Which Ideals and Principles Will Endure

 Our son Jared who went to Afghanistan and Iraq twice working as an electrician.

 An account on a web site titled Foreign Policy, which was written by a now retired colonel, who last served with the Army Reserves, was pointed out to me recently.  It was yet another story of wrong doing by the Army.  As you will be able to tell if you follow the link to the site, I am a very strong supporter of the Army and those who serve.  Not so much of a fan of those who lead at the top however, so this story really caught my attention.

 Our daughter Beth who served for 8 years in the Texas National Guard and the Army, with our two grand-daughters waiting for my son-in-law to return from his third deployment to Afghanistan.  He has deployed also to Iraq and Korea during the last 10 years.

I felt an old anger surge, to borrow a current military term.  I know of more and more of these instances of leadership failure, and they trouble me so deeply.  Almost every good Soldier I know has a story like this to share.  Either it happened to the Soldier, or they have observed it happen to someone else and felt shaken to their core.  Part of the problem I think is how one of the Seven Army Values is taught.  If you aren't familiar with the Seven Army Values, they are worthy guideposts for anyone's life, and taught to every recruit.  The one that is most often listed by Soldiers as of greatest importance is loyalty, and in all their materials the Army always lists loyalty first.  I agree with that, but not as many serving interpret loyalty as devotion to all things honorable first and foremost, they want to make it about individuals who might be doing questionable things.  A Soldier can get the impression that he or she is to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, in loyal support of leadership.  After all, in most of the "military movies" that is important of all the heroes.  Certainly if every order is questioned by every Soldier, the military mission cannot go forward.  I'm talking about something else, I'm talking about situations which come to light that become clear breaches of ethics, flagrant in fact.  They are almost always orchestrated by leadership who fear no accountability, indicating the behavior is a demonstration of power mongering, for whatever reason.  In fact sometimes it appears to be solely for the amusement of that abuser.  What is most likely the reason is leadership that is self serving in nature, and the career of the individual is at stake.Without honor as its' foundation, loyalty is no longer a virtue.  Many times it is taken as a sort of "what happens in the Army, stays in the Army" sort of deal.  That isn't what constitutes honorable loyalty to me. The Army's official web site states it this way:

Loyalty

Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.    http://www.army.mil/values/index.html

 If a Soldier is taught to look the other way, or hide wrong doing as a part of the context of "loyalty" it surely creates an ethical dilemma that the other six values cannot support.  If it is taught that as a Soldier you accept wrong justice for yourself or another Soldier, again the other six values become tainted and invalid.

Our daughter and son-in-law who was seriously wounded in 2003 in Iraq, and can no longer serve.

Here is how the official Army site defines the other six values:

Duty

Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities — all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take “shortcuts” that might undermine the integrity of the final product.

Respect

Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.

Selfless Service

Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.

Honor

Live up to Army values. The nation’s highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living — Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.

Integrity

Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.

Personal Courage

Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.

  

 In this photo Soldiers and family members applaud the team at Family Day that won the Hoo-ah Contest.  The children of these Soldiers are holding up the trophy the team won.  Family members should always be able to take pride in the service of their loved one, and be able to count on the integrity of the leadership of the Army at every level.  I don't think any of us would surrender our loved one willing to leadership that reflected anything less than absolute devotion to the Seven Army Values.  Never should any family member find themselves in fear of what corrupt leadership has the ability to do with the power afforded them.

I fundamentally disagree with the UCMJ.  I am but a grain of sand on the beach of service in the Army, and I have personal knowledge of enough abuse of power through use of UCMJ that it must be rampant, and unchallenged everywhere.  There is an old saying, for every rat you see, there are fifty you don't see.  Why does the military think that ordinary people could not understand those Seven Army Values, and apply justice according to those principles?  Why is it that only the military can judge the actions of those in the military?  That is a very presumptuous stance, that frankly appears to work in favor of those in high places wishing to protect themselves and their careers.

At a West Point reunion several years ago with my husband's class of 1981 in a meeting with the class members and the then Commandant of the Academy, my husband asked of the Commandant if he had noted any discrepancies in the actual administration of UCMJ.  I will never forget knowing what a great man was at the helm of that institution when he replied without anything but a second of silence, "Yes, I have, and I cannot get support from the generals to change that."  What honesty, what moral courage, he too placed himself and his career in jeopardy when he dared to make such an honest answer to my husband and the class of 1981.  West Point and a committee of generals is the seat of authority concerning maintaining the standards of all things and all matters of the honor and integrity of the United States Army.  The Commandant is the chairman of that committee.  The enemy is within.

 

 Austin County Rodeo Parade, Bellville, Texas, 1st Place Float.

What follows is a link to the site I went to, curious about the experience of yet another who has faithfully served.  Also I have included an edited for grammar version of my last entry in the discussion.  This discussion remains for me of the utmost importance.  It should be to you as well.


 http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/07/25/toms_all_for_relief_but_here_s_the_story_of_how_i_got_relieved_unfairly_in_iraq#lf_com


This was my last entry:

Larry, for my son, fixing those electrical issues was about his birthright, a privilege which there are no words to describe, about being a citizen of the greatest nation the world has ever known, flaws and all.  It was about being an American.  It was about the debt he feels he owes to those who will stand the wall of freedom for every citizen in this country.  (They protect those who are ill informed as to the threats to our survival as a nation, those who cheat, lie, and are without values, just as they protect their own children and loved ones, we all share the benefits of their sacrifices, fools, crooks, scoundrels and all.)  

I still work with these men and women and their families every day.  We have established a small retreat at our little ranch in Texas, and they come from Ft.Hood, Ft. Sam Houston, and really from all over the country.  They stay in our little cabins, sit on our porch, fish, canoe, ride horses, I feed them my best home cooking, our latest little escape for the girly girls among our military families, the Barbie Barn, and I listen as they tell me of their sacrifices.  They really won't readily do that except to one of their own.  They inspire me every day, and break my heart at their stories of failed leadership.  I believe that failed leadership is such a prime factor in PTSD.  I have thoroughly researched all the academic work on PTSD, do so daily for the latest science, and have years of experience with those who suffer from it, beginning with 12 years of raising foster children.  

