By now, probably everyone in the city of Atlanta has heard something about the fall of the Atlanta Falcons football team. First, it was the firing of Coach Jim Mora, who had been the coach for three years. Then, there were numerous incidents involving Atlanta Falcons football players during this year's off-season. Next, it was the suspension of quarterback Michael Vick for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring. Finally, before the end of the year, the new coach, Bobby Petrino, resigned from the team to be Head Coach at the University of Arkansas. Coach Petrino's resignation was a particularly bitter pill for Arthur Blank and the team to swallow, because he left the team without a leader during a time when leadership was desperately needed.
What has gone wrong? How could an organization with an owner, who is an extremely successful businessman end up in such a mess? There are a lot of reasons for the demise of the Atlanta Falcons, which include bad judgment on a number of issues by the owner, himself. However, I believe a large part of the problem has to do with the character and integrity of the players and coaches. First of all, there are certain players on any football team that must have character and leadership. The quarterback is one of these individuals. Not only must the quarterback be an exceptional athlete but also he must have strong leadership and character traits. Although Michael Vick was a talented athlete, he was sorely lacking in the areas of character and leadership. Bobby Petrino, as it turned out, also lacked a key character trait, trustworthiness. He signed a multi-year contract, and then left before the end of the first year.
Maybe, if the Falcons quarterback and coach had been individuals with more character and integrity, the team might have fared differently. It is a well-known fact, however, that all championship NFL teams have coaches and players, who display superb leadership and character. Leadership and character are a big part of the youth programs, sponsored by the American Legion; and their purpose is to teach young persons valuable lessons regarding these personal traits. Post 134 has continued to support projects such as Boys' State and the High School Oratorical Scholarship Program. As members, we need to do the things necessary to keep our Post strong and vibrant, so that these youth programs can continue. Post 134 has made several major accomplishments during 2007. Among them are the acquisition of new members, establishment of a Post Website, continuation of an excellent speakers program, continuation of the youth development programs, and the acquisition of two awards by the American Legion Press Association for articles written by Frank Murphy and Vic Mahoney. These accomplishments are something we can all be proud of; and, by working together, 2008 can be an even better year.
Pussyfooting
Written by Victor Mahoney - Editor Emeritus
When Ginger, my Calico cat, wants to avoid flea medicine or ear inspection or a trip to the vet, she pussyfoots around our condo in search of a hiding place. She tries to avoid the inevitable. Recent readings about our elitist European cousins have me likening them to my cat because they seem to be pussyfooting around the Muslim push on their continent. Past Commander Charley Shepherd sent me a copy of an article by Paul Belien that reveals that there are currently 50 million Muslims in Europe. The estimate is that there will be 100 million in twenty years. The eye-popping line is this ”Europe is turning Muslim.” I know. That sounds extreme, but let’s look at some of the goings- on. Do you recall how our President sought support from some of our once-upon-a-time European allies and was rejected or was given some token assistance? The elitists spread the general view that America had angered the Muslims by fighting the terrorists. As a result, hatred of America grew stronger on the continent. As Belien points out, the elitists moaned that if we had not angered the Muslims, they would not have harmed anyone. Obviously,then, 9/11 was our fault? A columnist for THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER finds that same attitude of pussyfooting in recent happenings in Holland and Scotland and London. In Amsterdam, a Catholic Bishop proposed that all religions refer to God as Allah so that Muslims would be more kindly disposed to us infidels. At a police academy graduation in Scotland, a female Muslim graduate notified the Superintendent of Police for Scotland Yard that she would not shake his hand or pose for any photo with him. He acquiesced. In London, the Prime Minister forbade his ministers to use the word Muslim when referring to the attacks by the terrorists. In an elementary school in Holland, the teaching about rural life was halted because talking about pigs on the farm agitated Muslim children. As you read these few examples, you sense that, as Jonathan Last puts it:” The leaders of the liberal, non-Muslim majority are searching for ways to subjugate themselves to the Muslim minority.” Should European pussyfooting bother us? Yes. We have an untold number of extremist Muslims in our country. Rod Dreher, a columnist for the Dallas Morning News, writes at length about the North American operation of the Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan). The plan of the Brotherhood is to unite all Muslim –American groups in a jihad against America by non-violent means. The Brotherhood has worked chiefly underground. Many Muslim Americans don’t even notice this. Our news media doesn’t notice this. Dreher suggests that we fear “being called Islamophobic.” He urges us to awaken to the fact that radical Islamics have declared war on us. Their strategy document spells out that it is to destroy us from within. A 1991 document seized in a raid of a Muslim suspect in Virginia by the Justice Department outlines the plan. We can’t afford to pussyfoot around this threat.
