View Full Version : Special Forces Soldier Seeks Seat in the US Congress
bkleonards
02-27-2008, 11:07
Forwarded as FYI:
Jim Steiner is former Special Forces and member of the SF Association . Check out his Web Site; http://www.joinjim2008.com/
The Reaper
02-27-2008, 11:13
In his photo, he has an EIB, MI branch insignia, a Green Beret with 10th Group flash (or is it USASFC?), a Ranger Tab, but no SF Tab, and what appears to be an odd backing for his jump wings.
Prior enlisted before the SF Tab was authorized maybe?
Wonder what the story is here and what year the photo was taken?
TR
Don't know the story on him but he got out of West Point in 78.
Around 1980 we still had officers as XO's so a bunch of O's in the Q Course would be 1LTs. 1LT Phalen was our XO around that time and he wore his stubby MP pistols on his uniform.
Man, that 18 years and out is mighty close to "Where is the Tab?" though. No picture from the last few years he was in when the tab was authorized?
GANGSTER
02-27-2008, 11:59
and what appears to be an odd backing for his jump wings.
The jump wings backing is correct for what guys in 10th wore. red Oval with a green center.
bkleonards
02-27-2008, 12:44
Sent Mr. Steiner a quick note wishing him well and all the best of luck. Received the following (below). Also, asked if he was a member of SFA, no response to that.
quote
Bob,
I am focused, and positive. Thank you.
If you know anyone up in these parts, please contact them. If you know of anyone with an extra $100 in their cookie jar, ask them to consider a worthy donation. Even if I am an attorney now, I was SF once, and young.
The road to September (the primary) and the election in November are long, but I have made many a rucksack march in my day, and have the energy for more.
Jim Steiner
Bringing a foundation of integrity and leadership to Congress
end quote
Checking his website, it appears that he did a tour of duty with a "leg" unit Ft. Lewis then volunteered for Airborne/Ranger and SF. Finished his military career with a tour in 10th Group.
Roguish Lawyer
02-27-2008, 13:09
I just tried a case in that district. I've made some inquiries.
From Jim Steiner's website:
Education: United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., B.S. 1978; Suffolk University Law School, J.D.(cum laude), 1987.
Military Service: 2nd Bn/10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Ft. Devens, MA; 2nd Bn/1st Inf. ("Always First"), 9th Inf. Division, Ft. Lewis, WA; C Co. (Airborne), 4th Bn/9th Inf ("Manchus"), 172nd BDE, Ft. Wainwright, AK; 1st Bn/11th Special Forces Group (Airborne) (USAR), Ft. Devens, MA; 1976 graduated from Airborne School; 1979 graduated from Army Ranger School; 1982 graduated from Special Forces Qualification Course
Member: New Hampshire Bar Association; American Bar Association; Christian Legal Society; Special Forces Association; Army Ranger Association; National Eagle Scout Association
Shoulda' took a picture with the Tab on.
IV. DATE APPROVED: The cloth tab was approved by the Army’s Chief of Staff on 17 June 1983, based on a request from the Commander of USAJFKSWC. Criteria, wear policy and authorization to wear the tab was announced in DA Message 061300Z, October 1983, Subject: Special Forces Tab. On 25 November 1984, the Army Chief of Staff approved a metal replica of the embroidered tab for wear on the mess/dress uniforms.
Would have looked better.
IIRC we knew it was coming down and were waiting for the 17 June 1983 message. I think I was sitting in a bombed out plane hanger at Cairo West at the time.
Jack Moroney (RIP)
02-27-2008, 14:47
Shoulda' took a picture with the Tab on.
IV. DATE APPROVED: The cloth tab was approved by the Army’s Chief of Staff on 17 June 1983, based on a request from the Commander of USAJFKSWC. Criteria, wear policy and authorization to wear the tab was announced in DA Message 061300Z, October 1983, Subject: Special Forces Tab. On 25 November 1984, the Army Chief of Staff approved a metal replica of the embroidered tab for wear on the mess/dress uniforms.
Would have looked better.
