Thursday, February 13, 2014

Enough with attacks on the CMC


While most Americans were enjoying the Christmas holiday with friends and family, I had the absolute privilege of traveling with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Jim Amos and his wife Bonnie to Afghanistan in the Helmand province.  General and Mrs. Amos could have spent Christmas anywhere in the world but both wanted nothing more than to spend their last Christmas in the Marine Corps with forward-deployed Marines.  General and Mrs. Amos exemplify leadership.

That is why when I was made aware of the most recent attacks against the general and his wife I had to take action and voice my opinion.  It pains me so much to see the repeated, ridiculous attacks against them both.  It is unprecedented in the history of our Corps to repeatedly attack one of our own and to sit idly by and let others do it too.

The attacks are driven almost entirely by a single news organization we are all familiar with.  The attacks are personal and designed to drive a wedge between him and Marines all across the globe.  Sadly, they have achieved some level of success in this regard.  Their latest stunt is to create an issue over the placement of their product in our exchanges.  Give me a break, this is a crisis?  They created the issue, it was designed by them, for them, simply devised to do nothing but generate sales for their bottom line, nothing more.  The staff in our exchanges moves products around every day.  You’ve never heard Budweiser cry because they didn’t get placed in the front of the cooler.  If you’re confident in your product just stand behind it, don’t create news that doesn’t exist and slander people in the process.

Sadly and shockingly, U.S. Representative Walter Jones, 3rd District, NC, has somehow felt obligated to enter into this discussion.  Please allow me to say what none of you wearing the uniform can say, “Enough already  Congressman Jones”. Let me remind you, you sir are a congressman, not a salesman for a newspaper organization. If this is the best use of your time, then your time has passed.  Please stop using the American tax dollars this way.  It is clearly time for you to move on; your work is done if this is the most important issue you are dealing with.  This “issue” is really none of your business.  Isn’t there something more important you should be doing?  I have a great idea North Carolina, vote for former Army Sergeant Jason Thigpen.  Thigpen is the purple-heart recipient running against Jones for Congress.  Vote for Jason Thigpen.

Never in the history of our Marine Corps has an external enemy turned Marines against their Commandant. My personal message to all Marines is to step up, do what we do best and that’s protecting our own.  We have a responsibility as the greatest fighting force on the earth to stop this. I professionally and personally know Gen Amos and his wife.  I can tell you that every time I leave his presence I say to myself; I can only hope that someday I can be half the Marine, Leader, Husband, Father, Grandfather and friend that cares about others the way this man does. My request is simple; please stand with me and defend OUR Commandant because he always stands by us. General Amos and Bonnie have my enduring support.   

69 comments:

  1. Well said, Dakota. Political agenda's are attempting to undermine the senior leadership in our uniformed services.

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    1. "Political agenda"

      You mean like the one Dakota has, which is the driving force behind posts such as this?

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    2. Nick Rudy, you sir are an inbred & an outcast, You would not even begin to make a pimple on Dakota's or the CMCs but! I got 10 that says you never spent a day in the service, much less the Marines!

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    3. I don't know of this problem going on but i will say thank you Dakota for what you believe. You are standing up for a good reason. SEMPER FI OOH RAH

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    4. Danny Donovan,
      Nick Rudy is a combat veteran of multiple deployments to both theaters of war. Like most people in this nation you are assuming you know everything about everyone.
      Reply with your email address so you can send me that $10

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    5. What happens when a POG can't come up with a logical argument?

      He calls someone an inbred and an outcast.

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    6. Since when did we start calling each other by our first names in the Marine Corps? I'm pretty sure his name is Sgt. Meyer. Whether or not you agree with his statements or not, I'm positive there's a Promotion Warrant (not to mention a Medal of Honor Citation) that says he's earned the respect of his Rank and Title... If any of you are half the Marine that you even think you are, you'd show the man some respect even while disagreeing.

      Sincerely,

      James MacGregor,
      Corporal, United States Marine Corps (Inactive)

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    9. I live in NC and I got your message. Let us all remember that we are brothers and Semper Fidelus is our motto. I got your six here in NC.

