Lt Col Fehrenbach re: barry’s reception (video)

Another missing post

July 2, 2009

Lt Choi posts/interviews

Video clips of barry’s June 30th teleprompter reception commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn police raid (June 28, 1969), which went on to spark the gay rights movement. TEXT of remarks.

Folks are not so happy with barry. It started during the primaries when he refused to talk with the Philadelphia gay newspaper, which left white space where barry’s interview should have been. Then Prop 8, Rick Warren, Iraq, Eric Holder’s Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) brief likening gay marriage to incest and now DADT.

barry, who vowed to stop DADT during his campaign of false Hope! and Change! and Transparency! is passing the buck to Congress. From his own words it’s clear he has no intention of intervening in any way.

Over 250 servicemembers have been discharged since barry could have done something to stop it.

Several high profile gay activists boycotted a DNC – Joe Biden fundraiser in Washington, saying: “the GayTM is closed.”

Priceless.

And in a language barry understands.

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Lt Col Fehrenbach: The young officers and enlisted servicemembers he works with find it a non-issue so the “generational gap” excuse seems feasible to him. He was skeptical going in. It was the first time barry spoke about it as president so he got renewed hope.

I hope LC Fehrenbach didn’t read the transcript – because no where does barry say that he personally believes DADT is wrong and that he personally will work to get it done.

Allison Stewart wondered if it was just an appeasement of the gay community and associated photo op.

It was another chance for barry to celebrate the anniversary of something.

And this is how far they have gone to strip Lt Col Fehrenbach of his identity. Although he is still an active duty member of the military, he was told that morning he could not wear his uniform because they considered it “a political event”. An 18 year active member of the military was told he could not wear his uniform to an event at the White House hosted by his Commander in Chief.

How can his superiors do this in good conscience to a decorated pilot?

Who gave the order? barry?

A man handpicked to guard the skies over the Pentagon after it was attacked on 911 will be discharged by the very same people he was handpicked to protect.

Where is the rationality?

Because Lt Col Victor Fehrenbach and Lt Dan Choi and others will be/have been discharged from the military – how many husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters have been/will be less protected?

Some relative will be going into combat in Iraq without the leadership and experience of an Arabic-speaking, West Point graduate with two tours of combat in Iraq. Some other relative will not be lead into combat by a decorated fighter pilot, who has the judgment and experience of a 18 year veteran with over 2100 total flying hours, including 400 hours of actual combat. The value of an experience pilot was made clear with Capt Sullenberger’s successful water landing.

Lt Col Fehrenbach is irreplaceable. His dismissal will directly weaken the United States Air Force by one fighter pilot.

How is this acceptable to the Commander in Chief?

And why should a man who has served with distinction for 18 years – who has put his life directly on the line at least 88 times – be discharged for something that has nothing to do with how he or anyone else in his squadron carry out their missions?

Maddow: Lt Col Fehrenbach update (6-23)

Another missing post

Lt Choi/Lt Col Fehrenbach/DADT/posts/interviews

June 24, 2009

Rachel Maddow gets an update from Lt Col Victor Fehrenbach. He was on her show a month ago and it was the first time his coworkers found out about anything. He said only 10 people had known and they were all involved in the case. He has gotten universal support at work and remains hopeful that barry will keep his word.

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Lt Col FEHRENBACH: Surprisingly, there’s been absolutely no change at work.

First day back there was a squadron meeting with the Commander who made mention of Lt Col Fehrenbach’s appearance “media event”.

Lt Col FEHRENBACH:

[The Commander said] ‘Everyone in the squadron is a valued member of the team [aka inconsistent with good order conduct and morale] and no one should be treated differently, and that everyone should go about their business and execute the mission.’

And my squadron has done just that the last month. It says alot about their professionalism and dedication as well as the professionalism of dedication of everyone in the military. It just shows that this policy is antiquated and needs to go.

Can the entire military handle it?

Military people are professionals — they’re dedicated to the misssion and they get the job done.