IIRC we knew it was coming down and were waiting for the 17 June 1983 message. I think I was sitting in a bombed out plane hanger at Cairo West at the time.
There was a LOT of politicing going on during this time frame. Officers were not branched until 1987, rules for "the tab" required time on an SFODA for retroactive awards, and you could wear only the SF tab or the Ranger tab, but not both. It was one of my favorite senior officers fanaticisms, who had no Ranger tab, that if you did not wear the SF Tab you were a traitor to your trade. Of course his DUI count was higher than his personality score and no one mentioned that failure to set an example for the troops made him a traitor to his trade. Anyway, I digress. A lot of folks, just to make a point-especially when the crossed arrows came aboard with the branch, decided that they were not going to wear a tab because it all seemed a little redundant, it could not be enforced, and many of us felt that too much emphasis was being but on what we wore vice who we were. It was getting down right silly when we had GOs arguing for heraldry items and uniform widgits when we need aircraft and ammo for training. Then all the badge police started with the pin on's for the dress uniforms, etc,etc, etc. I was a weird time with very weird priorities. Anyway, this lad, dispite going thru the Q as an O, might not have had sufficient team time for the tab and he might also have been the 2 for the second Bn which would not have qualified him for the tab because of limited or no team time. Hence his picture in his MI brass and no tab.
bkleonards
03-01-2008, 15:02
FYI all, received a follow-up note (below) from Mr. Steiner. Believe it answers any additional questions anyone might have.
---------------------------------------------------
Subject: Steiner for Congress
Bob,
I did a google search tonight to find a Congressional Quarterly article posted today and stumbled onto the threads/questions by a number of SF personnel. From the detailed questions, they must have all been O&I NCOs. I feel interrogated, but good questions.
I registered at the site but it is 24 hours read only, and since you can post ASAP I send answers to the various questions:
Yes, I am fully SF tab qualified. In 1982, since I am now an old guy, when I completed the Q course the tab was not yet out (someone posted the effective date, which is 1983).
Someone else correctly notes you had a choice of the SF tab or the Ranger tab at that time, not both. Like most SF personnel, I probably wore my greens 1-2 times a year, tops. This is the only picture in my greens. I do not have a photo once both tabs were authorized for wear (hell I don't even remember when that occurred, after 1987 or so?).
I branch transferred from Infantry (hence, EIB award) into MI at the time I volunteered for SF - courtesy of the guidance of one of my First Sergeants, then SFC Johnny Holman (5th SFGA - VN) in C Co, 2/1 Inf. at Lewis where I had both a rifle platoon and then a weapons platoon, and SFC Serafin Meno (also 5th SFG-VN), the First Sergeant for B Co, 2/1, next door to me.
As a side note, COL Pete Dillon, recent Cdr, 7th SFGA, had one of the other rifle platoons in the same C Co, 2/1 Inf with me. We were together as 2LTs-1LT. Long time ago.
My first platoon sergeant at Ft. Lewis, and who later served with me at 2/10th as well, was then SSG, and later CSM (ret.) Mike McIntyre, CSM of 5th SFGA during 2001, and through 9/11.
A current reference is BG Al Aycock, now in Korea. Al and I were roommates at West Point. My claim to fame is that I beat him into SF by a year. He stayed longer.
The two first sergeants cornered me and recommended from their observations I volunteer for SF. I respected them, and I volunteered. The rest is history. As soon as SF became its own branch, I joined all the Infantry guys, signed a DF and put crossed arrows on my uniform...again, no photos except the ugly official photo.
Also, in the early 80s, when this photo was taken, the candy stripe still existed for "assigned but non-qualified" personnel. Wearing the full flash, at that time, meant you were fully qualified, so that was another reason not to tear off the Ranger tab...the flash said it.
And yes, as someone else noted, that is not a 7th SFGA oval for the wings, but the official 10th SFGA oval, red border with green center (which I understand now has changed to all green).
Jim Steiner
5G, 5S, 5P, 5M
SFA #D5221
Yarborough #0757
Maybe he'll drop by and chat a bit.
I'd understand if it was very limited.
