti-war (you fuck with my country, I’ll die getting revenge), but I am anti “this war.” I believe we should fight any enemy who DIRECTLY threatens our nation, our loved ones and our freedoms.
In regards to Iraq/Afghanistan, I believe there are other ways to covertly attack an enemy (Al Quaeda) who threatens our way of life and the lives of our allies. We have specially trained forces – Marines, Seals, Green Berets – who can achieve these results covertly, without occupying a nation. Yes, we’re certainly doing great things in Iraq/Afghanistan, but we could certainly have done most of these things without a uniform and gun.
What’s more, the “cowards and pussies” many of you spoke of are returning beyond empty. We as a nation are not ready or seemingly willing to do anything but put more money into it all! http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/11/19-2
November 21st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
He looks familiar, and I have watched clips and other postings you’ve put up, but I do not know him personally nor have I ever met him.
November 21st, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Female Vet,
I know for a fact that not all IVAW members are veterans of Afghanistan or Iraq … there are plenty of members of IVAW that never served in those conflicts.
I like your commentary. But I think IVAW would differ with you on these comments …
“Still, I’m personally not anti-war (you fuck with my country, I’ll die getting revenge), but I am anti “this war.” I believe we should fight any enemy who DIRECTLY threatens our nation, our loved ones and our freedoms.”
“In regards to Iraq/Afghanistan, I believe there are other ways to covertly attack an enemy (Al Quaeda) who threatens our way of life and the lives of our allies. We have specially trained forces – Marines, Seals, Green Berets – who can achieve these results covertly, without occupying a nation.”
I agree with you on those statements, but IVAW and their radical socialist base do not. If they hear you say that they’ll call you a “war criminal.”
IVAW is a joke. I suggest looking for another group to join.
November 21st, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Female Vet…You sure that you are not Joe Biden in drag? If you are so anti “this” war…feel free to resign your commision…YOU are a disgrace to any who honorabley serve! I don’t care what branch of what service or what rank…we have all heard IVAW propaganda bullshit and take it for what it is…GARBAGE…as I told Selena…ANY member of IVAW who supports harm to our troops or our constitution should be held accountable by all members…but that is just a fairy tale like your resolution to ban it…as someone who has multiple family members currently serving I will take ANY legal means to protect them from teasonous assholes like you and female vet…if your sorry ass is still on active duty I promise you I will do everything in my power to have you relieved of duty …you are a fucking disgrace to your uniform and to your country…BTW you need to find out what SEMPER FI stands for!!!
November 21st, 2009 at 12:59 pm
OnNow…thanks.
A Heros Friend (Heroes is what you meant, I’m sure)…IVAW is removing him from membership. He certainly does not speak for the overall membership. As for the ugly words you threw at me, that’s a personal attack that I won’t acknowledge except to say that you don’t know me, and I don’t know you, so let’s just stick with facts. I’ll respect/listen to you if you’ll respect/listen to me; we just might learn something from each other.
Semper Fidelis!
November 21st, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Female Vet, it would be nice to know who you are. As far as removing Carl Webb, will that actually happen? I know that there are good people in IVAW, but they don’t seem to be a very vocal group.
Based on my personal experiences, and those of others, I disagree with you on one thing: IVAW does not care about Soldiers.
November 21st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I think I know who Female Vet is, and she’s pretty awesome if she is in fact who I think she is. I agree with her in pretty much everything she said here.
Casey, you know I have to call you on saying IVAW doesn’t care about soldiers. You should know from personal experience how much time, energy, and money (When I had it) went into supporting soldiers. I would defy you to name me one soldier who asked for support and I didn’t give it.
You can say that it wasn’t IVAW who did that, but it was IVAW who appointed me active duty coordinator, and it was IVAW who asked me to lead the GI Outreach team. IVAW has done a lot to help soldiers, regardless of Carl Webb’s misguided statements.
November 21st, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I wonder what what the reaction would be if an IVAW member suggested kneecapping a servicemember…..
November 21st, 2009 at 5:12 pm
YOU Selena, YOU care about Soldiers. IVAW as a whole really doesn’t. Also, IVAW tried to hinder you on several occasions with your GI Outreach work.
