Here we go

Here we go, with 2019 two weeks old.  It will be a terrific and rewarding year.

Already in the planning stages for multiple vacations, with my bride, family, and friends.  Excitement and purpose for each are invigorating.  A baseball watching trip, road trip on the new Harley-Davidson, family get together for a grand daughter's birthday, and other adventures await.  Even considering Death Valley (during the cool months).

Keeping the spirits up is well aided by deciding not to watch the news.  I'd rather spend time listening to country music with my bride than watch supposed journalists simply offer their opinions.  Leaves one in a much better frame of mind too.  

Joining with fellow veterans supporting Patriot Guard Rider missions continues the valued camaraderie from the years on active duty.  Also maintains the essence of patriotism.

More time cycling and hitting the weights in order to continue a healthy life style are favored portions of the daily routine, as is eating a more balanced and nutritious diet.

Saluting our American flag and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each morning reinforces my citizenship.

Regular video chats with my brother are uplifting.

Employing old school letter writing to maintain contract with the grand kids helps fulfill the joy of grand parenting.

Yeah, 2019 is starting out very positively.  

I am determined that it will be a grand year, with new adventures creating enduring memories, along with reinforcing core values and beliefs.  

  

They stand for those who stood for us

Why do they gather most Tuesday mornings at Miramar National Cemetery to pay honor to virtual strangers?  

The names, ranks, and branch of the Armed Forces of veterans, previously unknown to them, are solemnly read off.  An American flag is ceremoniously opened then refolded exactly 13 precise times to form the triangular shape reminiscent of the three cornered hats worn by General George Washington and the first American Army.  Those assembled raise their flags or render a military salute. 

Veterans for the most part, patriots all, they voluntarily perform this important duty, believing individually and collectively that a military veteran should never be laid to rest without someone standing for him/her.

So they stand for those who stood for us.

They are Patriot Guard Riders.

Respect

The general and increasing lack of civility in public discourse, by those elected to represent us, broadcast personalities (many masquerading as journalists or entertainers), academics, and organized labor leaders should distress everyone.  Regrettably, this negative phenomenon is aided and abetted by social media, as well as much of the supposed regular media.

Inflammatory, derogatory, and plain nasty comments made in yesteryear were limited by relatively small audiences they could reach.  The world today revels in the negativity being sent literally around the world, which emboldens the commentators.  So civility retreats further and further.  

It is not a matter of free speech, either.  Do not be swayed by those flying the false flag of free speech as justifying their disrespectful, hateful, incendiary language.  Our free speech laws permit such language, but they do not justify it.

Respectfully, intelligently disagreeing with someone or some idea is the essence of our tenets of free speech.  However, the histrionics employed by all too many woefully fail to comport with those tenets.  Alas, there is nothing I can do to dissuade those who abusively and disrespectfully yammer and hammer at others.  There is nothing I can do to persuade them to act civilly and with respect, even when disagreeing.

I can, most assuredly, choose to associate with those who treat one another with respect.  Even when disagreeing about important issues, these with whom I choose to associate would never treat one another without respect.  Respect born of shared beliefs, sacrifices, service, and experiences.

These with whom I choose to associate are American military veterans.  At Patriot Guard Rider missions, for example, topical issues are discussed, at times with divergent views expressed.  Again, even when strongly held opposing views are shared, it is done so with absolute respect.

Once more, our military veterans stand as exemplars for the general population.  They embody RESPECT.       

Ignorance and distance

Recently a staffer for a purportedly major publication ignorantly asserted that the tattoo on the arm of a Marine Corps wounded warrior depicted a Nazi emblem.  Said staffer was excoriated by many, so I'll not pile on.  The episode does, however, highlight the general ignorance of and distance from our military.

Discounting for the moment the anti-military mindset of many on the left, there can be no argument that with less than one-half of one percent of our citizens serving in the military, ignorance of matters military abounds.  It abounds because most families have no real experience with the military.  Some have even written of this status that military service is becoming more and more a family business, with the sons and daughters of active duty and veterans forming the largest segment of new enlistments.

Whether or not that is accurate, the overwhelming simple ignorance of military service, indeed service to the country of any kind, is growing more and more foreign to generation after generation of Americans.  Apart from the cultural ramifications, it is offered that there is a real national security concern.

