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"Wearing a military uniform does not give anyone a pass to act like a fool. I witnessed more than a few drunk sailors get their @$$ kicked, first by some redneck and then by the Shore Patrol. "

I agree with you. When I was stationed in Korea in the 90's I saw more than my fair share of drunk GIs getting stupid and getting in trouble.

However, I like to think West Point's high entry standards (don't you still need a US Senator's recommendation?) would speak well for the young man's character. As opposed to the attacking thugs who likely didn't finish high school.

Here's a little background on the cadet and his family:

High School: Two-time all-district selection at Klein Forest High in Houston, Texas ... played for head coach Ken Hammock ... two-time letterwinner ... split time between safety and cornerback positions ... served as team captain as a senior ... helped squad to district championship that season ... standout soccer player as well ... four-time letterwinner in that sport ... established single season school school record for goals with 19 during final campaign ... all-district choice ... played club/select soccer for Houston Texans Red team ... member of squad for eight years ... team placed third nationally in 2004 ... served as Student Ambassador throughout high school tenure ... National Honor Society member.

Personal: Born Sept. 3, 1987 ... given name is Richard Charles King ... parents' names are Charles and Marie King ... paternal grandfather, J.T. King, served as collegiate football coach for 45 years ... filled assistant's position at Texas, Texas A&M, Tulane and Texas Tech, among others ... coached in 13 postseason bowl games and was longtime bellwether in Southwest Conference ... family sports long history of military service ... maternal grandfather, Walter Ambrose, served in U.S. Army during World War II ... lists Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart among military honors ... part of contingent that landed on Omaha Beach during Normandy invasion ... fought in Battle of Bulge ... uncle, Walter Ambrose, graduated from West Point in 1970 ... uncle, John King, served as U.S. Air Force pilot during Vietnam ... mother, Marie, served as Flight Nurse in U.S. Air Force ... cousin, John Heaps, graduated from U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989 ... cousin, Benjamin Ambrose, graduated from West Point in 1998 and remains in U.S. Army ... Richard enjoys fishing and going to movies during spare time ... majoring in Management.