Posted on 12/20/2004 11:23:26 PM PST by Former Military Chick
The National Guardsman who put Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on the spot about having to scavenge metal to boost the armor on military vehicles says he has no regrets. In speaking out for the first time, Thomas Wilson declared: "If this is my 15 minutes of fame, I hope it saves a life."
"Why do we soldiers have to dig through local landfills?" he asked Rumsfeld in a Q&A nearly two weeks ago. The secretary's response, that "You go to war with the Army you have," spawned a storm of criticism.
"Personally, I didn't like that answer," Wilson told Time magazine, though he was quick to add he meant no disrespect and that he is a big supporter of President Bush. But Wilson brushed off reports that he was coached by a reporter to quiz Rumsfeld.
The reporter "suggested a less brash way of asking the question," he added. But "I told him no, that I wanted to make my point very clear," Wilson said.
Disgruntled guardsman who didn't mind the benefits and paycheck before being activated.
Yep. That's been all over the news here in TN, to the point that I'm sick of it. They played him up as some type of hero for the 101st here. Still are; carried another story this evening.
Wrong. He conspired with the reporter to make Rumsfeld look bad. He asked a "Have you stopped beating your wife" type of question for the benefit of the anti-America crowd. If he wanted an honest answer, he could have asked an honest question.
Did the armed forces have the army they wanted on D-Day or any other tough battle? The only way the answer could be yes is in the willingness of each man to sacrifice himself.
I am loathe to lose one of our military, but it is unrealistic to think that we can ever prepare enough to prevent any losses. For all the people (civilians, media, etc.) who worry about the military, I don't see any sacrifices being made to see that they have the necessities before our personal luxuries.
Gosh, though- his buddies, the guys who are actually fighting the war- they sure did howl in approval of his remarks, didn't they? I mean, it's one thing to be a chickenhawk in the Oval Office or thereabouts and another, entirely differnt thing, to be there and forced to fight with substandard equipment.
You can hear the other soldiers cheering for him. Was he coached? Gee, if I were standing up and talking to my boss in front of the whole world, i know I'd ask for help phrasing the question. Who wouldn't? Did you ever talk to your boss about a problem at work? Well, didn't you ask someone with more experience for help/ Same thing.
You forgot to add that we haven't been in Iraq for three years as he claimed. In addition, he is a 30 something year old E-4, which should ring some bells on his competence, and he is a former Airman who doesn't understand the logistical system of the Army very well.
He agreed with the question, whoever phrased it. And his colleagues applauded when he asked it.
Looks like your one of those folks who "supports the troops" -- except if they ask for decent protective armor. Then you turn and shoot verbal shrapnel at them.
You better watch out. For a lot of the folks on this form, it's heresy to actually support the troops. If it means choosing between incompetent administrators in Washington and the troops on the field, there are people on this forum who will not hesitate to side with the bureaucrats and slam the troops.
Chamberlainbuff sticking up for deceptive liberal media practices.
Come on CB, let's hear a huzzah for dan rather
That's not the case, I'm in the Army. I know how the Guard works and I know how lower enlisted think. If this soldier and few of his buddies had to dig for scrap metal, then of course everyother person in the Iraq AOR must have had to in the viewpoint of a junior enlisted.
The reality is that most of his vehicles were armored at the point, and the rest of the vehicles were finished being armored the next day. He really should have had all the facts before asking that question just so he didn't look stupid.
additional good points...Thanks.
Was his unit about to be deployed to Iraq or were they staying in Kuwait?
I personally think this guy is a jerk who became enamored with the liberal puke reporter that was him. I think the guy should be ashamed that he hyped up an issue that is being systematically addressed and created a morale crushing media blitz against the Secretary at a particular sensitive time in Iraq. We are trying to get elections over there to go off with minimal hitches. He was an instrument of the Leftwing media in their push to get Rummy ousted. For that, he should be ashamed.
Churchillbuff seems unaware that Rumsfeld received a standing ovation from ALL the troops at the end of the question and answer session.
Churchillbuff seems unaware that the troops gave Rumsfeld a standing ovation at the end of the answer and question session.
I wonder how he and only one other, were allowed to travel to the briefing the day before their unit was to deploy, and during movement preparation.
Prophetic words, Neville. Your new buddy just got banned.
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