Drafted at birth: the littlest soldiers
by BJ Gallagher (printed with permission from this guest author)
On this In
dependence Day all across the country, patriotic music is being played, parades march down Main Street USA, speeches are given, and small flags stand silent sentry on military graves, as we pause to honor those courageous patriots who founded our country. Today we also honor the brave men and women who are putting their lives on the line every day, both here and abroad, to protect our freedom and independence.
But there is one more group, often overlooked on patriotic holidays - they are the children of soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines. We call them “military brats” - they are the children of warriors.
There are millions of military brats today - from the tiniest tykes whose dads and moms are serving overseas in Iraq or other hot spots, as well as at military bases here in the US … to middle-aged Baby Boomers whose dads (and a few moms in those days) fought in WW II, the Korean War, and of course, the Viet Nam War. These military brats were drafted at birth - they had no choice about whether or not they wanted to live a military lifestyle. And they, like their warrior fathers and mo
thers, have paid an enormous price to protect the freedoms and privileges that most of us take for granted.
I a
m one of those military brats. I was born in Orange, California, on the Fourth of July - a symbolic birthday, to be sure. My mom and I sailed to Japan when I was nine months old to join my dad, who was fighting overseas. I didn’t see US soil again until I was almost three years old.
I spent my formative years moving from base to base — from Texas to Montana, from California to Virginia, from Germany to Illinois, from Dover to Puerto Rico. I was at home nowhere - and I was at home everywhere. I learned to make friends quickly, because I knew I would lose them quickly. We were like traveling gypsies, moving from place to place, packing and unpacking … only to do it all over again six months or two years later.
Such a lifestyle has its advantages, of course. I was able to see the world, live in Europe, learn a foreign language at an early age, taste exotic foods and see interesting places that many people only dream of. I had exciting adventures and enjoyed wonderful experiences - all courtesy of the US government.
But there was a price I paid, too - like all military brats. Loneliness, wrenching departures from beloved friends, having to chang
e school umpteen times, and sometimes living in places I didn’t like.
The biggest price I paid, along with the other kids, was enormous anxiety. For you see, Death was always lurking around in the background … but no one ever talked about it. For when you are the child of a warrior, you never know for sure when your daddy (or mommy) is going to be called to fight a battle somewhere … or who might be killed in training exercises or plane crashes, even in peacetime.
My dad was a pilot in the Air Force, and I can’t tell you the number of times I lay in my bed at night, overhearing my mom on the phone in the other room, as she called the control tower to ask what Major Gallagher’s ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) was. I worried, What if my daddy doesn’t come home? What if his plane crashes? When I was eight years old my best friend lost her daddy when his plane crashed into the side of a mountain - and it wasn’t even a war. I knew if it happened to her, it could happen to me, too. It could happen to any of us military brats. We all grow up with a fundamental awareness of the precariousness of life and fearing that our warrior dads and moms could be killed anytime, anywhere.
So this Fourth of July, let us honor not only our founders who declared our independence - let us also honor the brave men and women dedicate their lives to protecting our independence. AND let us not overlook the brave boys and girls who die a thousand little deaths waiting for their daddies and mommies to come home every night. Military brats serve their country, too - they pay a price for our freedom. They are the littlest soldiers - young patriots. Remember them. Thank them. Hug them.
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BJ Gallagher is a Los Angeles author and speaker. Her best-seller is A PEACOCK IN THE LAND OF PENGUINS (Berrett-Koehler; 2001), now in 22 languages worldwide.
Looking for a few (not so) good men
The Oklahoman’s story about a sex ring involving a 19-year-old Fort Sill Marine, a 12-year-old girl and an alleged 33-year-old lesbian is, on the surface, one of those “you just can’t make this stuff up” kind of stories.
Read the story at: http://www.newsok.com/ft.-sill-marine-charged-in-sex-ring-involving-12-year-old-girl/article/3382385?custom_click=lead_story_title
I’m a big believer in due process and innocent unless proven guilty. But I’m sorry to say that even this kind of crazy behavior isn’t all that unusual in the military - an organization that consists of 85 percent males, most of them young, fit and earning a paycheck for the first time in their naïve, short lives.