I don’t think this is unique to me at all. We prove on a daily basis that we now have an openly gay person serving in our squadron and our squadron didn’t fall apart – people didn’t quit. They’re doing the mission – as well as the entire fighter wing. Everyone has gone about their business.

Maddow reads a comment posted on Atlantic Monthly written by a 26 year active duty Master Sargeant who was supervised by Lt Col Fehrenbach. He described himself as an “unwavering Christian Conservative” and said Fehrenbach was “one of the best supervisors [he] has ever known” and that Fehrenbach’s “service to his country should never be overlooked because of who he loves or what he does outside of duty“. That he “supports Lt Col Fehrenbach 100%” and that he “will pray our institution will make the right decision to allow him to continue to serve with honor and dignity”.

Fehrenbach says he’s received thousands of messages of support – family, friends, strangers and coworkers. And aviators he’s flown in combat with who said “Dude, I’ll go to war with you tomorrow.”

It takes about 5 months after the board recommends discharge till it passes through to the Secretary of the Air Force and the final disposition made. Watch his face (5:20) when he says he could “still be saved by any kind of action from our Commander in Chief.“

Fehrenbach will be attending (guest of the [?] Members Legal Defense Fund) barry’s White House Reception honoring the LGBT community and commemorating the Stonewall Inn Riots.

What would he say to barry?

Lt Col FEHRENBACH:

I would love to tell that him I want to continue to serve. That it’s been my dream — that it’s been to my entire life – I want to serve my country. I would like to ask him when he plans on saying or doing something about it – when he plans to keep his promise to all of us to be able to continue to serve, and end discrimination, and to stand up for equal rights for all Americans.

MADDOW: You hopeful?

Lt Col FEHRENBACH:

I am still hopeful.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

July 8, 2009

Lt Choi/Lt Col Fehrenbach/DADT/posts/interviews

Factoids re: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT):

• 65,000 active servicemembers gay and lesbian Americans currently serving on active duty
• 12,500 discharged because of DADT
• At least 265 discharged since barry could do something about it

• Discharged because of DADT in the last 5 years:

• 800 mission-critical troops
• At least 59 Arabic linguists
• 9 Farsi linguists

• 1994-2003 financial cost of DADT = $363.8 M
• More than 100 retired admirals and generals support the repeal

And who are they replaced with? Convicted felons. (Source April 2008: AP)

• 2006 – 249 convicted felons admitted to Army, including 1 manslaughter, 2 sex crimes, 2 negligent or vehicular homicide, 1 terror threat.
• 2006 – 208 convicted felon admitted to Marines, including 1 sex crime, 2 terror threats (including bomb threats)
• 2006 – 48 convicted felons admitted to Navy — 3 terror or bomb threats

• 2007 – 180,000 recruits taken in by all branches of Armed Forces
• 2007 – 18% of recruits needed conduct waivers

• 2007 – 511 convicted felons admitted to the Army — a bit more than half were various types of thefts, ranging from burglaries to bad checks and stolen cars, 130 were for drug offenses, 2 manslaughter, 5 sex crimes, 3 negligent or vehicular homicide, 2 terror threats (including bomb threats)
• 2007 – 350 convicted felon admitted to Marines — 235 various types of thefts, 63 were for assaults or robberies that may also have included use of a weapon, 1 manslaughter, 4 sex crimes, 5 terror threats (including bomb threats)
• 2007 – Zero convicted felons admitted to Air Force
• 2007 – 42 convicted felons in the Navy — thefts or drug and drunk driving convictions 2 terror or bomb threats

• Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. JONATHAN WITHINGTON: “Waivers are used judiciously and granted only after a thorough review.”
• Sexual crime convicted felon, ok.
• 18 year, 9-time decorated USAF fighter pilot with 400 combat hours, not.

• Lt Col WITHINGTON: “low unemployment, a protracted war on terror, a decline in propensity to serve” make recruiting a challenge.
• Manslaughter convicted felon, ok.
• West Point Grad, Arab linguist with two tours in Iraq and willing to do a third, not.

