Operation Yellow Elephant

from the U.S. Air Force Academy

2011-12-15T22:26:00.001-05:00

They'll be deployed to the box soon enough. Enjoy!

Hat tip to JoeMyGod.

Marine Deployment Video from Iraq

2011-12-11T11:12:00.001-05:00

Here's another deployment video from Iraq, this is how we win wars:

Here's the official music video, Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch:

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden: What his Deployment Means for America

2011-11-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

Serving in a war zone teaches anyone many things, including intolerance for nonsense, a nicer term for bullshit.Delaware Attorney General Joseph R. "Beau" Biden, III [D] has told those who served in Iraq at the same time,

I've said many times that serving with people like you was the greatest honor of my life. The sacrifice from you and your families is remarkable, and in my estimation, too few in our nation understand the depth of it.

And here's what it means for America: Attorney General Biden, along with New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman [D], has taken the lead in insisting on the integrity of our legal system, that "robosigner" fraud on our judicial system be punished, and that those responsible, including at the corporate managerial level [the military equivalent of which is command responsibility] be held to account.

“This action concerns far more than the financial interests of a few sophisticated investors,” [Manhattan Federal] judge [William Pauley] wrote. “And the intervention of the state AGs in this action will protect the interests of absent investors.”

OYE Comment:We believe that serving in a war zone has ensured that Delaware Attorney General Biden will always find the time and energy to do the right thing for his state and, indeed, for America.

And if more of our civilian political leadership, at all levels, had shared such experiences, our country would be a better place.

Hat tip to AmericaBlog.

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden: Pics from his Deployment to Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq

2011-11-23T10:28:00.000-05:00

Celebrities at Marine Corps Balls

2011-11-19T16:05:00.001-05:00

We salute Sgt Scott Moore, USMC, for starting a trend: YouTube invitations to celebrities, in his case actress Mila Kunis, to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. November 10 was the 236th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps; celebrations take place all month.

"It's a huge honor just to be invited, it is. [ . . . ] Talking to people and hearing their stories, being a part of something that truly I know nothing about but I'm incredibly eager to learn."

OYE Comment

We've always said, if more prominent Americans personally knew some of our enlisted servicemembers or junior officers - those most at risk in combat - our country would be a better place.

And now Mila Kunis is one of them. What a great lady!

We also take note of another celebrity, "Dancing with the Stars" alum Kristin Cavallari, who attended a Marine Ball in California with Lance Cpl. Jonathan Burkett. Hat tip to Huffington Post.

Columbia University Actively Recruits Veterans

2011-11-14T13:00:00.002-05:00

The New York Times reports that Columbia University is actively recruiting veterans for its School of General Studies, an undergraduate unit specially created for adult students including veterans, which is separate from Columbia College, its traditional undergraduate school.

Even Doonesbury has taken note of the need for good colleges and universities to recruit our 21st Century veterans.

As we have said before, if more Americans personally knew enlisted servicemembers or junior officers - those most at risk in combat - or recent veterans, America would be a better place.

Props to Columbia University for supporting this effort.

Props to California's LA/Valley Pride: Welcome, Marines!

2011-10-10T18:39:00.009-04:00

Operation Yellow Elephant salutes LA/Valley Pride in California.

Now that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is history, organizers invited all military branches to recruit at San Gabriel Valley Pride in Pasadena. Unfortunately, while the Marines were interested, they had no money. From the LA Times:

Marine recruiters reach out at gay pride event in Pasadena

[ . . . ]

Alan Chan, San Gabriel Valley Pride's secretary, invited military personnel in the Pasadena recruitment office across from the college to set up booths at the event. The Navy, he said, did not have adequate staffing. The Army had previously committed to another event. The Air Force did not respond. And the Marines, who alone expressed interest, nearly had to plead poverty because the branch had exhausted its funds for the fiscal year and did not have $150 for the exhibitor fee. LA/Valley Pride covered the fee, said Executive Director Paul Waters. [ . . . ]

OYE Comment:

If the Marines' participation at this event results in the eventual enlistment of one qualified recruit, we'll consider it a success.

We salute not only the Marine Corps Pasadena recruiting office but also the GLBTQ community in the area, who realize that, if more Americans personally knew someone wearing the uniform, especially enlisted servicemembers and junior officers - those most at risk in combat, our country would be a better place.

How about you, Ben Quayle? Would you encourage the GLBTQ community in your district to invite military recruiters to their event?

Hat tip to AmericaBlog Gay.

Gay Soldier Booed: Any Comment, Oliver North?

2011-09-24T12:05:00.007-04:00

On September 9, Oliver North [LtCol USMC (ret.)], Founder & Honorary Chairman of Freedom Alliance, praised post-9/11/2001 American servicemembers. We're posting it in its entirety:

A Decade of War

[September 9, 2011]

The Japanese attack on the U.S. Pacific fleet required 58 warships, 350 aircraft and more than 10,000 sailors to carry out. Though the raiders killed 2,403 Americans, only five U.S. Navy vessels were damaged beyond repair. In Washington, Congress immediately responded with a nearly unanimous declaration of war; only one member voted no. The American people answered the call to duty, and 16.5 million young men and women were soon in uniform. The U.S. became the leader of a grand alliance supported by both political parties. Everyone knew right from the start who our enemies were and that the war would end only when those enemies surrendered - unconditionally.

That’s hardly the case with what happened on and after 9-11-01. Until that terrible morning, most Americans never had heard of Al Qaeda or Osama bin Laden. The attack bin Laden carried out with just 19 radical Islamists aboard four commercial airliners killed 2,973 Americans – more than the Japanese had at Pearl Harbor. In strategic terms, the 9-11-01 attack was a near-perfect “economy of force” operation.

Though there was no declaration of war, hundreds of thousands of young Americans volunteered to take up arms against an enemy they understood but Washington has steadfastly refused to name. Every one of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Guardsmen and Marines on duty today either “joined up” or “stayed in” because of what took place on 9-11-01. In the decade since, more than 2 million of them – the brightest and bravest of their generation – have served in the extremely difficult and dangerous places where this long war is being fought. And they continue to do so, despite Washington’s inability to define victory and despite the growing antipathy of our mainstream media.

The nation that once honored its war heroes with parades and celebrations now all but ignores the extraordinary sacrifices being made on our behalf. Instead, politicians, pundits and the potentates of the press constantly seek ways to denigrate those who serve in our nation’s uniform.

Those who define what is “news” for the rest of us have beaten Abu Ghraib like a rented mule for more than a half-dozen years. Newsweek magazine created a totally fictional story about a Koran being flushed down a toilet at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, generating scores of attacks in Muslim-majority countries. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin likened our troops to those who served Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin and the Cambodian despot Pol Pot. And a reporter for The New York Times claimed that most of those serving in harm’s way are just “poor kids from Mississippi or Alabama or Texas who could not get a decent job or health insurance.” Those who believe this drivel don’t know the warriors of 9-11.

This week’s memorial services on the 10th anniversary of that devastating attack on our soil will justly focus on the first responders. The firemen, police officers, EMTs and everyday citizens who risked - and sometimes lost - their lives that day are heroes and deserve to be recognized as such. So are those who watched the events that day and decided to don a uniform and fight back at those who wrought such death and destruction on our shores.

Thanks to young Americans wearing helmets, flak jackets, flight suits and combat boots, Saddam Hussein – the Butcher of Baghdad – is no more and Osama bin Laden is dead. Al Qaeda, the vicious radical Islamist movement bin Laden spawned, is fractured and badly damaged but still alive in Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, and Chechnya and seeks to take advantage of uncertainty in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The Ayatollahs in Iran are guiding violence in Syria and threatening stability in Iraq.

While we recall those who were lost on 9-11-01, we would do well to also remember those who serve in our armed forces because of what happened that day. They forfeited the comforts of home, absented themselves from the affection of loved ones and went into harm’s way to protect us from those who would once again visit unspeakable terror on our homeland. They, too, deserve our thanks and prayers in this decade of war, because it isn’t over yet.

OYE Comment:

We agree. For Oliver North:

As you know, pursuant to a law passed by Congress and signed by the President, according to our Constitution, and implemented according to its terms by the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a non-heterosexual Soldier currently serving "in harm's way" in Iraq asked a question of the Republican Presidential candidates in the September 22 debate in Orlando FL. The audience booed the questioner, and none of the candidates called them on it. Immediately after the debate, only Jon Huntsman and Gary Johnson disagreed, calling it "unfortunate." Rick Santorum later concurred with them, but Santorum later retracted his condemnation.

So here's our question for Oliver North:

Do you agree that non-heterosexual Servicemembers deserve the same respect from the American people that you rightly support?

If so, have you said so publicly [link, please]?

If not, why not?

Gay Yellow Elephants? Ten More Days

2011-09-10T18:49:00.008-04:00

GOProud, an organization of gay conservatives, strongly supports the continued fight against terrorism:

Ten Years Later: The Fight Must Continue

GOProud on the 10th Anniversary of the Attacks of September 11th

(Washington, DC) – This weekend is the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In response, the Board of Directors of GOProud, the only national organization representing gay conservatives and their allies, issued the following statement:

“The most powerful and tangible way that we can honor the 10th anniversary of these horrific attacks is to recommit to fighting and winning the global war on terror. [emphasis added]

“The threat posed by the spread of radical jihadist Islam is no less real today than it was ten years ago.

“Radical Islam is a barbaric ideology, one that preaches destruction of the west and advocates brutality against women, gays and religious minorities.

“The truth is that for gay and lesbian people across the globe there is no single bigger threat than the spread of radicalized Islam.

“We must remain vigilant in the war on global terror. We must defend Israel, a bright light of freedom, in a dangerous area of the world. We must stay on the offensive, actively working to stop the spread of radical Islam and supporting efforts to remove regimes in the Islamic world that fail to recognize basic human rights.

“The greatest tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on September 11, 2001 is the defeat of the murderous ideology behind those despicable attacks.”

OYE Comment:

O.K., GOProud, effective 20 SEP 2011: Has your organization encouraged its members [healthy and 34 or under] at least to consider volunteering for military service, to recommit to fighting and winning the global war on terror?

We couldn't readily find anything to this effect on your website.

Please let us know. Thank you.

Hat tip to Joe. My. God.

9/11/2001 + 10: Support Our Troops: Enlist!

2011-09-10T18:19:00.001-04:00

The 9/11 10th Anniversary press releases are hitting the streets, with a wide variety of organizations strongly supporting victory in the global war on terrorism.

In addition to the standard boilerplate about Supporting Our Troops, however, any organization - of any nature - needs to address these obvious questions in its public statements:

-- Consistent with its mission, is your organization doing everything it can to Support Our Troops? If not, why bother with mere platitudes?

-- Have you encouraged your members at least to consider volunteering for military service [if personally eligible]?

-- Have you urged your members, not personally eligible to serve, to encourage their eligible relatives and friends, their circles of influence, at least to consider serving in our military?

-- If you are a business, are you treating our servicemembers and their families fairly, both during a deployment, and later? To the maximum extent possible, are you trying to cut them some slack, if they need it? If not, you need to fix this - pronto. Please stay quiet until you have.

-- If you work in government, do you have an appropriately senior [i.e., empowered] person directly assisting those affected by a combat deployment or, worse, casualties? [We do.]

-- Are you looking out for recent veterans, who actually answered our nation's call, now that they're back home, undoubtedly different from who they were when they deployed? Do you recognize their needs, including, as appropriate, tough love, as they return to civilian life following honorable service to our nation?

And we have questions for the American people:

-- Do you personally know any enlisted servicemembers or junior officers [those most at risk in combat] or recent veterans? If not, does that bother you? It should.

-- Even if you don't personally know anyone, are you doing everything you can to make things better for them, according to your walk of life? [Again we thank Sen. Joe Lieberman [I-CT] for leading the Senate in repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.]

-- Finally, if you are a healthy male 17-34, please at least consider serving in our military. It will change your life.

Thank you.

OYE 109: Pick Up Their Check

2011-09-09T19:38:00.007-04:00

Many Americans, especially those who don't personally know anyone wearing the uniform, want to say, "Thank You," to our troops when they see them in public places. The desire to do so is good, and appreciated, but it frequently comes across as a mere platitude.

