BGEN Anderson running for Virginia Legislature

[James Shaw]

Former National Commander Brig Gen Rich Anderson is running for a Legislative seat in his home state of Virginia. He has produced a video that makes reference to his CAP service. Looks like a pretty good video. I have attached the link to his website.

As many of you may know he is also a retired Colonel from the USAF. More information is on his website. He is a great person. I called him this morning and asked if it would be okay to put the link up. I received it in my email as a link a few days ago.

http://rich4delegate.com/2009/09/13/new-video/

[Gunner C]

I talked with him on the phone this summer.  He talked about the run for the legislature.  He's at once a great leader and a humble man.  He's a consummate leader and he'll do the commonwealth a great deal of good.  If I were in Virginia, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.  He has more integrity than any 20 politicians put together.

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[flyguy06]

Nice video. I think he is a very personable man. I hope he does well

[Spike]

That is a nice video, however, Table 1-1 in 39-1 doesn't apply anymore??

I get he is a retired Colonel, and member of CAP but if he can use pictures of himself in a CAP uniform to further his career......can I??

[DBlair]

It seems that there are a few CAP members running in 2010.


I'm kind of surprised he didn't play up the CAP service more, being National Commander and a Brigadier General. In his bio section, it was barely even mentioned.

I've spoken with him several times and he seems like a nice guy, great leader, and like someone who will serve Virginia well in the Legislature.

[flyguy06]

That is a nice video, however, Table 1-1 in 39-1 doesn't apply anymore??

I get he is a retired Colonel, and member of CAP but if he can use pictures of himself in a CAP uniform to further his career......can I??

Was he in CAP uniform or his USAF uniform?

[DBlair]

That is a nice video, however, Table 1-1 in 39-1 doesn't apply anymore??

I get he is a retired Colonel, and member of CAP but if he can use pictures of himself in a CAP uniform to further his career......can I??

Was he in CAP uniform or his USAF uniform?

USAF Blues and Mess Dress. The only mention of CAP in the video was in some of the awards displayed. He didn't mention it as an endorsement or anything like that, and so I would think if he showed himself in a CAP or USAF uniform, it would probably be ok. A lot of people show photos of themselves in uniform as a way to showcase their involvement/service.

[Major Carrales]

CAP is a big part of his life and a form of community service.  Why would he have to hide that.  While I would not post campaign posters of me in CAP uniform, if I were running for an office...I don't see why mention of CAP service would be verboten.

[Cecil DP]

No mention of party affilliation

[RiverAux]

It seems that there are a few CAP members running in 2010.

Saw something about a cadet running for Governor, I think.  Maybe in Wisconsin?

[Flying Pig]

He as 1 minute to capitalize on as many things as he can and you guys are wondering why he doesnt mention "I was the National Commander of Civil Air Patrol"?  Hes trying to cover as many bases as he can. 
He is going to reach more people who identify with him being a military officer so he goes with that, while showing some of his CAP achievements.  Showing the SMOV is pretty straight forward for the masses who know nothing of CAP and even less about the military. 
Him being National CC is mentioned in his bio under community service.  Thats decent. He lists himself as a Pro-Life, Pro-2nd Amendment Candidate.

As far as party, Anderson is a Republican challenging a sitting Democrat.

[Johnny Yuma]

Rich was one of my Region Commanders WIWAC and through a short time I was a Senior back in the day. I'm convinced that taking the CAP star cost him any chance of making General in the parent organization.

I'd vote for him, but I'd have to join ACORN first.

[Major Carrales]

I'm convinced that taking the CAP star cost him any chance of making General in the parent organization.

And your grounds for this would be?  C'mon man, this is the sort of wild speculation that robs this place of its credibility.

[Johnny Yuma]

I'm convinced that taking the CAP star cost him any chance of making General in the parent organization.

And your grounds for this would be?  C'mon man, this is the sort of wild speculation that robs this place of its credibility.

It may be speculation, but it's certainly not wild. Look at the situation:

He was at the time IIRC an active duty Air Force Major who wore the rank of a Brigadier General in CAP. In his paying job, he was getting coffee for Full Bird colonels and Generals. As CAP National Commander he was telling them what CAP could and couldn't to do for them. Strike One

Couple that with the huge amount of time required to serve as National Commander certainly meant additional time away from his Air Force duties. I've seen first hand the time requirements it takes to be a Wing Commander, but NHQ/CC? Tripled easily. Strike Two.