  Some of my favorite Veterans

 My husband has always had a mantra which motivated his pursuit of excellence, "If the man in front of me can do it, so can I."  He was mentored under generals early in his career he would have followed to hell and back, even if he knew the "back" part wasn't happening, and they were men a man could confidently follow.  He will tell anyone he owes the blessings of his life to God's using the United States Army to bring them to him.  He still believes he owes that organization unyielding support, and like you he retired after 30 years.  You are standing for the honor not only of yourself, but the United States Army.

 I will never forget the pain I saw my husband experience as he discovered just how corrupt "the man in front of him" could be.  That can break a true Soldier...  or as in his and your case, refine him as fire does gold.  Never give up your pursuit of justice, my husband will not.  You guys are men the enemy within do not understand, because it is not in your best interest to pursue these matters, it will only bring you trouble and retribution.   They are only motivated by self-interest, and don't even have the capability of understanding your "rabid bulldog" refusal to give in.  What encourages me so is that the fundamental principles West Point seeks to instill in its graduates are alive and well in at least two men, and as my personal experience has taught me, hundreds of thousands of others who are looking for just such men and women to follow.  Even in retirement, your influence will bring the battle to the enemy within, give strength to those who are facing the same type of corruption, and defend the constitution.  My husband says not everyone who is "IN" the Army, "BELONGS" to that  band of brothers and sisters... the real Army... they are just "paid government employees."  The difference is too vast for words.  The Army belongs to those whose souls are pledged to the Seven Army Values.  In a society where ideals like those you embrace are considered "cheesy," and not really to exist anywhere, men such as you and that other 06 you have served with, know them to be the hope of humanity.   Honor, devotion to sacred duty, and a steel determination that no matter how they are viewed, or by whom, or what their devotion brings, they will stand, separates you from so many, and gives young Soldiers, "the man in front of me.". 

My son addressed ever shower he found because he is a proud American, not proud of our corruption and the corrupted, but proud of the values our country was founded on, proud of the principles that those men and women of long ago established as our corner stone, which caused them to write the foundational document where the words are found, "that all men are created equal, endowed be their Creator with certain inalienable rights."  That document is still worth the greatest of sacrifices to defend, devoted duty to, no matter what enemy, whether they are within or without, and defending no matter what the cost, as you, my husband, and men and women through its’ history have pledged, to the death

As the sign on the gate says at our little ranch, "even a Soldier needs a quiet place to rest."  May I extend to you our invitation to visit the ranch soon.  Hospitality has always been my greatest talent, we will treat you well.  So load up the family, make the trip, rest, talk, and find that bond that those who have never served, can never understand.  While those young brave men who rout out the enemy are the tip of the spear,  men and women such as yourself  are the staff that gives it strength and direction, and without that, their efforts are wasted.  The country is still in need of your services, your voice, and your dedication.  The porch light is always on, and the flag always flies.  I think you know where to find us.  Best regards to you and yours.  Soldier on.

Never Forget, We Are the Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

This video is so worth watching, Texas Country Reporter is one of my favorite television shows, and I like so very few.  I am going to take a trip over to Bay Town to see this when Randy comes home next month.  I will plan a trip with my grand-children as well.  I am committed to telling them over and over what the cost has been for their freedom and liberty, and that the cost will never be paid in full.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRGWUFEeXZw&feature=player_embedded

PTSD Information You May Not Know

 

 When my husband came home from service with the Army in the Middle East among the prophylactic drugs he had been given was "fish oil."  The Army being what it is, he wasn't told why he was being given the "fish oil," it was just, "here, take this once a day."  He thought he was being given this supplement for “heart health.”  Another medication he received was to prevent Malaria.  Seems there might have been an alternate reason for that fish oil.  Fish oil is one of the sources of Omega 3; it is also found in flax seed, and walnuts, along with a few vegetables, but the vegetables do not offer significant amounts.  There are studies that suggest that Omega 3 is preventative for the condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  While certainly more studies are needed, this information should be known by not only those serving in the military, but by everyone.

I vaguely remembered from nursing school that Omega 3 had to do with heart health, but when I began doing a research paper on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and its association with TBI,(Traumatic Brain Injury) I came across the true significance of this essential nutrient that the human body does not have the ability to produce on its own. I will cite the article I found most informative and user friendly at the conclusion of this blog.  The first fact that kept me glued to the entire work was the information that 40% of the brain is made of the fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, (DHA,) Eicosapentaenoic acid, (EPA) and Linolenic acid.  These acids make up what is known as Omega 3.  Linolenic acid is also a part of the bilipid membrane in every cell of the human body.

 I have had Ankylosing Spondylitis since I was fourteen years old, and I had noted that Omega 3 is an anti-inflammatory and began taking it myself about four months ago.  I am nearly sixty years old, and I have never felt this well.  Long ago I had become accustomed to the chronic fatigue, and what the clinical description of Ankylosing Spondylitis notes as "chronic moderate to severe pain."  NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or Motrin,) a group of drugs including Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate and Corticosteroids, and as a last resort, TNF Blockers, such as Enbrel, Remicade and Humira, are the drug interventions available for treatment of this disease. I won't go into the side effects, but one does not submit to any of these courses of treatment lightly.  I can tell how reduced the inflammation is in my body since I began taking Omega 3 by the reduction in pain, plus my CRP levels, (blood test indicating inflammation in the body,) are lowered.

This function of reducing inflammation is one of the attributes that makes Omega 3 vital in the treatment of brain injury. From the articles I have read, there are major benefits involving function and the healing of injuries to the brain produced by Omega 3.  Not only are they a part of the brain itself, these elements act in the neurotransmitter system.  That is significant in TBI and PTSD both, which our Soldiers are suffering from in staggering numbers. Their exposure to repetitive explosions, which produce TBI, by deduction makes education concerning Omega 3 something that should be a part of every Soldier’s training.  