• Army Lt. Gen. JAMES D THURMAN, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations:
• We are growing the Army fast and there are some waivers; we know that. It hasn’t alarmed us yet….the better part of making soldiers is about leadership. Somebody invested in me, you know. That’s the beauty of the United States Army. It’s about leadership … You’ve got to give people an opportunity to serve.

And those who have been leaders are discharged?

In support of Lt Col Victor Fehrenbach

DADT/Lt Choi/Fehrenbach posts/interviews

July 7, 2009

How did Lt Col Victor Fehrenbach skills as a USAF pilot suddenly change once his sexual orientation was known?

Did Commander in Chief Clinton lose his ability to lead once that girl crawled out from under the desk?

Consider the crime and the punishment:

A married Republican governor and once talked about potential commander in chief, who in front of the whole world chose to leave the country to commit adultery with his foreign adultress on Father’s Day – instead of spending it with his four sons and the woman he took a vow before God to honor and love until death and who, when he was caught, initially lied about it.

A 9-time decorated 18-year USAF fighter pilot with 400 hours of combat and 88 successful combat missions, whose personal life has nothing to do with what he does in the cockpit and whose coworkers weren’t aware until he spoke out in support of his unnecessarily discharged fellow servicemembers, who also volunteered to risk their life for that governor and his family and the Commander in Chief and his family

Who was told his existence in the workplace was inconsistent with good order, discipline and morale?

The decorated fighter pilot with an impeccable record who did not choose his sexual orientation or the man who intentionally chose to ignore his wedding vows and shame his entire family by intentionally committing adultery and engaging in sex acts that he had free will not to do?

Which of the men is able to fight his dismissal?

Which of the men will retire with a full pension?

Who has undoubtedly saved many Americans’ lives?

Who has never abandoned his post?

Whose career will effectively be ended because of something entirely unrelated to his stellar job performance?

Who is being discriminated against with full knowledge of the President of the United States?

*

Lt Col Fehrenbach:

I find it immensely sad that your first inclination was to go without a fight. That a decorated combat veteran of 18 years – a man who willingly risked his life 88 separate times and had the skill to return 88 times – would have to face such a choice.

And it is unconscionable that the USAF would tell you your presence is ‘inconsistent with good order discipline and morale’ and that you weren’t worthy enough as a still active military man to wear your uniform to the White House to meet your commander in chief.

There is something so fundamentally wrong with what they are/have been doing to you that I can’t grasp how the man ultimately responsible can look you in the eye and tell you to just wait. That he sees no urgency in stopping the discharge of a pilot who is irreplaceable.

Please don’t give up.

Please fight for what you are owed – which at the very minimum is respect and gratitude for all you’ve done for our country.

As a civilian daughter of a WWII veteran, I am ashamed that they are willing to discount your worth for something that should have no bearing on anything and for 18 years did not.

Thank you for coming forward so we know who you are and what you have done to safeguard our freedoms. It’s criminal you are not awarded the same.

Lt Col Victor Fehrenbach facing discharge after 18 years

July 1, 2009

Lt Choi posts/interviews

Just because of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

I was aware of 1Lt Dan Choi [follow link above]but I was not aware of USAF combat pilot Lt Col Fehrenbach. Here’s some background info from Congress’ letter (77 Reps) to barry asking him to suspend investigations and discharges in regards to DADT:

Lieutenant Colonel Fehrenbach, Assistant Director of Operations for the 366^th Operations Support Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, has honorably served his country for 18 years as an F-15E pilot. He has received nine air medals, including a Medal for Heroism during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and was hand-picked to protect the airspace over Washington, D.C. after the Pentagon was attacked on September 11, 2001. Lieutenant Colonel Fehrenbach, who has flown combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan against the Taliban and al Qaeda, continues to serve while the recommendation for his honorable discharge moves forward to a review board, and eventually to the Secretary of the Air Force. Just two years away from his 20-year retirement, he stands to lose $46,000 a year in retirement and medical benefits for the rest of his life if discharged.

His entire life’s work this far.

