In the last 24 hours, I've seen two media articles discussing acts of integrity and demonstrating that following your personal honor code is not always easy and not without repercussions.
On 60 Minutes last night, CBS profiled Joe Darby, the Army Reservist MP who turned copies of cd roms with the Abu Ghraib torture photos over to Army investigators at CID. As a result of his actions, some members of his unit were arrested, tried and convicted of torturing Iraqi prisoners. Darby was awarded a JFK Profile in Courage Award for doing the right thing. But apparently, his own town has turned against him, with death threats against him and his family coming from the local community. Even the local post commander of the VFW, Colin Engelbach, called him a "borderline traitor." (IMHO--Hopefully someone from the National VFW was watching the show and already has a motion underway to get Engelbach removed as a post commander!)
You can find the associated article on the CBS page here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/07/60minutes/main2238188.shtml (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/07/60minutes/main2238188.shtml)
The second instance is much less evil, but still requires integrity to correct a misunderstanding that many hold as a place of honor: the official historian of the Tuskegee Airmen announced that, despite a long-standing claim that the Airmen never lost a bomber under escort to the famed red-tailed P-51s, additional research into the combat records of the unit found that some bombers were shot down by enemy action while under TA escort.
The historian noted, however, that even if the TA did lose a few bombers, it still maintained a better escort record than other units.
The text of that article can be found here:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20061211/D8LUROB80.html (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20061211/D8LUROB80.html)
I think both instances are great examples, for all of our members, cadet and senior alike, of the need to make decisions with integrity, even if the repercussions are difficult to live with.
A poignant reminder that it's all about the Core Values of Integrity, Volunteer Services, Excellence and Respect. In our Wing we tasked the Wing Chaplain with giving a Core Value pledge before each monthly Wing WTA and to visit each squadron annually and discuss them with the membership.
The historian is one of the most important ---but least valued positions in the Wing. Without it you are doomed to re-invent the problems of the past. My worry is that will all of the e-communication we do, we are losing important information for future use.
A copy of years ago the CAWG CC tasked the Wing HC to develop a Core Values course for the Senior Members. The contents of the course was an adaption of material from various CAP pamphlets, lessons, etc. The curriculum consists of 5 lessons and each lesson has a case study to be discussed. Certificates of participation/completion can be issued. The course can be found on the best practices page:
http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5963
As a point of clairification on the TA acheivements, were they lost to fighters, or Anti-aircraft fire?
Doing what is right...no matter the cost. The Strength From within to do so no matter what is said or what happens.
That is the mark of Intergity.
:clap:
Quote from: Major Carrales on December 15, 2006, 03:16:31 AM
Doing what is right...no matter the cost. The Strength From within to do so no matter what is said or what happens.
That is the mark of Intergity.
Amen brother!!! ;D;D;D;D :clap:
Major Carrales, you got that right!
Rogue Leader--sorry for the delayed response--I believe the article stated that at least some of the escorted bombers that were lost were victims of enemy fighters.
Quote from: NYWG Historian on December 15, 2006, 07:36:15 PM
Rogue Leader--sorry for the delayed response--I believe the article stated that at least some of the escorted bombers that were lost were victims of enemy fighters.
Thank you for the update. Some people may not have realized the difference. Much appreciated.
Quote from: NYWG Historian on December 11, 2006, 09:07:33 PM
In the last 24 hours, I've seen two media articles discussing acts of integrity and demonstrating that following your personal honor code is not always easy and not without repercussions.
On 60 Minutes last night, CBS profiled Joe Darby, the Army Reservist MP who turned copies of cd roms with the Abu Ghraib torture photos over to Army investigators at CID. As a result of his actions, some members of his unit were arrested, tried and convicted of torturing Iraqi prisoners. Darby was awarded a JFK Profile in Courage Award for doing the right thing. But apparently, his own town has turned against him, with death threats against him and his family coming from the local community. Even the local post commander of the VFW, Colin Engelbach, called him a "borderline traitor." (IMHO--Hopefully someone from the National VFW was watching the show and already has a motion underway to get Engelbach removed as a post commander!)
I think both instances are great examples, for all of our members, cadet and senior alike, of the need to make decisions with integrity, even if the repercussions are difficult to live with.
Unfortunately, as an active duty member, I have to officially concur with your statement regarding your citations as above...
Major, please do not invite yourself at my VFW post for breakfast...
'nuff said.