I'm certain that the Air Force tried to exploit the fact that the National Commander of their official volunteer auxiliary was also on their payroll, especially remembering that it wasn't too long before that Eugene Harwell gave himself 2 stars in defiance of CAP-USAF and created a rift that still hasn't healed. I'm certain that BGEN Anderson had to buck CAP-USAF at times when it needed. Strike Three.

Rich Anderson has been one of the best friends to CAP from the time he was a cadet, all through his Air Force career and into today. But you cannot serve 2 masters and I'm certain that with the support he gave CAP there was a cost to his personal career.

Again, if I lived in his district in Virginia I'd not only vote for him but volunteer to help his campaign. He's definitely got Johnny Yuma's endorsement.

[Gunner C]

Honestly, I don't think CAP hurt him.  If anything, the organization exposed him to a large array of heavy hitters.  These folks, just like us, can smell a phony a mile away.  That's not Rich.  I worked with him closely and he's as genuine as they come.

Let's face it.  The AF is a finicky organization.  If you're not a pilot, then your chances of making a star are VERY slight.  You have to be at the right place at the right time.  Making colonel in the AF is an incredible accomplishment in itself.  That's where the top one-percenters usually call it a career. 

He's a heck of a man.  If there ever was a poster child for a CAP general officer, it's Rich Anderson.

[Cecil DP]

The competition for BG is stiff, I believe the statistic is 5% of Colonels get stars. That said the AF fully supported his taking all his corporate jobs in CAP from Wing King to National Commander. If anything killed his chances it's that in the 20+years that I've known him he never served with troops or as a commander but was always in a joint staff position. 

[C/MSgt Lunsford]

That is a nice video, however, Table 1-1 in 39-1 doesn't apply anymore??

I get he is a retired Colonel, and member of CAP but if he can use pictures of himself in a CAP uniform to further his career......can I??

Was he in CAP uniform or his USAF uniform?

It looked more like the USAF Blues Uniform.

[flyguy06]

Gen Anderson wasnt a pilot? What did he do in the Air force? If i remember correctly (and I may not) when he was National Commander wasnt he actually stationed at Maxwell at Air University? Like I said I dont know. I havent really dwelled that deep into this mans life.

I definantly agree he is a big supporter of CAP.

[AlphaSigOU]

The competition for BG is stiff, I believe the statistic is 5% of Colonels get stars. That said the AF fully supported his taking all his corporate jobs in CAP from Wing King to National Commander. If anything killed his chances it's that in the 20+years that I've known him he never served with troops or as a commander but was always in a joint staff position.

Actually it's much less than that; the total number of USAF general officers at one time is limited by U.S. code; currently no more than 279 AF generals are on active duty. Few non-rated generals make it above Major General in the AF.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_(United_States)

[Gunner C]

The competition for BG is stiff, I believe the statistic is 5% of Colonels get stars. That said the AF fully supported his taking all his corporate jobs in CAP from Wing King to National Commander. If anything killed his chances it's that in the 20+years that I've known him he never served with troops or as a commander but was always in a joint staff position.

Actually it's much less than that; the total number of USAF general officers at one time is limited by U.S. code; currently no more than 279 AF generals are on active duty. Few non-rated generals make it above Major General in the AF.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_(United_States)

I believe there are exceptions.  There are generals of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air Guard.  Guard and reserve GOs can be called up for a specific appointment and not count against this total, IIRC.  They are then appointed for another AD term in that assignment, can return to their non-AD assignment, or apply for retirement if they are eligible.

[Flying Pig]

Gen Anderson wasnt a pilot? What did he do in the Air force? If i remember correctly (and I may not) when he was National Commander wasnt he actually stationed at Maxwell at Air University? Like I said I dont know. I havent really dwelled that deep into this mans life.

I definantly agree he is a big supporter of CAP.


He wears the Master Missile Badge and Master Air Force Space Badge, meaning he was involved in missile and space programs, sattellites, space surveillance etc.