Post News - February 2008
Written by Charlie Capps
*** The Post Christmas party was a big hit again this year. Good times, good food and especially having the opportunity to again meet the ladies that keep us going. Many thanks to DR BILL GRIMES and ELEANOR for again providing the place and for doing the hard work needed to make this such a special event. BRYANT ROLAND kept the festivities moving and a good time was had by all.
*** HERMAN ABERNATHY needs your help. He is trying to get in touch with the following members.
PAUL BLUMENSAADT DAVID BOWMAN MARCUS BROWN MATT BROWN DAVID COKER JAMES CUSHMAN ERIC HANEY C.J. JESSEE HUGH A KLOTZ WAINO SUAJANEN
If you have information on any of these folks, please give him a call at 770-998-9032 or .
*** Make your plans now for the February meeting. Sam Steger has lined up BOB (PUNCHY) POWELL, a former member of Post 134 and a former pilot in the 352nd Fighter Group. Bob has written a book called BLUENOSER TALES, which tells some of the exploits of this storied group. On top of that, he is one good story teller, so we look forward to another illustrious meeting. See you at high noon on February 14th at the Petite Auberge.
*** Your Post is entering a young man in the American Legion Oratorical Contest this year. RAMON GARCIA is chairing the screening group consisting of GEORGE HOOTEN, VICTOR MAHONEY, BRYANT ROLAND AND SAM STEGER. After passing muster with this group, he goes on to the district meeting in February. The name to remember is NICHOLAS THOMPSON, grandson of our own TOMMY THOMPSON. We will keep you posted on the progress of this very fine young man.
Nostalgia
Written by Tommy Thompson
Every now and then I lapse into a state of nostalgia and recall “the good old days”. My earliest recollection of life goes back to age 4, when in 1923 my family occupied a New York City tenement. I remember climbing up the gas-lit stairways to a 4th floor cold-water flat. We and three other families shared a common water closet. I well remember the chamber pot which was placed under my bed every evening. No one had a radio so entertainment consisted of walking to Central Park to hear public band concerts. There was a large lake and on one occasion while playing with my toy boat I fell into the lake and ruined a nice white sailor suit. For Christmas we had the traditional tree illuminated by candles. Apartment fires were frequent and I was always fascinated by the white horses pulling the fire engine with the vertical boiler belching smoke and steam. There were few automobiles and 2nd and 3rd Avenues had elevated rail lines. Both sides of the avenues were lined with pushcarts where you could buy anything from a freshly killed chicken to a suit of clothes. The most amazing sight I saw were cowboys, yes, cowboys driving cattle from Hudson River barges along 42nd Street to nearby abattoirs. Imagine, the Wild West on 42nd Street in New York City!
My pre-teen and teenage years were spent in tough “Greenpoint”, facetiously called the “garden spot” of Brooklyn. There was a beer joint at every corner location and lines at bars formed on Sundays at opening time as people left the churches on Sunday at noon. Bars served FREE sandwiches and one bar frequented by stevedores and truck drivers, served a “businessman’s” lunch for 15 cents. Every neighborhood had its bakery whose pervasive aroma filled the area because fresh bread and pastries were available at 7:00am, 2:00pm, and 9:00pm (4 sweet rolls for 5 cents). Movies were popular at only 10 cents for admission and one could see a double feature, a newsreel, a cartoon, and a short subject. Haircuts cost 15 cents. I learned to play handball using the brick wall of a nearby factory.
We had no nearby parks and I didn’t know what a basketball was until I went to high school. The street, which was our playground, experienced a dramatic change when cobblestones were replaced by asphalt and we were able to roller skate and play street hockey. Steel rimmed wheels on the milkman’s wagon were replaced by air filled rubber tire wheels. The East River was two blocks away from my house; it was there that I learned how to swim and toiled as a stevedore. Bare knuckles street bouts were commonplace and I quickly learned how to use my fists—at least once a week! Winners got free beer.
