On the Fighting KeeBees.

Bad Cat Robot asks:

I dunno why you think you can't joint the Fighting Keebees, O Armorer -- Baldilocks and a bunch of other retired military have. And I hear we need grunts ;-)

I support what the Fighting KeeBees are doing.

But.

I can't bring myself to embrace the term Chickenhawk for myself... because I don't qualify. Others who wish to, are free to do so, and many have.

I understand the intent of embracing the term. However, it was initially applied to those who never served who yet supported or advocated the war, I'm not in that group.

I served. A long time. And I have been on the distaff side - a Blue Star Son, if you will. I answered the door to get The Telegram. I have been on both sides of the issue. Those who use the term as a derogative impute to the bearers that they are somehow unable to grasp the costs and realities and therefore are unfit to hold an opinion. Obviously, I think the Chickenhawk model inapt and seriously flawed, and the product of callow thought and shallower intellect at best, and venal manipulation at worst. I support the counterattack of embracing it.

However, I get two checks a month that bear witness to my service, the price of it, and which hold me subject to serve again when called. I have volunteered twice for recall - but as yet have no skill so needed as to pull the fat furry disabled guy back into uniform.

The simple fact is - I am *still* a soldier. I am *still* subject to the UCMJ.

Ergo, I'm not a chickenhawk, nor am I willing to support the expansion of the term chickenhawk to mean that only those who oppose (the) war *or* who are *currently* serving overseas can have an opinion.

I'm picky that way.

Just as I don't take communion in church. I haven't declared for any particular faith practice, and it's just my nature to skip that sacrament when offered in church, as I feel it is for those who *have* declared. I don't find my opinions on God or faith impaired by so doing.

I don't vote in Primaries, either, because I have yet to find a party I wish to formally declare for.

I'm stubborn like that, for good or ill.

I'm not a Chickenhawk. I'm not a Summer Soldier. I'm not a Winter Soldier (in the good, Valley Forge, non-Kerry manner).

I'm a Regular, By God! A soldier for all seasons. I'm one of a long line of soldiers of the ilk who so dismayed Major General Phineas Riall of His Britannic Majesty's Army at the Battle of Chippewa. My commission is for life. It does not expire, it ends only upon my resignation or at the President's pleasure. There is a reason a 70-year old 35 year veteran orthopedic surgeon was recalled and served in Afghanistan. I have no delusions that I am needed like that. But, as the recruiting song of the 80's says, "When we were needed, we were there." So too will I be, if I am needed.

You just can't make the term Chickenhawk stick on my armor. There's no place for it to hook into. I have an identification card that says I'm a soldier, still. But most importantly, I simply *am* a soldier, still. That's what I see, when I look at that bearded visage in the mirror in the morning. What I do to put food on the table and guns in the basement is also in support of soldiers. My spare time goes to charity. for those in the community, or, via Rotary, the world, who have not what I have.

I don't want to dilute the pool of those who embrace the title of Chickenhawk, because I am not one.

I am John of Argghhh!, Master of the Castle and Arsenal of Argghhh!, Field Artillery, United States Army, retired. It is enough title for me.

SWWBO has joined the KeeBees, though she, too, has a DD214. While our paths are generally parallel, they don't entirely overlay each other. More power to her, and those of you who choose to man the 'boards.

We are Allies. But I have seen the fields where the Iron Crosses grow.

I am not a Chickenhawk.

But I'll fight the good fight alongside you. I got your six, wingman. Just as I'll fight alongside a Marine, Sailor, Airman, Coastie. Or anyone willing to stand and deliver.