It is all too easy for those ignorant of military service, either because they did not serve or their children do not serve, to advocate sending our military into harm's way.  Such advocates do not, as the saying goes, have any skin in the game.  They will gladly, even blithely speak of sending the sons and daughters of others overseas to take on our foes.  And so the cycle perpetuates itself.

Fewer and fewer Americans serving in a military more and more often sent into harm's way by those more ignorant of and more distanced from the armed forces.

This is not a good situation for our nation.    

Pausing and remembering

Much is being written and said about the true meaning of Memorial Day and the associated three day weekend for many.  Most of the sentiment correctly advocates honestly taking the time to really think of the enormity of this National holiday, even as its popular celebration is moved to Monday from the actual date of 31 May.

I join those criticizing the blatant commercialization.  It is sad to see red, white, and blue proliferate the advertisements for the sake of profit.  It is repugnant to read or hear ad copy conveying that it is somehow patriotic to buy this or that product on this particular day.  Of course, the very American freedoms our servicemen and women died for also provide the basis for this rank commercialization.

It occurrs that most of those writing and speaking about the inappropriate use of the holiday and/or strongly advocating embracing its true meaning are from a very small (and getting smaller) segment of the population: active duty military personnel, veterans, and families of the fallen.  And that is a great shame in and of itself.

For some of us, the faces of individual soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines personify Memorial Day.  

We may be the ones observed standing off to the side at various celebrations.  Perhaps with a tear in our eyes.  Or perhaps gathering with those of similar experiences.  

Pausing and remembering.   

Memorial Day, Run for the Wall, and Rolling Thunder

With Memorial Day just around the corner, hundreds of bikers are riding towards our nation's capital, as Run for the Wall, the brainchild of retired Marine James Gregory, makes its way to Rolling Thunder.  

One patriotic artist captures these uniquely American events and expressions of unadulterated love of country.

Renowned artist David Uhl superbly captures the essentials of Rolling Thunder: patriotism, service & sacrifice, American bikers, and independence.  

Marine Staff Sergeant Chambers is now an iconic element of the day.

And the realized vision of one man, Artie Muller.

Armed Forces Day 2018

Saturday May 19, 2018 is Armed Forces Day.

It should not be confused with Memorial Day or Veterans Days.

On Armed Forces Day we recognize those currently serving in uniform, often far from home and going in harm's way.  Volunteers all, they stand for what is right, serve along side their brothers and sisters, and represent the best of our nation.  

Publicly and privately we should thank them for their service.

Unbridled generosity, unabashed patriotism

Motorcyclists (aka bikers) are some of nation's most generous folks.  Every weekend, across the country, bikers come together to ride for a cause.  

Some rides support recognizable causes, like "the cure."  Other rides are local poker runs to support individual needs.

For a few dollars, the biker usually has the opportunity to win or get a little something -- maybe a t-shirt -- while enjoying a ride in the company of like minded motorcyclists.  The proceeds from the run go to the designated cause or purpose.  But it much, much more than simply dropping some dollars into the collection bucket.  

Sharing the American born and raised love for independence embodied in the biker culture, they come out on their rides to be part of an experience.  Maybe a few dozen riders.  Maybe a few hundred.  Maybe a few thousand.  Maybe along country roads.  Maybe on freeways and highways.  All part of the experience of a charity run of one type or another.  Occasionally the run provides an opportunity to show the larger community their generosity, like a toy run prior to Christmas.

In addition to their incredible generosity, bikers are extremely patriotic.  Indeed, many are veterans.  Each May, one large group of bikers leaves Los Angeles, heading to the nation's capital, in a massive demonstration that patriotism never goes out of style.

The destination for Run to the Wall is Rolling Thunder.

From across the nation, tens of thousands of bikes roll through the streets of Washington DC to pay homage to those lost in Vietnam and those missing in action.  And to our servicemen and -women.  Flags flying in testament to the very freedoms embodied by riding a motorcycle.

Whatever some may think, the overwhelming majority of bikers are known for their unbridled generosity and unabashed patriotism. 

So True, Charlie Brown, So True

As famously, if not infamously exclaimed by Charlie Brown, "Good grief!"