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    10. Political Agenda - you mean like the one Dakota has for posting this in the first place? ROFLOL...

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  2. Dear Mr. Meyer:

    First of all, I want to again thank you for your service. My name is David Miller, and I am President of SPAN, Corp. a California based Political Consulting firm, that seems to attract Combat Veterans running for Congress. Currently, we have 2 clients around the country, who are military veterans, who are also running for Congress. Larry Wilske, in San Diego, a retired US Navy Master Chief, and Commander of SEAL Team 7, and Andre Barnett, retired, US Army, running in New York 18 (Poughkeepsie, NY area) Have you ever given thought to lending your name to the endorsement process as it relates to combat veterans like Larry and Andre? -Dave itsmillertime2010@gmail.com website location- www.spanpolitical.com

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    2. in reply to Mr. Rudy, even liberal socialists like your self can serve, however I believe that the CMC and Sgt. Dakota both have more than earned their right to not only request but demand that they and their service to their country be shown respect. you may have served but i'll bet you were not a Marine. If you were a Marine you would know that Semper Fi is not just a few idle words, It's a way of life and a life long commitment to each other. keep up the good work Sgt. Dakota and keep the people informed. Wendell j. jones Marine Corps. I am a 100% combat disabled veteran, and I would do it all over again if I could!

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  3. Well said Sgt Dakota!! Semper Fi..!!! General Amos and his wife have my enduring support as well. We take care of our own - Cpl Tatro USMCR "PDRL"

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  4. Why not address the popular mainstream social media that promotes disrespect towards the CMC? I have never seen such disrespect directed towards the CMC, and it's being spread more thoroughly and effectively on Facebook. I believe a message of this sort posted on These FB pages should carry some weight . Looking forward to see a response by a MOH recipient. Personally, I find it disgusting and embarrassing that the are Marines that feel the need to trash talk a CMC. What message does it say to others when you have these Marines calling the CMC insulting, vulgar words I will not use here??

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  5. SGT, I feel like I should say something more respectful in your title like "Medal of Honor Recipient SGT" so I hope that suffices, no bullshit. My worry comes from the firings of Top Commanders by Obama if the Commanders disagree with Obama. General Dempsey concerns me even more after he made comments that our retired, medically retired, and prior service members from the Military to CIA shouldn't be using our 1st Amendment Rights for which WE have all fought to preserve so hard, that is extremely disturbing. -Respectfully, "Doc" 2nd Marines, 6th Marines, 10th Marines, 2nd MAR DIV, II MEF. Medically Retired due to injuries sustained in the line of duty.

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    1. I believe it was Jaime Foxx's character, SSGT Sieks in the film "Jarhead" that said the phrase "This is the Marine Corps. There is no such thing as speech that is free. You will pay for everything that you say."

      Members of the Armed Forces are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which, as you know, has MUCH stricter laws regarding personal behavior. Publicly mocking or bad mouthing your superiors, whether they are your Fire Team Leader or the President of the United States, is fundamentally prejudicial to good order and discipline.

      The Soldiers, Marines, et al. who get on the internet and talk smack, where there is recorded proof of their offense, show a complete and utter lack of discipline and deserve to be punished to whatever extent their commanders deem fit. Period. If they wanna get mouthy, they really outta wait for their EAS Date, like the rest of us who were in before the internet was a "thing".

      Real Talk.

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  6. Dakota, I have had the honor of spending time with General Amos and Ms. Bonnie and agree completely. I've seen him interact with young Marines and know he is genuine. He is a man of honor, loves his Marines and America. We need more MEN and WOMEN like James and Bonnie Amos leading America not less. Semper Fi

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  7. Never in our history has a commandant turned against his Marines! That is the reason for the CMC justly receiving the "attacks" that you mention. Which by the way are coming from more than one publication.

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    1. Not to mention your agenda Dakota. Possibly getting your friend elected? Maybe get your name circulated in the political fields for the likely event that you run for office? Many of us don't personally know the CMC, he may be a great man, but he is a terrible CMC!