With brain injury, one of the reasons for cell death is inflammation and edema, (swelling.)   Omega 3 has been found not only to be a part of the cells that make up the brain, but they are converted into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.  This function is what makes them vital in treatment and recovery after brain injury. They are also significant in recovery from injury anywhere in the body.

For all the years that I worked in nursing the kind of brain injuries I became familiar with are the kind most people understand somewhat.  These kinds of injuries can cause loss of consciousness, either short term or long term, with long term producing what is known as "a coma."  The symptoms are obvious and dramatic.  Auto accidents, falls, and other such trauma produce irrefutable evidence of severe injury, and are sometimes fatal within a short period of time.  Usually there are other accompanying injuries as well.  There is another brain injury that is often encountered in childhood, which is known as your everyday vanilla "concussion."  I can remember having a concussion when I fell off a slide and my head landed on a large rock when I was about six.  I remember throwing up, feeling dizzy, and having a headache, but I have had no after affects.  Visual disturbances such as diplopia, (seeing double,) are another symptom of your garden variety type "concussion." 

When someone sustains repetitive garden variety mild concussions, a condition can develop called Postconcussive Syndrome.  Ordinary concussion symptoms disappear in two to seven days.  In PCS, longer lasting symptoms, such as mood alterations and behavioral changes, fatigue, sleep pattern changes, and poor concentration distinguish this type of brain injury from both major traumatic brain injury and plain concussion injuries.  The syndrome PCS can not only be long lasting, creating life altering symptoms, but it can also become permanent.  Of course our military sustain “concussions” routinely from the explosions they are exposed to.  A Soldier can sustain a mild TBI, (traumatic brain injury,) and not display any signs of injury at all, and be sent right back to combat duty. 

Those in the military are not the only persons affected by Postconcussive Syndrome (PCS), athletes, both amateur and professional can develop PCS.  High school football players are particularly at risk, as are boxers.  When I chat in the social medias where military folks hang out, there are always a few either active duty military, or veterans, who do not believe in PTSD.  They express, in so many words, that they feel it is really just whining Soldiers that can't cut the mustard. That really is such a display of ignorance.  What distresses me most is that some of them appear to be officers in charge of combat units. I had a technician from my satellite internet provider, who was a veteran, tell me that most of the Soldiers applying for disability because of PTSD brag about scamming the government for a hand out.  I am sure that people being people, perhaps there are some who do, but not for the most part.  I have found too much information on PTSD which proves that this condition is in part a biological injury to include  all of it in this blog entry, but I will be posting several entries sharing what I have found.  Tonight I am going to cite the articles I have read so far, beginning as I said, with the one that is most user friendly.  

 Self-education is vital when it comes to health, and that is especially true concerning any involvement in health issues with the military or the VA.  So tonight, while I am no expert on any subject I have discussed here, to me it just makes sense that if you are suffering from PTSD, the supplement Omega 3 might be a consideration for you.  I get mine in the form of Omega 3, 6, 9 from Walmart, and the cost is less than five dollars.  I am careful to choose from the brands the one that is pharmaceutical grade, which has had the mercury removed. Mercury is a problem with fish oil.  It seems our oceans are so polluted that mercury is present in fish, and can accumulate in the body of anyone eating large amounts of fish.   Since the vital requirements of the body include Omega 3, it would be a wise choice for anyone to add this supplement to their diet.  I think you will note a difference in just a matter of days.

Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury: What Is Known?

Katherine H. Taber; Deborah L. Warden; Robin A. Hurley

The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 2006;18:141-145.

http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=102725

Psychiatric News   |   October 07, 2011

Volume 46 Number 19 page 22-23

American Psychiatric Association

Clinical and Research News

Hormone May Be Long-Sought Treatment for Brain Injuries

Leslie Sinclair

http://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/newsarticle.aspx?articleid=179709&RelatedNewsArticles=true

Mayorga MA: The pathology of primary blast overpressure injury. Toxicology 1997; 121:17—28

Wightman JM, Gladish SL: Explosions and blasts injuries. Ann Emerg Med 2001; 37:664—678

DePalma RG, Burris DG, Champion HR et al: Blast injuries. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:1335—1342

Murray CK, Reynolds JC, Schroeder JM et al: Spectrum of care provided at an Echelon II medical unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mil Med 2005; 170:516—520

Gondusky JS, Reiter MP: Protecting military convoys in Iraq: an examination of battle injuries sustained by a Mechanized Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Mil Med 2005; 170:546—549

Mott FW: The effects of high explosives upon the CNS. Lecture I. Lancet 1916; 4824:331—338

Mott FW: The effects of high explosives upon the CNS. Lecture III. Lancet 1916; 4828:545—553

Fabing HD: Cerebral blast syndrome in combat soldiers. Arch Neurol Psychiatry 1947; 57:14—57

Cramer F, Paster S, Stephenson C: Cerebral injuries due to explosion waves—"cerebral blast concussion." Arch Neurol Psychiatry 1949; 61:1—20

Mott FW: The effects of high explosives upon the CNS. Lecture II. Lancet 1916; 4826:441—449

Macleod AD: Shell shock, Gordon Holmes and the great war. J R Soc Med 2004; 97:89

Mott FW: The microscopic examination of the brains of two men dead of commotio cerebri (shell shock) without visible external injury. J R Army Med Corps 1917; 29:662—677

Guy RJ, Glover MACNP: Primary blast injury: pathophysiology and implications for treatment. Part 3: Injury to the CNS and the limbs. J R Nav Med Serv 2000; 86:27—31

Sylvia FR, Drake AI, Wester DC: Transient vestibular balance dysfunction after primary blast injury. Mil Med 2001; 66:918—920

Murthy JMK, Chopra JS, Gulati DR, et al: Subdural hematoma in an adult following a blast injury. J Neurosurg 1979; 50:260—261

Hirsch AE, Ommaya AK: Head injury caused by underwater explosion of a firecracker. J

Levi L, Borovich B, Guilburd JN et al: Wartime neurosurgical experience in Lebanon, 1982—85. II. Closed craniocerebral injuries. Isr J Med Sci 1990; 26:555—558

