Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 06/26/2000

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
Several weeks ago the Washington Times published an article about exit polls being given to our servicemen and women as they depart their respective services. This is a great idea if the military leadership can take the heat and not let the politically correct civilian leadership adulterate these findings. It will be even better if "they" have the intestinal fortitude to correct these problems. Somehow I seriously doubt it will happen that way. That is a story unto itself.

The Pentagon should also be concerned as to what "their" retiree population thinks and tells the youth of America on a daily basis.

As the father of three sons, I council my boys and their friends to very carefully consider entering the military as a first-termer or for a career. The only reason that I would recommend them to enlist or seek a commission is to gain a marketable job skill and on-the-job work experience, and then get out of the military. I remind them that ultimately their benefits are a disposable commodity that can be changed or eliminated at the whim of some politician and his/her staffers. People who have no idea or even remotely care about a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine's welfare make these recommendations and decisions. Many decisions and deployments are made for political reasons, not the safety, morale, or even welfare of the servicemen and women.

As we have seen in this recent Administration, there are some spineless senior military leaders that are more concerned about being PC than taking care of their troops. The ranks and file of the services is not stupid; we recruit and target young men and women who can think on their own. It surely appears that they think things are not worth investing another three or four years of their lives. They only have to look at our 200-plus years of history to know that the Great White Father has spoken in the past with a forked tongue. We the retired population are not constrained by PC leadership and call the shots as we see them.

Unless all of the Armed Services' recruiting and retention problems are rectified, the soccer moms of America will have their sons and daughters experience the results of our Selective Service System. Having personally survived McNamara's "Project 100,000" social experimentation, I wonder how today's modern woman would fare under such an equalizing experience with the rest of society? Don't ask or I will tell you.

W. Tom O. III, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)
Dumfries, VA

Dear Marine:
Sounds like you need to be rebaptized in some Semper Fi tradition. The Sarge once again experienced the Evening Parade hosted by Gen. James L. Jones, Marine Corps Commandant, and his lovely wife, Diane. If you get a chance, Marine, bring your family and friends to an Evening Parade and listen to the masterpieces performed by the oldest professional musical group in America, the United States Marine Band. You'll also be moved by the patriotic sounds and marches of the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps and marvel at the spine tingling maneuvers of the Silent Drill Team.

And how honored I was to have the opportunity to meet Marine Corps hero Gen. Raymond G. Davis, U.S.M.C. (Ret.), former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and Medal Of Honor Recipient in 1950 for outstanding service in the Korean War.

And, Tom, continue to join your fellow veterans in the fight to ensure the service of our active duty military men and women, and retirees, is recognized and respected.

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
Would you please publish the following reunion announcement in your column? Your consideration and cooperation will be most sincerely appreciated.

The Third Marine Division Association will hold its 46th annual family reunion, September 13-17, 2000, at the Doubletree Hotel, Virginia Beach, VA. Anyone who served in, was attached to, or served in support of the 3rd Marine Division at any time since it was formed on September 16, 1942, is eligible and cordially invited to attend.

For membership and reunion information, contact me at 7622 Highland Street, Springfield, VA 22150; phone 703-451-3844. Thank you.

SgtMaj. Bill Krueger, USMC (Ret.)
Membership Committee

Dear Bill:
Good luck on a successful reunion and please pass the word to your troops that the Secretary of the Navy has given authority to change the retroactive date for the Combat Action Ribbon to members of the Navy and Marine Corp for participation in ground or surface combat during any period after December 8, 1941 and prior to March 1, 1961. Previously, this Ribbon could only be awarded for actions after March 1, 1961. This legislative change will make approximately 700,000 former Marines eligible for retroactive Combat Action Ribbons.

The criteria for the ribbon remains the same: the principal element of eligibility is that the individual must have participated in a bona fide ground or surface firefight. This is not a unit or area award. Deployment to a combat zone in and of itself does not entitle a Marine to a Combat Action Ribbon. Each case is reviewed individually to confirm that the petitioner was an active participant in a firefight and that his performance during such action was satisfactory. Persons wishing to be considered for the Combat Action Ribbon may submit an SF 180 (request pertaining to military records) or a letter requesting Combat Action Ribbon entitlement to: National Personnel Records Center, Naval Correspondence: USMC-CAR, 9700 Page Street, St. Louis, MO 63132-5295. Requests must contain full name, social security number, and service number. Surviving next of kin petitioning on behalf of a deceased Marine must provide a copy of the Marine's death certificate.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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