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  8. This is only the second time I've ever heard of a senior officer taking his wife to a war zone. The other officer is Douglas MacArthur. Does Amos think he is on par with MacArthur????

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  9. You have to remember that you know him personally, 99% of the marine corps doesn't know him, let alone seen him in person. All we see or hear about him is abuse of authority with the snipers, cover up at Hawthorne, and punishing a sergeant major for turning in a general. I have seen him and he never had anything to say to us about it to help us understand. If I lose the respect of my junior marines I am the one that failed, or so the marine corps has taught me.

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  10. The CMC dug his own grave, not the times. The times may be a tabloid, but that doesn't mean Commandant didn't earn his vitriol.

    Reawakening...

    Nonsensical demands on marines as to how duty in/around the barracks should be performed.

    Witchhunts against Marines with an almost religious zeal.

    You get my point.

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  11. Thank you Dakota. Right is right and wrong is wrong. I hate it when that line is deliberately and maliciously blurred. God bless you and God bless the USMC!

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  12. Dakota- You can like the man and disagree with his policies and actions. I'm sure General Amos is a charming individual and has the presence of a strong leader but that does not make his decisions wise or his actions justified. You complain about the political agenda of a news outlet that has little to gain from destroying esprit de corps; it makes little sense that the news outlet would not just report import events that effect Marines around the globe. The placement of their paper is just the latest in a long list of things done by head quarters Marine Corps that is politically driven and spiteful. I will always love the Marine Corps I remember, just as I will always love the United States, but, I don't have to agree with the Commandant nor the President to continue loving them both.

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    1. I find it interesting you make this statement. Knowing full well when you are in you follow instant obedience to orders. You never question a superior unless it is a moral issue of slaying or torture someone. Which is against the Geneva convention. Obama and facebook have caused a lit of issue with military memebers and outwardly disrespecting senior enlisted and officers alike.

      Think bout the fact that in the military we cannot outwardly speak out against out president. He is our commander and chief. So what gives a military memeber the right to speak out against the CMC?

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    2. Any enlisted personnel can say anything they want about the POTUS to anyone with no legal repercussions. Article 88 specifically mentions that only commissioned officers may not publicly speak out against the government. It do not apply to SNCOs, NCOs, or junior enlisted who can say whatever they want so long as they're not violating OPSEC. The rules were specifically created this way so that higher ups could gauge moral and hear conflicting viewpoints, which is exactly what is going on with the CMC situation right now.

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  13. Dakota, I do not know the CMC in the way you do, but I have heard him speak on a couple of occasions and was impressed with his bearing and words... This "bashing" of the CMC did not start with this recent incident involving a "publication" though... I have been concerned by all the senior Officers he has relieved with the only excuse being "lack of confidence." I find it hard to believe that so many career Officers could be deserving of getting relieved for such a thing. One might even argue that if so many senior Officers were placed in such positions of leadership under General Amos' command that were unfit for those position, then Gen Amos should be relieved.

    There was also the allegations of undue command influence in regard to the incident involving the Marines that urinated on those scum bags in the desert... Like you I don't ever recall a time when such negative comments were about a CMC, most have been above reproach and respected by all...

    I will again reiterate that I do not know him personally or professionally as you do and I think it is great that he spent his Christmas visiting the forward deployed troops. He may very well be the best CMC we have ever had, but right, wrong, or indifferent, with all the negative attention he is getting from all directions, it might be time for him to retire in the best interest of the Marine Corps...

    I read your book, it was GREAT! I have mad respect for you and feel for your loss on that terrible day... I hate seeing any sort of negative attention toward the Marine Corps and hope we get this behind us and a new CMC in place that will restore the respect of ALL.. SemperFi

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  14. I'll admit, I gave into the meme's and jokes that were being made. I appreciate this article. You're right; Marines need to stick up for each other.