However, if you see a group of our servicemembers dining together at a restaurant, a very effective way to say, "Thank You," is by picking up their check, plus a decent [20%] tip.

"I just wanted to thank you for your service and, by the way, your check - with tip - has been taken care of."

They will certainly appreciate it.

OYE Comment:

Let's be honest: You can afford to eat there. Think about it.

Thank you.

9/11: Who Signed Up

2011-09-06T20:56:00.002-04:00

The New York Times profiled real Americans who signed up after 9/11/2001. Money quote:

Time magazine called it a day of infamy, evoking Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Pearl Harbor. But Americans did not flock to military recruiting stations after 9/11 the way they did in 1941.

Enlistments rose in the months after the attacks, but only modestly. Over the next year, and over the next decade, the work of war fell to a relative few, with less than 1 percent of the nation deploying in Iraq or Afghanistan between 2001 and 2011.

Who, then, were those volunteers — the first to enlist, the first to taste battle, the first to die?

Studies show that starting in 2002, Army recruits scored higher on qualification tests, had high school diplomas more often and came from higher-income areas than in previous years — indications that military service was attracting a broader cross-section of Americans, experts say.

But that wave of interest — spurred by a weak economy in 2002 as well as patriotism — did not last, said Beth Asch, an economist with the RAND Corporation who has studied military recruitment.

In 2005, when civil war raged in Iraq and American casualty rates were hitting new highs, the Army, the largest armed service, missed its recruiting goal by nearly 7,000 soldiers. The quality of recruits fell as well. It took the collapse of the stock and housing markets in 2008 to fuel a new tide of enlistments.

OYE Comment:

The reason Americans did not flock to recruiting stations in large numbers after 9/11/2001, or later, is simple: Our national civilian political leadership wimped out. They did not even try to encourage healthy heterosexual young men to Be A Man! Enlist!; nor did the future leaders of our governing party at the time - the College and Young Republicans - Support Our President by setting a good example for the rest of us.

Hence, Operation Yellow Elephant in Summer 2005. At least we shamed the Yellow Elephants into Shutting Up, if not Signing Up.

When Influential People Personally Know . . .

2011-09-03T08:47:00.001-04:00

. . . someone wearing the uniform at a lower level [i.e., they don't have to depend, exclusively, on official sources of information, including the media], America can do great things.

Money quote from an otherwise off-topic Washington Post article, Top Secret America: Joint Special Operations Command:

When Obama came into office, he cottoned to the organization immediately. (It didn’t hurt that his CIA director, Leon E. Panetta, has a son who, as a naval reservist, had deployed with JSOC.) Soon Obama was using JSOC even more than his predecessor. In 2010, for example, he secretly directed JSOC troops to Yemen to kill the leaders of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Military Recruiting Update through July 2011

2011-08-31T15:09:00.003-04:00

All services are meeting their recruitment objectives for the current fiscal year ending September 30. In fact, only the Army National Guard is below its expected quota to date, but it is still anticipated that they will make their mission in FY-2011. [With the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" September 20, now is an opportune time for LGBT veterans interested in serving to contact a National Guard recruiter.]

What an improvement from the dark days of 2005. Clearly, there are economic reasons, but we hope that all Americans are also realizing that we have individual and collective responsibilities to our country.

Final Salute: 2006 Pulitzer Prize to The Rocky Mountain News

2011-08-27T16:32:00.005-04:00

This is an awesome photo, by Todd Heisler, illustrating Final Salute, by Jim Sheeler, a reporter for the then-Rocky Mountain News. They won Pulitzer Prizes in 2006, Sheeler for Feature Writing and Heisler for Feature Photography. [The Rocky Mountain News ceased publication in 2009.] The story was also published as a book with the same title.

Since c. 2007, as directed by Congress, however, the Pentagon has chartered aircraft to deliver Our Fallen Heroes from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to their final resting places. But there's something about this scene that ensures that Americans are reminded of the costs of our country's decision to engage in military action overseas.

Glimpses of War, published by The Washington Post

2011-08-21T17:36:00.003-04:00

The Washington Post just published Glimpses of War [front page, center, above the fold], about distant thanks to our servicemembers from the American people they serve.

On the home front, reminders of the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq come in small doses. [ . . . ]

After almost 10 years of fighting, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq surface on the home front in fleeting, sentimental and sanitized glimpses. Camouflage-clad soldiers lug rucksacks through civilian airports at the beginning and end of their leaves. Their service is celebrated in occasional television commercials, dutifully praised by political candidates and briefly cheered at sporting events.

Troops often question why more have not answered the call to duty and why their sacrifices are so poorly understood by the people they serve.

"For most Americans, the wars remain an abstraction," then-Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said last year. "A distant, unpleasant series of news items that does not affect them personally." [ . . . ]

'Grab Some Buds'

Mike Byrne, the creative director at a Manhattan advertising agency, was rushing through airport security on his way to a Chicago Bears game two years ago when he happened upon a scene from the war: A returning soldier on his mid-tour leave was being swarmed by his wife and children. [ . . . ]

"I literally had to fight the tears, man up and keep walking," he said. "I was like, 'That is amazing.' It never left me." [He created an ad on this theme: Budweiser: Coming Home.]

OYE Comment:

Read the whole article. There's more that was too much for us.

Update: Letters to the Editor in response.

An Empty Regard, published by The New York Times

2011-08-21T17:22:00.005-04:00

The New York Times focused on our longer-term theme in An Empty Regard, front and center in The Sunday Review.

[ . . . ]

The new cult of the uniform began with the call to “support our troops” during the Iraq war. The slogan played on a justified collective desire to avoid repeating the mistake of the Vietnam era, when hatred of the conflict spilled over into hostility toward the people who were fighting it. [ . . . ]

As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have dragged on, other purposes have come into play. The greater the sacrifice that has fallen on one small group of people, the members of the military and their families, the more we have gone from supporting our troops to putting them on a pedestal. In the Second World War, everybody fought. Soldiers were not remote figures to most of us; they were us. Now, instead of sharing the burden, we sentimentalize it. It’s a lot easier to idealize the people who are fighting than it is to send your kid to join them. This is also a form of service, I suppose: lip service. [ . . . ]

“America needs heroes,” it is sometimes said, a phrase that’s often uttered in a wistful tone, almost cooingly, as if we were talking about a lonely child. But do we really “need heroes”? We need leaders, who marshal us to the muddle. We need role models, who show us how to deal with it. But what we really need are citizens, who refuse to infantilize themselves with talk of heroes and put their shoulders to the public wheel instead. The political scientist Jonathan Weiler sees the cult of the uniform as a kind of citizenship-by-proxy. Soldiers and cops and firefighters, he argues, embody a notion of public service to which the rest of us are now no more than spectators. What we really need, in other words, is a swift kick in the pants.

OYE Comment:

The basic problem with such faux, yellow-elephant hero-worship, no matter how justified in individual cases, is that our heroes become too distant from the rest of us, to the point that real Americans can no longer see themselves as inspired to emulate them by signing up themselves.

It's a responsibility of our national civilian political leadership, current and future, to inspire their followers, the American people, to do great things.

Now that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is on its way out, it's time for all Americans, everywhere on the political spectrum, if eligible themselves, to Be A Man! Enlist. If not personally eligible, encourage your eligible relatives and friends, your circles of influence, to Always Aim High.

Update: Letters to the Editor in response.

When nearly everyone personally knows . . .

2011-07-31T14:23:00.003-04:00

In an otherwise totally off-topic article on the use of mentally performance-enhancing drugs, our general theme comes through:

[ . . . ] Or what if your son is on the ground in Afghanistan? Wouldn't you want him to be able to take a dose of Ritalin before going on patrol, so he’s sharp and ready to defend himself?

[ . . . ]

Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

Chaplains: Thank You for Supporting Our Troops!

2011-07-30T12:18:00.006-04:00

Operation Yellow Elephant salutes Military Chaplains from all endorsing bodies for Signing Up and Supporting Our Troops.

Chaplains provide Religious Support by conducting services of their denomination, by making arrangements to support religious expression of everyone and by counseling servicemembers on a variety of matters. We understand that a majority of military chaplains are endorsed by traditional Protestant bodies, including both Evangelical and Liturgical [non-Evangelical], or are Roman Catholic priests.

We particularly salute those members of the clergy of other religions, denominations and movements, who, along with their endorsing organizations, also feel the call to Support Our Troops. While we have a few specific chaplains and endorsing bodies in mind, we respect their privacy and their mission.

The bottom line: If your religious organization or faith group wants to Support Our Troops, regardless of how you feel about any conflict [past, present or future], please work with The Pentagon to support chaplain candidacies of suitable members of your clergy.

Your Country Thanks You.

Track Palin: Congrats on your Wedding!

2011-07-25T20:43:00.011-04:00

U.S. Army reservist and Iraq veteran Track Palin, 22, married his longtime girlfriend Britta Hanson, 21, earlier this year. His mother ran for Vice President on the Republican ticket in 2008.

We wish the happy couple all the best.

This hasn't stopped liberal media who hate his mother - a public figure - from publicizing Britta's Facebook pics showing that they have a baby on the way, and doing a little math in the process.

Frankly, we don't care, and we're not alone.

From Dissent of the Day on Andrew Sullivan:

A reader writes:
You're out of line here. This guy has made no effort to be in the public spotlight. In fact, given the media's obsession with Sarah Palin, I would guess that his absence required some effort on his part. He's a private citizen, leave him alone. Sarah Palin is a public figure, and it's an obscenity that she is considered seriously. Have at her. Have at her husband and appalling daughter, who have chosen to be public figures. Track Palin clearly has chosen to be private. Please respect that choice. You've had your privacy invaded, don't do it to others.
Well, I wouldn't have known about this unless his new wife hadn't posted photos on her Facebook page. As for Track, he is constantly mentioned by his mother in speeches. He chose to appear in her reality show. When the Palins opt for privacy, I will respect it punctiliously. I wish they would.

And there's more:

A reader writes:
You wrote: "Well, I wouldn't have known about this unless his new wife hadn't posted photos on her Facebook page." Seriously? That's the new standard? Sarah Palin's daughter-in-law tried to share pictures with friends and family, and that makes it our business? Hell no. Palin's noxious behavior does not give you cover to be one magnitude less noxious. In fact, it should give you more concern for what proper journalism should look like: a continuing observation of substantive issues in the lives of the public, not simply anything within distant sight of the public. Palin's poison is coursing through your arteries and your readers are trying to get that idea through to you.
Another writes:
You say that Britta posted the photo, but that doesn't seem to be the case, based on the Gawker item you originally linked to. The photo was posted by a male - based on the profile pic - who wrote "my beautiful britta pie!", so presumably it was Track. However, Gawker redacted the name of the poster, which wouldn't make sense if it was Track.
We emailed Maureen O'Connor at Gawker and she clarified that "it was a close friend who posted it" - not Britta or Track. Another reader still thinks it's a legitimate story:
Track Palin and and his wife either sold, or allowed to be sold, photos and details of their wedding to People magazine. Persons who voluntarily expose and publicize their lives via a celebrity news publication have clearly made an "effort to be in the public spotlight" and have chosen to be public figures. It's likely they received substantial remuneration in exchange for that exposure.

Furthermore, Britta's apparent due date (September 29th) indicates that she was five months pregnant on her wedding day. This is newsworthy, considering the family's well-circulated views about abstinence and pre-marital sex.

OYE Comment: The First Amendment protects even useless gossip and meaningless drivel from those who see politics as a religion that can give meaning to their lives. And they don't know that People Magazine paid anyone anything.

'Look at it this way: He's over 21, has served his country, made it home and is building a family. We wish him well.

PS. Even the hundreds of gay and lesbian couples who got married all over New York State yesterday - the first day of Marriage Equality in the Empire State - deserve both privacy and respect. Be happy for Track Palin and Britta Hanson, and for everyone who makes that commitment.

'Time to lighten up.

Vermont Law School Welcomes Military Recruiters

2011-07-23T23:59:00.001-04:00

Now that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is fading into history, it's time for those institutions - that banned military recruiters because of DADT - not only to lift their bans, but also to welcome military recruiters to their campuses, and encourage their fair-minded students to Be A Man! Enlist!

