View Full Version : Colin Powell: Why We Serve
The former CJCS and SecState's thoughts.
Richard :munchin
Colin Powell: Why We Serve
Parade, 6 Nov 2011
I became an army lieutenant when I was 21, and more than five decades later, the people I knew in my early days—from college ROTC and my first assignment—I still know. I think of them as family. In every assignment since, I’ve found a new family, but each time it’s also felt like an old family. And even though I’ve been retired from the military for 18 years, I’ve never left that family.
Over the years, Americans have chosen to serve for many reasons—during the Revolutionary War, to create a nation; in World War II, to save humanity from destruction; at various times, to help pay for college. Still, no matter the motivation, once our men and women joined up, they’ve given their all for our country.
But GIs are driven by another allegiance that is just as fierce: to their buddies. During training, they learn to rely on each other for food, for security, for support. They know that they will live, and possibly die, together as a squad of five or nine. It’s a form of bonding you can’t find anywhere else.
This bond goes beyond the troops. I heard about a young boy, an army brat. His family moved to a new community, and when he showed up at his new school, the teacher introduced him by saying, “It must be hard finding a new home every couple of years.” He answered, “No, ma’am. We always have a home; we’re just looking for a house to put it in.”
I look forward to meeting young GIs on my visits to the Walter Reed hospital. Some of them are horribly wounded—but you know what? Many want to heal as quickly as possible just so they can go back and serve with their unit.
My closest friend during college was Tony Mavroudis. We lived two miles apart in Queens, and he was like a younger brother to me. We were street kids, and we ran around together—we even destroyed each other’s father’s car when we were at City College! We were both in ROTC. I first went to Vietnam in 1962, and Tony followed a year or so later. When I returned to the States, I was moved to Fort Benning in Georgia, and Tony ended up there, too.
One day he suddenly volunteered to go back. I told him, “Tony, you don’t have to do that. You’ll be sent back soon enough.” He said, “Yeah, but that’s where I’m supposed to be.”
So he left. On one of his jungle patrols, he was filmed by a TV crew for a special report on race and the army. He was asked, “What’s the relationship between your soldiers, black and white?” And Tony answered like the New York street kid he was: “Hey man, same mud, same blood.” He was talking about that sense of family.
A few days later, he was killed by a booby trap.
Tony’s name is one of the 58,272 engraved on the Wall, the beautiful granite Vietnam War memorial in Washington, which I’ve visited countless times. There is magic in that wall. At no other battle monument are people so moved, stenciling names and leaving gifts like combat boots, uniforms, sonograms, even a motorcycle.
Establishing memorials is one way that Americans can repay the debt owed to the people who have died serving this country. But we also bear a similar obligation to the survivors of our nation’s conflicts, our veterans.
What can you do? This week on Veterans Day, put out your flags, cheer the marchers at parades, and go to tributes. But when you wake up the next day, Nov. 12, remember that it’s still Veterans Day for our veterans—and it will be every day of their lives. So thank them. Talk to them. Invite them to schools so they can share their experiences and teach our children that we all must take care of each other, on the battlefield and in life.
You can also support one of the many organizations that assist former service members. Three months ago, in Little Rock, Ark., I visited St. Francis House, a shelter for veterans trying to reestablish their lives. Forty-six men are currently staying there while they work and save up for their own apartments. To find programs in your area, contact your local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, or the Disabled American Veterans.
Many people refer to the World War II generation as the greatest one, but we’ve had greatness in every single generation of Americans who have served. I know of none greater than the generation of GIs now fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and serving around the world. Someday soon, they’ll need us to fight for them.
http://www.parade.com/news/veterans/articles/colin-powell-why-we-serve.html
Hard for me to take seriously a Republican statesman who picked the Democrat opponent of a fellow soldier because of race.
Hard for me to take seriously a Republican statesman who picked the Democrat opponent of a fellow soldier because of race.
GEN Powell had a stellar military career but has been 'snookered' twice since his retirement - once by the Repugs and once by the Dims - I suggest merely reading this essay...w/o the distorting partisan political spectacles.
I did.
Richard
GEN Powell had a stellar military career but has been 'snookered' twice since his retirement - once by the Repugs and once by the Dims - I suggest merely reading this essay...w/o the distorting partisan political spectacles.
I did.
Richard
That would be like reading Mein Kampf and thinking of the author as a paper hanger.