[Cecil DP]

The competition for BG is stiff, I believe the statistic is 5% of Colonels get stars. That said the AF fully supported his taking all his corporate jobs in CAP from Wing King to National Commander. If anything killed his chances it's that in the 20+years that I've known him he never served with troops or as a commander but was always in a joint staff position.

Actually it's much less than that; the total number of USAF general officers at one time is limited by U.S. code; currently no more than 279 AF generals are on active duty. Few non-rated generals make it above Major General in the AF.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_(United_States)

I believe there are exceptions.  There are generals of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air Guard.  Guard and reserve GOs can be called up for a specific appointment and not count against this total, IIRC.  They are then appointed for another AD term in that assignment, can return to their non-AD assignment, or apply for retirement if they are eligible.

That number also doesn't apply to GO's in Joint billets.

[NEBoom]

Gen Anderson wasnt a pilot? What did he do in the Air force? If i remember correctly (and I may not) when he was National Commander wasnt he actually stationed at Maxwell at Air University? Like I said I dont know. I havent really dwelled that deep into this mans life.

I definantly agree he is a big supporter of CAP.


He wears the Master Missile Badge and Master Air Force Space Badge, meaning he was involved in missile and space programs, sattellites, space surveillance etc.

Early (or earlier at least) in his AF career he was a Missile Launch Officer.  If memory serves he was on Titan II's.  I think he was stationed at Little Rock AFB (OK, went and looked at his bio, it also lists Minuteman II Squadron level assignment as well.).

While at Offutt, he was in the Protocol Office, I believe at SAC HQ.  I think he had other assignments at Offutt, but I don't know for sure what they were.

After he left Nebraska I pretty much lost track of him.

[Airrace]

Good luck!

[AlphaSigOU]

Early (or earlier at least) in his AF career he was a Missile Launch Officer.  If memory serves he was on Titan II's.  I think he was stationed at Little Rock AFB (OK, went and looked at his bio, it also lists Minuteman II Squadron level assignment as well.).

While at Offutt, he was in the Protocol Office, I believe at SAC HQ.  I think he had other assignments at Offutt, but I don't know for sure what they were.

After he left Nebraska I pretty much lost track of him.

Missile launch officer - 'conehead' 

If he did time on Titans, it would have been at Little Rock, McConnell or Davis-Monthan. Minuteman IIs in the 80s and early 90s were at Grand Forks, Ellsworth and Whiteman, if I remember correctly.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

General Anderson was National Commander when I first joined CAP.

I never got to meet him, but from what I know of him, he'd be a very good choice to represent the Virginians in his district.  I hope he gets it.

[genejackson]

I've known Rich Anderson for 13 years and can tell you he is a most humble man, a most dedicated man and were I to live in his area, I'd most definitely vote for him.    Last year, he drove to our community to present a SPAATZ Award to a young man in our Squadron, something he certainly didn't have to do given his busy schedule.
If you ever have a chance to speak to Rich Anderson, you will leave awestruck over what a wonderful person you just shook hands with.  You will walk away from him feeling as if you just made a new best friend for life.   He needs to be our next President (just my humble opinion - but I know the man and his wife Ruth).

[CAP.is.1337]

I was with Mr. Anderson (rather than General Anderson? [Side note: What would be the proper way to refer to him now?]) in Richmond at the VCDL Lobby Day event this year. It was so weird walking in the GA lobby, and see Brig Gen Anderson in a suit with a GSL sticker! We were in the same group that talked with our representatives and delegates.

I had no idea he was going to run until I got an email from a fellow CAPer saying he was going to run. From my personal experience, I wouldn't hesitate to vote for him if I was in his district!

I think it is commendable he's downplaying his CAP service, but I think he could emphasize it a little more.

[Cecil DP]

I was with Mr. Anderson (rather than General Anderson? [Side note: What would be the proper way to refer to him now?]) in Richmond at the VCDL Lobby Day event this year. It was so weird walking in the GA lobby, and see Brig Gen Anderson in a suit with a GSL sticker! We were in the same group that talked with our representatives and delegates.

I had no idea he was going to run until I got an email from a fellow CAPer saying he was going to run. From my personal experience, I wouldn't hesitate to vote for him if I was in his district!

I think it is commendable he's downplaying his CAP service, but I think he could emphasize it a little more.