Povlishock JT, Katz DI: Update of neuropathology and neurological recovery after traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2005; 20:76—94

Kaur C, Singh J, Lim MK, et al: The response of neurons and microglia to blast injury in the rat brain. Neuropathol App Neurobiol 1995; 21:369—377

Kaur C, Singh J, Lim MK, et al: Macrophages/microglia as "sensor" of injury in the pineal gland of rats following a nonpenetrative blast. Neurosci Res 1997; 27:317—322

Moochhala SM, M.D. S, Lu J,et al Neuroprotective role of aminoguanidine in behavioral changes after blast injury. J Trauma 2004; 56: 393—403

Cernak I, Savic J, Malicevic Z, et al: Involvement of the CNS in the general response to pulmonary blast injury. J Trauma 1996; 40:100—104

Cernak I, Wang Z, Jiang J, et al: Ultrastructural and functional characteristics of blast injury-induced neurotrauma. J Trauma 2001; 50:695—706

Cernak I, Wang Z, Jiang J, et al: Cognitive deficits following blast injury-induced neurotrauma: possible involvement of nitric oxide. Brain Inj 2001; 15:593—612

Saljo A, Bao F, Haglid KG, et al: Blast exposure causes redistribution of phosphorylated neuofilament subunits in neurons of the adult rat brain. J Neurotrauma 2000; 17:719—726

Axelsson H, Hjelmqvist H, Medin A, et al: Physiological changes in pigs exposed to a blast wave from a detonating high-explosive charge. Mil Med 2000; 165:119—126

Gutierrez-Cadavid JE: Imaging of head trauma, in Imaging of the Nervous System. Edited by Latchaw RE, Kucharczyk J, Moseley ME. Elsevier Mosby, Philadelphia, 2005, pp 869—904

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Mendez CV, Hurley RA, Lassonde M et al: Mild traumatic brain injury: Neuroimaging of sports-related concussion. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2005; 17:297—303

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Hurley RA, McGowan JC, Arfanakis K, et al: Traumatic axonal injury: Novel insights into evolution and identification. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2004; 16:1—7

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Huisman TAGM, Sorensen AG, Hergan K, et al: Diffusion-weighted imaging for the evaluation of diffuse axonal injury in closed head injury. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2003; 27:5—11

Tong KA, Ashwal S, Shutter LA et al: Hemorrhagic shearing lesions in children and adolescents with posttraumatic diffuse axonal injury: improved detection and initial results. Radiology 2003; 227:332—339

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Taber KH, Hayman LA, Diaz-Marchan PJ, Rauch RA: Imaging of intracranial blood, in Imaging of the nervous system. Edited by Latchaw RE, Kucharczyk J, Moseley ME. Elsevier Mosby, Philadelphia,2005; 555—575

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Orrison WW, Moore KR: Neuroimaging and Head Trauma, in Neuroimaging. Edited by Orrison WW. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 2000, pp 885—915

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Okie S: Traumatic Brain Injury in the War Zone. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:2043—2047

Warden DL, Ryan LM, Helmick KM, et al: War neurotrauma: the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) experience at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). J Neurotrauma 2005; 22:1178

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Cernak I, Savic J, Ignjatovic D, et al: Blast injury from explosive munitions. J Trauma 1999; 47:96—103

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Trudeau DL, Anderson J, Hansen LM et al: Findings of mild traumatic brain injury in combat veterans with PTSD and a history of blast concussion. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 1998; 10:308—313

Cernak I: Blast (explosion)-induced neurotrauma: A myth becomes reality. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 2005; 23:139—140

 Koelsch, S. (2009). A Neuroscientific Perspective on Music Therapy. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 1169374-384. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04592.x

Profound Wisdom For Any Nation, I am Sure Queen Margrethe is Familiar With Them

Psalms 20 and 21 are two that are not attributed to David.  They also go together, the 20th being attributed as a Psalm of intercession by the people on behalf of the king before battle.  Then in Psalm 21,  is praise for God's granting the victory.  My favorite verses from these two chapters are verses 6, 7, and 8 of chapter 20.

6.  Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

7.  Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.  

8.  They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

I saw this link on my friend Buzzy's facebook.  Nothing is stronger than a God fearing nation, openly lead by God fearing leadership.

http://cphpost.dk/news/politics/51124-new-immigration-minister-become-like-us-or-stay-away-.html

I have to agree with this at the risk of sounding prejudice, I have no quarrel with any person choosing their own god, that freedom isn't granted by any nation, it is granted by God in His Holy Wisdom.  However, when it gets down to  the dregs of the barrel, and no one is left but me to sustain the battle, I will fight to the death to maintain that God given freedom for myself , my family, and my country.  I welcome any and all to my country who will respect our laws and our freedoms.  I wish them no harm, only peace and prosperity, I believe in their right to freedom as much as I believe in my own right to freedom.  My family members have crossed the ocean to defend our country and their own rights to freedom, one sustained almost fatal wounds, and I know in my heart he is constantly haunted by his service.  He would give anything to be back in the Army serving still.

The blood of my family is on foreign soil, wounds apparent and not apparent exist, all I ask in return is respect for my freedom, that of my family, and that of my country.  Don't come to be my neighbor unless you respect those God given rights for both myself and you.  Because of what our nation has been through, what it has cost, and what still lies at stake, sometimes I don't trust easily,   That is wisdom, not prejudice.  Wisdom for me, and for you as well, because if you come to my country with right intentions, you are a target of my enemies as well.

  

The Most Important Thing I Will Ever Post., Army Ethics

If you never follow another link on a computer, this is a site you should look at!!!

http://cape.army.mil/

It has to do with the official development of professional ethics in the United States Army, and is based at West Point.

