We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2010 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:05:20 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2010 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification It's nice to see some that beat the curve. Meet Chief Petty Officer David Eberhart. My fellow Chiefs, I wanted to share with you this picture as well as a short synopsis of how it came about. AO1 David Eberhart (pictured) is terminally ill with cancer. I was his Chief for his first tour on the USS INDEPENDENCE and even then his goal in the Navy was to be a Chief Petty Officer. His career, though very successful, has been interrupted with cancer treatment, periods of remission and finally with the news of being terminal. He is currently assigned to... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html Thu, 22 May 2008 04:53:39 -0600 Congratulations, Sir!! God bless you. Thank you for serving our great nation. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73421 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73421 Sun, 25 May 2008 01:46:06 -0600 Plebity? Is that a yes or a no? ; ) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73407 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73407 Sat, 24 May 2008 12:31:24 -0600 Sigh. Pllbbbbbttttt! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73404 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73404 Sat, 24 May 2008 10:31:19 -0600 But times have changed in ways you apparently aren't aware of either - senior Army non-commissioned officers have to show their proficiency, and are board selected for promotion, long gone are the days of just showing up for work waiting for someone to die or retire. John, you mean you guys copied the Marines?]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73400 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73400 Sat, 24 May 2008 09:58:29 -0600 Mr. Dupuis - the retired Army guy who put the post up (that would be me) is one who made the characterization. You'll note in the blockquoted piece, Master Chief Shipley didn't do it. Your angst stems from the fact that I'm just a poster child for Goldwater-Nichols. But times have changed in ways you apparently aren't aware of either - senior Army non-commissioned officers have to show their proficiency, and are board selected for promotion, long gone are the days of just showing up for work waiting for someone to die or retire. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73396 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73396 Fri, 23 May 2008 23:58:45 -0600 Congratulations AOC. Glad you made it. Vance Bennett MSTC USCGR http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73394 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73394 Fri, 23 May 2008 22:13:20 -0600 This show's that the spirt is still there and remains within the CPO community BUT I never thought I would see a CPO referred to as a "Senior N.C.O." in what appears to be a navy communication (the originator of this document) - Senior N.C.O. is true in paygrade only but NEVER should a C.P.O. be referred to as an N.C.O. I can remember in the 60's being stationed with both the Air Force and Army trying to explain to them that we WERE NOT N.C.O.'s but C.P.O.'s and damn proud of it..We explained that we had to show our proficiency in our rate by examinaton to be promoted, not just put in the time........... but I guess things change, as the years slide by. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73384 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73384 Fri, 23 May 2008 16:32:59 -0600 John, I just today sent Cap'n Lex an email offering to pass on this very story, with pics, after he linked you. I couldn't see your post cause you're blocked in the daytime over here, dagnabit. Anyhoo, I see now that you have the full story posted, so I wanted to say thanks. Guys like Chief Eberhart, and the Chiefs that made this happen, exemplify today's CPO community and make us all stand a little taller. Welcome to the Mess, Chief! [I guess I have to be happy that apparently we're not blocked at night!] http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73381 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73381 Fri, 23 May 2008 12:37:03 -0600 ...and following seas, Chief. Good on ya. Aloha oi, until we meet again. --cp, MSgt, USAF(ret) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73379 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73379 Fri, 23 May 2008 11:49:41 -0600 Outstanding...and humbling. Bless you Chief and congratulations. Well done! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73375 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73375 Fri, 23 May 2008 11:07:56 -0600 Nicely done, shipmate. Many thanks for the update. A quick aside regarding the AO rating. (And I hope the humor isn't too out of place.) I was stationed at NAS Pensacola, where the kids going through Aviation OCS were tagged as 'Aviation Officer Candidates' and had nametags with 'AOC Lastname.' They even wore little anchors on the collars of their khakis. Shortly afterwards, I was at Miramar talking to this 30-ish AOC. I initially thought, "wow, this guy certainly has his act together for a candidate, and is a bit older..." Fair winds! HM2 USNR http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73370 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73370 Fri, 23 May 2008 10:17:56 -0600 Well done, Chief. The Hat fits, and is fitting. Salute, http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73365 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73365 Fri, 23 May 2008 09:48:34 -0600 Never served myself, but everytime I read a story about the various militaries around the world they say that what distinguishes the American military and gives it it's strength is it's NCO's, and the amount of trust and respect accorded them by the officers. Here's an example of why they deserve it. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73363 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73363 Fri, 23 May 2008 09:03:18 -0600 Never served myself, but everytime I read a story about the various militaries around the world they say that what distinguishes the American military and gives it it's strength is it's NCO's, and the amount of trust and respect accorded them by the officers. Here's an example of why they deserve it. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73362 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73362 Fri, 23 May 2008 09:01:44 -0600 OutSTANDING! In a world where the military is often shown as gun toting Neanderthals, this story shows to the world our community recognizes excellence in Spirit, Hope and Pride. Bravo Zulu to one and all. To Chief Eberhart, worry not about your family, we've got your six. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73352 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73352 Fri, 23 May 2008 06:41:51 -0600 I am so happy and proud for Chief Eberhart! God Bless you Chief and thank you for your service! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73348 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73348 Fri, 23 May 2008 03:20:01 -0600 Chief Eberhart, Congrats, and welcome aboard. CTICM(NAC) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73346 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73346 Thu, 22 May 2008 22:32:16 -0600 Chief Eberhart - Your devotion, commitment and courage gives me pause to reflect on how fortunate we Americans are to have the best among us in the service of our nation. You have my sincerest admiration and appreciation! Chris Fleming USCGR http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73344 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73344 Thu, 22 May 2008 20:49:35 -0600 John, that's a freakin' outstanding story!! Thanks for sharing that. As the son of a Command Master Chief, I know the honor that comes with being a Chief and what it meant to this man. Simply awesome. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73334 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73334 Thu, 22 May 2008 17:10:39 -0600 Good on ya Chief!! Welcome to the Mess! God bless you and protect you. Once a Chief, always a Chief. DS Sep '90 - Korea! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73332 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73332 Thu, 22 May 2008 16:52:05 -0600 Chief Eberhart, Congratulation, Chief Job Well Done. Frank Gentile USAF, MSGT (Ret) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73331 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73331 Thu, 22 May 2008 16:33:55 -0600 Chief Eberhart, You are A FINE EXAMPLE OF REAL LEADERSHIP! Respectfully, "Grumpy" http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73330 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73330 Thu, 22 May 2008 16:27:18 -0600 *sniff* GULP. Yeah, I've got a HUGE lump in my throat right now. Damn proud of you, Chief. DAMN proud. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73319 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73319 Thu, 22 May 2008 13:10:49 -0600 The only email addresses I have regarding this are official military addresses, which DoD prefers not to be published openly on the web. Rest assured, any good wishes will be made known to Chief Eberhart. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73317 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73317 Thu, 22 May 2008 12:56:45 -0600 Sorry I didn't see an e-mail address for passing along congratulations directly. Please forward. Welcome to the Goat Locker, Chief Eberhart. It is an honor and a pleasure to have you with us. ETC J. A. Cook, USN Ret. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73316 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73316 Thu, 22 May 2008 12:21:56 -0600 Thanks, John. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73314 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/too_many_honors.html#comment-73314 Thu, 22 May 2008 10:38:08 -0600