It’s 0100 military time, yes 1 a.m. here on the West Coast and I’m fired up, but not in my usual way. It’s taken me a little while to calm down. Let me back up a second in case you haven’t been following the news.
I try to keep myself out of politics as much as possible. As a fighter pilot, I understood that my job was to take orders and use my training to provide effective air cover, so it wasn’t so important to me to keep up with what was going on.
That was, until I saw the news about Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. He’s running for a Senate seat, but what got me worked up was the fact that he had been telling people that he was a Vietnam War veteran.
What actually happened is he took out deferments so he could stay out of the war, until finally joining the Marine Reserves in a position that would keep him stateside.
But he described his service as “being in Vietnam,” which is a lot different. Fellow fighter pilot veteran Jim Overman told Indian Country Today, “I have three combat tours in North Vietnam and when I see somebody imitating what I did, somebody who deliberately had a stay-away package from his society of handshakes, I get very upset.”
It takes integrity and commitment to become a fighter pilot. You need to have a moral code that will help you to stay focused during the years of training it requires to get behind the yoke of one of the new F-35s or F-22s.
If you want to be a fighter pilot, Blumenthal is a good example of how not to act about military service. A good military man or woman understands that even if you apologize, you’re responsible for your words and actions.
Knowing that you guys in my Afterburner Club have the drive to succeed and the will to learn how to get the best slots in pilot training across every service gives me heart.
Now, I’ll turn it over to you:
How do you deal with people who don’t have the integrity needed to serve while you train and get ready using the Fighter Pilot Power Pack?
Anonymous says
Ed, I agree with you, this is/was a sad story to read and hear on the news. I clearly understand your frustration, I am a retired Army veteran myself, I know those hand shakers you are speaking of, however not-to-worry any longer, he just ruined his career by this immoral movement. You know what we learn in elementary school, always be honest and you never have to watch your back…I’m actually glad he was caught in this forum, imagine how many lies he has flaunted over his career, beginning with lying his way out of Vietnam. Mom always said, “you will get caught sooner or later”, meaning that we should always do our best and so that we get caught doing something good.
Moc says
semper fi
Jake says
You know like comedian Jeff Dunham ” Politics—Poli meaning many and tics meaning blood suckin leeches” Its all fun and games but seriously politicians are supposed to represent our country, supposed to stand for our constitution not try to decode and break it down to see what they can get away with. I am only 19 years old, i dont know a whole lot when it comes to politics. I do however know what its not supposed to be. And this fellow as no right to say that. I plan on serving in the Air Force, ( obviously or else i wouldn’t be on here ) I salute all those who have gone before me and all who will be coming with me! Ed and fellow who commented above me, thanks for your service and your contribution to your country. Both of my parents served and this guy richard doesnt know what it takes to take that oath to protect against foreign and domestic enemies. Sheesh… Lets hope that those of us who are left can make the difference and not let our constitution hang by a thred! May we be PROUD AMERICANS and stand up against corruption and those who think on the contrary! See you in the sky! Jake
Ryan says
It seems that things like this are happening more often every day and it can be very disturbing. But, I think there are a few people here who are hinting towards the idea that all you need to worry about is your self and always possess a strong sense of integrity because when you do, you know that you’ll create a strong base and finish on top while the people who lie are only building a foundation that’s as steady as sinking sand.
Anonymous says
Ed, this fires me up. Just like you it pisses me off too. How could someone do that knowing they are lyieng about every little thing they say. I just don’t get it. He should already know that integrity comes first in everything we do. He should know that lying is not part of integrity. I just don’t get it. O well. All I can say is he got what’s coming for him.
Anonymous says
THIS ANGERS ME
Michael Hicks says
This guy only represents the immbecills that have come and will follow. See you there Jake!
Anonymous says
You misspelled “imbecile”. However, this article really fires me up too, it’s one thing to maintain a small lie in private. But, when running for something in the government, while you claim to have been in one of histories most grueling wars, when infact all you did is sit on the sidelines, is simply an insult.