But then there’s this 33-year-old mother involved, a woman who allegedly initiated a lesbian affair with her 13-year-old son’s classmate. And yes, drugs and alcohol were involved.
It could’ve been boredom, curiosity or just plain stupidity that prompted these characters to “hook up.”. But one thing it isn’t is all that unusual. Along with the crisp salutes, the polished shoes and “yes ma’am, no sir” demeanor are a bunch of red-blooded American males. Does the fact that they’re willing to give their lives for this country excuse their lewd behavior? Certainly not.
Thing is, if Logan Byron Combs, the accused Marine, is found guilty under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice), he’ll have a lot to think about in the brig, where he’s only entitled to bread and water and some not-so-gentle peer pressure. Semper fi? Not this Marine.
Does the Army have it “backwards?”
For FLag Day this yer, Tuttle resident and Korean War veteran Bill Garrisson brought some valid flag etiquette issues to my attention. Here’s what he wrote:
I read with interest your article about the flag in Sunday’s Oklahoman.
There is one thing I wonder about though, and I thought you might know the answer.
In your article, you state, “When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. And I agree.
However, the flag is displayed with the union to the flag’s own left on our soldier’s uniforms in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have never seen the flag displayed in this manner either on soldier’s uniforms or police or other public servants. Before the Korean War, it was illegal to display the flag on uniforms at all.
Does the Congress write laws concerning the flag or the observances of flag etiquette? Or, am I just behind the times?
My research found the following protocol from www.americanflags.org:
Many sharp-eyed civilians have noted an apparent oddity on the uniform sleeves of American military men: backward flag patches. Why is Old Glory flipped around like that?
Only the flag patches affixed to right shoulders of uniforms are reversed, so the blue field of stars faces forward. (Left shoulder patches aren’t a problem, as the stars face forward without meddling.) The reversal was inspired by the age-old practice of carrying flags into battle. When fastened to a standard, the American flag’s blue-and-white portion is always closest to the pole. A flag bearer rushing into the fray, then, would naturally lead with the stars. In fact, it would be virtually impossible to lead with the stripes—the flag would simply wilt and wrap around the pole, rather than waving triumphantly in the wind.
For a serviceman or -woman to lead with shoulder-borne stripes, then, might smack of cowardice and retreat, as if the toter were backpedaling away from the conflict. The official Army guidelines on the donning of flag patches add that the forward-facing stars give “the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.” So perhaps it’s best to think of every military person as a latter-day flag bearer, leading the headlong charge into battle.a
Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia , is the governing authority for the wear of Army uniforms. Paragraph 28-18 governs the wear of the United States Flag on Army Uniforms.
Many sharp-eyed civilians have noted an apparent oddity on the uniform sleeves of American military men: backward flag patches. Why is Old Glory flipped around like that?
Only the flag patches affixed to right shoulders of uniforms are reversed, so the blue field of stars faces forward. (Left shoulder patches aren’t a problem, as the stars face forward without meddling.) The reversal was inspired by the age-old practice of carrying flags into battle. When fastened to a standard, the American flag’s blue-and-white portion is always closest to the pole. A flag bearer rushing into the fray, then, would naturally lead with the stars. In fact, it would be virtually impossible to lead with the stripes—the flag would simply wilt and wrap around the pole, rather than waving triumphantly in the wind.
For a serviceman or -woman to lead with shoulder-borne stripes, then, might smack of cowardice and retreat, as if the toter were backpedaling away from the conflict. The official Army guidelines on the donning of flag patches add that the forward-facing stars give “the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.” So perhaps it’s best to think of every military person as a latter-day flag bearer, leading the headlong charge into battle.
As for who set the rule for this policy, check out: http://adoptaplatoon.org/site/?p=77
Living a soldier’s life without the bullets flying (it’s even fun!)
Ever thought about being a soldier, but not sure you want to wear the flak jacket?
Well, today the U.S. Army has created simulated soldiering that puts anyone in middle of the war zone, on patrols and more with a link on the Internet.