Shoe soles wore out frequently and were replaced by cardboard. Street peddlers were a common sight and all sorts of fruits and vegetables sold for a penny a pound. My mother had a fit when milk went from 20 to 21 cents a gallon. Cold water flats had no hot water but a free public bathhouse with HOT WATER was only a block away. During the Depression, unemployment reached 30% and present day welfare was unheard of. There was no crime or drugs but alcoholism was rampant. The teacher and policeman were highly respected members of the community. Individuals with a high school diploma were regarded as “upper crust”. New York City schools were super and gave us frequent and substantial doses of patriotism and Americana. As young immigrants my father spoke one language, my mother spoke another. They had to learn English and it was the only language spoken in our home. My folks were proud to say “Forget the old world---now we are Americans”! My father gained citizenship after volunteering for Army service before WWI. He too was a Legionnaire! Yes, those were the “good old days”. Would I want to relive them? Never, but it’s nice to have some nostalgic memories every now and then.
Post News - December 2007
Written by Charles Capps
***A STANDING OVATION IF YOU PLEASE FOR TWO NEW MEMBERS.
*** MAJOR TODD COPLEY joins our group. Todd is active duty USAFR. HE is a C-130 Navigator at Dobbins AFB. He and his wife CONNIE live in Powder Springs and he was sponsored by HAP CHANDLER.
*** DAN WILMARTH hails from Pennsylvania originally. He served in the AIR FORCE and retired from the GEORGIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD. He now lives in Cobb County. Having just sold his printing business and retired, he decided with the coaching and sponsorship of HERMAN ABERNATHY to join Post 134. An excellent move Dan.
*** This month’s sick call list includes FRANKLIN MIKLE. He suffered a relapse, has the breathing tube reinserted and still has shortness of breath. His spirits are high and he plans to be with us again shortly. BOBBY ATWATER had a bought with Vertigo.
*** CHARLIE SHEPHERD checked into the hospital with Pancreatitus--that's Pancreatis or--well anyway he hurt. It is not true that they threw him out no matter what you hear from Anne. He is feeling much better thank you.
*** GEORGE HOOTEN in on the mend. You can expect to see him at full strength and full voice by the Christmas Party which in case you haven’t heard the news is December 15th at the DRUID HILLS COUNTRY CLUB. (slipped that in there pretty good didn’t I)? Send your checks $35.00 each to BRYANT ROLAND at 190 the Prado NE, Atlanta 30309.
*** One of our newest members, CHRIS SKOMARS and one of our busiest members, RAMOM GARCIA will not be with us at the Christmas Party this year. They have been selected by the organization WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA to place a wreath at THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER in Washington D.C. on that date. Quite an honor.
*** Four of your members were recognized on November 9th by THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION, for their part in WW II and for taking the idea of DUTY, HONOR AND COUNTRY into the schools. Congratulations to JIM STARNES, NORMAN HARBAUGH, TOMMY THOMPSON AND HAP CHANDLER. Some 200 people were in attendance. SENATORS ISACSON AND CHAMBLISS were scheduled to attend, but could not, reportedly because of water problems. Hopefully ours and not theirs.
Deserters
Written by Tommy Thompson
The U.S. Army has recently revealed that it is experiencing its worst desertion rate (nearly 5,000, and the Air Force only had 16) in years. Such a revelation is terribly shameful and disturbing when one considers that we have a VOLUNTEER army. In a DRAFT army where individuals are forced to join one can understand WHY, but cannot condone the fact that some do desert.
The Army itself is largely responsible for this deplorable state of affairs. Its recruitment program induces our naïve youth to enlist to obtain large bonuses, to gain access to a college education, to train for a good job in later life, and to enjoy the excitement and adventure of travel in foreign lands. There is NEVER a mention of the hazards that may be involved! True, there is a small corps of highly dedicated men who REALLY want to be soldiers regardless of all the adverse conditions and hardships that may befall them, but generally speaking, today’s army is a poor boys army, almost a job corps. It smacks of being a MERCENARY army and history has proved that such armies are doomed to failure. It can happen to us. The Army has also adopted a pusillanimous attitude in dealing with deserters. When a soldier is gone for over 30 days the Army simply discharges him.