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  15. I think the newspaper issue is silly, but the malicious prosecution of Marines and allegations of command influence are a significant deal. I'm sure General Amos is a lover of Marines, but his commander (Obama) has set in motion a criminal and anti-American politicization of our military leaders. At some point, we need Generals that will stand up for the United States citizens............and that includes my fellow Marines. I will always cherish the time I spent in the Marine Corps.....and I will be faithful to the Corps as long as it is faithful to our constitution, but I would not let my kids join under current leadership conditions. When I see things like a JAG attorney being run out of the service for pointing out unlawful command influence.........when I see US Marines training in civil disturbance tactics that could be used against patriotic americans.........I wonder...

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  16. Dakota, As a member of Patriot Guard Riders I was at Georgia National Cemetery just a few months after Gen Amos became CMC.He was there for the funeral of a Lt. Col. with whom he had served. I did not have the opportunity to meet him but there were a couple of things about him that really impressed me and, to me, showed what a "real" person he was. He was driving his personal vehicle, an SUV with his wife in the other front seat. No Staff Car with a driver! I was not there for the same funeral but, when I found out that the CMC was present to honor another Marine, I quickly organized every other Marine present and we proceeded to the assembly area. We lined up and when the procession began to move I called them to ""attention" and then "present arms". Gen Amos was in his car a few vehicles back from the hearse, he looked toward us and returned our salute. Keep in mind we were not in uniform, just a group of Marines in the usual "biker attire". That moment proved to me that this man is very "real"!!!!

    Dakota, if you read this please contact me. I was the one who coordinated the memorial missions for four of the heros that you brought back. I met you at your "welcome home" in KY and presented you with a photo album about those memorials.

    Semper Fi,

    Joe "Mack" McGuigan
    GA Patriot Guard
    Ride Captain
    9th Marines, Vietnam 65-66
    joemackusmc@gmail.com

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  17. Not to endorse sensorship, but perhaps that's what needs to be done regarding active duty Marines utilizing some of these social media websites such as facebook? I served in the Marine Corps from 1991-1995 when facebook (let alone the internet) wasn't available - to blatantly disrespect an officer or senior nco for that matter during that time meant your ass. Now we move ahead 15+ years and these Marines have taken it to a whole other level. I've gone on some of these sites and have seen profile pics of young Marines (PFC's, LCpl's, etc.,) in there dress blues mind you, just flat out disrespecting the CMC as though he was nothing - I mean we're not talking about some PFC getting pissed off on FB calling his Gunny an A-Hole for making him strip and wax the deck on a Saturday night; we're talking about these Marines calling the CMC a P.O.G., worthless, idiot,...the list is endless - When did the Marine Corps get there?

    Again, all I'm saying is maybe there should be tighter accountability when it comes to this issue. I am all for the 1st amendment but Marines are held with higher standards and pride themselves at custom and courtesy. I say lock sites like facebook down if those continue to abuse it in that manner - We know how to police our own; if one f*cks up we all f*ck up. I seem to remember that concept from somewhere?

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    1. wont' stop the parents, wives, veterans, and other loved ones who despise this commandant for his treatment of our troops... How about fix the corruption at the top... I know that is a novel concept... but let's start there.

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  18. Nick rudy you worthless of mother fucking god damn congressman Jones cocksucking whore shut the fuck up or get the fucking out of the usa. You're taking up valuable space. I hope someone severely hurts and paralyzes you for life.

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  19. I'm with Sgt Dakota, we don't go against each other, we reach for each other. It is sickening to think that some idiot is trying to pull one on us. We're too good for that crap. SEMPER FI.

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    1. General Amos turned his back on his Marines first. He is no position to expect they will treat him any differently than he's treated them,

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    2. AMOS turned his back on our boys first - and long before this video trial that got the publicity. He is an embarrassment to the Corps, and the parents have had enough as well. How much longer does this loser have as CMC anyway?

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  20. "You’ve never heard Budweiser cry because they didn’t get placed in the front of the cooler. If you’re confident in your product just stand behind it, don’t create news that doesn’t exist and slander people in the process."

    This is straight up bullshit. In virtually every grocery store you pay what are called slotting allowances for shelf real estate and floor displays etc. Where your product gets placed is incredibly important to sales, and slotting allowances run in the billions every year. If you are a major retailer and you move your Budweiser to a less desirable location the reps will be banging on your door before the week is over demanding an explanation.