Called America’s Army 3, this one-of-a-kind action game delivers an authentic and entertaining Army experience. How? By reflecting the training, technology, actions, and career advancement of a soldier within an adventurous, realistic game that’s not only free, but fun and yes, even educational.
Players can download the game from Steam (www.americasarmy.com/steam), as well as from partners listed at the America’s Army website (http://www.americasarmy.com/).
Regular updates will keep the missions and technology current.
In America’s Army 3, details matter, so the game has more authentic military elements - including training, technology, weapons, and audio than any other military game. Built on surprisingly realistic environments, lighting effects, animations, and team-based experiences, America’s Army players can experience how soldiers train, live, and advance in the Army.
Players are bound by Rules of Engagement and gain experience as they navigate challenges in force-on-force operations.
The game is launching with five different environments, each with three different mission scenario options. The core of the game focuses on an infantry soldier. Players first complete Basic Combat Training and progress to Advanced Individual Training for a variety of specialized roles, such as Advanced Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, Squad Designated Marksman, and Grenadier.
The America’s Army 3 game offers a number of new features including:
Army values are matched with certain game behaviors, meant to demonstrate these values. For example, personal courage can be demonstrated by accomplishing the mission even if the player is the last teammate to remain in the game. Selfless service is shown by aiding an injured soldier even though it may put the player in harm’s way.
Players can select teammates based on their soldier profiles, which reflect how players have progressed in the game as well as their player roles/gameplay style preferences.
The Army launched America’s Army in July of 2002, and has released major updates to the game every few months. These releases feature new technologies, missions, Army units, and occupations. In keeping with the dynamic nature of Soldiering, the America’s Army game will continue to expand and allow players to explore the Army of today, tomorrow and the future.
Naturally, one of the goals in this game is to recruit new soldiers. But it is a surefire way to weed out those not cut out for military life (especially combat) and to attract those that are gung-ho.
For more information, check it out online at www.americasarmy.com.
Remembering D-Day
Like most of us, I learned about World War II in the history books.
Many WWII veterans came wearing full racks of medals
Then, 15 years ago, I was privy to a rare and special sampling of memories from the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
As Petty Officer 3rd Class Penny Owen in the Naval Reserve, I was given the opportunity to work for three weeks on the commemoration of D-Day in Portsmouth, England, where the Allies crossed over into Normandy 50 years prior (now 65 years prior).
Allow me to be corny for a moment: At times during my Navy reserve career, I have had experiences that became treasures beyond anything material or monetary. Real ‘lump in my throat’ moments that filled me with pride, awe and perspective.
Britain's traditional Drumhead Ceremony was held at the shore of the English Channel to commemorate D-Day in 1994.
And the Navy is paying me for this?
In Portsmouth, England, on the English Channel where troops crossed over to Normand, the Royal Navy staged a massive tent to hold tens of thousands of WWII veterans making the trek to Normandy. It was the 50th anniversary of D-Day and nothing was spared.
My job, as I was told by a Royal Navy leftenant commander, was to ‘keep the veterans happy.’
“If they want to sit down with a pint and tell you their story, you sit down and listen,” he said.
We got to know 'our' veterans well during the two weeks we spent with them. This British WWII veteran honored me by giving me the equivalent of his National Defense Medal, which I hold dear today.
Listen I did. And oh, how unaware I was of the impact these stories would have on me. Here they were, these veterans, full of life, many in dress uniforms wearing medals and berets, Some were spunky, others solemn - all of them together, perhaps for the last time.
That was 1994. We reported that the youngest WWII veteran as 67. You do the math.
We had fears that many veterans would drop dead on the spot. Didn’t happen. The biggest adjustment we had to make was to hand out fewer “free drink” cards for the bar.
The Internet was in its infancy then. We thought it was pretty cool to have this “Vetlink” system to help long-lost veterans find each other. Hint: It involved a bulletin board. Primitive as it was, it did make a few matches.
My first close encounter with a WWII veteran came at the registration table. An aging American and his wife were silently filling out registration cards that we requested.