Operation Yellow Elephant salutes Vermont Law School [VLS] for doing just that:

“We had continued that longstanding practice of denying campus access with regret because all constituents of Vermont Law School hold the Armed Forces and the several Judge Advocate Generals [JAG] Corps in the highest respect,” [Dean Jeff] Shields wrote to The Pentagon July 19. “Nor has our practice reflected any bias against military service as a career for our students or graduates. We recognize the importance to the country of an able corps of lawyers of high quality in the Armed Services and the value to our students of the professional opportunities that JAG service provides. In fact, a number of our students and recent graduates have accepted JAG commissions and internships, and some are presently serving with distinction on active duty." [emphasis added]

[ . . . ]

VLS students and JAG recruiters have maintained a strong relationship despite the impediment of having to meet off campus over the years. On average, VLS has the same number of graduates and interns entering JAG as law schools nationwide that have long allowed military recruiters on campus.

OYE Comment:

OK, elite/liberal institutions, now it's your turn:

It's not enough merely to send a letter to The Pentagon lifting your bans, and asking to be reinstated as eligible for Federal funding.

You need to show your seriousness and concern about the future of Our Country by actually encouraging - not merely allowing - all of your fair-minded students and graduates at least to consider Serving Our Country in uniform.

Be A Man [or Woman]! Enlist!

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell": The End is Near: 20 SEP 2011

2011-07-23T12:12:00.013-04:00

We're almost there. Last December 22, President Obama said, "This is done." Today, the President signed, and submitted to Congress, the Certification, by the President, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen. Full implementation of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Act of 2010 takes effect 60 days later - 20 SEP 2011.

Here is the Oval Office meeting:

And here is the Certification:

Operation Yellow Elephant also salutes former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, for his leadership on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal and his Service to Our Country over many decades. We wish him well in his retirement.

The devil is always in the details. We salute Dr. Clifford Stanley, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Mr. Jeh Johnson, General Counsel of the Department of Defense and the leaders of the Pentagon body implementing the repeal, Ms. Virginia "Vee" Penrod, above, right, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy and Chairwoman of the Repeal Implementation Team, and Major General Steven A. Hummer, USMC, Chief of Staff, above, left, explaining the details following certification, and their Team for their hard work and dedication to America.

We also recognize and salute former Rep. Patrick Murphy [D-PA], above, now a candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General [click here and scroll down for his statement], and Senator Joe Lieberman [I-CT], below, for their leadership in Congress and perseverance in doing the right thing for America.

Finally, we salute Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, in this fight since the beginning, along with Servicemembers United, OutServe, the Palm Center and the Log Cabin Republicans [whose court challenge to DADT helped to keep the pressure on], for their dedication and commitment to America.

OYE Comment:

Don't worry, civilian Log Cabin Republicans [and Stonewall Democrats]: Once DADT is history, you're on the hook with OYE!

What goes around, comes around

2011-07-16T16:18:00.004-04:00

After celebrity Justin Timberlake publicly persuaded actress Mila Kunis to accept Marine Sergeant Scott Moore's YouTube invitation - from Afghanistan - to the Marine Corps Ball in November, Corporal Lesley De Santis, the only female Marine at the Martial Arts Center for Excellence [MACE], Quantico, VA [near Washington DC] asked him, with the support of her buddies, to attend her Marine Ball.

We understand he has accepted. We wish everyone a great time.

Update: The event took place as planned.

Thank you, Justin, for Supporting Our Troops!

Actress Mila Kunis Supports Our Troops

2011-07-13T21:46:00.006-04:00

OYE Comment: It takes balls to Sign Up and Serve in Combat. Sgt. Scott Moore, USMC, has more than that: He's deployed to Afghanistan right now. Sgt. Moore took a chance, or accepted risk, and posted a YouTube video asking actress Mila Kunis to be his date for the Marine Corps Ball in November.

Update: She accepted and attended the event, where a good time was had by all.

Thank You, Mila, for Supporting Our Troops!

Young Republicans National Convention 2011

2011-07-06T11:38:00.002-04:00

We understand that the Young Republicans National Convention 2011 begins today in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and runs through Sunday July 10.

In the past, we have sponsored a booth for military recruiters and urged Young Republicans to Be A Man! Enlist! However, our efforts have not been successful and we sincerely doubted that military recruiters would be authorized to travel that far to attend such an event, when little if any results could be expected.

However, we have succeeded in the second part of our motto, "Sign Up or Shut Up." Healthy heterosexual young men are no longer publicly supporting "the war" without being Asked The Question: Assuming you are eligible to serve, have you considered volunteering for military service? If not, why not? If so, what resulted from your deliberations? The audience for your pro-war sentiments is entitled to full disclosure of your relevant personal circumstances.

At this point, nobody cares about the Young Republicans, because they had the opportunity to fulfill their national leadership responsibility to set a good example for the rest of us, and they wimped out.

We wish them the best for the future and hope that they will continue to be involved in their communities.

From West Point to the Minor Leagues to Iraq

2011-07-03T23:16:00.007-04:00

That was then [2005, Billings, Montana, playing with a Cincinatti Reds affiliate]:

This is now [2011, serving on his second deployment to Iraq]:

Operation Yellow Elephant salutes not only those Service Secretaries who in 2008 decided that Academy graduates would honor their service obligations, instead of being allowed to play professional sports, but also those alumni who are fulfulling their obligations.

Former Reds Prospected Serves with U.S. Army in Iraq

“I made a promise to them, and of course I was going to honor it,” [Army Captain Josh] Holden, now 30, said in an interview here at a United States military base in southern Iraq.

Holden graduated from West Point in 2003 and had a five-year commitment to active duty. But in 2005, that career was put aside and one in professional baseball began.

After the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, there was a need to increase recruiting. So the Defense Department created a program, called the alternative service option, that allowed soldiers who had the skills to become public figures, like athletes, to pursue more high-profile careers. The military hoped these soldiers would generate positive attention and increase recruiting. [OYE Note: Service Secretaries ended the program in 2008.]

For Holden, his path to minor league baseball started with the tryout with the Reds. The team liked what it saw, and the military gave him permission to leave his base in Fort Sill, Okla., for minor league baseball in Florida. He agreed to return to fulfill his service after his baseball ended. [ . . . ]

Holden played four years in the minors while spending his off-seasons working as a military recruiter and visiting injured soldiers. [ . . . ]

Just nine months after his baseball career ended [on the final day of spring training in 2008], he was on his way to the tortured northern Iraqi city of Mosul to fulfill the remaining four years he owed the military.

While in Mosul, he spent his days directing troops and tanks. Ten troops from his brigade died on that tour.

After a year in Iraq, he returned home to Texas, married, bought a house, got a dog, and was then redeployed here in southern Iraq.

Holden now spends his days eating meals on the floors of tents with local sheiks in a last-ditch effort by American military officials to try to win over locals as the military’s withdrawal is scheduled to hit its peak in coming months.

“I basically keep track of all the key players in the area, the sheiks, the Iraqi security forces and government officials,” he said. “We are in an advise-and-assist mission, and we are getting ready for the operation of getting all of the military’s equipment out of Iraq and into Kuwait. We cannot do that safely without the help of the Iraqis.” [ . . . ]

“Personally, it couldn’t have worked out better for me,” Holden said. “I got to chase a dream, and now that I’m a soldier, I hope that I am giving the Army as much as it has given me.”

Awesome Marine Dance Video from Iraq!

2011-07-01T09:29:00.002-04:00

OYE Comment:

Although this is undoubtedly not the original, it does have the most/best footage. Very well done! Here's another:

How Veterans Contribute to Elite Schools: Real World Perspective

2011-06-19T08:47:00.005-04:00

from the LA Times:

U.S. Marines, Stanford University: Stanford's Marines bring real world perspective to elite campus

On his first day as a student at Stanford University after serving as an enlisted Marine in Iraq, William Treseder rushed to get to the dining hall by 6 a.m.

Stanford dining halls, it turned out, open in the morning at the same time that Marine chow halls close: 8 a.m.

"That was the beginning of understanding of what a different place this is," said Treseder, now 28 and just a few classes away from graduating with a degree in science, technology and society.

Soon he found that Stanford students — bright, hardworking and focused on their careers — were not necessarily anti-military, just ignorant of military service and their generational cohorts who have enlisted. [ . . . ]

Along with his studies, Treseder has become an unofficial leader of a small group of students who have made the same journey: Marine grunts who are now undergraduates at an elite university. [10 veterans including seven Marines of whom six served in Iraq or Afghanistan; two including Treseder served in both. . . . ]

The Marines at Stanford know they are getting a top-notch education. The school has provided financial support so they do not have to drain their veterans' benefits or be burdened by student loans.

Still, they never lose sight of the fact that they are different from other students. An estimated 90% of undergraduates are "traditional" students who arrived at Stanford directly from high school. Most Marines are community college transfers. [ . . . ]

Some students assume that because the Marines have deployed to war zones, they are experts on U.S. foreign policy and cheerleaders for the current strategy. "You try to get into a serious discussion and all you hear is Abu Ghraib, civilian casualties and drone strikes," Treseder said. [ . . . ]

[Chris Clark, 25, who served two tours with a reconnaissance unit in Iraq, received a Combat Action Ribbon and a Purple Heart. Now he's a political science major.] Clark is studying with Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of State and now a political science professor at Stanford. He was in her seminar "Challenges and Dilemmas in Foreign Policy."

Rice favors veterans for her classes: "I've seen first-hand how veterans can elevate and inform classroom discussions because of their real-life experiences.'' [ . . . ]

OYE Comment:

Veterans, ROTC and military service all add to the diversity of the student body, an important part of the undergraduate experience.

And maybe some of Stanford's traditional college students will be inspired to Be A Man! Enlist!

Perceived Overuse of a Compliment

2011-06-14T22:51:00.005-04:00

Thoughts from a Paratrooper.

Like many veterans, I’ve been called a hero for my military service. As I see it, I didn’t accomplish anything extraordinary during my time in the Army or my two tours in Iraq. I did my job. I had good days and I had bad days. Yes, on really bad days things were nasty and might involve multiple fiery explosions or being under severely oppressive heat for hours, wearing a full kit. Despite these hardships, I tried, generally, to do as good a job as I could while serving, and I left military service honorably. Even though I didn’t participate in any solitary acts of heroism, like jumping on a grenade or being the guy who got Osama bin Laden, there are many who would say I am a hero for doing what others would not while putting myself at extreme risk.

I understand the sentiment, and I trust that there are those who truly believe that all service members are heroes, simply for signing up. But I can’t help think that for some, “hero” is a throw-away word, designed to demonstrate a “support the troops” position or guarantee applause at an event.

Cheney Brigades: A Great Idea

2011-06-06T09:40:00.002-04:00

from Doug Bandow on Huffington Post:

The Cheney Brigades: A Second Chance for War Advocates to Fight

[ . . . ] Yet the strongest proponents of today's wars usually are people who haven't served in the military, let alone in combat. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama fought in no conflicts but together started four wars. And that number would be more if expanding the mission in Somalia, undertaking military operations in Bosnia, and threatening to invade Haiti, all undertaken by Clinton, also counted. Moreover, President Obama has nearly two years left in just his first term. If he is reelected, he will have another four years to start additional conflicts.

At least President Bush served in the Reserves, though that was at a time when Reserve service was often used to avoid going to Vietnam. President Clinton engaged in a famous effort to get out of the draft while maintaining his "political viability," as he put it at the time. President Obama didn't face conscription and didn't volunteer. [ . . . ]

In retrospect it seems almost tragic that Mr. Cheney was denied the experience that he now is committed to providing to so many other young men and women. After all, he said later that he "would have obviously been happy to serve had" he been called. But by then the military just wasn't interested in recruiting old guys past their prime.

It doesn't seem fair to him or the rest of us. Mr. Cheney should have had his chance to go to war.

My friend and colleague Ted Galen Carpenter suggests creating a system of conscription based on implied consent. Favor launching more than one war every five years and you get drafted into the armed services, proposes Ted. Since we are all living longer, he advocates raising the eligibility age to 50.