• 88 Combat missions
• 2,188 Total flying hours
• 1,487 Fighter hours
• 400 Combat hours

18 years spent defending our country thrown away because of something that has nothing to do with the performance of his duty.

It is unthinkable that the Pentagon would allow this to continue.

It is unconscionable that the Commander in Chief would allow such blatant discrimination.

And there are no words to describe the President of the United States’ cowardice in pretending he can’t do anything.

He can.

He can suspend discharges immediately with an executive order.

He can lobby Congress like he has already done.

He can, with one swipe of the pen, prevent a man–who was awarded a medal for his heroism–from losing a job that only a select few are capable of and which benefits every American.

Here is Lt Col Fehrenbach discussing his case with Rachel Maddow. He was told that his presence was inconsistent with good order, discipline and morale when no one in his squadron or anyone else he works with even knew about the case and will only be learning about it because of this interview.

They should be honest and say – you are an excellent pilot who has performed his duty with distinction but we have no choice in the matter. They shouldn’t say such crap to a man of this caliber who has served 18 years.

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Born on an Air Force base – his family is Air Force – he’s been Air Force for 18 years. When he found out that allegations has been made in May 2008 he was “absolutely devastated“ & felt it was “end of his life as he knew it“.

When he was served papers in September 2008, he said he initially “just wanted it to go away” and to have “a quick, quiet, fair, honorable discharge”.

Then he thought he could use his unique perspective to speak out and help others because he had faith barry was going to do what he promised and he decided to fight it.

MADDOW: Did you think that President Obama if he were to be elected was going to end the policy?

FEHRENBACH: I did. I had tremendous hope around September and that’s actually when I reversed my position and decided to fight. Because I did have hope that President Obama would follow through on his commitment to change the policy and initiate a policy of nondiscrimination.

….I would hope that the president moves fast and fulfills his promise to us and proposes a policy of nondiscrimination.

I did…I had…I did have…would…I would hope. Not good.

I hope for your sake, Lt Col, that for once barry does something out of “character”.

As is, from his own words and body language and his minions’ comments, he has no intention of doing anything – either personally or as a lobbyist on your behalf.

Lt Col Fehrenbach told Herr Olbermann on Countdown that barry looked him in the eye and said he would get it done.

And for the first time, Olbermann said something truthful regarding barry. That as concerns DADT:

“The President is goddamned wrong!”.

barry: LGBT reception remarks

July 3, 2009

Take note that he waited as long as he could to have his little reception. Was probably hoping something would come up.

Lt Choi/DADT posts/interviews

June 29, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT LGBT PRIDE MONTH RECEPTION [partial transcript - emphasis added]

18 minutes of nothing. He does not actually say anywhere what he believes in especially when he gets to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He actually says he must be a responsible c-i-c during a time of war. How is discharging West Point grads, fluent in Arabic, with two tours of Iraq and more than willing to do a third, in any way responsible?

After greeting and introductions.

You have my thanks for the work you do every day in pursuit of equality on behalf of the millions of people in this country who work hard and care about their communities — and who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

Now this struggle, I don’t need to tell you, is incredibly difficult, although I think it’s important to consider the extraordinary progress that we have made.

“We”? What has he actually done?

There are unjust laws to overturn and unfair practices to stop. And though we’ve made progress, there are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors or even family members and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; and who would deny you the rights that most Americans take for granted. And I know this is painful and I know it can be heartbreaking.

So do something. Now.

And yet all of you continue, leading by the force of the arguments you make but also by the power of the example that you set in your own lives…For we know that progress depends not only on changing laws but also changing hearts.

Yes. His. Does anyone believe that he would do anything if he didn’t have to as head of the Democratic Party? I sure don’t.

And that real, transformative change never begins in Washington.

Sure looks that way.

Indeed, that’s the story of the movement for fairness and equality — not just for those who are gay,

Yes it is – for those in the room – for those who he is talking to it’s about nothing else. It’s a gay pride month celebration – not a generic oppressed person’s reception.

but for all those in our history who’ve been denied the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; who’ve been told that the full blessings and opportunities of this country were closed to them. It’s the story of progress sought by those who started off with little influence or power; by men and women who brought about change through quiet, personal acts of compassion and courage and sometimes defiance wherever and whenever they could.