The way politics is going these days the oposition would just love to find something they could get their buds in the MSM to twist into a "big deal."
Now that was a great self-vet....
An impressive history with solid facts and names to back it up. I admire him for his concern that the SF community questioned his 'profile'...
Good on ya Mr Steiner....applause....I'm sure you're lurking...SFA #D5221
Posers run and hide......proud veterans stand up and understand the 'why's' of the questions and concerns we QP's have.....
Rzr - D-6606
jsteiner
03-04-2008, 18:11
I want to thank those that carried my information forward, directly from me or from my office or campaign website while I awaited access to the site. And thanks to Team Sergeant for walking point to clear the way for me.
My experience in SF defines who I am today; and sets the standards for tomorrow as well.
Next week I fly to D.C. for a a dinner meeting, but also a reunion with one of my SF "Q" course classmates, MG Benny Gantz, newly installed military attache for Israel to the United States. Benny and I trained together at the Q course and I had a couple of "opportunities" to visit Israel while with 10th SFGA, the IDF with a ring around the city of Beirut and 10th SFGA deployed with 2 ODAs on MTTs in Beirut. While one QP above was sitting in Cairo when the SF tab order issued, I was in Tel Aviv.
For those at Bragg, I will be there in mid- April when BG Aycock's daughter gets married. I already owe one NCO supporting me a beer at the GB Club. Maybe I will see some of you there.
Gents, it is well past time a former Green Beret entered Congress as a member, and educated the rest of them on what SF means, why SF truths are essential and the absolutely essential role SF has played, continues to play, and will play in keeping this country safe. I hope to have your support.
You are invited to check out my website at www.joinjim2008.com.
I hope my background is sufficient to earn your support. In Congress, I will always have your back, 24/7. As we said way back when, in SFQC class 82-5 "no mission too difficult."
Jim Steiner, out.
In his photo... and what appears to be an odd backing for his jump wings.10th Group background...and it could have been pre-tab...the orders for my tab were cut in 1983, although I didn't receive them (the orders) until '84...
We actually had several MI officers commanding detachments when I was with 10th...before I went to OCS, my company commander was an MI type...
Roguish Lawyer
03-23-2008, 14:23
Jsteiner --
My local counsel in NH is familiar to you -- Lisa at O&R. She sends her regards.
I forwarded your web site to a bunch of staunch republicans in or near your district. I'll get you a check too.
jsteiner
03-23-2008, 20:40
"My local counsel in NH is familiar to you -- Lisa at O&R. She sends her regards.
I forwarded your web site to a bunch of staunch republicans in or near your district. I'll get you a check too."
Rogue Lawyer:
...I could not ask for better bona fides. I trust you may be aware of the recent loss of her father, only 1 1/2 weeks ago, and quite by surprise. He was the finest natural trial lawyer I knew. I always said he reminded me of some battalion and Group commanders I had, and I meant that with respect. I was proud to learn from him.
...and thank you for the vote of support. Your prior posting was correct. A congressional candidate must have the funds to wage a full battle.
Cong. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), south of you, treated me to a day with him in D.C. two weeks ago. He echoed the same financial "theme" about raising funds, as did Cong. Geoff Davis (R-KY), a former 82nd Airborne trooper.
Tell two friends to tell two friends, www.joinjim2008.com. There is a donation link on the website, and as I noted previously, send snail mail to "Steiner for Congress, P.O. Box 2008, Concord, NH 03302."
And thanks for getting the word out. With hope, many will be motivated to donate to support the cause. Veterans of Special Forces (VSF) personnel tell me there is growing concern about the future funding of SF. I plan to provide a voice to ensure SF is not overlooked, particularly not now, when the types of missions worldwide are tailored to an SF role.
The Special Forces Ass'n (SFA) confirmed in response to an inquiry from the Congressional Quarterly that once elected I will indeed be the first Green Beret to serve in Congress.
I can use all the financial support possible. My pledge to SF personnel and vets in general in return - I've got your back 24/7 down in the snakepit of D.C., and the coffee will always be available for any vet stopping by my office.
The running password will be "TROJAN HORSE."