November 21st, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Casey,
Thanks so much for speaking up on this. I’ve followed IVAW’s work for some time. It seemed to me that they could never just stick being against the Iraq war. They couldn’t help but ot allow non-vets, socialists, and anarchist into the organization and basically take it over. Even the faces of the organization over the years were pure frauds who were just out to promote themselves … Kokesh, Millard, Chiroux, etc …
As I’ve always stated about IVAW — to be a member takes a tremendous ammount of self-loathing and a real misguided sense of self-purpose. It amazes me that IVAW consistently volunteers themselves to be on the absolute bottom rung of the poltical and social ladder — it’s truly something to behold.
November 21st, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Thanks so much for speaking up on this. I’ve followed IVAW’s work for some time. It seemed to me that they could never just stick being against the Iraq war. They couldn’t help but to allow non-vets, socialists, and anarchist into the organization and basically take it over. Even the faces of the organization over the years were pure frauds who were just out to promote themselves … Kokesh, Millard, Chiroux, etc. Not to mention be led around by the nose by Bill Perry.
As I’ve always stated about IVAW — to be a member takes a tremendous amount of self-loathing and a real misguided sense of self-purpose. It amazes me that IVAW consistently volunteers themselves to be on the absolute bottom rung of the political and social ladder — it’s truly something to behold.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:32 pm
To Female Vet - From someone who has years and experience on you… My friend, you still have a lot to learn. Take it easy. The faster you near the flame, the quicker you’ll burn. Learn to know what you’re going against. You might come to find that you are the spark igniting the flame.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Aargh.. years and experience NOT on you…. lol, sorry, drinking too much wine today. As usual. =0) But years and experience nonetheless.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Female Vet, you cite “Common Dreams”? In this one article, the author manages to trash all returning vets as unfit to enjoy their 2nd Amendment Rights, implying they all need mental health screening before being allowed to buy a firearm. The author then makes the typical lefty, progressive leap that Ft. Hood and PTSD are tied together.
Then, as though he didn’t tire himself out from all of his leaps to his conclusions, the author says that the US military is horrific, because, Winter Soldier told him so? Jeff Smith and IVAW opened his eyes? But then, he is an editor for the Tribune Media Services. If you buy his bullshit, you need to expand your reading interests.
November 21st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Female Vet….You presume to much…”Heros” is intentionally spelled like that for a reason known only to me and a few close friends…If you embrace the IVAW and what they stand for,then you should not fear posting your name,rank,and duty station…Know this Female Vet…you need to seriously think about stepping away from this organization if you are still on active duty…if you are active and still linked to this group,I will do my level best to locate you and have you relieved of duty…I do not mince words when it involves something this important…if you disagree with military or goverment policy,you should aire yor opinions quietly among your peers.Failure to carry out lawful orders,intentionally interferring in any way other than directed,or “silent Insolence” are grounds for dismissal or being determined to be unfit to command…you were trained and are paid to do a particular job,Period…
Army Sargeant …I would not believe you if you told me the sky was blue…sadly, you have wasted what could have been a fine career by spending your time as the director of apologies and excuses for the IVAW….
And for anyone who doesn’t care for my spelling,take it up with my beautiful wife of 32 years…she tends to get a little bent if I bring my secretary home…
November 21st, 2009 at 11:28 pm
AS, if you and the rest of your cohorts in IAVW “walked the walk”, as the saying goes, you’d have kicked Carl Webb’s ass up between his shoulder blades in the process of removing him from your organization years ago. The fact that you haven’t speaks volumes. Credibility and all that, dontcha know.
November 22nd, 2009 at 4:58 am
Yes. Jose asked me to resign because I posted a links back to the This ain’t Hell blog on the IVAW website displaying comments by Selena and Casey.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:45 am
And have you, Carl? If not, why not?
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 am
And I am sure your comments about the troops over seas and wanting to sabotage them has anything to do with it. Or the lack of a records that show you joined after 9/11 ether.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Yeah Carl, you are pissed about the non-violence resolution, threaten to quit, and didn’t. Now, you are still holding on. Why? Are you that big of a hypocrite?
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I’m sure you’ve already answered your own question, Casey? Yes, he is that big of a hypocrite.
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
“all returning vets as unfit to enjoy their 2nd Amendment Rights”
Fear of the vet turned terrorist… The whole “take their guns and they’ll be harmless!” mantra cracks me up. If I was going to go terrorist, which is NOT on my to-do list, taking my guns would be the least effective way to stop me. You’d have to confiscate my machine tools, and bar me from hardware stores, MSDS data & the cleanser aisle in the supermarket.
