Allowing CAP Members On Unemployment To Work For DOD

[Private Investigator]

I cleaned toliets, swept floors, and did other cleaning and stocking duties at a grocery store when i got out of the military? you think a Disabled Combat Veteran deserved that? I think not, ...

Here's a story of a Medal of Honor receipent and Army Master Sergeant who spent his golden years as a janitor

http://www.homeofheroes.com/profiles/profiles_crawford_10lessons.html

Semper Fi

[Stonewall]

I cleaned toliets, swept floors, and did other cleaning and stocking duties at a grocery store when i got out of the military? you think a Disabled Combat Veteran deserved that? I think not, ...

Here's a story of a Medal of Honor receipent and Army Master Sergeant who spent his golden years as a janitor

http://www.homeofheroes.com/profiles/profiles_crawford_10lessons.html

Semper Fi

This story is the opening to the Air Force NCO Academy course books.  Great story, and when Devil Doc mentioned his job cleaning toilets I instantly remembered the story of this guy.  Awesome story!

William (Bill) John Crawford: A Hero and a Janitor

By Colonel James E. Moschgat, Commander of the 12th Operations Group, 12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas


   An unassuming American Hero

William "Bill" Crawford certainly was an unimpressive figure, one you could easily overlook during a hectic day at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mr. Crawford, as most of us referred to him back in the late 1970s, was our squadron janitor.

While we cadets busied ourselves preparing for academic exams, athletic events, Saturday morning parades and room inspections, or never-ending leadership classes, Bill quietly moved about the squadron mopping and buffing floors, emptying trash cans, cleaning toilets, or just tidying up the mess 100 college-age kids can leave in a dormitory. Sadly, and for many years, few of us gave him much notice, rendering little more than a passing nod or throwing a curt, "G'morning!" in his direction as we hurried off to our daily duties.

Why? Perhaps it was because of the way he did his job-he always kept the squadron area spotlessly clean, even the toilets and showers gleamed. Frankly, he did his job so well, none of us had to notice or get involved. After all, cleaning toilets was his job, not ours. Maybe it was his physical appearance that made him disappear into the background. Bill didn't move very quickly and, in fact, you could say he even shuffled a bit, as if he suffered from some sort of injury. His gray hair and wrinkled face made him appear ancient to a group of young cadets. And his crooked smile, well, it looked a little funny. Face it, Bill was an old man working in a young person's world.

What did he have to offer us on a personal level?

Finally, maybe it was Mr. Crawford's personality that rendered him almost invisible to the young people around him. Bill was shy, almost painfully so. He seldom spoke to a cadet unless they addressed him first, and that didn't happen very often. Our janitor always buried himself in his work, moving about with stooped shoulders, a quiet gait, and an averted gaze. If he noticed the hustle and bustle of cadet life around him, it was hard to tell. So, for whatever reason, Bill blended into the woodwork and became just another fixture around the squadron. The Academy, one of our nation's premier leadership laboratories, kept us busy from dawn till dusk. And Mr. Crawford...well, he was just a janitor.

That changed one fall Saturday afternoon in 1976. I was reading a book about World War II and the tough Allied ground campaign in Italy, when I stumbled across an incredible story. On September 13, 1943, a Private William Crawford from Colorado, assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, had been involved in some bloody fighting on Hill 424 near Altavilla, Italy. The words on the page leapt out at me: "in the face of intense and overwhelming hostile fire ... with no regard for personal safety ... on his own initiative, Private Crawford single-handedly attacked fortified enemy positions." It continued, "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, the President of the United States ..."

"Holy cow," I said to my roommate, "you're not going to believe this, but I think our janitor is a Medal of Honor winner." We all knew Mr. Crawford was a WWII Army vet, but that didn't keep my friend from looking at me as if I was some sort of alien being. Nonetheless, we couldn't wait to ask Bill about the story on Monday. We met Mr. Crawford bright and early Monday and showed him the page in question from the book, anticipation and doubt in our faces. He starred at it for a few silent moments and then quietly uttered something like, "Yep, that's me."


Medal of Honor recipient Bill Crawford

Mouths agape, my roommate and I looked at one another, then at the book, and quickly back at our janitor. Almost at once we both stuttered, "Why didn't you ever tell us about it?"

He slowly replied after some thought, "That was one day in my life and it happened a long time ago."  I guess we were all at a loss for words after that. We had to hurry off to class and Bill, well, he had chores to attend to.  However, after that brief exchange, things were never again the same around our squadron. Word spread like wildfire among the cadets that we had a hero in our midst-Mr. Crawford, our janitor, had won the Medal! Cadets who had once passed by Bill with hardly a glance, now greeted him with a smile and a respectful, "Good morning, Mr. Crawford."