Jim Steiner
5G 5S 5P 5M
SFA D5221
Money on the way. Please keep us informed on your progress.
Roguish Lawyer
03-24-2008, 10:41
...I could not ask for better bona fides. I trust you may be aware of the recent loss of her father, only 1 1/2 weeks ago, and quite by surprise. He was the finest natural trial lawyer I knew. I always said he reminded me of some battalion and Group commanders I had, and I meant that with respect. I was proud to learn from him.
Yes, he was going to argue the appeal. He'll be missed.
jsteiner
03-24-2008, 15:19
Money on the way. Please keep us informed on your progress.
It is that easy, www.joinjim2008.com and the contribution page. I believe the credit card confirmation already arrived.
Thank you, and I will keep you posted.
I am doing a TV program covering all of southern N.H. this Thursday, having completed one covering all of NH just last week. The attention is picking up as the snow melts. Onward to September and November 2008, and then sharpen the knife for D.C.
Jim Steiner
www.joinjim2008.com
Jim welcome to the board and I hope you get a chance to make a difference. Watch out for those damn Politicians their sneakey......:eek:
If they could only know what it is to be part of a team they would make a difference in DC.
I am not from your state but I would donate to any SF guy that has the nerve to take on those people.
Good luck and keep us informed as to your progress.
Bryan
Roguish Lawyer
03-24-2008, 17:08
Gentlemen, I have done some looking at this district, and this race can be won with sufficient resources. The seat was in GOP hands before the last election. I hope that everyone who can make a monetary contribution will do so. I hope that all QPs who are permitted to make political endorsements will formally endorse Mr. Steiner and give him permission to publicize it.
If anyone starts stealing Steiner campaign signs, I may need to engage in certain clandestine operations. The good news is there is a safe house just across the border . . . ;)
jsteiner
03-25-2008, 05:13
Jim welcome to the board and I hope you get a chance to make a difference. Watch out for those damn Politicians their sneakey......:eek:
If they could only know what it is to be part of a team they would make a difference in DC.
I am not from your state but I would donate to any SF guy that has the nerve to take on those people.
Good luck and keep us informed as to your progress.
Bryan
Bryan,
You currently win the prize for donating from the furthest point away. I take it you won't be at the GB Club in April for me to say thanks to you over a cold one.
Your vote of support and donation is greatly appreciated. Every 100, 250 or up to the maximum 2,300 (for those with that much extra) makes a difference. That is the sad truth of politics, and I am learning it. Accordingly, I am reaching out and the response from this group is superb.
Others have advised it would be worthwhile to inquire about contacting Mr. H. Ross Perot to solicit his direct support to join my finance committee, publicly or quietly. Like everyone else, I know his support for SF runs deep. I am the only SF vet seeking a position in Congress. Anyone with an ability to connect us it would be appreciated. I think my views on issues speak for themselves. A private message would be fine or my direct campaign email is jim@joinjim2008.com.
This I believe:
SOF Truths
- Humans are more important than Hardware.
- Quality is better than Quantity.
- Special Operations Forces cannot be mass produced.
- Competent Special Operations Forces cannot be created after emergencies occur.
Jim Steiner
www.joinjim2008.com
Bryan,
You currently win the prize for donating from the furthest point away. I take it you won't be at the GB Club in April for me to say thanks to you over a cold one.
Your vote of support and donation is greatly appreciated. Every 100, 250 or up to the maximum 2,300 (for those with that much extra) makes a difference. That is the sad truth of politics, and I am learning it. Accordingly, I am reaching out and the response from this group is superb.
Others have advised it would be worthwhile to inquire about contacting Mr. H. Ross Perot to solicit his direct support to join my finance committee, publicly or quietly. Like everyone else, I know his support for SF runs deep. I am the only SF vet seeking a position in Congress. Anyone with an ability to connect us it would be appreciated. I think my views on issues speak for themselves. A private message would be fine or my direct campaign email is jim@joinjim2008.com.
This I believe:
SOF Truths
- Humans are more important than Hardware.
- Quality is better than Quantity.