But the idea of a draft seems so, well, ugly. Service should be forced, since people, like Mr. Cheney, often don't recognize what is good for them in time, but it would be better to give the system an upbeat name, such as the Military Extended Service Opportunity. That sounds too bureaucratic, however. It is a noble enterprise, creating "second chance brigades" for those who found themselves too busy promoting wars to serve in them when they were young. Congress might want to name the program after a figure who inspires us all -- giving honor where honor is due, you might say -- and call them the Cheney Brigades.

Eligibility also should be as broad as possible. It is true that age no longer is such a stiff bar to service: up to 50 and you should go into the field. Up to 70 you could staff the headquarters, helping with paperwork, if nothing else.

But advocating a war every five years, as Ted Carpenter proposes, doesn't cover nearly enough warrior wannabes. Indeed, we should be able to meet all our military personnel needs and more through MESO. A person should be called up for service in a Cheney Brigade if he or she has not previously served in the armed forces and has:

• supported any war which manifestly had no possible, plausible, or conceivable relationship to American security, such as World War I, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Kosovo, or Libya;

• advocated going to war "for democracy," to "spread democracy," or to "make the world safe for democracy," as in World War I;

• urged intervening or extending intervention to reconstitute a central government, rebuild a nation, or remake a society, as in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan;

• promoted "mission creep" in a military operation originally sold as limited or not even a real war, such as Somalia and Libya;

• promised that invading another nation or overthrowing another regime would be a "cakewalk" or otherwise simple, short, easy, and quick, as in Iraq and Libya;

• pushed for a war using lurid but exaggerated or false atrocity stories, as in the Spanish-American War, World War I, Iraq War I, Kosovo, and Libya;

• advanced a militaristic and interventionist foreign policy with thoughtless bromides and clichés, such as "if America doesn't do it, who will," "what's the use of having this wonderful military if we don't use it," "we spent a larger share of the GDP on the military before," "we have vital interests there (and everywhere)," "we have the responsibility since we have the ability," "we must destroy the nation to save it," "all we have to do is cut entitlements," "it's a dangerous world," "defense is in the Constitution," and "kill them all and let God sort them out."

Anyone can make a mistake, so everyone should get one "do-over." But falling into two of the above categories would result in a standard year tour in a Cheney Brigade. Fulfilling three of the forgoing criteria would mean three years of service. And individuals meeting four or more of these factors would receive an extra special five year term -- with at least three years served where bullets are flying or bombs are exploding.

So many war enthusiasts, so many opportunities to go to war. MESO would nicely match individual justice with national needs. [ . . . ]

OYE Comment:

Let's see if the over-the-hill crowd takes advantage of this opportunity.

Bigotry Disguised as Morality

2011-06-05T21:56:00.006-04:00

Good on Defense Secretary Gates for ending any conversation of being able to opt-out of the Military because DADT has ended.

"Sir, we joined the Marine Corps because the Marine Corps has a set of standards and values that is better than that of the civilian sector. And we have gone and changed those values and repealed the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy," the sergeant told Gates during the question and answer session.

"We have not given the Marines a chance to decide whether they wish to continue serving under that. Is there going to be an option for those Marines that no longer wish to serve due to the fact their moral values have not changed?" he asked.

"No," Gates responded. "You'll have to complete your ... enlistment just like everybody else."

"The reality is that you don't all agree with each other on your politics, you don't agree with each other on your religion, you don't agree with each other on a lot of things," he added. "But you still serve together. And you work together. And you look out for each other. And that's all that matters."

The Military will be a better place if this Marine leaves once his enlistment is up. And it will be a much better place if this Marine moves beyond these hateful thoughts and and stays in.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-29T22:41:00.001-04:00

Again we read "Funeral Duty" from Memorial Day 2008.

Deep.

A Note to Posers

2011-05-12T07:58:00.000-04:00

This guy will find you and then expose you.

"There were about 500 SEALs that operated in Vietnam, and I've met all 20,000 of them," joked Steve Waterman, a retired Navy diver from South Thomaston, who said he has exposed more than 100 phony SEALs over the years.

The latest crop of fakes includes a Pennsylvania minister who let his congregation believe he was a SEAL and repeated the lie to a newspaper.

Also, check out the site Stolen Valor which encourages you to report a fake so that they may highlight them.

Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Kelly

2011-05-11T14:28:00.000-04:00

Essentially he's saying BE A MAN! ENLIST!

"This is a decades-long war that will ebb and flow. We will succeed only so long as we don't run out of the kind of men like the ones Sunday night that are willing to go into the darkest and most dangerous places on Earth and hunt down and kill those who would do us harm."

As for the young people celebrating the news in front of the White House and Times Square, Kelly says they were "carrying on like fools" and "might consider making a real difference and joining the Marines or Army and lending a hand."

Despicable

2011-05-10T19:50:00.004-04:00

What is up with these weirdo liars?

After years of letting his congregation believe he'd once been a Navy SEAL, a Pennsylvania pastor's tale has come undone.

Last week, The Patriot-News newspaper, based in Harrisburg, reached out to former SEALs living in midstate Pennsylvania, hoping for some local perspective on the U.S. commando operation that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Rev. Jim Moats, of Newville, obliged, and was featured in a story that ran in Saturday's edition. But it turns out Moats was never a SEAL, and the guilt-ridden pastor went to the paper's office on Sunday to fess up.

Et tu, Brown University?

2011-04-25T20:01:00.005-04:00

What a disaster of a rally. On one side you have the anti-ROTC jokers who still cannot move beyond the Vietnam War, and then on the pro-ROTC side you have a College Republican so impressed with his school, and likely himself, that he feels it "makes our military smarter" if ROTC was allowed at Brown University. I mean, if you're trying to help at least don't come across as a condescending prick.

Assholes. All of them.

"The idea that the University would even consider allowing a discriminatory group on campus is insulting," Gabriel Schwartz '13 said in an address to protesters. "But since it's trans students they're discriminating against, people think it's more okay. But I say — funk ROTC and support trans rights!"

"Funk ROTC" was the name of an ROTC protest parade featuring the What Cheer Brigade, a marching band from Providence, that took place later that night around campus.

"Discrimination is not a reason to keep ROTC off campus," said Terrence George '13, president of the Brown Republicans and chairman of the College Republican Federation of Rhode Island. "On the whole, the group does more good than bad," he said.

George, who organized the pro-ROTC rally, pointed out that ROTC provides scholarships for students from underprivileged backgrounds and "makes our military smarter." He accused the coalition of using "anti-military rhetoric" despite their "support our troops" chant.

Another Deployment Video goes Viral!

2011-04-24T20:58:00.001-04:00

OYE Comment:

They're in the box, so we'll forgive them for choosing Britney.

Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

Columbia to Welcome ROTC

2011-04-02T13:18:00.004-04:00

The Columbia University Senate voted 51-17 Friday April 1, 2011, to "explore mutually beneficial relationships with the armed forces of the United States, including participation in the programs of the Reserve Officers Training Corps." [This is not an April Fool's joke.]

OYE Comment:

We hope that the Pentagon will accept this invitation and find a way for ROTC to return to Columbia after a very long absence.

It's good for Our Military and good for America.

A Wonderful Feeling

2011-04-02T12:04:00.001-04:00

Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

A Wonderful Feeling: Here's Another

2011-04-02T12:02:00.002-04:00

She's a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and apparently flew into Washington Dulles Airport on a commercial flight.

Hat tip to John Aravosis and AmericaBlog.

Welcome Home by a Sleeping Brother

2011-04-02T11:13:00.002-04:00

Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

Remembering Corporal Andrew Wilfahrt, U.S. Army

2011-03-31T12:53:00.009-04:00

from Courage Campaign and OutServe:

Tomorrow will mark the 100th day since President Obama signed legislation repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" back in December. "This is done," he said at the time.

But it’s not done. Since then, at least three gay soldiers have died in the closet waiting for the Pentagon and the White House to certify that Our Military is ready to implement repeal. Among them is U.S. Army Corporal Andrew Wilfahrt, whom Courage Campaign and OutServe honor today.

This is his story, as told in a powerful new video Testimony by his mother Lori and father Jeff.

Please watch this video and share with friends. People need to hear Andrew's story to show that the gays and lesbians currently serving give the same sacrifices -- and still can't serve openly and honestly.

Thanks for standing strong for equality and supporting our troops.

With thanks to JD Smith, OutServe

Harvard Welcomes ROTC

2011-03-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

Harvard University has officially re-established ROTC with the U.S. Navy. Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus signed the agreement today.

The White House praised Harvard's decision to welcomed ROTC back to campus:

With our nation at war, this sends a powerful message that Americans stand united and that our colleges, society and armed forces are stronger when we honor the contributions of all our citizens.

--Statement by Press Secretary Jay Carney.

OYE Comment:

We join the White House in applauding this decision and urge other Ivy League institutions to Support Our Troops by encouraging their students to consider volunteering for military service via ROTC.

Why we ignored CPAC 2011

2011-02-13T11:03:00.003-05:00

In previous years, Operation Yellow Elephant has highlighted the annual Conservative Political Action Conference [CPAC], sponsored by the American Conservative Union, as a Military Recruiting Opportunity. This year, we did not.

Why?

Although the CPAC 2011 Agenda includes various supposedly pro-military speakers and presentations, as in the past, our efforts to call attention to their hypocrisy have not been successful.

The in-progress repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" also removes Ivy League schools' major excuse not to host ROTC and we will continue to encourage them to follow through, and highlight any hypocrisy.

Furthermore, the Libertarian perspective also present at CPAC 2011 explicitly urges conservatives to support a more diminished role for America in the world, i.e., no more military interventions overseas, and is thus not inconsistent with our topic.

Although recent posts have been of a more general nature, we will continue to focus on our core topic: Sign Up or Shut Up, urging those eligible to serve who support U.S. military action overseas at least to consider volunteering themselves, and those not personally eligible to encourage their eligible relatives and friends, their circles of influence, to do the same.

CJCS Admiral Mike Mullen talks DADT with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show

2011-02-04T00:05:00.006-05:00

from The Daily Show:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Mike Mullen Extended Interview Pt. 2

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

Click here to watch via TowleRoad.

DADT: Commandant and SMMC's Message to Marines

2011-01-30T15:22:00.003-05:00

OYE Comment: This is the right thing to do for the Marine Corps and for America. Thank you.

Egypt: Why We Care: The People and Their Military

2011-01-29T15:07:00.007-05:00

We understand from public media that the Egyptian Army, unlike the police and security forces, enjoys the respect and support of the people.

[ . . . ]

[Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's] grip on power was further challenged Saturday as the military that he had deployed to take back control of the streets showed few signs of suppressing the unrest, and in several cases the army took the side of the protesters in the capital and the northern port city of Alexandria.

In the most striking instance, members of the army joined with a crowd of thousands of protesters in a pitched battle against Egyptian security police officers defending the Interior Ministry on Saturday afternoon.

[ . . . ]

In other parts of the capital, soldiers invited protesters to climb aboard their armored personnel carriers to have their pictures taken, and in Alexandria, demonstrators took tea to troops.

Above, the crowds greet Egyptian soldiers. Below, demonstrators hoist the flag of the Egyptian Army.

OYE Comment:

The unity between the people and their military is essential for healthy development of any society, including our own. All Egyptian men serve in the military; everyone knows someone wearing the uniform. All of this helps to ensure that orders to open fire on peaceful demonstrations will not be obeyed.

Why should Americans care? Our military is OUR military, too. You can help to foster this perspective by volunteering to serve yourself [if eligible] or by encouraging those you know to consider volunteering. Show your support any way you can, beyond a magnetic ribbon.

First Lady on Oprah for Military Families

2011-01-28T08:55:00.004-05:00

Following Tuesday night's State of the Union Address, First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on Oprah yesterday to support military families, to whom Oprah dedicated her entire day's broadcast.

"We're going to ask the country to get ourselves together and be a part of reconnecting these families to the broader community," Michelle Obama told Oprah and her millions of followers, including a studio audience that leapt to its feet (some began hugging one another) when the first lady came on stage.

"All right - calm yourselves," Oprah told her audience.

"How many of you watching can name a soldier who's fighting in the war?" Oprah asked her followers at the top of Thursday's show, which was taped days earlier. "I can honestly say I cannot."