Those who had before left a mess for the "janitor" to clean up started taking it upon themselves to put things in order. Most cadets routinely stopped to talk to Bill throughout the day and we even began inviting him to our formal squadron functions. He'd show up dressed in a conservative dark suit and quietly talk to those who approached him, the only sign of his heroics being a simple blue, star spangled lapel pin.

Almost overnight, Bill went from being a simple fixture in our squadron to one of our teammates. Mr. Crawford changed too, but you had to look closely to notice the difference. After that fall day in 1976, he seemed to move with more purpose, his shoulders didn't seem to be as stooped, he met our greetings with a direct gaze and a stronger "good morning" in return, and he flashed his crooked smile more often. The squadron gleamed as always, but everyone now seemed to notice it more. Bill even got to know most of us by our first names, something that didn't happen often at the Academy. While no one ever formally acknowledged the change, I think we became Bill's cadets and his squadron.

As often happens in life, events sweep us away from those in our past. The last time I saw Bill was on graduation day in June 1977. As I walked out of the squadron for the last time, he shook my hand and simply said, "Good luck, young man."

With that, I embarked on a career that has been truly lucky and blessed. Mr. Crawford continued to work at the Academy and eventually retired in his native Colorado where he resides today, one of four Medal of Honor winners living in a small town.

A wise person once said, "It's not life that's important, but those you meet along the way that make the difference." Bill was one who made a difference for me. While I haven't seen Mr. Crawford in over twenty years, he'd probably be surprised to know I think of him often. Bill Crawford, our janitor, taught me many valuable, unforgettable leadership lessons. Here are ten I'd like to share with you.

1. Be Cautious of Labels. Labels you place on people may define your relationship to them and bound their potential. Sadly, and for a long time, we labeled Bill as just a janitor, but he was so much more. Therefore, be cautious of a leader who callously says, "Hey, he's just an Airman." Likewise, don't tolerate the O-1, who says, "I can't do that, I'm just a lieutenant."

2. Everyone Deserves Respect. Because we hung the "janitor" label on Mr. Crawford, we often wrongly treated him with less respect than others around us. He deserved much more, and not just because he was a Medal of Honor winner. Bill deserved respect because he was a janitor, walked among us, and was a part of our team.

3. Courtesy Makes a Difference. Be courteous to all around you, regardless of rank or position. Military customs, as well as common courtesies, help bond a team. When our daily words to Mr. Crawford turned from perfunctory "hellos" to heartfelt greetings, his demeanor and personality outwardly changed. It made a difference for all of us.

4. Take Time to Know Your People. Life in the military is hectic, but that's no excuse for not knowing the people you work for and with. For years a hero walked among us at the Academy and we never knew it. Who are the heroes that walk in your midst?

5. Anyone Can Be a Hero. Mr. Crawford certainly didn't fit anyone's standard definition of a hero. Moreover, he was just a private on the day he won his Medal. Don't sell your people short, for any one of them may be the hero who rises to the occasion when duty calls. On the other hand, it's easy to turn to your proven performers when the chips are down, but don't ignore the rest of the team. Today's rookie could and should be tomorrow's superstar.

6. Leaders Should Be Humble. Most modern day heroes and some leaders are anything but humble, especially if you calibrate your "hero meter" on today's athletic fields. End zone celebrations and self-aggrandizement are what we've come to expect from sports greats. Not Mr. Crawford-he was too busy working to celebrate his past heroics. Leaders would be well-served to do the same.

7. Life Won't Always Hand You What You Think You Deserve. We in the military work hard and, dang it, we deserve recognition, right? However, sometimes you just have to persevere, even when accolades don't come your way. Perhaps you weren't nominated for junior officer or airman of the quarter as you thought you should – don't let that stop you.

8. Don't pursue glory; pursue excellence. Private Bill Crawford didn't pursue glory; he did his duty and then swept floors for a living. No job is beneath a Leader. If Bill Crawford, a Medal of Honor winner, could clean latrines and smile, is there a job beneath your dignity? Think about it.
9. Pursue Excellence. No matter what task life hands you, do it well. Dr. Martin Luther King said, "If life makes you a street sweeper, be the best street sweeper you can be." Mr. Crawford modeled that philosophy and helped make our dormitory area a home.

10. Life is a Leadership Laboratory. All too often we look to some school or PME class to teach us about leadership when, in fact, life is a leadership laboratory. Those you meet everyday will teach you enduring lessons if you just take time to stop, look and listen. I spent four years at the Air Force Academy, took dozens of classes, read hundreds of books, and met thousands of great people. I gleaned leadership skills from all of them, but one of the people I remember most is Mr. Bill Crawford and the lessons he unknowingly taught. Don't miss your opportunity to learn.

Bill Crawford was a janitor. However, he was also a teacher, friend, role model and one great American hero. Thanks, Mr. Crawford, for some valuable leadership lessons.