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  21. I knew rolled sleeves, the sniper trial, duty, the lack of actual combat experience, openly admitting he hates combat troops who developed PTSD, and not wearing skivvy shirts was all a Duffel Blog lie.

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  22. Still scratching my head, did not Gen. Amos pressure others to really come down hard on the Marines involved in urinating of some dead muzzies?

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    1. why yes - yes he did! And in fact, he removed General Waldhauser from ruling when Waldhauser refused to crush them.

      He has also refused to answer to the rest of us parents on WHY one of our buys legs were left dangling in the trees by the taliban in the first place (what set off these men).

      No respect for this CMC - would not let any of my grandkids join the Corps as long as he has any command over it.

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  23. Dakota, if you weren't a Hadassah war veteran and still enlisted, I guarantee you wouldn't like the seniormost officer in the Marine Corps:
    1. Implying tour generation needs a "reawakening" after fighting two wars
    2. Making you stand more firewatch, you know, just because...you'd think Amos would have better things to worry about than stuff handled at the unit level by enlisted folks.
    3. Breaking military law to ensure your fellow snipers were punished to the max, then trying to cover up the investigation and ruin other officers careers.

    But you're a civilian now. It doesn't affect you. Why should it now?
    8.5 years, USMC

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  24. JUST A THOUGHT: Politicians get us into wars, our jobs is to clean up the mess, regardless of our feelings, what separates us (MARINES) is that we take care of our own. That means if we have an issue you don't get on social media or support the media communist publications. You get your Marine core A$$ and use your chain of command. If you think smearing another Marine or showing disobedience is going to make our country look strong to true enemies who are ripping this country apart from the inside then you have drank the cool aid. We stand together no matter what, sometime we have to take it, the hard stuff, the stuff not so pretty to look at but that's what we do and if you don't like something then turn in your uniform or go to the chain of command or to base legal or be a man and confront someone in person. No one on here has a job beyond the job we are given: God, Corps and Country. Your putting your personal feelings in this and I didn't see that in the big three!

    Noah U.S.M.C 1996

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  25. Use a little G2 Devil dogs you are all being bated by those in control:

    here is some humor:
    I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.

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  26. General Amos must of had his staff write this blog...I mean seriously? This blog made me want to vomit. It looks like this guy is going to become a politician with all that BS political correctness talk. I don't care what or how many fucking medals you have. You are wrong and so is the CMC that little POG ass bitch!

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  27. Sgt Meyer,

    As a fellow Sgt in our Corps I will have to disagree. Any and all skepticism that Marines have against their Commandant have been brought on only by himself. From things like walking into his position and first off changing our uniform order, to things like the issues with the scout snipers and that youtube video, to what's going on with the Marine Times Newspaper. He has not put the Marines first in his agenda. More so he has only been concerned with the overall image of the Marine Corps. I understand that we are supposed to be portrayed as a certain type of person to the public, but it is not his position to dictate what he believes is the perfect image of a Marine. The Marine Corps is diverse, we are all different people that come together to form one team. But the Commandant has shown us that it's either his way or the highway. Which is not how things should be. Not to mention his profane abuse of the word "Professional". We are professionals, act like professionals, your workspace is a professional setting. When did the Marine Corps become a Fortune 500 company? Who told this man it was o.k. to steer away from the image of family, brotherhood, bonding. He has, single handed, made Marines feel as if that feeling of closeness and togetherness and family amongst brothers is not o.k.. Marines do dumb things. It's been going on since our inception. It will never change. You have to allow people to make mistakes before they can become better. No Marine is perfect or will ever be. Every single one of us has broken a rule from the UCMJ. If it were completely the way he wanted it to be there would be no Marines for him to lead. I for one will be glad when his time in service is over. I miss General Conway and SgtMaj Kent. No more wingers for Commandant! Semper Fi Brothers and Sisters. OORAH!

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  28. bullshit.

    if the CMC did wrong then he should be punished just like any other Marine. wait. no. he should be crushed. i can't believe you're stepping into this and twisting it in a way that will do so much harm to your own reputation. the Marine Corps Times didn't turn Marines against Amos. he did that himself.