Sometime Back I Found a Significant Army Study about Leadership

At times I become so discouraged and jaded concerning the leadership of the Army that paranoia takes over completely and I begin to doubt that there is anyone anywhere near the top who can be counted as anything but military mafia heads.  I know that seems a strong and irresponsible statement, but in case you don't fully understand what I am saying, or think I am just another ranting lunatic, I mean in the silent moments of the darkness of night I lay awake praying the most urgent and pressing requests of my heart, that my husband stays safe from the enemy... and I am referring to "the enemy within."  I have found this enemy to be powerful beyond anything I could have imagined even five years ago, and so pervasive that in recent weeks I have considered divorcing the institution known as The United States Army, and pledging my loyalties solely to those honorable men and women, and their families who stand in the gap everyday for me and mine.   

If you serve, have served, or reap the benefits of those who serve, (of course that takes in every citizen in the world, ) I urge you to carefully read this material referenced, and I paste my own comment in response to having read the findings of this study, which I feel is the most critically important issues our country, and in fact the world faces today, the credibility of  The United States Military in reference to duty, honor, country....

Guest Blog

This blog was established to provide a forum where military personnel and civilians can publish posts that pertain to military affairs.

Provide Me Your Perspectives

In the past eight years plus our Army has transformed its organization, how it fights across the spectrum of conflict, and how we create and define mission success.  From where I sit, it has been an amazing performance, but I wonder about the long term impact persistent conflict is having on our Army, our shared values, and our professional military culture.

I am interested in gaining your perspectives on how eight years of war, modularity, decentralized operations, and ARFORGEN have affected our core leadership attributes. I believe that a professional dialogue is essential to clarifying the issues we need to address to ensure the future health of our Army.
GEN Pete Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army

Only published comments... Feb 08 2010, 07:45 PM by GEN Chiarelli Filed under: VCSA, Perspectives, Persistent Conflict

Debra LeCompte said:

I am not a member of the military, but I have served and sacrificed.  My husband, Colonel Randy LeCompte, has served in the Army for the past 29 years and is currently deployed to Afghanistan.  One of my daughter's was in the Army for 8 years,  she currently works in the civilian sector, leaving the Army after 9/11 due to concern that both she and her husband would be deployed at the same time.  I have watched her and our two grand-daughters cope with multiple deployments, and in June their whole family will leave for a three year tour in Germany.  Our 16 year old son is seeking an appointment to the Air Force Academy.

We also have another son-in-law who was blown off a tank he was refueling and then shot in the shoulder; this happened in 2003 in Iraq.  He has a 45% disability and would give anything to be allowed to return to the Army today.

My husband had a difficult upbringing, coming from an abusive home without many resources.  He will tell anyone that the Lord used the United States Army to raise him and give him most of the opportunities of his life.  He received an appointment to West Point, and graduated in the top five percent of his class and is a graduate of the Army War College.  In his civilian position he serves as Program Manager for the Caimon, the second generation MRAP produced by BAE Systems.  My father served in World War II, and my grand-father in World War I.  I will tell anyone that life as a family in the military offers so many more positives than negatives.  What better principles are there to raise children by than those 7 Army Values?  What better model for successful family living can there be than that of the "Army Family."  My husband gives a recruitment speech where he advises that the Army can give and individual SIP, skills, identity, and purpose.  It can do the same for a family.  The Army provides resources and opportunities not only to the Soldier, but to the Soldier's entire family.  It also requires those sacrifices I mentioned before.

I have worked extensively in Family Readiness and have found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I have found it so because of the opportunity it afforded me to come to know so many uncommon men and women in service to this country.  Their families, when successful, and not all military families are, are made up of incredible men, women, and children.  I have had the opportunity to come to know them very well also. I  feel that the families of career Soldiers serve and sacrifice with the same measure that their Soldiers do.  It is not the same service and sacrifice, however it is of the same value.

As in all organizations and endeavors, there are those who serve always from a place of excellence, some middle grounders, and some who should not even be there.  However, I have found that those ratios are not the same as your ordinary civilian work place.  There is a much higher percentage of Soldiers who serve with a consistent excellence and the mind set of selfless commitment to honor and integrity.  Sadly, one of the rare, but still present, personality types drawn to military service is the "school yard bully" type.

I have noted that a good Soldier will perform any mission, anywhere, whether he/she is provided the resources with which to do it or not, and ask for only two things: leadership that they can confidently follow, and that their families be taken care of.

Even though I am not in the military, the transformation has affected my life profoundly.  I have some observations, life experiences actually, which I would like to pass on to you.

An effective, organized and continuous FRG can be make a huge impact on whether a military family is successful or not.  That kind of FRG only happens with the complete and total support and commitment of the commander.  I have seen commanders who hold FRG in little regard, with the attitude that it is a regulatory obligation that is a waste of time.  I make that statement from personal observation and from listening to the comment of hundreds of FRG leaders in training events across the nation.  I also make that statement from personal experience.  My daughter, who spent 8 years in the Army, is married to a Soldier, and has spent the last 14 yeas at Ft. Hood as a military family first heard of Military One Source from me, long after she should have.  In the three deployments her family has been through in the last 6 years, she has had little to no support from FRG or the rear detachment.  She has gotten her support from friends and our family, it has been a struggle, but their family has prevailed and come through stronger each time.  That is not always the case.  Go to facebook and the Army Wives group and listen to thousands of young Army wives and the situations and challenges they and their young families are facing.  The FRG model works... it is a tremendous tool for training these young families for successful living, even during deployments.  HOWEVER IT MUST HAVE THE COMPLETE SANCTION, AND SUPPORT OF THE COMMANDER, AND THE COMMANDER'S COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN HIS/HER FRG ORGANIZATION.  IT MUST ALSO HAVE THE UNIT RESOURCES COVERED IN THE REGS, PLUS THE BEST LEADERSHIP THE COMMANDER CAN FIND.  A COMMANDERS ATTITUDE TOWARD FRG WILL GREATLY INFLUENCE THE LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION AND THE QUALITY OF THE FRG ORGANIZATION.

Soldiers, without exception come from families, and when their service is completed, if they still have one, they return to families.  Sometimes they return as the families sent them, and sometimes they return with wounds both visible and wounds of the heart, and sometimes a family makes that complete sacrifice, and they return borne on the shoulders of their brothers, a fallen hero.  A Soldier does not experience success and fulfillment unless his or her family is taken care of.