He mentions Frank Kameny, fired as an astronomer because he was gay, the Stonewall protests and HIV/AIDS.

So this story, this struggle, continues today – for even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot — and will not — put aside issues of basic equality. We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love.

And I know that many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that. It’s not for me to tell you to be patient, any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half century ago.

But I say this: We have made progress and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by the promises that my administration keeps. And by the time you receive — [interrupted by applause. What was the rest of this sentence?] We’ve been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration.

In 4 years or 8?

And how many partners will have died alone because their partner wasn’t allowed to be with them?

How many more brave Americans are going to be dismissed from the military – losing the pension and benefits that they risked their lives for?

How many more children are going to go unloved and abused in group homes because gay couples were prevented from adopting them?

How many survivors are going to be destitute because they were unable to receive their partner’s benefits?

How many partners will go without basic physical, dental and mental health care because they were excluded?

How many will be victims of a crime that goes unpunished as a hate crime because they are not one of the recognized “groups” ?

He recites all he’s done…

Now, while there is much more work to do, we can point to important changes we’ve already put in place since coming into office. I’ve signed a memorandum requiring all agencies to extend as many federal benefits as possible to LGBT families as current law allows.

Nothing about changing it. He had to because of Secretary Clinton.

And these are benefits that will make a real difference for federal employees and Foreign Service Officers, who are so often treated as if their families don’t exist. And I’d like to note that one of the key voices in helping us develop this policy is John Berry, our director of the Office of Personnel Management, who is here today.

Then he has the nerve to mention DOMA – after he allowed it be passed.

I’ve called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act to help end discrimination — (applause) — to help end discrimination against same-sex couples in this country. Now, I want to add we have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate old divides. And fulfilling this duty in upholding the law in no way lessens my commitment to reversing this law. I’ve made that clear.

Mentions Matthew Shepard’s parents and the hate crimes bill.

I’m also urging Congress to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, which will guarantee the full range of benefits, including health care, to LGBT couples and their children. My administration is also working hard to pass an employee non-discrimination bill and hate crimes bill, and we’re making progress on both fronts. Judy and Dennis Shepard, as well as their son Logan, are here today. I met with Judy in the Oval Office in May — and I assured her and I assured all of you that we are going to pass an inclusive hate crimes bill into law, a bill named for their son Matthew.

In addition, my administration is committed to rescinding the discriminatory ban on entry to the United States based on HIV status. The Office of Management and Budget just concluded a review of a proposal to repeal this entry ban, which is a first and very big step towards ending this policy…And that’s why this past Saturday, on National HIV Testing Day, I was proud once again to encourage all Americans to know their status and get tested the way Michelle and I know our status and got tested.

Curious how he doesn’t say what his status is. He waits till the end to mention DADT.

And finally, I want to say a word about “don’t ask, don’t tell.“ As I said before — I’ll say it again — I believe “don’t ask, don’t tell” doesn’t contribute to our national security. In fact, I believe preventing patriotic Americans from serving their country weakens our national security.

Where did he say that it was discriminatory. Where did he say what HE thinks about it?

Now, my administration is already working with the Pentagon and members of the House and the Senate on how we’ll go about ending this policy, which will require an act of Congress.

That may be true but it does not mean he can’t do anything. He can sign an order to suspend investigations and dismissals because of DADT. Exactly what 77 Members of Congress requested he do in a letter sent 6-22. If DADT discriminated just against Black servicemembers would there even be a discussion?

Someday, I’m confident, we’ll look back at this transition and ask why it generated such angst, [the policy to his non-reaction?] but as Commander-in-Chief, in a time of war, I do have a responsibility to see that this change is administered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term.

Precisely. But immediately – not in the long term. Since he took office at least 265 servicemembers have been dismissed, including Arab linguists.