I well remember WWII when Eddie Slovik deserted during the Battle of the Bulge, was court-martialed, sentenced to death, and was executed by a firing squad. On one cold, dark, wintry morning following reveille in the ETO, each unit commander had to read the Slovik story to the assembled troops. It certainly left a thought-provoking and sober effect on EVERYONE. There were no further desertions.
Prior to impending entry into a combat zone, while still in the relative security of barracks life, soldiers are required to sign a statement acknowledging that they are about to embark on hazardous duty and that desertion could result in a court-martial and execution. The statement is then recorded in the individual soldier’s file. So, WHY do desertions occur? In combat areas, the primary reason is fear—fear of being killed, maimed, or wounded. Other reasons include dissatisfaction with military life because of loss of belief in the cause, long and frequent deployments or family separations, spousal unhappiness with military life, financial problems, addiction to alcohol or drugs, illnesses (real or imagined), feeling that the Army has reneged on its recruitment promises, ineptitude or lack of desire to adjust to the regimentation of military life, plus poor leadership and unfair treatment by NCO’s and officers. Also, keep in mind that there are certain people in civilian life whose conduct simply does not conform to the ordinary and acceptable standards of civility and good citizenship. Judges frequently will say, “3 years in the clink or 3 years in the Army where they’ll make a man of you”. The Army simply cannot overcome what the family, school, church, and community have failed to do during one’s formative years. Result?—an unmotivated soldier who is found to be a trouble-maker and a possible deserter.
So, what’s the solution? Throwing MORE money at the problem is NOT the answer. Recruiters must be more selective and discriminating (yes, that’s the word) in their jobs. They must find truly motivated individuals and eliminate those who are unemployed and therefore seek survival through any means. If the VOLUNTEER army fails to acquire an adequate number of QUALITY personnel, then we must revert to a DRAFT. EVERYONE must shoulder his share of the load if he expects to enjoy the liberties, freedoms, and opportunities that exist in the USA. The Army must stop molly-coddling and use the Uniform Code of Military Justice to the UTMOST when dealing with deserters. Above all, VOLUNTEER or DRAFT army, we need a much stronger and more effective type of NCO and officer leadership to guide our young soldiers in a positive direction. What say you?
"I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS" (If only in my dreams)
Written by Victor Mahoney - Editor Emeritus
Do you recall those lines in that hit tune of long ago? They spoke of what anyone away from home at Christmas felt or feels now. The inner loneliness is difficult to overcome. It is especially so for our military in a foreign and hostile land, humping in heavy boots or flying through uncertain skies or plying through endless waters. It’s Christmas time for them, but not with family and friends and certainly not in peace and good will. You remember that, don’t you? “Been there; done that.”
I asked some of our aging warriors to think back, to tell us a bit about Christmas way back when. Of the 15 contacted, only two overcame the reluctance. Here’s Past Commander Bryant Roland talking:
“Christmas 1968 found me in Phu Bai, slightly north of Da Nang, Vietnam. It was a base formerly held by the Marines during the Tet offensive. As commander of approximately 200 troops, I had to think about morale and how to boost it on this Christmas in rainy, miserable Phu Bai. What do you do to celebrate? Resources in a combat zone are limited. Eureka! We decided to grill steaks! Our Supply Officer wheeled and dealed. To this day I have no idea how he conned steaks out of the Navy!
“ Ah, there were no grills, no charcoal. Wood was scarce. We managed, though. We cooked steaks. We sang Christmas carols. For entertainment, we took turns riding on an Army mule (a motorized flatbed). We had fun improvising, relating to fellow soldiers, sharing stories of life – on Christmas Day in 1968 in Vietnam.”
Now we hear from GEORGE BROWN, member of our Executive Committee:“The following story is not a foot stomper, but it makes me smile every Christmas when I recall it.“One Christmas Eve, while stationed in England, I talked our landlady into hanging a large red bow on the front door, telling her that was the custom at home. The evening was a festive one. Strolling carolers stopped at our door. Christmas morning the red bow was gone. Our landlady was not amused by our American reaction of hilarity!“My personal pleasure, however, came when I volunteered to be Officer of the Day so that married officers so assigned could spend Christmas Day with their families.”