The most acceptable way is Col Anderson, using his retired USAF grade. If too many people refer to him as General , he could be considered a poser or a liar by those who don't know about CAP. 

[CAP.is.1337]

It looks like he won by 200 votes:
https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/election/DATA/2009/37C2EDEB-FACB-44C1-AF70-05FB616DCD62/UnOfficial/8_p3_s.shtml

Member House of Delegates (051)

Last Reported: Nov 3 2009 9:43PM EST

Richard L. Anderson   7,864   50.56%   Precincts Reporting:
    16 of 16 (100%)

Paul F. Nichols   7,664   49.27%

Write In   25   0.16%

Voter Turnout:
    15,553 of 42,988 active voters (36.17%)
    15,553 of 45,009 total voters (34.55%)   Votes by County/City

[SarDragon]

That'll get a recount, for sure.

[Major Carrales]

The most acceptable way is Col Anderson, using his retired USAF grade. If too many people refer to him as General , he could be considered a poser or a liar by those who don't know about CAP.

Then let them learn about it.  He is an active CAP officer with the Rank of Brig General, how would CAP personnel be "lairs" if they call him by his CAP rank?

[Flying Pig]

He is better off going as Col.  Politics will cloud it when a rival says "YOU WERE NEVER A GENERAL!!" Then all his opponent is going to do is run ads with Anderson calling himself a General.  Then a small school girl with a tear running down her cheek will be cast for the commercial to say "Why did you lie to us Mr. Anderson, we trusted you."  Then a deep male voice will come on and say slowly "We trusted you to Mr. Anderson."

There isnt time for people to learn about CAP, and the last thing he wants as a candidate is to be put on the defensive nor does he have the time to explain CAP in a campaign.   Ive been deeply involved in political campaigns before and the last thing you want is to waste air time and $$$ explaining a misunderstanding.

Besides.....who cares now?   :clap:

[Major Carrales]

He is better off going as Col.  Politics will cloud it when a rival says "YOU WERE NEVER A GENERAL!!" Then all his opponent is going to do is run ads with Anderson calling himself a General.  Then a small school girl with a tear running down her cheek will be cast for the commercial to say "Why did you lie to us Mr. Anderson, we trusted you."  Then a deep male voice will come on and say slowly "We trusted you to Mr. Anderson."

There isnt time for people to learn about CAP, and the last thing he wants as a candidate is to be put on the defensive nor does he have the time to explain CAP in a campaign.   Ive been deeply involved in political campaigns before and the last thing you want is to waste air time and $$$ explaining a misunderstanding.

Besides.....who cares now?   :clap:

So, you are saying that CAP service is somehow a bad thing?  That having CAP rank is somehow destructive to a person because of the "collected ignorance" of a few (who are at this point hypothetical individuals). 

Sorry, I cannot subscribe to that.  Richard L. Anderson is a retired USAF Col. who hold the ranks of Brig General in the US Air Force Auxiliary. CAP Officers will call him Brig General Anderson, those honoring his USAF service will call him Col Anderson and we all all call him, Sir.

Any person trying to make such a supposition, that a man is a "liar" for claiming to be a Brig Gen when HE actually is a Brig General is a crack-pot. 

Related discussion:
By the way, I think all the "Admirals of the Great State of Nebraska" that were created by those on this board might have something to say about this.  Seeing that they are actual Admirals by order of that State's Governor.  Texas has a similar distinction for creating Admirals.

[Fubar]

Any person trying to make such a supposition, that a man is a "liar" for claiming to be a Brig Gen when HE actually is a Brig General is a crack-pot.

Have you ever followed American politics before?

[Major Carrales]

Any person trying to make such a supposition, that a man is a "liar" for claiming to be a Brig Gen when HE actually is a Brig General is a crack-pot.

Have you ever followed American politics before?

And that is why you, Sir, are part of the problem.