"A few months back, Tom Brokaw called me up with a show idea. . . . He was very blunt, as matter of fact," Oprah continued.

Brokaw told her that "if you don't know someone who's fighting on the front lines right now, or a family in town that has one of their own serving, then you don't care about the war of the men and women fighting it," she continued.

Then Brokaw came out to deliver the message that less than 1 percent of the population is "bearing 100 percent of the burden of battle," which includes leaving behind their families for two and three tours at a time while "nothing else is asked of the rest of us."

"It's not just unjust - in a way, it's immoral," Brokaw said.

Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward then came out, calling the situation an "epidemic of disconnection" in the country.

"There are things as a nation we can do big and small. And it's not a difficult thing to do," Obama said.

Carmen Blackmore and her husband, Clifford Blackmore, an U.S. Army warrant officer, appeared with the first lady, who called Carmen Blackmore one of her heroes.

"Because, in addition to taking care of business in her own house, she's incredibly involved in the family readiness group, which means she's helping other families adjust," Obama said.

The first lady told Oprah about the military families she has met and the stories she has heard about multiple deployments, missed birthdays and children asking when a parent would be coming home.

"Let me tell you, their stories took my breath away," Obama said.

OYE Comment:

We thank Oprah Winfrey for hosting the First Lady to call attention to the need for all Americans to support our military families, and for all Americans to ask themselves whether they at least have tried to support those in harm's way.

Tom Brokaw's comment focuses very well on the key issue: If most Americans personally knew someone wearing the uniform, especially enlisted servicemembers and junior officers, our country would be a better place.

Appalling Corporate Greed and Incompetence: Deutsche Bank Screws American Patriot

2011-01-27T21:34:00.011-05:00

We are frankly appalled by today's New York Times story on how Deutsche Bank AG first screwed up itself [by hiring incompetent lawyers who didn't bother to learn the law on military mortgages] and then screwed an American patriot, Sergeant James B. Hurley, U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard, by foreclosing on his house and kicking his family out of their home while he was deployed to Iraq.

We are further appalled by the refusal of Deutsche Banke AG and Saxon Mortgage Services to right this wrong. We thank the New York Times for publicizing this injustice. What is really appalling is our certain knowledge that this is not an isolated incident.

Here's our question for the New York Times' Public Editor: How many similar situations did the New York Times review before selecting Sergeant Hurley's for the article?

Update: On March 11, 2011, the New York Times reported that all parties have settled the lawsuit.

Update December 2011: More bad publicity for Deutsche Bank and Chase Bank.

The President's Challenge on ROTC

2011-01-26T20:09:00.005-05:00

from the State of the Union Address:

[ . . . ]

Our troops come from every corner of this country -– they’re black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. (Applause.) And with that change, I call on all our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move forward as one nation. (Applause.) [ . . . ]

OYE Comment:

O.K., Harvard, Yale, Columbia, etc. 'Time for your decision.

Update: Harvard has welcomed ROTC; Columbia has changed its policy and is open to discussions. We hope the Pentagon will respond positively.

Capt Honors gets unexpected support from gay sailors

2011-01-09T20:56:00.001-05:00

from The Washington Times:

Gay former sailors back captain ousted over videos

Navy Capt. Owen P. Honors, removed from command of one of the Navy‘s most powerful warships and under investigation for ribald videos made to amuse his crew, is getting moral support from an unexpected quarter — gay sailors who served under his command.

The captain is under fire for videos he made four years ago while executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, and broadcast to the 6,000 crew members in an effort to entertain them during two wartime deployments. The videos contain scatological humor, foul language, sexual innuendo and the use of the word “fag.” [ . . . ]

Interviews with sailors on the Enterprise at the time, including several who have since left the Navy and say they were openly gay when they served, suggest that the videos, far from offending, did, as intended, raise morale through their crude humor. Many of Capt. Honors‘ former shipmates think the Navy has already gone too far in stripping him of his command.

“I was not offended,” said Nowie Solis, who was a mass-communications specialist, third class, in the ship’s media department. Mr. Solis, who says he was gay and that his sexuality was known to his shipmates, has since been honorably discharged. “I had plenty of gay friends on board and never heard of anyone who was offended,” he told The Washington Times, “He wasn’t insulting” gay sailors, added Mr. Solis, “They were just harmless jokes.”

Capt. Honors “absolutely did not” create a hostile or homophobic atmosphere on board, added Eric M. Prenger, a gay sailor who also served on the Enterprise at the time. Mr. Prenger, an electronics technician, third class, said the crew looked forward to the videos, which were broadcast on the ship’s closed circuit TV system every Saturday night, preceding the showing of a movie.

“They were definitely a tension reliever,” said Mr. Prenger, who has also since left the service. “I remember laughing at them.”

Gay men and women that join the military do so “knowing they aren’t going to be in an environment that appeals to their sense of delicacy,” said Mr. Prenger. “Gay or straight, you need a tough skin to get through.” [ . . . ]

OYE Comment:

We're quite surprised to see The Washington Times acknowledging non-heterosexual sailors serving openly in our military. In any event, we acknowledge the significant challenges faced by military leaders in maintaining morale in a dignified and respectful manner.

Assassination Attempt/Murder in Arizona

2011-01-08T22:30:00.009-05:00

We understand that, earlier this afternoon in Arizona, a gunman shot and killed several people, including a Federal District Judge, and seriously wounded a U.S. Representative; citizens held a vigil at the U.S. Capitol.

Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and our thoughts and best wishes to all, including those now recovering.

We thank the first responders and emergency medical personnel who helped the wounded, and the chaplains and equivalents who have comforted the bereaved in their hour of need. We support the law enforcement personnel who are now working very hard to investigate this crime to ensure that justice is done.

We condemn all violence as inconsistent with the Constitutional values that have established and sustained our political system. Let's be honest: If your candidate did not win the election, you must nevertheless accept the voters' judgment during the term of office. Feel free to support the loyal opposition.

We always congratulate winners of elections, even if we did not favor that outcome [e.g., Ben Quayle]. It's the American way.

Mark Wahlberg Supports Our Troops in Afghanistan

2011-01-08T15:17:00.008-05:00

Actor Mark Wahlberg [above right, with "The Fighter" co-star Christian Bale], made an unpublicized visit to our troops in Afghanistan last month, shortly before the holidays. Key background:

Wahlberg, a married man with four kids, said traveling into a war zone before Christmas was not an easy decision, but his family understood.

"I've been in a lot of hairy situations in the past, and I felt like, you know, we were going to be traveling with the military, so it can't get much safer than that."

When asked if he was scared, he smiled and said, "I probably would have felt a little safer had I had my own weapons ... but no, I'm a very spiritual guy and I get on my hands and my knees and ask God to protect me."

According to Reuters, Wahlberg spent 36 hours on the ground, showed "The Fighter" to an audience of 3,000 servicemembers, and did the usual celebrity visit stuff, but without media presence - i.e., for all the right reasons.

"[Our troops] are still extremely positive and optimistic that they're doing a lot of good over there and helping a country that's really in need," Wahlberg said.

He said he was surprised to find that, not only did troops know him, but Afghani people and troops did, too. [ . . . ]

Where the troops' reviews were concerned, Wahlberg said it was better than some pundits in Hollywood.

"I've always considered the military as the real super-athletes of the world, and if anybody could appreciate (his boxing character's) fight and heart and never-give-up attitude, it would be the soldiers of the Armed Forces," he said. "So, they really got a kick out of the movie.

OYE Comment: Props to Mark Wahlberg for doing this on the Q-T. This means it's all about our servicemembers, not him. We thank Reuters for letting his fans and the American people know about this, but discreetly and after the fact.

Many celebrities in a wide variety of fields have visited with our troops in war zones, and for more than a few hours. They have to check their egos back home - and they do - because that's the way it's done with our military and the U.S.O. No drama. We thank them for all that they do and wish them all the best.

USS Enterprise Videos: More

2011-01-04T20:55:00.009-05:00

The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot has released two more "XO Movie Night" videos from the USS Enterprise, starring its former Commanding Officer, CAPT Owen P. Honors, Jr.

Here's one:

Here's another:

Our Navy is Decisive: CAPT Honors Relieved as USS Enterprise Commander

2011-01-04T20:30:00.007-05:00

Navy Admiral John Harvey permanently relieved CAPT Owen P. Honors, Jr., as Commanding Officer of the USS Enterprise, now preparing for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Update: The Enterprise is to deploy Thursday, January 13.

To Admiral Harvey's credit, and that of the Navy, he acted decisively and in the best interests of the USS Enterprise and its almost 6,000 sailors.

There's quite a lot of commentary on this, but it's clear that the controversy made it impossible for CAPT Honors to continue to hold the confidence of his superiors.

We hope that the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot will share the other videos with the American people, if only to support CAPT Honors' post-retirement career as a comedian.

USS Enterprise XO Videos: Update

2011-01-03T19:38:00.005-05:00

The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot reports that the Navy is continuing to investigate, but we've also heard that CAPT Owen P. Honors, Jr., has been temporarily relieved.

On the other hand, CAPT Honors' supporters have set up a Facebook page. We'll keep you posted.

Hat tip to TowleRoad. Photo tip to The New York Times.

USS Enterprise: Update on videos

2011-01-02T19:27:00.003-05:00

Here's an CCN story on the USS Enterprise videos.

Two comments:

1. CNN is quite correct that substantial official resources were required in their production. This isn't someone clowning around with a personal video camera.

2. If the Navy has already been aware of these videos, and took action way back in 2007, well, then action has been taken, so it's just egg on the Navy's face at this point.

USS Enterprise XO Video: See for Yourself!

2011-01-02T12:46:00.015-05:00

The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot reports that the Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, Navy Captain Owen P. Honors, Jr., due to deploy shortly to support operations in Afghanistan, while serving as its Executive Officer [XO] on a similar deployment in 2006-2007, starred in the above video series to the crew. See for yourself; the newspaper has bleeped out potentially offensive dialogue.

Here are our thoughts:

1. Consider the time and the context: Any kind of deployment is stressful; leaders need to guide and channel the intensity of emotions towards topics that are less [but not totally zero] politically incorrect, just to burn off the steam and stress and tension in a more [but not completely] socially acceptable manner. Furthermore, back in 2006, one political party controlled both political branches of our government; it takes time for socio-political changes like the Democratic takeover of Congress, effective in January 2007, to filter out to our ships at sea.

2. We need leaders with courage, rather than timid wimps afraid to make a decision. Yes, he should have a little egg on his face [see speculation in the page 2 etc. Comments on TowleRoad], but that's it. Clearly, the crew's loyalty to their Captain has ensured that the American people know what a great job he's doing. [Snark!] Other leaders are certainly learning and will be guided by this, but we don't want to destroy the need for creativity and imagination to maintain morale on a deployment.

3. Make your own decision whether it's really homophobic, or whatever. It's certainly juvenile, sophmoric and a bit raunchy, but so what? Keep the good elements of military culture; don't destroy everything.

4. With Congressional repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," to be fully implemented this year, will all such 'humor' be tolerated? No. Commanders and Leaders will need to ensure that all motivational materials ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. A more pressing issue is whether Captain Honors recognizes how much things have changed, and the current, pre-deployment command climate on the USS Enterprise.

5. To a certain extent, this video is already a historical document of life under DADT.

Hat tip to TowleRoad.

Hat non-tip here. [They copied our post exactly. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.]

Update: The Navy is investigating.

further Update [08JAN2011]: For some reason, the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot has removed the video from its website; the above video has also been removed from YouTube by the original poster. We left a comment on the newspaper's website politely inquiring why. Sans response from the paper, it's back on YouTube:

Here's the most popular version:

Here's another version:

Rep. Joe Pitts urges Americans to Support Our Troops in GOP Weekly Radio Address

2010-12-24T09:15:00.007-05:00

Rep. Joe Pitts [R-PA], a Vietnam veteran, thanked our heroes in harm's way, including first responders, and urged Americans to think of our deployed servicemembers in the Republican Weekly Radio Address:

Hello, I’m Joe Pitts, and I have the great honor of serving the people of Pennsylvania’s Sixteenth Congressional District.