Veterans Day
Written by Victor Mahoney - Editor Emeritus
Those who tuned in on Ken Burns’ THE WAR on PBS had a mid-October heightened view of why we have Veterans Day. College American History courses ought to run the program as a fixture. Our country needs reminders of what service in uniform means.
Veterans Day comes to us on November 11. Originally, it was called Armistice Day, marking the end of hostilities in World War I. In 1957, at the urging of veterans groups, Congress changed the name of this legal holiday to Veterans Day to honor all veterans. Simply put, this day is set aside to thank all who have served in the military.
Thanking that many men and women requires a broad brush. There are approximately 24 million veterans. Roughly 9 million of them are 65 and older. Nearly 4 million are WW II vets. Because we lose more than 1200 WWII vets each day, the thanks take on a rush order tone.
Combat veterans, wounded veterans, prisoners of war, physically and emotionally crippled veterans – these deserve a special bit of thanks. A nation owes them.
There is no hierarchy involved. The gratitude is for all who served in uniform whether one handed out underwear at Fort Dix or trembled in anguish in some foreign clime. The tribute is for doing one’s duty.
Think about the parade of all those who did their duty in WW II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Yugoslavia, Persian Gulf, and Iraq and Afghanistan.
How do we thank the quick and the dead? Public displays are not as nation-wide as they once were. Parades don’t attract the wildly cheering throngs nowadays. Schools and businesses no longer close. The holiday seems to affect only government offices and banks. Hallowe’en is much bigger, it seems.
No matter. It is in the hearts and minds of our people that true thanks are best felt and quietly expressed. What is important on Veterans Day – or any day – is that Americans find a couple of minutes to reflect on what those who wore the uniform did for our country.
Commander's Column - December 2007
Written by Fred Viele
This past Thursday, American Legion Post 134 had Captain Wayne Radloff, United States Navy, speak at the regular monthly meeting. Captain Radloff is the Professor of Naval Military Science in the GaTech Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment. The GaTech ROTC program supports not only GaTech but also Georgia State University, Morehouse College, and Kennesaw State University. Captain Radloff brought with him four midshipmen, who represented the above mentioned institutions.
The Captain devoted part of his talk to an update of current naval operations and deployments throughout the world. Next, he introduced the midshipmen, who explained what their assignments would be after they were commissioned. He emphasized that these midshipmen were volunteers and that they were interested in serving their country. Also, Captain Radloff noted that, after graduation and commissioning, they would most probably serve in a combat zone due to the current world military situation.
This brings up an interesting point in that these young people are willing to risk their lives in defense of their country, which, today, is unusual. What the Captain did not say is that, in many colleges, including GaTech, the ranks of ROTC cadets are thin. Because there is no draft, the majority of college students do not opt for the military commitment. The public high schools have junior ROTC, which is a feeder program for college ROTC. Colleges traditionally give ROTC scholarships to deserving freshmen, as a way to increase ROTC enrollment. Clemson University gives ROTC cadets subsidized campus housing, which apparently has increased ROTC enrollment there to full strength.
Obviously, the source of ROTC cadets is the high schools throughout the country. Two community organizations, which can have a great influence on high school students with regard to the military, are the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The American Legion has several high school programs, which familiarize students with military activities and leadership. Examples of these programs are Boys State, a summer "boot camp", Shooting Sports, Annual Oratorical Contests, and Scouting. Post 134 has participated in these programs for a number of years. In particular, the Post has been active in the Boys"' State, Scouting, and Oratorical programs. Each Post member should insure that these programs continue by giving them full support.
The good news is that we still have young men and women, who want to serve their country through military service. The four Navy ROTC midshipmen at our last post meeting are evidence. The fact that these midshipmen are willing to serve during wartime should be an inspiration to all of us. Through my job at GaTech, I have had the privilege to work with the ROTC cadets on various projects. In each instance, the cadets performed their duties in an outstanding manner. As Legionnaires, we have the opportunity to serve the community in many ways. Through our support of American Legion high school leadership programs, we can act as recruiters for our future military leaders, which will help our Armed Forces during this most critical time.