That would be like reading Mein Kampf and thinking of the author as a paper hanger.
Now there's a leap in logic worthy of a Glen Beck...
Richard
Now there's a leap in logic worthy of a Glen Beck...
Richard
I'm not as insulted by being compared to Glenn Beck as I would be to be considered approving of Powell.
FWIW...
The transcript of GEN Powell's appearance on Meet the Press during which he endorsed the Democratic Party's candidate for the presidency is here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27266223/ns/meet_the_press/t/meet-press-transcript-oct/#).
Other prominent Republicans who endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee are discussed here (http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/24/obamacans-prominent-republicans-line-up-behind-obama/) and there (http://www.republicansforobama.org/node/3341?page=1).
Could it be that many Republicans figured out a bit sooner than others (including myself:o) that there was more sizzle than substance to Governor Palin and didn't want to risk having her as the president? Naw...
FWIW...
The transcript of GEN Powell's appearance on Meet the Press during which he endorsed the Democratic Party's candidate for the presidency is here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27266223/ns/meet_the_press/t/meet-press-transcript-oct/#).
Other prominent Republicans who endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee are discussed here (http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/24/obamacans-prominent-republicans-line-up-behind-obama/) and there (http://www.republicansforobama.org/node/3341?page=1).
Could it be that many Republicans figured out a bit sooner than others (including myself:o) that there was more sizzle than substance to Governor Palin and didn't want to risk having her as the president? Naw...
Yeah. You Obama supporters really nailed it. We're so much better off, now. Puhleez. :rolleyes:
Yeah. You Obama supporters really nailed it. We're so much better off, now. Puhleez. :rolleyes:QP Dusty--
As I've indicated elsewhere, although not recently to avoid giving myself an aneurism, I did not vote for the current president. My personal hatred for him exceeds my loathing for any other American who has ever walked this Earth.
That being said, I can acknowledge and accept that intelligent, patriotic Americans believed in the man and supported his candidacy for reasons that made sense to them.
Moreover, I believe that America has suffered through worse political leadership and, in the long run, we'll be all right after the incumbent leaves office and takes his collection of sycophantic asshats with him.
My $0.02.
I thought it was a wonderful read. Thanks Richard!
ZonieDiver
11-08-2011, 19:15
I thought it was a wonderful read. Thanks Richard!
I enjoyed it as well, and found it quite fitting for this upcoming Veterans' Day.
Sigaba - I enjoyed this phrase in your response: "collection of sycophantic asshats"
However you could have made the phrase worthy of Spiro Agnew had you said "coterie of sycophantic asshats"! :D
QP Dusty--
As I've indicated elsewhere, although not recently to avoid giving myself an aneurism, I did not vote for the current president. My personal hatred for him exceeds my loathing for any other American who has ever walked this Earth.
My $0.02.
Sig, this quote of yours: "Could it be that many Republicans figured out a bit sooner than others (including myself:o) that there was more sizzle than substance to Governor Palin and didn't want to risk having her as the president?" understandably indicates that you didn't vote for the Palin ticket.
I assume you voted for neither, then.
Powell voted for Obama because Obama is black. Period.
That's racist, and I abhor racism.
alright4u
11-08-2011, 19:24
The former CJCS and SecState's thoughts.
Richard :munchin
Colin Powell: Why We Serve
Parade, 6 Nov 2011
I became an army lieutenant when I was 21, and more than five decades later, the people I knew in my early days—from college ROTC and my first assignment—I still know. I think of them as family. In every assignment since, I’ve found a new family, but each time it’s also felt like an old family. And even though I’ve been retired from the military for 18 years, I’ve never left that family.
Over the years, Americans have chosen to serve for many reasons—during the Revolutionary War, to create a nation; in World War II, to save humanity from destruction; at various times, to help pay for college. Still, no matter the motivation, once our men and women joined up, they’ve given their all for our country.
But GIs are driven by another allegiance that is just as fierce: to their buddies. During training, they learn to rely on each other for food, for security, for support. They know that they will live, and possibly die, together as a squad of five or nine. It’s a form of bonding you can’t find anywhere else.
This bond goes beyond the troops. I heard about a young boy, an army brat. His family moved to a new community, and when he showed up at his new school, the teacher introduced him by saying, “It must be hard finding a new home every couple of years.” He answered, “No, ma’am. We always have a home; we’re just looking for a house to put it in.”