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  29. Sgt. Meyer,
    I am with you 1000% on this. Gen. Amos has taken a beating since he was named CMC because he is Air Wing and that is wrong, he is still Marine. While I may not agree fully with everything he does, he is the man in charge and he is trying to keep our Corps the finest, most respected and most disciplined military organization on earth. Many of the things people attribute to him are based on hear-say. Nobody has any proof of him saying anything about ending or ruining careers. The Gen. Amos I met was a respectful and proud man and one of the finest Marines I have had the pleasure of meeting.
    I have also had the honor of meeting Mrs. Bonnie Amos at the retirement celebration of a friend at the Marine Museum. Those who question why she would go to a forward zone, I would ask you why not? Mrs. Amos is as much a Marine as Gen. Amos. In my brief interaction with her, I felt welcomed by an old friend. She seemed genuinely interested in who I was, when I served and how I knew the honoree. I also learned this fine woman visited our Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed at least once per week and she can tell you the names and injuries of each and every Marine in that hospital at any time, the names of their spouse and most of their children. We have woman Marines in forward areas so the First Lady of the Marine Corps accompanying her husband for a holiday visit is certainly appropriate. I am sure these woman Marines appreciated the time with her and that feel that a piece of home was there even for a brief period.
    When I was on active duty, we obeyed orders, laws, rules and the UCMJ. We didn't publicly second guess, put down or vilify our superior officers. MY Marine Corps would not stand for the behavior I see from junior Marines and even Junior NCOs these days. And the "new" Marines think it's funny when us "old" Marines question the softening of boot camp. Gen. Amos is trying to appease a sissified government that insists on the "everyone gets a trophy" mentality while still trying to instill discipline and pride in our Corps. It's not an easy balance. Respect the man for doing what he can to keep our Corps the US Marine Corps. Otherwise, we might as well pack up and go home.
    Sgt. Meyer, thank you for all you do. And someone commented on you being "a civilian now." I guess he forgot, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." Someday, I hope to have the honor of meeting you in person. Your continued support embodies what a Marine is. Semper Fi brother!

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  30. CMC lite?

    Dakota,

    While I applaud your accomplishments and speaking out to control the masses, your rant confused me. Was it about the CMC or about your political aspirations?

    Why do you feel it's your responsibility to defend the current CMC? He's a public figure and if he can't stand the heat...

    As you read this, you are probably wondering, just who the hell am I? Well, I'm just a fellow Veteran. You know one of us commoners, that's wondering the same about you?

    While dissent isn't tolerated in the Corps, it's not all coming from external foes or internal enemies. Some of us don't approve of the crap going on that's brought shame to our Corps from the top down but that also seems to be your point too. Don't question the infallible leadership in power.

    A piece of advice, follow the path other MOH recipient's and stick to promoting issues Marines and Veterans need attention drawn to like the suicide rates, the VA failures, or sexual assault.

    As a Sergeant, your job isn't to defend the CMC from political situations, he's put himself in.

    While you speak of the Marine Corps times, I speak of troop welfare. You know the thing that keeps good order and discipline within the Corps. Somehow once transitioning to being a Veteran, the Corps forgot this principal but touts the once a Marine always a Marine motto. There are more things going on that have lead to the critiquing of the CMC.

    While bashing the CMC is disgraceful in a personal manner, and most of us would likely disapprove, professionally he's brought it upon himself.

    You know, publicly judging his scout snipers before their day in court and then ruining a junior officers career over covering up his professional shortcomings. That must be the having our backs, you speak of.

    Or maybe it's the kick em out mentality, if they complain that no medical treatment is being given if we have PTSD?

    There are other issues that Marines care about like why Iraq and Afghanistan policies have failed because of politics.

    Are we releasing our fellow military members convicted of atrocities like the catch and release programs of Iraq and Afghan? Nah, no trials.

    While the CMC may be a great man his leadership suffers because of his own doings. Respect is earned not given especially within the junior ranks. A leader to emulate and not who to cover up for.