(a veritable cornucopia of chemical warfare, BTW!):)
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Pssst, Female Vet, do your homework, IVAW has a slew of commies who founded & steered the organization. Are you familiar with their term, “useful idiot?”
I don’t like how this war is being managed, or the idiocy of nation building, BUT I’d never join a Red group. Commies can’t be trusted unless they are at room temperature, IMO.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Dude, where do these Under The Hood guys get their grammar? If they paid as much attention in history class as they did in English 101, I guess that explains a LOT.
And forgive the pun but I can’t help this one: Off with their hoods!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Yes I’m upset about the non-violence resolution but I’m still holding on because TJ quit so it seems more conservatives will also give up and leave.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:59 am
And speaking of hypocrites my friend Hart contacted me right before the last IVAW convention to say he realized just how much of a hypocrite some people are to promote so called nonviolence and at the same time not claim CO status and then willingly deploy to a place of violence.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:01 am
JuniorAG is kind of right. The first soldier from Texas to join IVAW is a Communist.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:02 am
AS: If you care about soldiers; why did you pick a political organization to join? Sure, they talk a good game, however, there main goal isn’t the troops or Vets, it’s the politics. Real Veterans Service Orgs don’t hold protest rallies at the Capitol. Real Veterans Service Orgs go beyond the individual Vet and work with the fmaily, also. They work with the community and work to help the returning Vet to integrate back into said community. If there are un-employed Veterans, they work to hold job fairs for these returning men and women. They work to help with paperwork and benefit problems at the VA on behalf of the Veteran. They lobby within the State and the Federal governments on behalf of all Veterans in order to make sure they get the benefits and funding they deserve. When there are issues that need correcting, they are there to help find solutions and correct the problems on behlaf of the Vets.
A real Vets Service Org is more than a double decaf soy latte and an anti-war screed. Much, much more.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Some good advice right there.
November 24th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Only in the F’d up mind of Carl could TJ be a conservative.
November 24th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Don’t worry, Carl. I will make it my personal mission to maintain balance in the organization by recruiting 2 conservatives for every 1 that quits.
OldTrooper: I’m also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. But to be honest, IVAW is the only veterans organization out there that works kind of like a real unit. Jerks and idiots aside, comraderie is tight, and you can help take care of people’s individual problems. I mean, all those things sound great, and I work on doing as many of them as I can. But to be honest, I’d like to do them in an organization where I don’t have to pretend to be anything I’m not.
My last unit, the VFW commander at the post himself threatened me, and said that because of my politics, he was going to try to make sure I would never get a job in civilian life, ever. That he would work at destroying my life and trying to make sure I was a homeless, broke vet when I got out.
It’s left me a little leery of the VSOs that I don’t have personal contacts with.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Selena; first off that VFW Commander was wrong. Second; how did he know about your politics? That’s the beauty of those orgs., it’s like DADT, so they don’t ask if you don’t tell. I know several people that are anti-war and were anti-Bush, but that didn’t matter when it came time to do the work.
I was personally against our invasion of Iraq, however, once we were on the ground, you support the mission and the troops, because you can’t support the troops without supporting their mission, no matter how someone tries to twist it. The problem I have is that with Iraq winding down, the same ones that said they were only against the Iraq war, but supported A-stan, like President Obama, are now against A-stan. Why? What changed?
I don’t let my politics interfere with helping the Vets. I see a Vet, I don’t ask him/her their views on the war and I don’t really care; that’s not the point of helping them. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not, just to belong to the Orgs, however, the mission of the org has to be defined and I’m sorry to say that the org you most identify with isn’t a Vets Service Org, but a Political Action Committee. Although you may disagree, actions speak the loudest.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:41 am
OldTrooper:
First off she is full of crap.
Second: She forgets to mention that she posted all of my private information that she copied out of my AKO profile.
Third: She has ignored all attempts to verify her eligibility for the VFW by playing the “Top Secret card. She has no right to be in the VFW.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Claymore, would you please pass the popcorn? This is getting good.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:57 am
To bad they cut part of my comment out.
It would be better.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:12 am
As an active member of my VFW post, if she did indeed get accepted as a member then that happened based on a vote at whatever particular post she joined. From there, she would have received a card.