It might as well be yesterday. The WWII vet’s hand began to shake as he listed his regiment, battalion, or company. He suddenly dropped the pen and buried his face in his hands, sobbing.
A history lesson from a "Wren" (Women's Royal Auxiliary Navy). British Wrens served much like the U.S. Navy's WAVES, performing traditional female roles, such as nursing.
“I knew this was a bad idea,” he wife said. Suddenly, I understood that this was not a matter of reuniting veterans and handing out pins and drink tickets.
This was a pilgrimage, a place in time to look at the old wounds, even the unspeakable wounds, to sit with them quietly, or joke about them, or share them with young, uniformed strangers like me.
Each night in my hotel room, I cried. Tears came from my gratitude for their service, from feeling the pain behind so much stoicism. War is hell and the humans who wage it are fools. But thanks to these WWII veterans, we don’t speak German today.
The stories weren’t pretty. Nor were most of them heroic. Indeed, many veterans shunned the title of “hero” and were annoyed when called one. Their stories often said otherwise.
It was through their stories that I sort of grew another layer. History is a living, breathing entity, told through many truths, coming from many snapshots in time. Even as we learn about history, we find it evolving, changing.
I’m so grateful to have experienced history through the memories of those who survived D-Day: June 6, 1944.
Making the transition
Leaving the military for civilian life is certainly a jolt. There’s likely a move involved, not to mention family and financial adjustments and an overall cultural shift to make.
Getting a civilian job, at the very least, means trading the familiar military jargon and decorum for laymen’s speak and a more laid back atmosphere. Plenty of veterans are blogging about their job struggles as they leave the service. Click here to read their comments — or read these excerpts:
“I went from being responsible for a multimillion dollar aircraft to working at an office that did not trust me with the code for the copy machine. I got out in 1995, after serving in Desert Shield and Storm, and was not ready for the transition.”
”I have spent the last three plus years doing everything from delivering pizza’s to selling cars. I even worked on base as a civilian a couple of times. They didn’t even trust me with the copier sometimes.”
“Those of us who had the responsibility of other people’s lives and multi-million dollar equipment such as aircraft, have a far more challenging task assimilating into corporate America where self initiative is not necessarily regarded to be a positive trait.”
“When I left the military in 2008 I found a job as an inventory operations manager… coming from personnel as a SSgt, this was a good find. Keep in mind though, this took work! I worked and reworked my resume and applied for jobs for the better part of six months.”
The military has the same range of exemplary to poor performers as the civilian world does. And not all military skills are useful in the civilian workforce.
It is also true that some companies are more amenable to hiring veterans, just as some parts of the country are more supportive of the military than others.
Oklahoma has always been a strong supporter of the military. I wonder if that has translated into having content, high-performing veterans in our workforce. Does it?
Laptops, trucks ‘n stuff — where’s the limit?
Fellow vets — here is yet another act of kindness toward our veterans. I’ve got to ask: Do any of you get a little uncomfortable with all the giveaways to us? s. I do, but that’s not to say I haven’t also indulged. Free tix to see Chris Isaak - you bet. Tell me what you think.
To those who work at Work Vessel, thanks for what you’re doing – but you’re spoiling us. Read on:
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of legendary rock super-group Traffic, Dave Mason. Mason recently partnered with Work Vessels for Veterans, a non-profit that provides veterans with the necessary tools, equipment and know-how to restart their civilian life and careers.
The organization was established through founder John Niekrash’s gift of a fishing vessel to a returning Iraq veteran. Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman has recognized Niekrash as one of his “Joe’s Heroes” - you can see the story on the Senator’s site: http://lieberman.senate.gov/explore/ctbest/joesheroes.cfm
Since then, WVFV has expanded their mission to give everything from laptops to vehicles equipped for commercial purposes to veterans in need of a helping hand. Whether it’s equipment, materials, advice or guidance, WVFV helps returning soldiers navigate the hardships of re-entering civilian life. More information is available at www.workvesselsforvets.org.
