Bill’s 2¢ worth I’ll preface my comments this week by informing readers that I served 14 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves; seven of those years as commander of the 351 Ordnance Company in Romney. Needless to say, I have a soft spot for all veterans and have a keen interest in veterans’ affairs. I am very angry at my government for two reasons: It disgusts me to learn that a number of veterans have died while awaiting treatment at VA centers around the country. And what’s more disturbing, is finding out that officials at many of these facilities lied/cooked the numbers on the time for seeing patients so they could get performance bonuses. This situation is absolutely disgraceful! There is no doubt in my mind that new leadership is needed at the top and with the authority to terminate any individual, no matter their position, found guilty of these infractions. Veterans have earned their right to receive timely VA treatment and medical care. Number two is the Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl situation. Bergdahl, who left his guard post in Afghanistan, was taken captive by the Taliban for five years. President Obama traded five hardcore Taliban captives for his freedom. I can live with the five to one trade because it is the policy of our military to “leave no soldier behind,” and bring them all home. What does infuriate me is treating this guy like he is some kind of hero. There was National Security Adviser Susan Rice on TV saying that Bergdahl had “served the United States with honor and distinction.” What? This guy was a deserter. The guys in his unit knew he was a deserter and I believe them. There is one thing I learned in the Army. If you want to know what’s going on - don’t ask the generals, colonels, or higher ups - ask the guys at the company, platoon or team level. The Pfc. and Spc. ranks know what’s happening, because they are the ones doing the work. To make matters worse, there is President Obama trying to make some political capital with a ceremony in the Rose Garden with Bergdahl’s parents. Seemed to me a lot of fanfare and publicity for a deserter who is getting excellent medical treatment at a military hospital in Germany, while many veterans, who served their country with honor, are on waiting lists for treatment. The family of 2nd Lt. Robert Andrews have every right to be angry. Their son died in the search for Bergdahl. I would be bitter also knowing a deserter gets the Rose Garden treatment, while their son came home quietly in a box. I’ve lost all respect for President Obama. At age 69, I’m no longer subject to recall for military service. I’m happy about that because President Obama can no longer be my commander in chief.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:17:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015