So based on my position as an officer at my post, if she was accepted as a member by the VFW, then she is qualified and eligible. I would have a beer with her in the cantine just as much as any other members without prejudice to her politics or beliefs. I don’t have a dog in this fight other than to take offense to anyone — legit VFW commander or Internet imposter — insinuating that a VFW member (if she does carry the card)is a fraud.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Should clarify my last comment… We vote on all new applications after reviewing their DD-214 and other relevant military documentation. At least in my post, this is something that is taken very seriously.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am
OldTrooper: He saw some commentary when I was arguing with someone in AKO forums, then took it upon himself to google me and try to get me in trouble with the military-and started at the top, of course, by sending it to the CSM of USAREUR.
He also worked for a soldier loan company, and used my personal information I had provided only to the loan company to get my personal phone number, social security number, etc. Then called me and started talking about the loans I had. In response to all of the creepiness he had engaged in, I copied and pasted some publicly accessible info (which was on the VFW post site) and encouraged VFW members to email this guy and tell him what they thought of his actions.
Also, sorry, I’ve actually been verified twice by the VFW now, once to get in, and once when this guy challenged my membership. And yes, I’m still a member.
To be utterly fair, VFW national suggested I make a formal complaint against this dude, but I just didn’t have the time and/or energy. Also to be fair, this is the only VFW guy I know that I’ve had problems with, and some other VFW members that I knew at that post offered to escort me to the meeting if I wanted to go in case there was trouble, but since this commander had threatened to call the cops if I showed up, I decided it wasn’t a good idea for anybody.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:25 am
This guy was just honestly hands-down crazy. Having some distance, now, I can look and recognize that. I feel pretty sorry for him, in a way. You have to be pretty fucked up to call female soldiers and talk about how you want to tear out their throat with your teeth just because you don’t like their politics.
November 24th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
She must need her meds adjusted again.
She applied for her membership online.
She has never verified her eligibility.
The “want to tear out their throat with your teeth” crap is again, she needs her meds adjusted.
Amazing what some people make up or dream….
November 24th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Bob Says:
November 24th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Should clarify my last comment… We vote on all new applications after reviewing their DD-214 and other relevant military documentation. At least in my post, this is something that is taken very seriously.
Bob,
We also take this matter very seriosly.
She refused to provide proof.
National called me about this matter & they sent her letters requiering her to provide proof.
That is the problem with the online membership.
There is no way to check an ERB or DD214.
Her refusal to provide the proof is proof enough.
The fact that she has a card does not make her a member.
Fraud is fraud.
November 24th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
About the only truth I see in any of the crap she wrote is the CSM of USAREUR part. Ralf is a great guy.
November 24th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
VFW Commander,
This comment is in no way meant to be a slight at you since I don’t know you and am in no position to judge, but rather my thought as an active VFW member.
As you know very well, at the beginning of every monthly VFW meeting the post commander reads that all petty differences be left at the door while the oath for new members includes not knowingly allowing an unqualified person to be a member. I originally signed up for the VFW online and my Iraq service was verified, with my joining of the post also being verified at a meeting. It looks like in this case that AS was approved online and then subject to a more thorough review/screening of her qualifications. Based on this fact, I have no doubt that she is qualified, and as one of the only Iraq vets to be active in my post, I would absolutely welcome AS or any other VFW-eligible vet or VFW card carrier into my post regardless of politics or anything else.
Again, it goes back to the opening ceremonies of the VFW meetings where we cast all petty differences aside. Even if her other claims are completely false — which I have no way or inclination in verifying — she is welcome no matter what as a veteran of a foreign war.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I have to say that the comments here have given me much to contemplate. I searched long and hard for a group to join regarding my dissent about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Having watched so many of my brothers and sisters return “wounded,” if at all, after serving in harm’s way for the sake of a bunch of lies (propagated by a 60-page dossier served up on a golden platter from Tony Blair’s intel folks and spoon fed to the world by Bush’s hound dogs), I believe I have every right to speak out on their behalf!
I can honestly say I don’t know any of you well enough to judge you or your opinions. That said, I’d appreciate that same consideration. However, I do respect your right to challenge my positions and look forward to it.