I look forward to meeting young GIs on my visits to the Walter Reed hospital. Some of them are horribly wounded—but you know what? Many want to heal as quickly as possible just so they can go back and serve with their unit.
My closest friend during college was Tony Mavroudis. We lived two miles apart in Queens, and he was like a younger brother to me. We were street kids, and we ran around together—we even destroyed each other’s father’s car when we were at City College! We were both in ROTC. I first went to Vietnam in 1962, and Tony followed a year or so later. When I returned to the States, I was moved to Fort Benning in Georgia, and Tony ended up there, too.
One day he suddenly volunteered to go back. I told him, “Tony, you don’t have to do that. You’ll be sent back soon enough.” He said, “Yeah, but that’s where I’m supposed to be.”
So he left. On one of his jungle patrols, he was filmed by a TV crew for a special report on race and the army. He was asked, “What’s the relationship between your soldiers, black and white?” And Tony answered like the New York street kid he was: “Hey man, same mud, same blood.” He was talking about that sense of family.
A few days later, he was killed by a booby trap.
Tony’s name is one of the 58,272 engraved on the Wall, the beautiful granite Vietnam War memorial in Washington, which I’ve visited countless times. There is magic in that wall. At no other battle monument are people so moved, stenciling names and leaving gifts like combat boots, uniforms, sonograms, even a motorcycle.
Establishing memorials is one way that Americans can repay the debt owed to the people who have died serving this country. But we also bear a similar obligation to the survivors of our nation’s conflicts, our veterans.
What can you do? This week on Veterans Day, put out your flags, cheer the marchers at parades, and go to tributes. But when you wake up the next day, Nov. 12, remember that it’s still Veterans Day for our veterans—and it will be every day of their lives. So thank them. Talk to them. Invite them to schools so they can share their experiences and teach our children that we all must take care of each other, on the battlefield and in life.
You can also support one of the many organizations that assist former service members. Three months ago, in Little Rock, Ark., I visited St. Francis House, a shelter for veterans trying to reestablish their lives. Forty-six men are currently staying there while they work and save up for their own apartments. To find programs in your area, contact your local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, or the Disabled American Veterans.
Many people refer to the World War II generation as the greatest one, but we’ve had greatness in every single generation of Americans who have served. I know of none greater than the generation of GIs now fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan and serving around the world. Someday soon, they’ll need us to fight for them.
http://www.parade.com/news/veterans/articles/colin-powell-why-we-serve.html
The man was an LTC BN CO in peace time Korea in 73. He refused to deal with his own racial uprising. An SF SGM in that sad ass leg unit did his dirty work. Art Stang, a real SF man, did his own dirty work. Sorry, Powell was no man I wanted near me.
alright4u
11-08-2011, 19:30
I thought it was a wonderful read. Thanks Richard!
Ask SGM Moore if he is still alive. He was White star.
"coterie of sycophantic asshats"!
Game, Set, and Match! :lifter
I thought it was a wonderful read. Thanks Richard!
Same here, thanks Richard.
alright4u
11-08-2011, 19:36
I enjoyed it as well, and found it quite fitting for this upcoming Veterans' Day.
Sigaba - I enjoyed this phrase in your response: "collection of sycophantic asshats"
However you could have made the phrase worthy of Spiro Agnew had you said "coterie of sycophantic asshats"! :D
You got me on line- now fire your best shot.
Ask SGM Moore if he is still alive. He was White star.
Obviously you have more of a background on him than I do. I still appreciate the sentiments behind his words.
Sig, this quote of yours: "Could it be that many Republicans figured out a bit sooner than others (including myself:o) that there was more sizzle than substance to Governor Palin and didn't want to risk having her as the president?" understandably indicates that you didn't vote for the Palin ticket.QP Dusty--
For my own peace of mind, I'd largely stopped venting on PS.COM about the 2008 election by the time you arrived. We (the GOP) lost. They won. Time to look to 2012. Was my frame of mind. (A member or two of this BB have had to endure some ranting PMs.)