Perusing Internet (so called) news sites leaves one thoroughly dismayed.  For example:

• Pelosi declared her six year old grandson wished he were brown.  
• A woman was denied aircraft boarding because of an "emotional support hamster."  
• Two school principals were arrested, one for failing to report six year olds had filmed themselves committing sex acts, and the other for failing to report a sexual assault by a seven year old.    
• A university professor told his class he wished the President were dead.
• POTUS wants a military parade in Washington, DC.
• Opinion writers, who never served in uniform, posing as journalists make categorical declarations about what it means to be in the military.  
• The Dow Jones drops more than 2000 points.
• Congress passes spending bills that deepen our already unfathomable sink hole of national debt.
• Self important "celebrities" declare this and that are horrible, yet strive for the most air time and "news" coverage.
• A bankrupt city wants to provide residents $500 per month, no strings attached. 

Good grief indeed.

Spending other peoples' money.  Narcissism running amok.  Avoiding personal responsibility.  Failing to perform the duties of the office to which elected.  Extending victimology to unheard of and unwarranted areas.  Ascribing sexual awareness where none exists.  Claiming unearned expertise.  Wanting to use the military as potted plants in shameless self-promotion (see footnote).

Good grief.   

That supposed intelligent people are involved in each and every (and vastly more) illustration is disturbing.  From this vantage point is seems as if reason and tolerance have been replaced by absurdity and bigotry.  And it continues unabated.

Good grief.  

The list of examples is virtually endless.  Has the nation gone mad?

Charlie Brown and his fellow characters could certainly do better than those involved in the illustrations.

------------------------------

Footnote: lest one think this is unique to the current White House, do not forget that First Lady Obama appeared on the broadcast of the 2013 Academy Awards, with uniformed military officers as set decorations and dressing.    

Rebuilding our military

There many available articles describing our underfunded and overworked military forces.  Machines and the manpower operating them are tired, worn out, and in precariously low raw numbers.

We face the tyranny of time as it impacts correcting the problems from the past decades and multiple administrations.  

How to reduce the time it will take to rectify all the material challenges, let alone personnel readiness, seems to rest on massive budget shifts.  Away from social, pork, and nonessential programs and into national security.  This requires smart reallocation of resources, without increasing the size of the federal budget.  

A secondary benefit to this shift will accrue from the need for more workers to rebuild the material elements, as well as more people in uniform, increasing employment.  

Now the question becomes one of political will and national leadership.  Unfortunately, the political will appears absent.  And White House/POTUS national leadership are lacking.  Unlike Reagan's ability to work with Congress and communicate with the American people and the world almost four decades ago, Trump has not measured up.  Furthermore, with significantly fewer military veterans in Congress, understanding and appreciating the critical dilemma in which we find ourselves are missing or drowned out by hyper-partisanship.  

POTUS needs to step up, as does Congress -- specifically the GOP -- to invest in our national security.  The goal, as a fellow military retiree so aptly put it, is to have "the most lethal fighting force on the face of the earth by an order of magnitude."  

It is time to take out the red pen and identify the waste in the budget failing to support the entire nation, not the minuscule yet multiple special interests that fund elections and re-elections.  Some of what we read prior to the latest budget deal provided some hope.  For example, eliminating/severely reducing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and other line items.  Nice-to-have, not crucial need-to-have for the survival of the nation.  Across the federal budget, billions can be shifted without increasing the bottom line.  If done well, the annual budget can actually be reduced.  Sadly, it comes full circle to the issue of political will.

Other crucial actions, beyond just making funds available, include fixing the military procurement system; reducing/eliminating unnecessary elements in DoD (personnel reductions and associated O&M funding); streamlining the war fighting structure; and otherwise correcting the lopsided tooth-to-tail ratio.  Once more, political will and national leadership are needed.

Let us hope the leadership will step up and work to create the political will necessary to solve the problem.       

Special trust and confidence

The certificate of commission for officers in the armed forces of the United States of America reads, in part, "Know ye, reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of __(Full Name)__, I do appoint __Him/Her__, __Rank__ in the [branch of the military]."

It seems that special trust and confidence is being sorely abused all too often of recent, with two recent illustrations: Major Thompson USMC in the sex with Naval Academy students scandal and Captain (formerly Rear Admiral) Gilbeau USN of the "Fat Leonard" scandal. Are these outliers or are they indicative of deeper, more serious problems within the armed forces' corps of officers?