[Майор Хаткевич]

It looks like he won by 200 votes:
https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/election/DATA/2009/37C2EDEB-FACB-44C1-AF70-05FB616DCD62/UnOfficial/8_p3_s.shtml

Member House of Delegates (051)

Last Reported: Nov 3 2009 9:43PM EST

Richard L. Anderson   7,864   50.56%   Precincts Reporting:
    16 of 16 (100%)

Paul F. Nichols   7,664   49.27%

Write In   25   0.16%

Voter Turnout:
    15,553 of 42,988 active voters (36.17%)
    15,553 of 45,009 total voters (34.55%)   Votes by County/City

From his facebook:

Rich Anderson for Delegate  Prince William County is not blue, Prince William County is not purple, Prince William County is undeniably and reliably RED! Victory in the 51st for Rich Anderson!! Thanks to everyone who made this night possible!!!

Hm...less than a 1% margin, but it's undeniably and reliably RED! I love how anyone in politics takes up this color crap...

[MIKE]

Watch it!  This thread is already on a razors edge, and you want to give me a reason?

[Майор Хаткевич]

Watch it!  This thread is already on a razors edge, and you want to give me a reason?

If that was aimed at me, I don't really get it.

I saw the status first and assumed this was a double digit win, given the statement. Once I looked up the statistics/saw them in the thread, I was rightfully disappointed.

Not a dig at the man or anything else, just disappointment to statements based on fiction.

[heliodoc]

When he get into office, he have A LOT more to worry about than

1)  BG in the USAF Aux

2) CAP will be pretty faaaar down on priorities list when he gets situated

While it is admirable for some CAP members to admire his rank and grade, there are more important things in the VA legislature.  Surely he will be an ally to CAP.  But there are MORE important things than worrying about his BG ship.  Whatever the misunderstandings, and all the hype of advertising CAP more, some CAP members bring on the problem themselves and correcting them becomes a loooong process.

He will have more on his plate than worrying about CAP, that is for sure

[Major Lord]

I think its great that CAP will (presumably) have a friend in the VA legislature! Other than having friends in very high places, having friends in very low places can be of tremendous value. As to his credibility being attacked by his claims of General Officership, I think that most people are unaware of CAP, and just assume that we are something like the reserves, or the National Guard ( may they live forever in the halls of Valhalla!) On a somewhat politically slanted note, the VA Republicans ran on a very fiscally conservative platform, and CAP is a very cheap resource to deploy, so maybe they will find some ways to enhance your mission-set profiles and capabilities.

Major Lord
America! Foxtrot Yankee!

[Strick]

 :clap:

GOD bless him

[DBlair]

I think its great that CAP will (presumably) have a friend in the VA legislature!

Other State Legislatures may have CAP members running in 2010 as well...

[davidsinn]

I think its great that CAP will (presumably) have a friend in the VA legislature!

Other State Legislatures may have CAP members running in 2010 as well...

Indiana's legislature is made up almost entirely of CAP members....

[DBlair]

I think its great that CAP will (presumably) have a friend in the VA legislature!

Other State Legislatures may have CAP members running in 2010 as well...

Indiana's legislature is made up almost entirely of CAP members....

Legislative Squadron, or otherwise?

[davidsinn]

I think its great that CAP will (presumably) have a friend in the VA legislature!

Other State Legislatures may have CAP members running in 2010 as well...

Indiana's legislature is made up almost entirely of CAP members....

Legislative Squadron, or otherwise?

Yes, their former commander was a full up active member and pilot I believe but he passed away.

RIP Lt. Col. Ford

[Fubar]

Any person trying to make such a supposition, that a man is a "liar" for claiming to be a Brig Gen when HE actually is a Brig General is a crack-pot.

Have you ever followed American politics before?

And that is why you, Sir, are part of the problem.

I'm part of the problem because I am aware there are crack-pots in American politics? Well that's a bummer.

[Major Carrales]

Any person trying to make such a supposition, that a man is a "liar" for claiming to be a Brig Gen when HE actually is a Brig General is a crack-pot.

Have you ever followed American politics before?

And that is why you, Sir, are part of the problem.

I'm part of the problem because I am aware there are crack-pots in American politics? Well that's a bummer.

Listen, Mac, you took the dig at me insinuating I was somehow naive.

No, you are part of the problem because rather than educate the populace and prevent the practices of less than ethical behavior in American politics you instead would have us dismiss it as the modus operandi and move on.

Being aware of crack-pottery and doing nothing to dispel it is as bad as being a crackpot yourself.

[CAPSGT]

and.....LOCK