As another year comes to a close, the American people rise to meet the challenges of our time with resolve and determination. Before tackling the challenges that lie ahead, we join together to reflect on our blessings. [ . . . ]

In this time of year when we gather to celebrate family and fellowship, we are reminded of the fulfillment that comes from humbly serving one another.

We see the spirit of the season in the simple acts of kindness to aid families less fortunate.

We see it in our servicemembers who raise their hands and volunteer for extraordinary tasks in the defense of freedom. Many of these brave men and women are spending this holiday season far from our shores.

As a Vietnam veteran myself, I know the stress of being separated at this time of year. To those wearing the uniform in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world at this hour, know that we are behind you and we join your loved ones in praying for your safe return home.

To those standing watch closer to home – all the doctors, nurses, and emergency responders working around the clock, we thank you as well. We don’t always realize how much these tireless individuals give of themselves to patients and their families.

[ . . . ]

And let us strive to listen to one another, to treat one another with dignity and respect, and to do our part to see that the promise of the American Dream is fully realized for our children and their children.

May the peace and goodwill of this holiday season be with you and yours. Thank you for listening. Merry Christmas.

OYE Comment:

We thank Rep. Joe Pitts for his service to our country, both as an Air Force officer and in Congress.

While he voted against repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," we trust that he will acknowledge that Congress, in accordance with Article I, Section 8, of our Constitution, has made a decision, and the President has signed the legislation; thus, Rep. Pitts can best Support Our Troops, "to treat one another with dignity and respect," by supporting full, effective and speedy implementation of the new law.

The best way any private citizen can Support Our Troops is by at least considering volunteering for military service, if qualified [healthy and 41-or-under], or, if not personally eligible, encouraging one's own relatives and friends, one's circle of influence, to do the same.

We hope that the Republican National Committee and other party organizations, as well as their counterparts in the Democratic Party, will fulfill their national leadership responsibility to set a good example for the rest of us.

Even a simple press release is better than silence.

A holiday deployed is an awesome bonding experience, even though everyone is still working long hours, etc. Sending something homemade is always appreciated, especially in January and February. If you can't make something yourself, ask around [or check on the web] and send something specifically requested. Our deployed servicemembers will be very grateful.

Our best to all for the Holiday Season.

A Christmas Story: Conscientious Objector

2010-12-23T09:53:00.001-05:00

Slate interviewed a credible conservative, Josh Stieber, who at age 13 in 2001 decided to join our military and act on what he believed.

Not many people did, hence this blog.

Well, during his deployment, he came to believe that he could no longer serve, and followed the established process to apply for Conscientious Objector status, which was approved. He was discharged as a conscientious objector and is now a civilian.

We wish him well.

It's "Our Military" now, not "The Military" any more

2010-12-19T13:46:00.013-05:00

Thanks to principled leadership in the Executive and Legislative Branches of Our Government, with a timely assist from the Judicial Branch, the policy decision has been made by the American people, through their elected representatives in Congress, that otherwise qualified Americans are eligible for military service without regard to sexual orientation.

That means that all Americans can embrace the military, beginning by calling it "Our Military." It's Our Military because We are the society which it serves, from which it recruits, and to which Our Veterans, Our Wounded Warriors, and Our Heroes who have made the Supreme Sacrifice, return, all of whom, including surviving family members and caregivers, deserve the full support of every one of us.

With "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on the way out, it's time for Harvard and Columbia and other elite institutions to welcome the return of ROTC to campus, to embrace Our Military by encouraging and supporting the desires of their students - all of their students - to Serve America in uniform.

No more excuses.

While our All-Volunteer Force will never have exact proportional representation, it is possible for more Americans to personally know enlisted servicemembers and junior officers, those most at risk in combat, if more or all Americans, from all parts of our society, would either volunteer to serve themselves [if healthy and 41-or-under], or, if not personally eligible, encourage their eligible relatives and friends, their circles of influence, to consider serving, even if they have other options.

This would help to unite Our Country.

Don't worry. We haven't forgotten the Yellow Elephants. With the Republican party poised to take over the House of Representatives next month, they still have a national leadership responsibility, shared with the Democratic party, to set a good example for the rest of us.

Senate Repeals DADT: 65-31; West Virginia's Joe Manchin was AWOL

2010-12-19T00:12:00.012-05:00

That's the final vote and the big hurdle. Some time will be required for the details, but SLDN's Aubrey Sarvis says the Obama Administration should do its part in the first quarter of 2011.

Operation Yellow Elephant salutes Democratic Senators, including Jim Webb [VA], and those Republicans with the courage and integrity to do the right thing for our troops and our country: Scott Brown [MA], Richard Burr [NC], Susan Collins [ME], John Ensign [NV], Mark Kirk [IL], Lisa Murkowski [AK] Olympia Snowe [ME] and George Voinovich [OH].

Let's not forget West Virginia's new Democratic Senator, Joe Manchin, who didn't show up, claiming a long-planned family event. Well, Senator Manchin, there are times when the national leadership responsibility YOU sought trumps even family concerns. We're disappointed, as are all West Virginians. If you had the courage of your convictions and showed up to vote No, we would still respect you for at least considering the issue and making a decision, even if it wasn't what we wanted.

Our first Yellow Donkey is West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin!

Update: Senator Manchin apologized for missing the DADT and other votes.

Senate Preliminary Victory: 63-33

2010-12-18T14:01:00.003-05:00

Wow! Earlier today, the Senate voted, 63-33, to end debate or something on the stand-alone repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Final vote is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. today.

Of course, once the President signs the legislation, there are still various certifications, followed by a 60-day waiting period, before "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is officially gone and off the books forever. SLDN insists that this be accomplished in the first quarter of 2011.

This is amazing. When our national civilian political leadership listens to real people, and does the right thing, it really helps to restore our faith in America.

Senate Votes Today: Support Our Troops by Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

2010-12-18T10:41:00.004-05:00

OK, everybody. This is it. The Senate is to vote today at around 11:00 a.m. Last Wednesday, the House passed this legislation with a 75-vote margin.

We know that our troops' morale will be greatly improved if the Senate does the right thing and repeals "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Here's why:

Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will show our troops deployed in harm's way that the American people, through their elected Representatives and Senators in the Legislative Branch of our government, really care about them, that they have the character to discern the right thing to do, and the courage actually to do it.

More that mere platitudes by political wanna-bes, and more than the College Republicans collecting discount store-bought stuff like Chapstick at their National Convention in 2005, to box up and send somewhere, because they don't know any enlisted servicemembers or junior officers, those most at risk in combat.

Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is about national leadership responsibility to make the tough decisions that the American people elected YOU to do.

'Sort of like Sending Something Homemade.

Virginians: Call Jim Webb

2010-12-16T21:46:00.003-05:00

Virginians, it's your turn.

Please call Senator Jim Webb [D] at 202-224-4024. Urge him to support repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

We want Virginia to be on the right side of history.

Lobby the Senate: Friday 17 December

2010-12-16T21:39:00.003-05:00

Servicemembers United has announced yet another Lobby Day, Operation Renewed Engagement, Friday 17 December, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

We understand it's snowing or something in Washington, but now's the time to show you have the guts and that you really care.

If you can't be there in person, pick up the phone: +1-202-224-3121. Thank you.

Hat tip to AmericaBlog Gay.

DADT Update: the Senate

2010-12-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

It's on to the Senate. Senator Scott Brown [R-MA] has announced his support for repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, joining fellow Republicans Lisa Murkowski [AK] and Olympia Snowe [ME]. Senator Susan Collins [ME] was the only Republican to support repeal December 9.

West Virginia gay veteran Pepe Johnson delivered nearly a thousand petitions to his Democratic Senator, Joe Manchin, yesterday. We thank West Virginians for making their concerns known to their new Senator, and hope he will do the right thing for our troops and our country, which is also the right thing for West Virginians.

Wherever you are, please pick up the phone: 1-202-224-3121.

Senator Manchin [D-WV] tries to explain

2010-12-13T21:04:00.003-05:00

Newly elected Senator Joe Manchin [WV] was the only Democratic Senator to vote against repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, in a procedural vote Thursday December 9, 2010.

OYE Comment:

At least Senator Manchin acknowledged not knowing much about the issue. It's time for all people of good will, especially in West Virginia, to educate him on why repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is the right thing to do for our troops and our country.

West Virginians: Your New Senator Must Lead!

2010-12-11T17:03:00.008-05:00

Newly elected Senator Joe Manchin [D-WV] voted against the Senate repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," supposedly because, "as a Senator of three weeks, [he had] not had the opportunity to visit and hear the full range of viewpoints of the citizens of West Virginia."

Well, Senator Manchin, one of your constituents, Pepe Johnson [video @ 2:09] of Clarksburg, a member of the West Virginia Army National Guard and a combat veteran, looks forward to meeting with you in the very near future to educate you, not only on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," but also on your leadership responsibility as an elected Senator to make decisions on the future of our nation.

Here's more from Senator Manchin's Statement:

“Furthermore, while I may disagree with a repeal of DADT at this time, some believe that President Obama, as Commander-in-Chief, if he so chooses, has the authority to suspend discharges under DADT, if he deems it a matter of national security. In fact, I asked this question during the second day of hearings on the repeal of DADT. If this is correct, and the President was to make such an order, while I may disagree with it, I would respect his authority as President to do so.”

Excuse us, Senator Manchin, but you seem to have forgotten the U.S. Constitution, which YOU swore to support and defend when YOU were sworn in as a United States Senator less than a month ago.

Please take a look at Article I, Section 8, which includes among the Powers of Congress, "To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces." This is the basis for Congressional enactment of 10 U.S.C. Section 604, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and on which the Executive Branch has defended the law in the Federal Courts.

Sorry, Senator Manchin, but you cannot shirk your obligations and delegate - even to the President - YOUR power and authority to do YOUR JOB, which the citizens of West Virginia just elected YOU to do.

Senator Manchin, we are confident that you will rise to the occasion once your constituents - THIS WEEKEND - have educated you, both on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and on YOUR responsibilities as their Senator.

Don't wimp out. Thank you very much.

SLDN December 10 Rally: Don't Go Home!

2010-12-10T16:48:00.003-05:00

One day after the Senate's failed [57-40; 60 votes needed] bid December 9 to take up the Defense Authorization legislation, including a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," SLDN and many other organizations held a rally on the Senate side of the Capitol. Former USAF Major Mike Almy of Ohio had a message for his Senator, George Voinovich:

OYE Comment: If you're from Ohio, please let Senator Voinovich [202-224-3121] know you want him to do right for our troops - all of them.

Rally @ the Senate: Friday December 10, 12:00 noon: Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell!"

2010-12-07T20:53:00.003-05:00

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has announced a rally, "Mission Incomplete: No Senate Vacation until DADT is Repealed," for Friday, December 10, 2010, at noon, Upper Senate Park, on the north side of the Capitol, at Constitution and Delaware Avenues, N.E. Metro Union Station [Red Line].

All real Americans should insist that the Senate do its job and vote on repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

If you can make it to Washington, be there!

Young Democrats of America: Be A Man! Enlist!

2010-12-05T12:26:00.003-05:00

The Young Democrats of America seems not to be as active as the Young Republicans, but it's still their duty, as future leaders of our nation, to Support Our President by setting a good example for the rest of us.

We've asked the Young Democrats of America whether they have even bothered to encourage their members [35 and under], if healthy and (currently) heterosexual, at least to consider volunteering for military service.

We'll let you know how, or whether, they respond.

Update: The contact e-mail address on their website does not appear to be working. Additional evidence, apparently, that the Young Democrats are not as active as the Young Republicans.

The Pentagon Report on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

2010-12-05T09:12:00.008-05:00

The Pentagon released its long-awaited Report of the Comprehensive Review of the Issues Associated with a Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Monday November 30 and we've finally read it. The first 151 pages, that is, everything but the Appendices which have even more details including a breakdown of answers to the survey questions.

Every American who cares about our military should read it. At least some of the right-wing clowns, such as the Washington Times Editorial Board, could have avoided embarrassment with the following:

Perhaps that's why the working group held 51 "information exchange forums" at bases only in the United States, Germany and Japan. Minimizing the views of those serving in combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan helped further dilute the potential for a negative response.