I would like to think these are separate, disgusting aberrations. But additional evidence argues against this hope: Air Force officers cheating on nuclear weapons proficiency exams; Army former Lieutenant General Lewis (aide to SecDef) using government credit cards at strip clubs; Army Major General Haight misusing government resources (and having an extramarital affair); and the reports that  hundreds are being investigated in the "Fat Leonard" scandal.

Something is seriously wrong.  For those of us entrusted with the moral and physical responsibilities of leading our men and women in uniform, the special trust and confidence stated in our certificate of commission means we must be held to a higher standard. When a commissioned officer fails to meet that standard, then the punishment must be - say again - must be commensurate with that higher standard.  Punishments seem all too light, meaning senior leadership is failing.

And all the services must critically review applicants  to ensure only the right type of individuals are considered for commissioning; train them in and demand of them the expectations and demands of the highest levels of behavior and performance of duty; advance only those meeting the highest of standards; and require them to self police their fellow officers, adjudicating and severely punishing those who fail to live up to the special trust and confidence granted them.

Only the best must be commissioned and entrusted to lead our men and women of the military into combat.  Anything less fails to meet the standard of special trust and confidence.

Tremendous support from across the nation

Though about seven and one-half months away, the 4th El Cajon Harley Owners Group (HOG) Toys for Tots Ride is indirectly showing that many in great our nation really do have their priorities lined up correctly.  Specifically, the responses to solicitations for items for the opportunity drawing, which is used to entice bikers to join in the event by paying a nominal $10 fee and contributing (at least) one new, unwrapped toy, have been tremendous.  Business after business, many with no association with the military or bikers, are stepping up.

Of course, the children who will be supported by the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program in San Diego are the ultimate beneficiaries.  Christmas.  Kids.  Toys.  A natural combination.  Just the following image generates smiles for this worthy undertaking. 

 

Added is the well known generosity of the biker community.  Hardly a weekend goes by that a fundraiser or charity ride is not hosted somewhere in our region, renowned for the near perfect year around motorcycling weather.  In this case, the El Cajon HOG Chapter is stepping up to plan and host the ride.

Based on the success and media coverage from the 2016 ride, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club reached out and is partnering with the biker club, by providing the ride's destination, as well as exclusive use of the Red Star Bar, special parking, and special seating in the grandstand.  Topping it off, there will be a special horse race, the Toys for Tots Ride.

With all that is challenging in the world, it is inspiring so many unconnected folks are stepping up to help others help the children of the San Diego region enjoy Christmas.  

Paying respects

I don't know how many bikes showed up, but overheard others say it was between 80-100.  On an otherwise quiet Saturday in Ramona, California, a (really) small town east of San Diego, California, the distinctive rumble of Harley-Davidson motorcycles filled the air.  

As distinctive as was the sound, equally noticeable were the countless American flags, large and small, proudly flying from the bikers.  (Contrast this with a high school in Iowa that apologized where its students wore patriotic attire to a recent basketball game.)  Looking at the bikers, military insignia, patches, and service ribbons adorned their vets.

These bikers (more on them later) were gathering on a Saturday morning to pay their respect to US Army soldier PFC Simmons.  They lined their bikes up by the mortuary, preparing to escort PFC Simmons to the church where services would be held.  And then on to the cemetery where he would be laid to rest with full military honors provided by the US Army.

The bikers were predominately military - active duty, retired, and veterans.  From oldest to youngest, the ages spanned five decades and multiple wars.  Some are known to have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in combat.  Regardless, they came together in solidarity to recognize a brother none had met.

Looking around, I did not see one elected official.  I did see active, veterans, and military retirees giving of their personal time to ensure this soldier would be shown the respect he earned as a member of our nation's military.  

The elected officials may not think it was important enough to give of their time, but these military (active duty, retirees, and veterans) certainly did.

After Taps and a final salute, some of the bikers gathered to break bread at a local establishment.  During the routine post mission banter, serving as a release from the high emotions of standing for the fallen, one retired sailor exclaimed that when Taps played, there wasn't a dry eye to be had.

20 somethings and 70 somethings shared a moment this Saturday.  Several hours of their time contributed to paying their respect to a fellow warrior, gone before his time.  All the while cognizant there are other fellow warriors currently going in harm's way.