Is there anything more important right now than troops – trained troops – in particular Arabic/Farsi speaking ones? He just said he is not going to do anything: someday…time of war (which it still will be in 4 years) …practical…long term. He normally operates by polling and 3/4 Americans believe DADT should be done away with. And yet, he is doing nothing and has no intention of doing anything.

Knights Out and other groups – you are going to need to get LOUD and in his face. Every day. Are there any out reporters in the WH press corps? What’s Helen Thomas’ stand? What about Joe Biden? You are going to have to hammer away and make it so it is politically expedient for him to suspend it. And there is no way that is going to happen unless he’s forced. It’s clear what he thinks of the LGBT community. But DADT goes beyond into every community. 3 out of 4 Americans are on your side – use them. Lt Choi stay visible and keep mentioning that you speak fluent Arabic. Drive home how important it was to be able to communicate with Iraqis one on one. Lt Col Fehrenbach make sure as many people as possible know that barry looked you in the eye and made a promise. He’s already passing the buck.

That’s why I’ve asked the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal.

And non-thoroughly he could stop the discharges. Today.

I know that every day that passes without a resolution is a deep disappointment to those men and women who continue to be discharged under this policy — patriots who often possess critical language skills and years of training and who’ve served this country well. But what I hope is that these cases underscore the urgency of reversing this policy not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it is essential for our national security.

That is as much an understatement as it gets. Never even mentions Lt Choi whose hearing was the next day. And “these cases” are human beings – Americans - who volunteered knowing that they would not be able to be themselves and yet they loved their country so much they volunteered anyway. And after combat tours they get discharged without full benefits and pensions. $40k/yr, an education and medical care is more than a disappointment – it is an existence. And it is something they are owed – no matter what gender their partner is. And barry as their ultimate commander should be taking care of every single one of them.

Now, even as we take these steps, we must recognize that real progress depends not only on the laws we change but, as I said before, on the hearts we open. For if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll acknowledge that there are good and decent people in this country who don’t yet fully embrace their gay brothers and sisters — not yet.

What about him? He states nothing personal. If he is so determined – then why doesn’t he say his beliefs out loud? What effect would they have on the military leaders and Congress? Instead, he thinks about how it will affect his future.

Are there any LGBT servicemembers who have taken video of what they have survived in combat only to be discharged? Are there any documentaries? Can you get discharged servicemembers — as many as you can of the 265 discharged since he’s been in office – to make 30 second videos and post them on YouTube? What about distinct incidences that went bad (other than 9-11 intelligence) because there was no Arabic-speaking servicemember?

What he’s going to do? Talk.

That’s why I’ve spoken about these issues not just in front of you, but in front of unlikely audiences — in front of African American church members, in front of other audiences that have traditionally resisted these changes. And that’s what I’ll continue to do so. That’s how we’ll shift attitudes. That’s how we’ll honor the legacy of leaders like Frank and many others who have refused to accept anything less than full and equal citizenship.

Forget shifting attitudes. He needs to become a man of his word by taking a stand as commander in chief and doing something other than telepromptering. He never mentions the real group he is pandering to by doing nothing – it’s not the jermiah wrights – it’s the Rick Warrens.

The truth is when these folks protested at Stonewall 40 years ago no one could have imagined that you — or, for that matter, I — (laughter) — would be standing here today. So we are all witnesses to monumental changes in this country. That should give us hope, but we cannot rest. We must continue to do our part to make progress — step by step, law by law, mind by changing mind. And I want you to know that in this task I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a President who fights with you and for you.

The only way they are going to know that is if you do something, barry. Now – not in 4 years. In 6 months you’ve turned off some of your base and repeatedly dissed the LGBT community. What are the chances the evangelicals and other minds that need changing are even going to listen to you on another 6?

You, Sir, are a coward, and by no means or stretch of the imagination, a man of your word.

Think: Iraq.

And in no sense can you call yourself Commander in Chief when you do not care equally about each and every servicemember, as evidenced by your intentional non-action and doubletalk on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.