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Highlands Today

Hornet's Nest

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By Bob Goldsmith

Published: October 1, 2007

Well, it looks like Randy Ludacer has stirred up a hornet's nest this time. I suppose that is the response he really wanted.

It seems that Randy doesn't like military decorations, especially on generals. I don't know if Mr. Ludacer was in the service or not, and I really could not care less, but he certainly understands the process of awarding acknowledgments to those who have performed with distinction, both in the civilian world and the military establishments. These awards are not just handed out because "we are loaded with them."

I see by Gen. David Petraeus' medals and ribbons, that he is also qualified as a military parachute combat soldier. He also has the Infantry Combat Badge, awards that are not just given out indiscriminately. By the way Randy, have you ever jumped from a perfectly safe plane? I believe Gen. Pace was a second lieutenant when I was in Vietnam. He graduated from the naval academy at Annapolis, attended basic school, in Quantico, Va., ordered to Vietnam, where he was assigned to a rifle company as a platoon commander. That's about par for the course "for a second lieutenant," the life span for that position was about one month.

The granite walls of the Vietnam Memorial have the names of many such marines. I am sure Gen. Petraeus had similar experiences, after West Point.

To simply put these honorable men, who have dedicated their lives if need be, in a position of ridicule, and demean them for being awarded medals and vilify them for their accomplishments is shameful, disgraceful and above all, ignorant.

After five years in the U.S. army, and 20 years in the Marine corps, I have a few ribbons myself and I have always worn them with pride, and proud to be one of "the few, the proud, the Marines."

Bob Goldsmith

Sebrin

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