The other thing a Soldier must have is leadership that they know they can trust to lead them only from a place of honor, from a complete commitment to the Army Values.  They need to know them to be fair, honest, and trustworthy.  Again, the finest men and women I have known in my lifetime are numbered among Soldiers, and there are far more of them than the other kind.  But I have encountered, self serving, lying, and dangerous people, who will stop at nothing to gain their own agenda.  It has been my observation that those persons can be in extremely high positions of power and can make or break a Soldier, and wield their power in the most destructive ways.  They use the 15-6 process, because the process allows them to, in down right illegal ways.  In the past four years I have personally encountered 8 Soldiers who were suicidal.  In each of those persons, the claim was made of "bad command."  Two of them committed suicide.  I am a grain of sand in my connection to the Army... IN FOUR YEARS I HAVE ENCOUNTERED 8 SOLDIERS!  That is an average of 2 a year!  Soldiers seem to be able to withstand a girl friend running off with their money, the separations, the hardships of war... but if you add... "bad command," which causes them to question if the service and sacrifice has been made under the leadership of someone of less that honorable intent, they question everything, and sometimes come up with the wrong answer.  The thing that perpetuates "bad leadership" is the Army's reluctance to own up to a leader's failure.  In fear of embarrassing the Army, things get swept under the rug, no one wants to risk their career to stand in moral courage against this cancer.  It isn't a Soldier fighting against the Army, it is a Soldier fighting for the Army, for those values, for the honor of the Army, that builds the confidence of a Soldier to follow.  The system must be made less capable of misuse, and more accountable to itself.  The Army monitors it's own integrity, and leadership MUST give due diligence to this fundamental task in order to keep from discouraging those Soldiers of the caliber that are most desirable and keeping them from walking away.  If they do not, soon the bottom of the barrel folks will be the norm.

I can tell the story of a 19 year service Soldier sleeping on the floor of a jail in Garland, Texas, because of failed leadership.  I can tell the story of a friend's husband who questioned unethical behavior and found himself the subject of a 15-6 and death threats while serving in Afghanistan.  There are so many more.  One of these situations is too many.  That it has happened in front of me, with family members reaching out to me for help has given me pause.... I often wonder what feelings it caused in those Soldiers watching these events, in those family members experiencing this betrayal by the Army.  I do not know what the solution is, but I find the Army so good at being the emperor with no clothes.

Finally I would like to say to each of the men and women who have posted here, and to you Sir for being the leader I so readily see you being, thank you for your service.  Our country owes each of you a debt that cannot ever be paid in full.  Soldier on, for the sake of us all.

Then I had the nerve to post a second post... they posted that one to...

Debra LeCompte said:

Nate Nelsen.... you nailed it.  I would ask you to reconsider your decision.  You are the kind of man of moral courage who can make a difference.  The Army needs you, those Soldiers who will ruck-up and head off to war need you.  As the mother of a Soldier, the wife of a Soldier, I need to know men like you are on the job.  If men like you leave, we must trust those we love most to the leadership you speak of, and it doesn't stop at the company level.  If you won't stay and go the distance, who will?  I know too well the stress it brings, the risk it brings... but I will stand behind you personally, and I know others who will too.  They have called me in the middle of the night, and even I have been effective, and I'm a nobody.  Please reconsider, and what ever your decision, thank you so much for your service, I personally feel a debt I know the rest of the country shares.  We will forever be grateful for what you have already given.  Hoo-ah Sir!

February 26, 2010 12:46 AM 

Debra LeCompte said:

Bob King, I read the article you referenced in the Washington Post.  It conflicts me somewhat.  I have recognized, and in a couple of cases, experienced two distinct types of command failure.  Any human can make a mistake in judgment which causes tragic consequences, all of us fall in that category.  When it is found that a leader makes a mistake in judgment, when there was no way to judge what the outcome would be before a decision was made by that commander, how can the Army choose to act in discipline?  When that commander carefully gathered information, sought input from appropriate resources and experts, and sometimes time constraints make that almost impossible, and hesitation guarantees failure, and the that commander makes and carries out a decision, I believe they should have the full backing of the Army.  I just can't see if he or she makes a mistake in that decision process, that there be negative consequences invoked in the form of punishment from the Army, the investigation process itself will be punitive for any good Soldier.  The idea that he or she might have made a decision that harmed a Soldier, to a good commander is so painful that nothing the Army can do to them comes close to what their own mind does to them.
There is another kind of commander, the kind Nate Nelsen references in his comment above.  Much of the damage they do has nothing to do with being in a combat zone and under the gun.  When that type of "command failure" occurs it is the result of a power monger using his or her power to the detriment of the Army and all who serve.  Usually threat, implied or spoken is involved, and that threat is directed at an individual Soldier, but almost always other Soldiers are drawn in by "toxic command," in order to gain submission of the individual.  When there is a clear tolerance of the power monger, it takes moral courage that is of suicidal nature to stand against the power monger.  Facts and evidence do not matter, all involved understand what the outcome will be, and the targeted Soldier is often advised... just let it go, take your licks, don't risk your career.  Each time that happens in even the most insignificant situation... you feed the monster.  Junior officers hear the message, this is acceptable and tolerated behavior.  Everyone who has any knowledge of the situation sustains injury.  In a profession where those in charge have the job, power, and sanction of the Army and the country, to order the taking of a human life in the act of war, all who are subject to their authority, or can view their authority and how they use it, need to be absolutely certain that their character and honor are beyond question.  If that is the case, and mistakes are made that result in harm that could have been avoided, but the judgment of that leader whose character and honor are beyond question caused the harm... nothing will be gained by their punishment.  Every officer or leader worth anything knows the position they place themselves in and the risk of losing everything with a single wrong decision that exists.  It is that calculating, self serving, manipulative, career advancing "leader" who will malign, and yes, even for entertainment, deliberately cause harm to someone under, OR ABOVE him or her, for any reason, that causes good Soldiers to think to themselves... "I'm out of here before I am the next victim."
Sometimes, before a good Soldier can realize what is happening, they are trapped by one of these individuals, falsely accused, and to that Soldier it feels like the Army is betraying them.  That isn't the case, it is the toxic Soldier who doing so, causing them harm, and doing so deliberately for the cause of a personal agenda.  However, when the Army fails in the process of the "investigation" to do due diligence, and allows even the most minor abuse of power, there indeed is leadership failure.  Again, any time good Soldiers observe this type of behavior and failure of the "Army system" to REALLY explore facts and REALLY judge justly the situation, whether they are involved or not, many will leave, too disappointed and fearful of their own encounter with toxic leadership.
As I sit and type here and recall the look and words of Soldiers whom I have encountered who have experienced the shell shock of this type of leadership failure and assault by the "enemy within," a sadness and despair floods over me at remembering the broken men and women I have seen.  With one exception, they each admitted to suicidal thoughts.  There is a young man who haunts me, he took his life, and I can not prove why, but I know why.  I have tried to call legal attention to this death, and the refusal to investigate stands as irrefutable evidence to me of the deliberate tolerance of toxic leadership by the Army.  As the mother of a Soldier, as the daughter of a Soldier, as the grand-daughter of a Soldier, as the wife of a Soldier, this toxic leadership is intolerable.  The Army belongs to good Soldiers, those who bring honor and respect to the Army, and the FIRST obligation of the Army is for every Soldier who has authority over another to ensure that the rules are enforced without regard to WHO a Soldier is, but to WHAT they are.  Investigations should be conducted from the top down, not the bottom up when something has gone wrong, because the top always has the most power and authority to prevent wrong doing.  When a toxic leader exists... someone had a part in promoting them, it then is a case of accountability.  If my statements make this blog, it will be a clear indication things are moving in a right and honorable direction, and it will be due to the kind of leadership that can be trusted, that is honorable, accountable, and when followed, a Soldier is ensured of moving for the benefit of our country, our people, and the good of mankind, as well as it can be determined by the best of the best.  Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children, and all who love Soldiers, can confidently loan them to the service of the Army, assured that if it cost us what we value most, it will have been a worthy act of valor that took the Soldier we love.  I love all that the Army stands for, I have the greatest admiration for those who take upon themselves the responsibility to lead the great men and women who stand in the defense of democracy and each of us, who sacrifice, and who are unable to do anything but the right thing. May God grant you wisdom, moral courage, and grace as you serve.

February 27, 2010 10:28 PM

What I Need is a Good Command Sergeant Major, or Wildflowers of Soldiers Heart Ranch

This horse is always giving me so much trouble, and she is a ring leader when it comes to the other horses getting in trouble, she will lead them astray every time...  The whole group is out of control!  My kingdom for a good command sergeant major!

I have spent the last three days trying to keep the horses in the pasture.  Once Blue learns a new "horse joke," like shoving the entire T-post fence over , she just plays it over and over.  Because of the kind of soil we have, every hoof print they make must be filled in by hand or you flat can't mow the grass, it tears up even a Troy-Bilt!  Not t o mention that she finds it amusing to clip off the tops of all of my landscape lights, and the sewer system sprayers, plus she loves geraniums as an appetizer.  The wind is blowing like a hurricane here, there is so much work I want to do to have everything beautiful when my husband comes home, and everything is still gray, and I need a horse whisper or some sort of mail influence, as I seem to have spoiled every one of the littl e buggers. 

I came in and reviewed my spring wild flower pictures from last spring in order to calm my frazzled nerves, and give me inspiration to "Soldier on!"  Decided to share them here as well, so you can click on the first one and see a preview of spring too, I am about tired of everything being gray, I need some green!  At first I could not figure out how to make the needed repairs and actually keep the horses in while I was doing so without killing my back.  Sometimes things seem to small to bother God about in prayer, but I was awake all night long last night trying to figure out how to fix the fence so they could not get out, and I had to stay home from church to try and effect repairs before Blue and her "Band of Sisters," did some real damage. 

After talking with Randy from Iraq, it dawned on me a little prayer couldn't hurt.  I whined one to the Lord.  I walked out, immediately saw solutions I couldn't see before, and had them back in, and the fence fixed in 45 minutes...  I just smiled sheepishly and God, whispered thank You Father, and blew Him a kiss....   He smiled back while shaking His head.  Thought you too might enjoy a "pick-me-up" as we fight off the last of the cold weather and winter and enjoy looking at pictures of  His handiwork last year.

Let's Talk About Motive Here...

I've spent some time in the learning curve on social media now.  I had just considered it a "for fun" thing, but in the light of a revolution organizing on twitter and facebook, the realities have hit me.  That brings up for me that perhaps we should all carefully consider the credibility and motivations of some individuals I have noted declaring themselves whistle blowers and loudly blogging to the whole world about corruption that,  according to them, they are the only ones noting.   Some of these folks have not officially declared themselves whistle blowers, they insinuate they are just keeping an eye on everything for the rest of us on topics everywhere from "which toilet paper really is best," to "who should be running the government and why."  Many of these watch dog individuals seem to be motivated by passionate hearts concerning what they write about, and bringing about honor and integrity in the organizations they criticize, and others, not so much so .

I have also noted that there are some who, tweet, blog, write, and pontificate on subjects they feel draw an audience, and their motivations seem to come from personal gain.  One of my in-laws pointed out a site to me that I visited and found full of criticism for private contractors and the military as they are involved in the War on Terror.  I am not naive enough to think that corruption isn't rampant, however, some of these bloggers seem to be more into making a dollar than making things better.  Many writers, some without any immediate ties to the military, or other entities or organizations they criticise, that I can discern, seem to take up criticism as a profession.  