Mason (who has played with artists including Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and penned hits like “Feelin’ Alright” and “We Just Disagree”) is donating royalties from the sales of his new solo album, “26 Letters and 12 Notes,” to the charity and playing concerts dedicated to the cause.
Mason’s passion for the organization and the heart-warming stories of the veterans who have been helped would make a great story surrounding Memorial Day. Please let me know if you’d like to move forward and coordinate an interview or have any questions.
Real soldiers wear pink
So then
Here’s the AP story: http://newsok.com/soldier-reveals-boxers-courage/article/3372223
Poor Boyd. He’ll never live this one down. Not when it was on P1 of the New York Times. But I bet he’s never caught with his pants down again.
Boyd runs to battle the Taliban in Afphanistan with full battle rattle, but no pants. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates called it a "special kind of courage" Photo: AP
Welcome home, Stephen
Navy Cmdr. Perry Cockerell congratulates his son, Stephen, who graduated from Navy boot camp in 2005. He served the Navy honorably for four years in Japan. He's back home, as a civilian, with lots of great GI Bill benefits for college. Smart kid.
Memorial Day comes with mixed emotions for me. Of course we need a day set aside to reflect on our fallen warriors. I think it’s also a time to show gratitude for the warriors who made it home. And for those left behind to mow the yard, pay the bills, raise the family. They count too.
Warriors like my stepson, Stephen Cockerell, who just finished a four-year enlistment on the USS Juneau and USS Denver, both LCDs in Sasebo, Japan. So this Memorial Day weekend we’re throwing Stephen, a Petty Officer 3rd Class, a homecoming party with all the family around.
I’m sure the family will be impressed. The Navy delivered a fine, healthy man of 24 years. Someone who thinks through politics, who tries to understand all sides before drawing a conclusion. Stephen’s good manners come easily now and he came home with just one small tattoo.
Yes, Stephen made it home. But my brother, Kyle Seitsinger, did not make it home. He was three weeks into his first tour to Afghanistan when he and several other soldiers came upon a Soviet-era weapons cache. In one big explosion, Kyle and six of his comrades perished. In an almost prophetic move, Kyle happened to be videotaping their cache find in the cave, so their last conversations are captured forever - along with some relief that these guys never knew what hit them.
Kyle was 11 hours away from getting a double bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish. He had a nose for news and his passion to become a journalist made me remember all the reasons I love this business. Kyle would’ve made a darn good reporter too.
Kyle was killed on Jan. 29, 2004, not on Memorial Day, but a fallen warrior nonetheless. He was just shy of 30.
My father, Ted Owens (far right), huddles with his Marine buddies in Korea.
My father was exactly 30 - and I was 2 - when he was killed on Memorial Day. Ted Owens was a likeable guy, I’m told. Like James Dean, my father was cool. He had served as a Marine during the Korean War and, frankly, couldn’t wait to get out of the Marines. Ted was quite handsome and truly a character. My uncle, Leon Elliott, tells me the same stories whenever I ask. He was my dad’s best pal, after all.
Still, 30 is too young to die in a car wreck.
This Memorial Day, as we celebrate Stephen’s safe homecoming, I’ll have a couple other folks on my mind as well. I bet that’s true for a lot of us.
One of our own. What went wrong?
Sgt. John M. Russell, 44.
Wilburn Russell, father of Sgt. John Russell, left, and John Michael Russell II, son of Sgt. John Russell, right, speak to members of the media. Photo taken by CHRIS JENNINGS / HERALD DEMOCRAT
Born in Oklahoma City; parents and 20-year-old son reside in Sherman, Texas.
Entered Army National Guard in 1988.
Went active duty with the U.S. Army in 1994.
Stationed in Bamberg, Germany with spouse.
Predictable medals and commendations.
Six weeks until the end of his THIRD tour in Iraq.
Commanding officer ordered mental health consult at
May 11- Five Army soldiers are shot and killed inside the clinic.
Sgt. Russell is charged with their murders.
Why?
The Herald-Democrat in the Texoma area printed a lengthy article quoting Sgt. Russell’s father and son here.