- Special Operations Forces cannot be mass produced.
- Competent Special Operations Forces cannot be created after emergencies occur.
Jim Steiner
www.joinjim2008.com
Jim
You can now claim true international support for your campaign.
People on this board have many connections and contacts. I would not doubt that someone knows or has a contact to H. Ross Perot.
Team Sergeant what do you think?:munchin
Bryan
jsteiner
03-27-2008, 20:19
If there is a chance to link up at the GB Club, I should be there Friday, April 11 unless delayed in arrival at RDU, and therefore Bragg.
Hope to see some old friends, and make some new ones.
Jim Steiner
www.joinjim2008.com
jsteiner
04-02-2008, 06:54
TO MFF3705:
Thanks for the PM.
Hope you get this reply. According to the web, you don't receive PMs. Great to reconnect. We had some fun in 10th Group, particularly during the MTT time. Glad to know your chute is still opening where and when you wish and that you are doing well.
Jim
jsteiner
04-09-2008, 20:12
No time for a mail reply before I arrive at Bragg Friday, April 11. Thanks to those that went snail mail. I have received the packages. Your support is appreciated. With your support, I will be the first Green Beret ever elected to Congress...and it will be time to take care of our own. Thanks again for the help to get there.
Snake, if you are there, two for you, but you owe me one back for that Ranger Tab pin I gave you years ago.
Uncle West, see you in NH next month.
2000, Apr. 11, 2008, GB Club, cold one on me for showing your support. Still a long way until September primary and November election. Rucksack packed.
Jim Steiner
D5221
jsteiner
04-20-2008, 17:39
The weekend of April 10, 2008 I spent at a facility both well-secured on the outside, and perhaps even more secure about itself on the inside. In a population the size of Concord, New Hampshire, two out of five homes, and sometimes three out of five homes, are missing one parent for a year or more. Children ride bicycles after school as, mostly, moms, watch them play.
You hear no complaints, but this is typical of a place where the load is shouldered for our commitments overseas. The place - Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, home to the 82nd Airborne Division and Army Special Forces. As my wife and I walked around the post, the emptiness was palpable. Many buildings and activity locations, but few soldiers. One wife described her husband's upcoming eight-month deployment to Korea as, "well, it is shorter than his year in the sandbox of Iraq."
These families are representative of all military families, on posts or in communities around this country, and like their soldiers, they shoulder the task of protecting our freedom with pride. Soldiers and families alike know they exist where the rubber meets the road. They stand tall as the tip of the spear against aggression aimed at our way of life. You leave this place proud of being an American, and knowing no matter how tough the fight, all will be well.
As a member of Congress, I will always remember my roots as a veteran, and the cost to soldiers and their families, both here in New Hampshire and at military posts like Ft. Bragg all across our country.
Jim Steiner
Bringing a foundation of integrity and leadership to Congress
jsteiner
04-27-2008, 19:31
Following up a trip to Bragg two weeks ago, this past weekend proved to be a great reunion weekend at West Point, for West Point '78, and particularly the great number that ended up in SF:
Trombitas and Olivero, both originally out of 7th, and some old 7th team leaders: Hooker and Grace. Cleveland (7th and 10th) did not make it to the reunion; Al Aycock had to head back to Korea after seeing his dad inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame at Benning so he missed out. A team leader out of 10th, McGrath, did not make it, nor did Chang, an 10th MI SOTA type who went to med school. Nor did Dr. Alitz. There are other SF types in the class, and it appears a greater percentage of this class headed into SF than perhaps other classes, and many stayed active for a full career, as the names above attest.
Batteries recharged, and headed into the campaign effort.
Continued thanks for the support from SF.
We all wished BG Sim Trombitas well with his new posting. He can handle it. I will hope to visit him next spring as a MOC after being sworn in in D.C. in January. Your continued help is appreciated.
Jim Steiner
www.joinjim2008.com
jsteiner
06-29-2008, 05:04
The filing period closed Friday, June 13. There are three others in the Republican race, with the primary on September 9. I am the only vet.
One of the others, a state level politico, has dumped $100,000 of his money into the campaign.