When I begin to question their motives for certain is when they post methods in which you can electronically send them money in support of their work at monitoring whatever they have taken up as their cause.  One such blogger that I really find a questionable champion is Ms. Sparky.  Her site can be found at this link: http://mssparky.com/

She describes herself as a "stay at home grandma, who is homeschooling her grand-son," and also describes herself as a "licensed journeyman electrician who spent time working in the green zone in Baghdad," as she documents while giving her work history.  Then she describes her blog in these words...

"As for my blog….I blog about whatever I choose. It could be something cute my grandson did one day, complaining about the deer eating my roses the next, crying over electrocuted soldiers and ranting about KBR and the Pentagon the next. In the last year or so it has been more ranting about the DoD and their contractors than anything! My blog has no agenda other than sharing the things I am passionate about with my family, friends and dedicated readers.

My blog is not one of those rainbow and butterflies blogs. I say what I mean and I mean what I say and the comments on my posts are every bit as interesting as the post itself. Feel free to leave comments."

Her posted motto is,

"I strive to live my life in such a way that when my feet hit the floor in the morning corrupt defense contractors shudder and say 'OH SHIT...SHE'S AWAKE!'" ~ Ms Sparky

This statement seems to be in direct conflict with the previous statement where she says,  "My blog has no agenda other than sharing the things I am passionate about with my family, friends and dedicated readers."  That certainly sounds like the clear expression of an agenda to me.

Far be it from me to criticize anyone who claims to champion those who serve in the military, the American tax payer, and the average guy who is just trying to earn a living and must deal with corrupt big companies who exploit people, or corruption amid the leadership of our country or the military, however, something seems to be not quite right here.

For instance, there is a box where, as I mentioned earlier, you can choose a payment method to "support OUR fight."  Somewhere in there she began using the terms, we, our, etc...  That doesn't quite fit in with that description I find under, "Meet Ms. Sparky," and the stay at home grand-ma thing.

I have known some true "whistle blowers," and generally speaking, the things that define them as whistle blowers are that they stand to "lose" something by "blowing the whistle," and they aren't asking for donations.  They are acting with moral courage to reveal corruption, and doing so results in negative things in their lives, not donations or any other personal gain, to include fame.  Another sign for me that the motivation of an individual probably isn't completely altruistic, is when their writings ignore all positive reports, you won't find much of a positive note in her blog, could it be that deliberately ignoring positive things benefits her in some way?  Ms. Sparky is extremely critical of military personnel who take jobs in the defense industry, which appears to me to be closely associated with people who blog and ask for donations when they retire as a "journeyman electrician" to be a stay at home grand-ma and blog for a living about contractors and the military in the current war effort... maybe it's just me.

I'll be the first to admit, I've known, and do know some generals who aren't worth a plug nickle in a collection of a dozen, but when I type that, nothing nice happens to me.  When I blog about corruption in military leadership, or power mongering, my motive is the young men and women who are serving with honor, those contractors who are doing the same, and the consequences that self-centered service brings to these patriots and their families.  I don't get a pay check, or ask for "a donation for our work."  I suspect she isn't speaking of a donation for an organized 501-C entity, so there probably will be no tax break coming for any donation one might make. 

In fact, my husband, who has worked very hard for the last two years in the area that Ms. Sparky speaks with such authority about, and has actually done things about corruption and the misuse of people and resources, just has a harder time when I write such things.  Let's just say, these words are not going to enhance his career or ability to earn a living anywhere.  I adore my husband, no woman has ever loved any man more, and never would I bring anything negative to his life.  However, I know him, his work, his moral courage, and the personal stand he makes everyday.  He is a colonel, a honor graduate of West Point and The Army War College, an expert in his field, and he and thousands of his counter parts and peers work every day to make things right.  They make visits to FOBs, talk with contractors, the big companies, probe, question, and listen to those serving with the Coalition forces, how does Ms. Sparky think those investigational committees get their information?  It is always in part, provided by honorable leadership in the United States Military, who have nothing to gain, and definitely something to lose.  I know that my husband never backs down because he stands to lose... he just suffers the loss.  That is a far cry in my mind from what Ms. Sparky is doing.  It seems to me that Ms. Sparky is just using people and situations for personal gain.

Of course my husband's 30 years of service, and that of his true "band of brothers," has been spent specifically in part to protect Ms. Sparky's right to blog anything she wants, for any reward she chooses.  Her's is not the only blog I found that made me go ... "Hmmmm," but somehow, her's really struck me in a negative way, probably it was that donation thing....

Perhaps I shall take up a blog that reviews the blogs of the cottage industry bloggers who criticize the military. I think it would be interesting to explore their motives and intentions.  For the most part, the significant part, the military puts their money where their mouth is, not their mouth where their money is...

As for those corrupt generals and big companies, as I often point out, God finds special favor in Soldiers, my theory is their willingness to lay it all on the line is what compels the heart of God, just as He willing laid all on the line.  Again, as I often point out, no other example other than David is required, who never feared giants.  He was a "man after God's own heart," and by the way, apparently a "blogger."  There was a corrupt general in his life for almost the entire time he stood as a Warrior.  When the prophet first came to anoint Saul, he was so shy and humble, he hid in a basket.  By the end of his life, he was so consumed with power that he was erecting statues to himself everywhere, and had spent a great deal of his life trying to hunt down and kill David out of jealousy.  David was a man who was so devoted to Saul, he once stole into the camp where he was sleeping, cut a piece of his garment off to prove he had been there, had opportunity to kill him, and didn't.  When David heard he and his life long friend, and the son of Saul, Jonathan, had been killed in battle, David mourned deeply.  David never lost his loyalty to his general, good Soldiers don't, no matter how flawed their generals  are, it is out of respect to the office, and the strain of responsibilities they know generals bear.  Generals, both men and probably some women, because power mongering is gender neutral,  are powerful people, and sometimes they  and large corporations get by, or so it seems, with terrible things.  However, God always has the final say in judging all lives, contractors, generals, Soldiers, army wives, grand-mothers, and everyone else.  He promises complete justice, and no one stands more powerful than He.  He always delivers, and anyone who gets by in this life, will not in the next, for God sees the hearts of men and women, and by the way Ms. Sparky, He never sleeps.