Powell voted for [the Democratic Party's nominee] because [the Democratic Party's nominee] is black. Period.I often wonder (rhetorically) why is this accusation made about GEN Powell and not about other members of the GOP establishment who also broke ranks with the party and endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee. What is the logic of the argument? Why is it not consistently applied to others who crossed over from red to blue? What is the evidence (i.e., a letter, memorandum of conversation, an eyewitness account, or even triple hearsay twice removed) of GEN Powell trading horses? Or are we now the same as our friends on the opposite side of the aisle and hold an accusation to be the same thing as proof?:confused:
QP Dusty--
For my own peace of mind, I'd largely stopped venting on PS.COM about the 2008 election by the time you arrived. We (the GOP) lost. They won. Time to look to 2012. Was my frame of mind. (A member or two of this BB have had to endure some ranting PMs.)
I often wonder (rhetorically) why is this accusation made about GEN Powell and not about other members of the GOP establishment who also broke ranks with the party and endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee. What is the logic of the argument? Why is it not consistently applied to others who crossed over from red to blue? What is the evidence (i.e., a letter, memorandum of conversation, an eyewitness account, or even triple hearsay twice removed) of GEN Powell trading horses? Or are we now the same as our friends on the opposite side of the aisle and hold an accusation to be the same thing as proof?:confused:
C'mon, Bro. You're a good enough historian to know the importance of Powell's stance at the crux of the selection process.
"Simplify..."
Powell voted for Obama because Obama is black. Period. That's racist, and I abhor racism.
Hmmmmmmm....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27266223/ns/meet_the_press/t/meet-press-transcript-oct/
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
alright4u
11-08-2011, 20:12
Sorry. I knew a great S3 in A Co 6th Group who had been in the Americal. T.L. Smith had been an EM/NCO and was a master blaster after MFFP course. He had very little good to say about that unit in 69 as an O-3
Powell goes from a BDE XO to DIV. Then he is a BN CO in 73. Try the most sought after BN in Korea. The 31st. He was not much and I am serious. He was on the AA fast track.
Hmmmmmmm....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27266223/ns/meet_the_press/t/meet-press-transcript-oct/
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
Richard, I've been aware of that interview since it happened.
It's obvious what he did, and there's no way to sugar coat it.
I only met GEN Powell once when he briefed us in the DAO at the AmEmbassy-Bonn while SecState Baker was meeting with Amb Walters just prior to beginning offensive operations in GW1. GEN powell was no-nonsense impressive, and our allies and enemies thought very highly of the honesty and trustworthiness of the GHWB-Baker-Powell team.
So did we.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
I only met GEN Powell once when he briefed us in the DAO at the AmEmbassy-Bonn while SecState Baker was meeting with Amb Walters just prior to beginning offensive operations in GW1. GEN powell was no-nonsense impressive, and our allies and enemies thought very highly of the GHWB-Baker-Powell team.
So did we.
And so it goes...
Richard :munchin
So did I.
That was when he worked for a Republican; before he endorsed a Democrat.
ZonieDiver
11-08-2011, 21:07
You got me on line- now fire your best shot.
I'm no fan of Powell. Don't hate him either. I'm not privy to information about his career from NCOs or EM who served with him. I was just responding to the Veterans' Day piece he wrote, and I'll stand by my comments.
The "collection/coterie of sycophantic asshats" was a reference by Sigaba, which I modified, and was made in reference to members of President Obama's administration.
I'm confused as to your meaning... but I'm often less focused anymore. :)
So did I.
That was when he worked for a Republican; before he endorsed a Democrat.
I see.
Richard
"Simplify..."
As I recall, the sequence of events was that the GOP nominated McCain and Palin, the left and elements of the center and center-right went BSC over Palin. Then, as Palin did her thing, elements of the GOP started to veer left.
As a Republican, would I have preferred GEN Powell to have kept his views to himself? You betcha. As a person with a reasonable set of critical thinking skills, am I surprised that he, like other Republicans, took a closer look at the McCain / Palin campaign and said "Zoiks"? No. Now, some immediately concluded that Powell's endorsement was because of race. Others have concluded that Powell's decision was based upon his sense of nationalism. Others think that Powell's decision reflected the same lack of political acumen that earned him a lot of heartache when he was the secretary of state.
I am inclined towards a combination of the second and third reasons. If someone presents proof--rather than speculation--to substantiate the first reason, I'll take a look.
alright4u
11-09-2011, 03:05
I'm no fan of Powell. Don't hate him either. I'm not privy to information about his career from NCOs or EM who served with him. I was just responding to the Veterans' Day piece he wrote, and I'll stand by my comments.
The "collection/coterie of sycophantic asshats" was a reference by Sigaba, which I modified, and was made in reference to members of President Obama's administration.