With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, all too often their sacrifices are unknown to the majority of the nation.  Today these bikers made sure the family of Army PFC Griffin knew his sacrifice was not and never will be forgotten.

One picture

This one picture speaks to the bond of Marine Corps camaraderie.

Semper Fidelis

An outrageous affront

Today's announcement that President Obama commuted the sentence of Private Manning is an outrageous affront to all those serving or who have served honorably in the Armed Forces.  Manning is a criminal, found guilty and sentenced by a court martial.  The full sentence should be served.

It is outrageous this Commander-in-Chief takes such action, clearly and forever breaking faith with our men and women in uniform.  By his action, Obama clearly and unequivocally shows his disdain for the members of the military, their honor, their service, their sacrifice, and the oath they took upon entering our military.

Make no mistake, this action was socially motivated.  No legal or military purpose is served by commuting the sentence of a former soldier who deliberately stole classified information and provided it to unauthorized others.  In other times it is conceivable Manning could have received the death sentence.  Of course, in other times, other Presidents of the United States admired and revered the Armed Forces.

It is particularly galling, given that this week we laid to rest Major Griffiths, U. S. Army at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.  He died while a POW during the Korean war and his remains were just recently identified.  Posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and POW medals, Major Griffiths represents all the best of our Armed Forces.  Obama's action today effectively denigrates and insults Major Griffith's service and sacrifice.

When neither a Private (Manning) or General (Cartwright) are held fully accountable for their illegal actions, because of the decision of the president of the United States, something is sorely amiss in our nation.  

Shame on you, President Obama.

20 January 2017 Update  

Though Obama's action re Manning remains an outrageous affront, at least Bergdahl will have to face the military trial for his actions.





         

A hero's funeral

On this cool January morning in San Diego, under overcast clouds and in a persistent drizzle, they came together.  One by one, they gathered, seeking some shelter under an awning or umbrella.  On a normal day, the majority would be riding their motorcycles.  Due to today's inclement weather, about half came in their vehicles, with the other half braving the weather.  What, one might ask, would possess them to come out in such weather?

The grizzled veterans, clean shaven citizens, men and women alike staged outside the mortuary as members of the Patriot Guard Riders mission supporting the funeral for Major Jack Griffiths, POW/KIA, U S Army.  Major Griffiths fought in World War II and died a POW during the Korean War.  

Most wore jackets or vests adorned with patches depicting military units, the branches of the Armed Forces, patriotic phrases, and the American flag.  Army, Navy, Marine Corps.  From junior enlisted to senior officers, they gathered to honor a fallen comrade.

At the specific invitation of Major Griffith's family, including his son who last saw his father as a two years old, the Patriot Guard Riders were honored and proud to be present, even in such adverse weather.

Standing in the rain, holding American flags aloft or presenting crisp hand salutes, these patriots stood in two lines during the dignified transfer of the coffin into the hearse.  The riders then escorted the hearse and family to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.  There, the U. S. Army awaited and provided full military honors.  Further, Major Griffith's son accepted the posthumous Silver Star, Purple Heart, and POW Medal from the Army representatives.

Throughout, the Patriot Guard Riders stood in the persistent mist, properly Presenting Arms during the rifle volley and playing of Taps.  In a final tribute, they presented a custom made plaque, signed by all, to Major Griffith's son.

Across our nation, Patriot Guard Riders are invited to support the funerals for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who die on active duty, and honorably discharged veterans.  At times, members of the Patriot Guard Riders are the only ones in attendance, standing in as family for their fallen comrades.

They seek no recognition.  They seek no funding.  They volunteer their time.  They honor our men and women in uniform.  Whether it be a sunny afternoon or a cool, damp, drizzling morning, they will "stand for those who stood for us."   

Local TV news story. 

FOOTNOTE:  Looking around during the funeral, one saw U. S. Army soldiers, the U. S. Navy Chaplain, representatives of veteran organizations, Patriot Guard Riders, and the family members and their friends.  But not one elected official.  Apparently no local, state, or federal elected official deemed worthy of their time the funeral for a soldier who died a POW in the Korean War.  Their absence speaks loudly and clearly to this veteran and retired Marine.      

As 2016 draws to a close

As 2016 draws to a close, family was always number one, including getting together and visits for  Christmas, birthdays, and vacations.  Kids, kids of kids, mother, brother, in-laws, and all. 