Had they bothered to read the Report, they would have seen on p. 34 an explanation:

At the Secretary's direction, Independent Exchange Forums [IEFs] were not conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan to avoid interference with the missions there. However, at installations such as Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Fort Benning, Camp Lejeune, and elsewhere, the Comprehensive Review Working Group encountered large numbers of Service members who had deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan one or more times, or were preparing to deploy. These Service members shared their perspectives concerning the impact of repeal in combat situations and deployed environments.

Our military has conducted top-down mandated training in deployed environments, including Suicide Prevention training which my unit leader in Iraq did personally; it took less than 90 minutes and was very well done. If the right-wing has so little confidence in our Department of Defense's civilian and military leadership's ability to do the right thing right, well, we don't see any of them publicly calling on heterosexuals to Be A Man! Enlist!, much less doing so themselves [if eligible], or encouraging their own relatives and friends, their circles of influence, to volunteer to Serve Our Nation in uniform.

To his credit, Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown [R] has announced his support for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell:

“I have visited our injured troops at Walter Reed and have attended funerals of our fallen heroes,’’ [Sen. Brown] said in a statement. “When a soldier answers the call to serve, and risks life or limb, it has never mattered to me whether they are gay or straight. My only concern has been whether their service and sacrifice is with pride and honor.’’

He also said he felt comfortable that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates would adopt a repeal only “when the battle effectiveness of the forces is assured and proper preparations have been completed.’’

We agree with The Washington Post's editorial yesterday: Let the Pentagon lead.

Please call your Senators [202-224-3121] to share your support for repeal and to urge the Senate to act without further delay.

Thank you.

Military Recruiting Opportunity: Young Republicans National Convention 2011: San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA

2010-12-04T12:12:00.002-05:00

Attention Military Recruiters:

The next Young Republicans National Convention will be held July 6-10, 2011, in Puerto Rico, U.S.A. We'll be asking convention organizers if they'd be willing to provide a booth - for free - for military recruiters to engage with convention participants.

After all, only healthy heterosexuals 41-or-under [in many cases, even younger than 41] are eligible to serve in our military, though the "heterosexual" part of that might possibly change. It all depends on Republican Senators.

If the Young Democrats plan to hold a convention, we'll be asking the same questions of them.

Thank you very much for all that you are doing for America.

First Yellow Elephant Elected to Congress!

2010-11-03T06:36:00.009-04:00

Voters in Arizona's Phoenix-area Third Congressional District just chose Yellow Elephant Ben Quayle as their new Congressman, with 53% of the vote. Democratic candidate John Hulburd got 47%.

We congratulate Ben Quayle on his victory and wish him, and Arizona, all the best.

Meanwhile, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy, an Iraq War Veteran, lost his seat with 46% of the vote.

There's still time for Congress to do the right thing and repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the post-election session.

We'll see what happens.

Update: Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick [R-PA-08], who replaced Patrick Murphy, missed his swearing-in. He later apologized.

As of January 8, 2011, Rep. Fitzpatrick's official website does not include his bio. It says, in toto, "For a copy of my full biography, please contact my Washington DC office." Hel-lo!

Ridiculous Comparison from a Congress Candidate

2010-10-25T23:47:00.008-04:00

Why don't they just be honest and say "I don't like gays" instead of offering dumbass analogies?

[Republican Congressional nominee (MA-4) Sean] Bielat also did something else. He made a bizarre comparison when discussing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to the Boston Herald, arguing that gays should have no guaranteed right to serve in the military -- just like short people.

"There's no absolute right to serve. Men under the height of 5 feet, 2 inches can't serve -- I don't see anybody protesting. Where are the people standing in front of the White House, the short guys standing in front of the White House? You don't see it," Bielat told the Boston Herald. "We understand that there's no absolute right to serve in all these other areas," he continued.

It's kinda like saying if you have ears that look like satellite dishes you cannot serve in Congress.

Update: Beilat lost to Democratic incumbent Barney Frank.

He's not what he alludes to

2010-10-20T22:36:00.007-04:00

Rich Iott, Republican House candidate in Ohio's 9th District, appears to be overstating his case.

The Monclova Township businessman often mentions his Ohio Military Reserve experience on the campaign trail and in mailings to prospective voters.

One glossy mailing portrays Mr. Iott in civilian and military garb and says, “Rich Iott understands the sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made because he serves himself.”

Another one says, “Reservist Rich Iott will stand up and fight for our veterans.”

But Mr. Iott's claim to be a member of the military, when he was never on active duty, have rankled those serving in or retired from the armed forces.

Retired Ohio Adjutant General John Smith, a Vietnam veteran who was once commander of the 180th Air National Guard fighter wing based at Toledo, said the OMR has no role in the national defense and has never been called up for duty.

“He's stretching it in terms of what the Ohio Military Reserve does. He's giving the impression, I would suggest, that he is involved in matters related to national security and to state matters, and they are not. They are never consulted,” General Smith said.

Update: Iott lost to Democratic Incumbent Marcy Kaptur.

What is Gibbs talking about?

2010-10-18T07:57:00.001-04:00

Jeebus, answer the question. It's not as though David Gregory is a tough person to get interviewed by. Hell, I didn't even know anyone watched Meet The Press unless their satellite went out (video provided in the link).

Note that Gibbs will not say if Obama thinks DADT is unconstitutional. We've been trying to get an answer to that question directly for months. Instead, we're told he hasn't spoken to it. Same for DOMA. Please. Obama is a constitutional scholar. Laws that treat LGBT Americans as second-class citizens aren't just discriminatory. Judges have found them unconstitutional. Obama just won't say it. The White House must think it will look really bad if he goes to court to defend unconstitutional laws -- instead of just discriminatory laws. It looks bad, period.

Just watch Gibbs. Keep in mind that he's gotten DADT questions all week. Kerry Eleveld grilled him on Thursday. There's still no coherent response. They still don't have a plan:

So where are these "enormous consequences"?

2010-10-17T18:49:00.003-04:00

..tick, tick, tick. Still nothing. (via GG)

At 2:00pm ET on Tuesday October 12, a federal Judge ordered the military to stop enforcing “don't ask, don't tell”. The Pentagon has announced that it is complying with the order. On Wednesday October 13, Defense Secretary Robert Gates declared that the suspension of the gay ban “has enormous consequences for our troops.”

The next day, the Pentagon stated that disruptions would occur in the short term: “Requiring the Department to cease all enforcement of DADT, immediately and worldwide, will cause significant disruptions to the force in the short term...” The Pentagon also suggested that it has not provided the troops with any training to prepare for the suspension of the ban: “…training programs cannot be provided instantaneously.” Research shows that two thirds of the troops know or suspect they know gay peers in their unit.

Above is a clock with the running total of hours during which gays have been allowed to serve openly, as well as a chart with the number of reported consequences of the new policy. The Palm Center has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for documentation on all negative consequences that result from the new policy.

Our Question for Senator Scott Brown

2010-10-09T11:46:00.004-04:00

Senator Scott Brown [R-MA] sent this e-mail, Our Petition to Harvard, to his supporters September 29:

Friend,

Recently, I pointed out the irony of Harvard's policy banning ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) from campus but welcoming illegal immigrant students.

I believe Harvard's priorities are upside-down. We should embrace and honor students who want to serve their country's military, not reject them. Since criticizing Harvard last week, I have heard from many of you that share my same frustration and I have decided to take action.

We are launching a petition to send a strong message to Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust to stop excluding ROTC from the Harvard campus. I recognize that Harvard is a private institution and they have the right to determine, and pursue, their own policies. We too have a right to free speech and you can exercise this right by signing this petition to send a message to Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust.

I respect Harvard and the pre-eminent role it has in the field of higher education. That is why it's important that it shows its respect for students training to be officers in the military.

Thanks for signing the petition to help turn Harvard right side-up!

Your Senator,

Scott Brown

P.S. We have a September 30 deadline to report publicly how much money we have raised - your contribution today will sustain a strong campaign for my reelection battle.

OYE Comment:

We agree with Senator Brown that Harvard and other elite universities should welcome ROTC back to campus. In fact, supporting their fair-minded graduates in serving our nation in uniform will do more to get rid of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - in fact as well as in law - than their current avoidance strategy. [Except for its relevance to military service, immigration policy is off-topic.]

However, Senator Brown passed up an excellent opportunity to bring about ROTC's return to Harvard on September 21, when he joined other Republicans to continue to filibuster the Defense Authorization bill including repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Perhaps Senator Brown's real concern is campaign fundraising, not "respect for students training to be officers in [our] military."

So, here's our question:

Senator Brown, given your recent vote NOT to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," do you want to "embrace and honor [all] students who want to serve [our] country's military," or just the heterosexual ones?

KABOOM

2010-10-06T23:27:00.005-04:00

Excellent interview with blogger/author/Veteran, Matt Gallagher.

Does U.S. apathy and ignorance bother you?
Yes. It’s an unintended consequence of having a voluntary force. People who lack a direct connection to the war are often unengaged. To a certain extent, I understand. People have lives. The economy is tanking. Pelicans are dying in oil. The last thing they want is more bad news. But every now and then, I get on my self-righteous soapbox. You describe moments of subtle defiance in the book. Under your uniform, for example, you wear socks featuring the Guinness beer logo and pink boxer shorts with skulls on them. It was a way of reminding myself that I was an individual. I could get the job done and do it well, but still be Matt. The military has a group culture — everyone wears the same uniform, cuts their hair the same way, eats the same food, speaks the same coded language — so it’s easy to forget who you are sometimes. You spout acronyms. Some are serious, like AO (area of operations), and some are humorous, like BCGs (birth control goggles — eyewear so ugly it deters the opposite sex).

Our Question for Ben Quayle, AZ3 Republican Nominee

2010-10-02T13:26:00.007-04:00

To Duke University Graduate Ben Quayle:

What do you think of Secretary of Defense Gates' September 29 speech at Duke University, your alma mater?

And, if you're such a wimp that you can't/won't answer this simple question, why do you think the voters of AZ3 in the Phoenix area will elect you to Congress?

SecDef Gates urges Duke Univ. students to Be A Man! Enlist!

2010-09-30T23:34:00.005-04:00

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke at Duke University September 29. First, the background:

It is also true, however, that whatever their fond sentiments for men and women in uniform, for most Americans the wars remain an abstraction. A distant and unpleasant series of news items that does not affect them personally. Even after 9/11, in the absence of a draft, for a growing number of Americans, service in the military, no matter how laudable, has become something for other people to do. In fact, with each passing decade fewer and fewer Americans know someone with military experience in their family or social circle. [ . . . ]

Clearly, SecDef Gates was speaking of people like Duke University alumnus Ben Quayle. And now the money quote:

I’d like to close by speaking about another narrow sliver of our population, those attending and graduating from our nation’s most selective and academically demanding universities, such as Duke. In short, students like many of you. [ . . . ] I am encouraged that several other comparable universities – with the urging of some of their most prominent alumni, including the President of the United States – are at least re-considering their position on military recruiting and officer training – a situation that has been neither good for the academy or the country.

But a return of ROTC back to some of these campuses will not do much good without the willingness of our nation’s most gifted students to step forward. Men and women such as you.

[ . . . ]

So I would encourage you and all young Americans, especially those at the most selective universities who may not have considered the military, to do so. To go outside your comfort zone and take a risk in every sense of the word. To expand what you thought you were capable of doing when it comes to leadership, responsibility, agility, selflessness, and above all, courage. [ . . . ]

SecDef Gates also asks everyone else, for whom it has not been possible to serve [Ben Quayle, anyone?], to do what they can:

For those for whom military service is neither possible nor the right thing for whatever reason, please consider how you can give back to the country that has given us all so much. Think about what you can do to earn your freedom – freedom paid for by those whose names are on that Duke wall and in veterans’ cemeteries across this country and across the world.

OYE Comment:

We thank SecDef Gates for saying what our national civilian political leadership, elected by the American people, should be saying. They should be urging Americans to Be A Man! Enlist!

We also think that those not personally eligible to serve can best Support Our Troops by urging their eligible relatives and friends, their circles of influence, to volunteer. It will change your life.