As for who I am, I believe I am a voice of reason. I have 22+ years military experience. I do not proclaim to know everything about anything. I am open-minded. I have handed the folded American flag to 63 mothers, sons, husbands, wives, siblings, etc. of fallen veterans (WWII, Vietnam, Korea, and current era) and almost always tear up after having done so. “On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, I present this flag to you in honor of your __________’s unconditional sacrifice to our country.” I have voluntarily taught flag etiquette classes to 137 classrooms of 5th graders in Kansas City, New Orleans, Dallas, Portland, Sioux City and Cleveland. I have taught/inspected Highschool Marine Corps JROTC classes in New Orleans and Albany, GA. As a Marine, I have taught hand-to-hand combat, MCMAP (martial arts/brown belt) and
was the first female to receive certification as a HRST Master (rappelling/rast roping) with 1st Marine Division and served as an instructor for 6 years. I have lead Marines, babysat them, managed their checkbooks, bailed them out of jail, fed their families, and as many have come back later to tell me, I’ve inspired them, motivated them, mentored them to push their limits. I have done my best to honor those who served before me. I truly do not want to let them down and thus far, don’t believe I have!
Heros Friend: Your threats are unwarranted and unnecessary. I know my duties, responsibilities and the policies to which I must abide and tailor my life while serving. Before you continue to go off, try to remember we are all humans serving honorably and following orders…even those we don’t support. Otherwise, you already know, we can leave once our contract ends. Still, you have to recognize that some just don’t know what they’re getting themselves into when they join. I ask for patience from you and anyone who doubts their patriotism when they get a taste of reality and speak out. Again, remember they are human and you can be angry, but they did volunteer. I believe they have a right to express themselves as long as they let everyone know it is how THEY feel and that their views are theirs to be had.
Casey: As a fairly new member of IVAW (just about a year now), I am aware of inconsistencies in message, leadership, and follow-through. I have been told that they are working on streamlining everything and reeling in those who insist on going off-message.
UpNorth: The article I posted was just one view that I found interesting. I don’t agree with it all, but I do find that some of the observations point at a few truths and offer food for thought. I believe in equal exchange of information. Sometimes, you get a piece of information or even a perspective you hadn’t considered and that could change how you react to things…or minimally, at least support what you think. I’ll admit I posted it in haste because I wasn’t quite sure of the audience here…it was my first post to the blog.
Blanka: I’d gladly share wine with you any day! Trust me, I’ve been burned a few times. I am very careful to consider many things before I make a decision. (I’ve been around the world a few times.) I’ve witnessed enough bad, under thought choices to approach everything with caution. If I had that wine right now, I’d sit and tell you a few stories about my service, particularly things I’ve witnessed as a senior non-commissioned officer during the past 8 years since 9/11. Everything is not as black and white as some would think or hope. Actually, the gray area is getting wider and wider.
OnNow: I’d really like to have a conversation with you. You certainly said some things that intrigued my curiosity. I will definitely fine tune my radar and do some covert digging of my own.
Happy Holidays, everyone. We’ve much for which to be thankful! Those of you with chips on your shoulders, please take them down for the weekend, have a glass of wine (or beer/whiskey), hug those you love and thank those who serve (even those of us who are bitching a little bit.).
Semper Fidelis!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Yeah, Female Vet, I already wrote about you last month. I guess you must’ve missed it.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
VFW Commander: “… National called me about this matter & they sent her letters requiering her to provide proof.
That is the problem with the online membership.
There is no way to check an ERB or DD214…”
IVAW requires members to upload copies of their DD214 (scan and attach the documents via the web) to verify service since 9/11/2001. Truth be told, I know they haven’t required 100% compliance. That personally bothers me, and I’ve been told some of these people were “grandfathered” in before the policy was incorporated.
I think the VFW should check into providing a method for attaching PDF forms/documents to applications.
Someone said something about IVAW not being a VSO but a political action group. That’s indeed what it is!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Female Vet,
VFW Commander was talking about the VFW. Which requires that members went somewhere during certain date ranges. It further requires that prospective members provide proof of above.
He was not talking about IVAW which doesn’t.
You might want to check fire.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
“but a political action group. That’s indeed what it is!”
Under the hammer-n-sickle!!
November 24th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Female Vet:
The problem isn’t with the VFW, it’s with that particular VFW commander who is completely crazy. The VFW, surprisingly, does accept scans of your ERB/DD214 as well as physical copies and various other things. They’re surprisingly tech-savvy for the median age of the organization.
I’m leery of getting heavily involved again, but I’m still paying my dues on the off chance I change my mind.
Anyway, yeah, there isn’t any need to go off on the VFW just because it has one crazy guy in it.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Female Vet, you won me over. =0)