But life on two wheels was another major element in the year, providing excitement, riding with fellow veterans, and the annual road trip with my best friend Nick.  This year we road to the Hollister Independence Day Rally.

Some of the time in the saddle was spent supporting our active duty military and veterans with the Patriot Guard Riders.  Riding with fellow veterans, we are determined that our men and women in uniform and veterans will not be forgotten.

Some missions provided honors for either the fallen or a veteran.

 

Other missions joined the joyous celebrations in welcoming home Marines and sailors from deployments. 

On some days it was just the joy of being out on the bike, enjoying the quintessential American biker lifestyle, made easier by living in southern California with its great weather.  But whatever the reason for throwing a leg over the saddle, uppermost is the pride of being an American...an American veteran...a Marine.
 

Looking forward to more miles and smiles in 2017.

 

The Christmas season

The Christmas season is rapidly approaching.  For small children, it is a wondrous time of expectation.  For Christians, it is an important religious period.  For (all too) many it is a time of excessive consumerism.  For families, it is a time of looking forward to gatherings.  For some families, however, it is an unfulfilled time.

Military families across our great nation experience the Christmas season from a vastly different perspective than the majority of citizens.  With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, it is not surprising that most do not think of the servicemen and women who spend Christmas away from loved ones.

It may be the family of the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine deployed overseas or forward deployed on one of our Navy's ships.  It may be the family of the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who is just unable to travel home, be it due to finances, duty assignments, or other causes beyond his or her control.

America should offer their prayers for these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and their families during this Christmas season.

Most importantly, we need to offer our prayers for the surviving military families of warriors lost this year: Captain Frederick, Captain Kuss, Staff Sergeant Cardin, Chief Petty Officer Finan, and Major Norton. 

Military tradition

 
Around this time of year, several military related events (US Navy birthday, US Marine Corps birthday, Veterans Day) evoke traditional actions and ceremonies.

Tradition is something civilians, in general, do not understand.  And the current group of progressives, in particular, can not comprehend the importance of tradition.  

For members of the military and veterans, our institutional beliefs make us great, as they set the tone for all who serve.  We were trained in the histories and traditions of our services, not to indoctrinate, but to ensure we understood the responsibility we undertook to safeguard the valor, memories, victories, and sacrifices of those who went before us.

Our traditions help reinforce the belief and imperative of sacrifice, of putting the welfare of our nation, service, unit, mission, and comrades above self.  Never let a fellow Marine down!

The current crop of progressives routinely attack the military and its traditions; like the absolute importance of the American Flag.  Where they can, they seek to force change in our traditions.  For example, doing away with Navy enlisted ratings. 

It is another all too sad reminder of Obama's, Clinton's, and their crowd's disdain for our military .  Tragically, it also provides insight into the world that would follow a Clinton election.  Infamous for her demands that military uniforms be kept out of sight when she was FLOTUS, one can only speculate what steps she might undertake as POTUS. 

Fortunately, we stand above HRC and her kind.  They can not appreciate that which they don't understand, as the reasons for their lack of understanding are simple.  They put self above all else.  They seek personal power, influence, and financial wealth.  They seek to destroy those institutions built upon long histories of tradition, sacrifice, and service to the nation, because these long serving institutions threaten their self-serving objectives.  They disparage those among us who willingly join to serve the nation, to embrace the traditions we learn, while understanding to do so may lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

As we celebrate, remember, and mourn, our traditions stand strong.  No politician without military experience will ever be able to understand this.   

Marine Corps General pleads guilty

As reported elsewhere, retired Marine Corps General James Cartwright pleaded guilty to a felony for action he undertook while on active duty.  This can result in imprisonment for five years, though the report indicates a plea bargain for six months confinement has been proposed.

As a consequence, Cartwright deserves to have his retirement rank and benefits reduced.  General officers are not above the law and when found guilty of breaking the law while on active duty, there must be military unique consequences.

In this case, reduction of retired rank from general (four stars) to colonel is warranted.  Together with the reduction in retired rank, retired pay would be reduced from that of a four star (O-10) to colonel (O-6).

These consequences are most appropriate.

SecDef and SecNav are called upon to swiftly undertake these actions, so when Cartwright walks out of prison, he does so as a retired colonel.