And where are the Duke University College Republicans? Too busy kicking out their Chairman for being gay (and, therefore, not eligible to serve in our military thanks to "Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell."). Why don´t they listen to SecDef Gates and do what he can´t? Pussies.

Hat tip to Spencer Ackerman. Photo tip here.

Dork Diggler*

2010-09-29T23:10:00.004-04:00

This asshole is back. Now as a misogynist, cowardly swine.

Recently, I was the target of a failed punk. James O'Keefe, the so-called "pimp" in the ACORN expose videos, was participating in a detailed plan to "faux" seduce me on his boat. For months, I had been working on a documentary about the young conservative movement. James had called me about concerns he had regarding an upcoming shoot. He asked me to meet him to talk about the shoot. I agreed to fly to Maryland and then drive to his "office" for a face-to-face conversation with him.

When I showed up, there was no office, as promised. Instead, he wanted to get me on a boat, which we later learned, was staged as a "pleasure palace." One of his colleagues, Izzy Santa, who was in Maryland that day, told me about the plan and stopped the punk before it happened.

Izzy told me he had "strawberries and champagne" waiting for me on the boat, and that he planned to "hit on me" the entire time. She said it would all be captured on hidden cameras that had been set up on the boat and in the back yard. She said the sole purpose of the "punk" was to embarrass me, and to make CNN look bad.

*I completely ripped off the title from KagroX

Chris Cox loses Republican Nomination for Congress [NY1]

2010-09-15T13:20:00.002-04:00

Millionaire businessman Randy Altschuler defeated President Nixon's grandson Chris Cox in the Republican Primary for Congress in New York's First Congressional District, on Long Island. Republican Nominee Altschuler is 39; his official biography does not mention military service.

So, Long Island Republicans having passed on Chris Cox, we'll focus on Republican nominee and Yellow Elephant Ben Quayle in AZ3 in the Phoenix area.

Chris Cox in Primary 14 Sept.

2010-09-09T14:03:00.003-04:00

We haven't forgotten about Chris Cox. His Primary Election is Tuesday, September 14. Other candidates are businessman Randy Altschuler and former government attorney George Demos. No candidate in this Republican Primary is a military veteran.

The winner will face Democratic incumbent Tim Bishop, whose official website contains useful and practical information on how the American people can Support Our Troops. Mr. Bishop has not served in our military, according to his official biography.

FALL DADT Lobby Day 16SEP: The Final Assault

2010-09-08T13:49:00.001-04:00

Servicemembers United invites active-duty servicemembers, veterans and supporters to its "Fall 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Lobby Day: The Final Assault," Thursday, September 16, 2010. Register here.

If the College and Young Republicans, and Republican Congressional candidates like Ben Quayle, really want to Support Our Troops, they will at least issue press statements urging the Senate to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year.

Sex advice from the young GOP

2010-09-07T19:46:00.006-04:00

I went to the Young Republican National Convention and, believe me, there wasn't exactly a parade of women leaving the hotel rooms of the participants in the morning. So I'm calling this dude's bullshit.

Scott, 25

What’s the best reason to date a young Republican?
She won’t change the station while I’m getting my Rush Limbaugh on.

Are young Republicans better in bed then young Democrats?
Yes. Well, at least the men are. In my experience, conservative women seem to be just that in the bedroom.

I consider myself extremely right-wing. But this girl I have a crush on is a huge leftist. I want to go for it, but am afraid that personal politics will eventually lead to bedroom politics. What do you think?
Why not get into that political argument? Settle your differences in bed. Punish that liberal pussy.

Little Malik doesn't celebrate communist holidays

2010-09-05T22:45:00.002-04:00

Dan Savage on Ben Quayle

2010-09-03T16:11:00.001-04:00

from Savage Love:

Is everyone in the Republican Party a closeted homosexual?

—Ken Mehlman's Out Now

Everyone except Ken Mehlman and Ben Quayle.

Overweight Recruits

2010-09-02T14:21:00.003-04:00

Hmmm....lots of overweight and out of shape recruits showing up at boot camp over the last few years. Sounds like the College Republicans have been enlisting.

This is the Army’s new physical-training program, which has been rolled out this year at its five basic training posts that handle 145,000 recruits a year. Nearly a decade in the making, its official goal is to reduce injuries and better prepare soldiers for the rigors of combat in rough terrain like Afghanistan.

But as much as anything, the program was created to help address one of the most pressing issues facing the military today: overweight and unfit recruits.

“What we were finding was that the soldiers we’re getting in today’s Army are not in as good shape as they used to be,” said Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who oversees basic training for the Army. “This is not just an Army issue. This is a national issue.”

Senile Old Fool

2010-09-01T20:09:00.003-04:00

Alan Simpson is tired of those damn freeloading Veterans putting a strain on the deficit.

RALEIGH, N.C.—The system that automatically awards disability benefits to some veterans because of concerns about Agent Orange seems contrary to efforts to control federal spending, the Republican co-chairman of President Barack Obama's deficit commission said Tuesday.

Former Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson's comments came a day after The Associated Press reported that diabetes has become the most frequently compensated ailment among Vietnam veterans, even though decades of research has failed to find more than a possible link between the defoliant Agent Orange and diabetes.

"The irony (is) that the veterans who saved this country are now, in a way, not helping us to save the country in this fiscal mess," said Simpson, an Army veteran who was once chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.

AZ3: It´s Ben Quayle

2010-08-25T16:55:00.001-04:00

It´s official: Republicans in Arizona´s Third Congressional District have selected Yellow Elephant Ben Quayle as their nominee. Ben took 23% of the vote in a nine-way primary. Although that means 77% of voters rejected him, he´s still the winner.

We congratulate both Ben and Arizona Republicans and look forward to robust, uninhibited debate in a campaign to give Third District voters a choice.

The Democratic Party nominated Jon Hurlburd, 50, who, like Ben, has not served in our military but who, unlike Ben, was already too old to serve on 9/11/2001. We certainly hope that the good people of Arizona´s Third District, and their media, finally Ask Ben The Question and insist that he respond. If Daddy´s Girl is really a leader, he´ll answer it.

Sounds like segregation to us

2010-08-24T22:38:00.004-04:00

The Marine Corps Commandant sticks to his "separate but equal" bullshit.

On a different, but related subject, Conway suggested that if the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” law is repealed, the Marines may consider allowing Marines not to share quarters with homosexuals.

Conway said the Marines may make such housing arrangements “voluntary” to accommodate any “moral concerns.” He said many Marines are “very religious” and because of their moral concerns “don’t want to room” with homosexuals.

But Conway stressed that if the law is repealed, the Marines would take the lead in implementing it. “We cannot be seen as dragging our feet. We’ve got two wars to fight. We’ll implement it and move on,” said Conway.

Clip their wings immediately if not sooner

2010-08-22T13:48:00.003-04:00

So pathetic that the 'Liberal Hawks' still hold an element of credibility in society.

In addition, there are a number of intellectual liberal hawks, who play an essential role in providing the moral and literary arguments and ideas for the movement. These thinkers operate as independent conduits for liberal ideas on foreign policy, setting the terms of debate and acting as influential intellectual hubs for the engaged public. The list of such liberal hawks would include journalists George Packer, Jonathan Chait, Jeffrey Goldberg and Anne Applebaum; professors Jeffrey Herf and Richard Just; and writers Michael O’Hanlon, Paul Berman and Leon Wieseltier. Many of them write for the New Republic, the closest thing liberal hawks have to a shared outlet.

Their vital role in Democratic politics means that their differences with Makiya
matter. But it's not just the Iraqi-born professor who finds himself at odds with his former comrades; as President Barack Obama faces stark foreign policy choices on Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, differences between liberal doves and hawks that have been muted since the occupation of Iraq began are reemerging.

To a large extent, of course, these internal fissures never went away; they were merely papered over as both liberal doves and hawks agreed that Iraq had been disastrously mishandled and that eventual withdrawal was the goal. But many of the liberal hawks that championed Iraq in the first place have not adjusted their worldviews as a result.

Peter Beinart, worthless joker

2010-08-17T22:46:00.004-04:00

Today a few popular haunts of the liberal blogosphere praised Peter Beinart for his column defending the right for a Mosque to be built within the vicinity of the World Trade Center grounds. Fine. Cool. Whatever. Not exactly what we cover here at OYE and there's lots of other places for his piece to be debated, hated or praised.

What did grab our attention was how Peter is now trying to distance himself from his past war-mongering ways. See here how it was only the Republicans and Neocons who wanted war, no mention of himself:

Once upon a time, Republicans were so confident that the vast majority of Muslims preferred freedom to jihad that they believed the U.S. could install democracy in Iraq within months. Now, confronted with a group of Muslim Americans who want to build a cultural center that includes Jews and Christians on the board (how many churches and synagogues do that?), GOP leaders call them terrorists because they don’t share Benjamin Netanyahu’s view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Once upon a time, the “war on terror” was supposed to bring American values to Saudi Arabia. Now Newt Gingrich says we shouldn’t build a mosque in Lower Manhattan until the Saudis build churches and synagogues in Mecca—which is to say, we’re bringing Saudi values to the United States. I wonder how David Petraeus feels about all this. There he is, slogging away in the Hindu Kush, desperately trying to be culturally sensitive, watching GIs get killed because Afghans believe the U.S. is waging a war on Islam, and back home, the super-patriots on Fox News have… declared war on Islam.

So please, no more talk about those idealistic neoconservatives who are willing to expend blood and treasure so Afghans and Iraqis can live free. People in Basra and Kandahar had better hope that America’s counterinsurgency warriors create a society in which they can practice their religion free of intimidation and insult. Because it’s now clear they can’t do so on the lower tip of the island of Manhattan.

Unfortunately for Peter we didn't forget his cowardly past of pushing for a war he never intended on fighting in.

Not Cool

2010-08-16T20:05:00.003-04:00

This is way off topic, but certainly noteworthy.

WASHINGTON – At the height of the Iraq war, the Army routinely fired hundreds of soldiers for having a personality disorder when they were more likely to be suffering from the traumatic stresses of war, discharge data suggests.

Under pressure from Congress and the public, the Army later acknowledged the problem and drastically cut the number of soldiers given the designation. But advocates for veterans say an unknown number of troops still unfairly bear the stigma of a personality disorder, making them ineligible for military health care and other benefits.

"We really have an obligation to go back and make sure troops weren't misdiagnosed," said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a clinical psychologist whose nonprofit "Give an Hour" connects troops with volunteer mental health professionals.

DADT claims another

2010-08-15T22:21:00.003-04:00

A sailor using poor judgement falls victim to the piss-poor DADT law.

McIntosh said he brought his phone down to the dock even though he was not allowed. When he pulled it out to check the time, his superiors confiscated his phone and were required to go through the pictures for security reasons. He said they did not find anything top secret, but they did find graphic pictures of him and his boyfriend.

"This is why I'm being discharged, is because of pictures that have nothing to do with why they were looking at my phone in the first place," he said.

He is filing an appeal and is waiting to hear back. He said if that does not go through, however, he's out of options.

McIntosh said the classification of his discharge limits his benefits.

"I joined the Navy so that I could afford to go to school and be a productive citizen and get a good job and take care of my family," McIntosh said. "Now I can't do that. I'm back to step one."

Derek Jeter strikes out

2010-08-12T21:18:00.003-04:00

All Star athlete, minor league mouth. (via)

Except, unfortunately for Derek Jeter, who looks into the camera and says, “To the troops, wanna thank you for your support…” Fingernails on a chalkboard. I gather the captain meant something on the order of, “I want to thank you for everything you do, because without your efforts, my life of highly compensated professional athleticism wouldn’t be possible,” a sentiment that Nick Swisher expresses with great enthusiasm in a different commercial. Still, he comes across like he was addressing his fan club.

As a sidenote, and to make this post relevant to this blog, we'd like to recognize Nick Francona, the son of the manager of the Boston Red Sox, for stepping up.

"I don't think of myself as special or different because of who my father or my family is," he said. "Being a Marine is special enough in and of itself. But I realize that I have an opportunity here, to let people know how special this thing is.

"It's almost eerie, but when you're a Marine you feel a real connection to the guys before, the ones who fought in Vietnam and World War II and World War I. They paid the price, and now it's up to our generation to bear that burden."