When all of us appear before voters, I am the one most identified as the candidate to win in November. In one town two weeks ago, the others presented to warm applause. I presented, not knowing but 2 people in the crowd, and received a standing ovation from members.
In addition to the voters making their preference known by meeting the candidates, there are too many who remain uninformed. They will cast ballots on Sept. 9 in the primary as well, but are not reading up on the candidates.
Thank you to the SF members who have donated to the campaign to date. The online donations remain available at www.joinjim2008.com/contribution page. Snail mail donations can be made by sending a check to "Steiner for Congress, P.O. Box 2008, Concord, NH 03301." Again, thanks to those who have stepped up to date; your support is appreciated.
Jim Steiner
Concord, NH
formerly 2/10th SFGA, Ft. Devens, and
1/11th SFGA, Ft. Devens
jsteiner
08-08-2008, 21:08
Veterans have been coming out of the woodwork to demonstrate support for this campaign. And that is in addition to volumes of other voters. In the last two weeks, presentations before VFW and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) and Mil. Off. Assn of America (MOAA) have generated great enthusiasm.
Sept 9 is the primary. Supportes are posting signs, emailing friends, talking to neighbors and making sure that the "light" turnout does not include supporters of this campaign.
There is much to be encouraged about, and there is much still to do. Any financial support sent via www.joinjim2008.com will be used to add to the PR about the campaign. Thanks in advance.
Jim Steiner, out.
Here's wishing Jim, the BEST of LUCK tomorrow.
Hope he gets that seat in New Hampshire. :lifter
X10
Jim I know you have been busy, Good Luck and let us know how it comes out.
Bryan
Actually, our well found wishes are a moot point now.
It seems that Jim, lost the primary elections on 09Sept. :(
Crap.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Jim_Steiner
Just shows you that people do not want workers in Politics and DC.
Keep up the fight in your future endeavors Jim.
:lifter
Bryan
jsteiner
11-12-2008, 06:56
Just shows you that people do not want workers in Politics and DC.
Keep up the fight in your future endeavors Jim.
:lifter
Bryan
Much learned about "conventional warfare." A great learning effort, and next time I will apply more campaign conventional wisdom to raise the dough first, get the mailers out there and make the phone calls, rather than believe my personal contact would win the day.
Thanks for all the community support and encouragement. Putting an SF guy in Congress will make sense, and will do the community some good to have some visibility among the "other" members of Congress.
Until then, practicing law in New Hampshire.
Jim Steiner
Much learned about "conventional warfare." A great learning effort, and next time I will apply more campaign conventional wisdom to raise the dough first, get the mailers out there and make the phone calls, rather than believe my personal contact would win the day.
Thanks for all the community support and encouragement. Putting an SF guy in Congress will make sense, and will do the community some good to have some visibility among the "other" members of Congress.
Until then, practicing law in New Hampshire.
Jim Steiner
Sorry to hear the outcome but Remember the lessons learned of a UW Opn. It is a slow and deliberate process that may take a long time. Establish a good solid base of operations and slowly spread out in the AOR. Remember sending the G's out on a Confidence Tgt. You plan it for success but if it is not you use the errors as teaching points and correct the errors and march on until the war is won. In Politics as in War you need lots of funding if you are to win. Look at the great O he bought the election if you look at the spending stats.
Hope to keep seeing you on the board, do not be a stranger.
Sorry to hear you didn't get the nod, Mr. Steiner...best wishes for the future.
greenberetTFS
11-13-2008, 13:12
Sorry to hear the outcome but Remember the lessons learned of a UW Opn. It is a slow and deliberate process that may take a long time. Establish a good solid base of operations and slowly spread out in the AOR. Remember sending the G's out on a Confidence Tgt. You plan it for success but if it is not you use the errors as teaching points and correct the errors and march on until the war is won. In Politics as in War you need lots of funding if you are to win. Look at the great O he bought the election if you look at the spending stats.
Hope to keep seeing you on the board, do not be a stranger.
I'm with SF_BHT on this one. Well said. Hang in there.......
GB TFS :munchin