I'm confused as to your meaning... but I'm often less focused anymore. :)
A fool can make a Vet's day speech. Powell did did very little by my standards or any SF man's standards's in RVN. Our CCS XO was a major in late 68-Feb 69. He was on his third tour.
Powell, a lousy ROTC grad, gets his ticket punched better then any academy man then. Unreal. And Dawkins was just a BG. Had you been a CPT or above in 70 in college- you might have seen AA at work.You could not throw a Captain or above of color out of the Army.
alright4u
11-09-2011, 03:33
Game, Set, and Match! :lifter
Same here, thanks Richard.
http://www.usvetdsp.com/story13.htm
Here is your HERO.
alright4u
11-09-2011, 03:35
Game, Set, and Match! :lifter
Same here, thanks Richard.
http://www.usvetdsp.com/story13.htm
Here is your HERO.
I see.
Richard
Yeah. It's called loyalty.
Richard, I'm not anywhere near as smart as you are, and I haven't been through anywhere near the level of crap you have. You're a member of a group of soldiers that I consider the best in history, from an era that is criminally neglected in the way of gratitude for its service. I highly respect your input.
It's just that I always go home with the one I brought to the dance.
Sig, I've known and respected your intellect and powers of communication for years, and consider you a buddy, but don't try to piss on me and tell me it's raining.
If anybody can prove to me Powell didn't endorse Obama because of race, I'll accept it. But it would be easier to convince me LiLo's still got her cherry.
Here is your HERO.
Sir,
My game set and match comment was directed at ZonieDrivers wit in rearranging Sigaba's asshats comment, nothing else.
I don't know Gen. Powell, he's not my hero. As a civilian, given less than 8% of the 303 million Americans serve or have served in the military, I think he makes a good point here that for those serving Veterans Day is everyday, and as an American it made me think about that. At times I feel our country is at the point where civilians and the military live in parallel universes, and that bothers me. I did read your link on Powell.
greenberetTFS
11-09-2011, 13:42
Sig, this quote of yours: "Could it be that many Republicans figured out a bit sooner than others (including myself:o) that there was more sizzle than substance to Governor Palin and didn't want to risk having her as the president?" understandably indicates that you didn't vote for the Palin ticket.
I assume you voted for neither, then.
Powell voted for Obama because Obama is black. Period.
That's racist, and I abhor racism.
I totally agree with Dusty...........;)
Big Teddy :munchin
cant hardly
11-09-2011, 13:59
.
He once considered running for president in 1992- as a Democrat. Later he declared himself a Republican, but he seemed as reluctant a Republican as he was a warrior.
Not everyone is rigidly partisan when it comes to party politics. Some people, myself included, consider each situation or election independently- as free as possible from annoying partisan hyperbole. Political party to me is rarely a consideration. Never, even.
Apparently party affiliation and loyalty is important to you- great. Just understand that not everyone thinks the same way.
Come election time, I too hold my nose and vote for the lesser of two evils. That said, QP Dusty's point was that his decision was based on race, not party affiliation, and therein lies the problem. Again, each to his own...
..........Apparently party affiliation and loyalty is important to you- great. Just understand that not everyone thinks the same way.
We've been down this road a number of times. Powell diss'ed on the right wing of the Republican party - wanting the middle of the road, work both sides of the isle kinda' guy. Well the R's split the Conservative vote like they usually do which allowed McCain to float to the top - Powell's dream candidate.
But Obama declared and Powell jumped ship. Some try and spin it but I see it for what it was - racial. JC Watts? Remember him?
And don't drag Palin into it. If you're (you - as in others reading this) saying Powell jumped ship because of the VP - give me a break - Biden???????????????
Big difference between people like Powell and people like West.
greenberetTFS
11-09-2011, 14:35
We've been down this road a number of times. Powell diss'ed on the right wing of the Republican party - wanting the middle of the road, work both sides of the isle kinda' guy. Well the R's split the Conservative vote like they usually do which allowed McCain to float to the top - Powell's dream candidate.
But Obama declared and Powell jumped ship. Some try and spin it but I see it for what it was - racial. JC Watts? Remember him?
And don't drag Palin into it. If you're (you - as in others reading this) saying Powell jumped ship because of the VP - give me a break - Biden???????????????
Big difference between people like Powell and people like West.
Right on Brother Pete, couldn't have expressed any better than that!...........:D :D :D
Big Teddy :munchin