Dale Pyeatt, Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Texas, comments: And now, for the "rest of the story": Pvt William John Crawford was a platoon scout for 3rd Platoon of Company L 1 42nd Regiment 36th Division (Texas National Guard) and won the Medal Of Honor for his actions on Hill 424, just 4 days after the invasion at Salerno.

On Hill 424, Pvt Crawford took out 3 enemy machine guns before darkness fell, halting the platoon's advance. Pvt Crawford could not be found and was assumed dead. The request for his MOH was quickly approved. Major General Terry Allen presented the posthumous MOH to Bill Crawford's father, George, on 11 May 1944 in Camp (now Fort) Carson, near Pueblo. Nearly two months after that, it was learned that Pvt Crawford was alive in a POW camp in Germany. During his captivity, a German guard clubbed him with his rifle. Bill overpowered him, took the rifle away, and beat the guard unconscious. A German doctor's testimony saved him from severe punishment, perhaps death. To stay ahead of the advancing Russian army, the prisoners were marched 500 miles in 52 days in the middle of the German winter, subsisting on one potato a day. An allied tank column liberated the camp in the spring of 1945, and Pvt Crawford took his first hot shower in 18 months on VE Day. Pvt Crawford stayed in the army before retiring as a MSG and becoming a janitor. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially presented the MOH to Bill Crawford.

William Crawford passed away in 2000. He is the only U.S. Army veteran and sole Medal of Honor winner to be buried in the cemetery of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

[Devil Doc]

I remember reading that  story, great story. Isnt that what he chose to do? I understand thats what he did. I wanted to better my self, and work in the medical field.

[Devil Doc]

I am by no means saying that i am better than anybody else. I was appreciative of my Job at so called grocery store. I just wanted to work in the same field I did in the Military. It took me 3 years to get a governement job, and i love working it. I get to meet veterans everyday and help them with the same issues i have been though, very rewarding.

[Eclipse]

I remember reading that  story, great story. Isnt that what he chose to do? I understand thats what he did. I wanted to better my self, and work in the medical field.

This is another tangential, but legit problem.

We need to be providing either reciprocal, or federal-level, certification for people in the military.  Firefighters, medical people, aviators, law enforcement, etc., should all be able to turn their directly-related skills into civilian equivalents simply and easily.

[Devil Doc]

I remember reading that  story, great story. Isnt that what he chose to do? I understand thats what he did. I wanted to better my self, and work in the medical field.

This is another tangential, but legit problem.

We need to be providing either reciprocal, or federal-level, certification for people in the military.  Firefighters, medical people, aviators, law enforcement, etc., should all be able to turn their directly-related skills into civilian equivalents simply and easily.

Like button.

[Stonewall]

I remember reading that  story, great story. Isnt that what he chose to do? I understand thats what he did. I wanted to better my self, and work in the medical field.

This is another tangential, but legit problem.

We need to be providing either reciprocal, or federal-level, certification for people in the military.  Firefighters, medical people, aviators, law enforcement, etc., should all be able to turn their directly-related skills into civilian equivalents simply and easily.

Disagree to an extent.

As an example, my career field in the Air Force (Guard).  To say that a Security Forces Airman is equal to a municipal cop in knowledge or training is simply not true.  Sure, some Air Force "cops" get stationed at bases and perform standard law enforcement duties, but most do not.  Air Base Ground Defense and standing gates, yep you betcha.  Now, crossing over to a "security guard" job, sure, they qualify across the board.  But so do most Airmen.

A PJ is an NREMT-P.  That's obviously a direct cross over.  But a standard Army medic or Air Force Med-Tech start their training by earning NEMT-B, a 120 (or is it 140) hour course.  I did this in the Army in 3 weeks and I wasn't even a medic.  But the military allows you to go above and beyond what a civilian EMT-B could do.  Needle decompressions, IVs, push a few drugs, etc.  You're not going to find an agency on the outside that allows you to do those things without a state or national certification that gives you the certification to perform those procedures within the scope of a named cert, such as EMT-I or P.  My buddy is a Navy SWCC Corpsman (Chief, E7).  He's got way more training than a standard EMT-B, but he wouldn't be able to pick up a job on the outside doing anything more than an EMT-B can do because he doesn't hold other qualifications.

Firefighters are pretty cut and dry, I'd say.  More so than most career fields you mentioned.

My buddy (and former cadet) is a PJ.  He is heading off to Tydnall AFB to be an AFSOC SCUBA instructor.  And though he is a graduate of the US Army Combat Divers Course, he had nothing more than a PADI Open Water Diver certification.  Now, he's gone through the PADI certifications and holds ALL PADI certs, but it wasn't a gimmie, he had to go through and test out.

I agree, some military specialties should be permitted to "test out" of their civilian counterpart career fields qualifications, but remember, an agency is signing off saying that you're "good to go" and I don't know many private or municipal agencies that wouldn't first evaluate your skills before signing you off as qualified.