    We don't need you to articulate the intent of the your statement, we all already know it. Politics; the next John McCain/Kerry. Smh.

    While junior Marines may need a leader to keep them in line, they also need a leader they can respect. That would be a leader that is humble and not using his award to benefit his political ambitions by kissing the CMC's ass.

    I'm sure the intent was to address junior Marines behavior and that no one would dare challenge a MOH recipient's opinion but yours is no greater than anyone elses that served. Remember that and lastly...

    Leave politics to the officers, they already screw it enough without your help.

    Roger

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  31. He is not the Pope and Sgt Dakota is not a Jesuit Priest. That being said go quietly into the the history books the both of them. I don't need a pep talk about the Marine Corps nor does anyone else. Gen Amos is not infallible and has faults like every human.

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  32. I believe the point Sgt Meyer is trying to make is being missed. It is not a misinterpretation that the majority of the Corps does not support the CMC or the President and their decisions. The point I am seeing through this blog is we need to stop resorting to high school rebel tactics, like changing his wikipedia, the numerous facebook pages that not only rip on CMC but also fellow brothers and sisters in a fairly abusive manner, listing CMC and SgtMaj Barret on adult dating sites, and blaming every last change on CMC without looking at ourselves. I am in no way insinuating I was a stellar Marine (and yes i am a POG) nor that I in any way support Gen. Amos, but these actions make us all look childish.

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  33. Dakota,

    I really hope you take a step back and look what what has been happening long before anything to do with the Marine Corps Times. As soon as Amos, which is a non combative Marine put in charge of the worlds greatest fighting force, high ranking Good Marines were being fired. Due to the fact that they didn't play by Obama's rules? The next thing, Amos forcing and interfering against Marine Snipers who did their jobs, which is against the UCMJ but nothing came about it. Apparently you have never read this ( http://www.caaflog.com/wp-content/uploads/Letter-to-HASC-and-SASC-with-enclosures.pdf )

    What I am getting at is Amos is he got his position by being a yes man to the Obama administration. He isn't here for the Marine Corps, to carry on the long tradition of being the most feared warriors on the battlefield, he is here because he simply is a yes man for the Obama administration.

    I don't know General Amos personally, but if I ever met him, I would tell him what a horrible job he has been doing since taking command.

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  34. This is the uncomfortable area where a chain of command ends and an open society begins. As a country, we need the media to question all our leaders and hold them to a standard. That is the burden of a free society and makes us different than Russia or Venezuela. General Amos can be a great man, a good leader, and have made a mistake on this--all can be true simultaneously. This doesn't have to end his career, but the truth is important. As soon as we believe that the man is more important than the position or the truth, we drift away from what makes this country special.

    While allowing Congress and the media to investigate is difficult, those are the correct roles for each of those institutions. Have faith that the right outcome will be reached, even if the path isn't a straight line.

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  35. Repeat after me: Congressional Medal of Honor Winner....Now shut up.

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    1. President of the US: Now do as I say, not as I do. GTFO. Don't question the opinions or veracity of those in the publics eye? Wrong! I don't care who or what he was on one glorious day, it doesn't make him right for the rest of his life or beyond critism. But you sir come across as a yes man. Sounds like the 72 virgins approach has run over you. Learn to think outside of the box!

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  36. It is sad to see someone like Sgt Meyer get drug into the problems associated with the CMC. Yes, Sgt. Meyer may have had a great time with the General and his lady and they traveled to a war zone.
    This does not undermined the two years of destruction that the CMC has done to the Corps. The Corps needs leaders of men, not political leadership and correctness.
    If the Asst CMC gets the top post, then the Corps will continue to slide down the road to mediocrity and become like the army. Which would then bring the question of why having the Marines.

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  37. Mr. Meyer - did the CMC's office write this for you personally, or did you just sell out yourself on your own? I agree more with Allen West, and others that the CMC owes every parent of every Marine an APOLOGY for the horrendous way he has treated our troops and the justice system. You are forgetting that he was already called down for violating the justice system prior to the video trials. The Marine Corps Times did not ruin his relationship with the troops and their families - HE did. Sorry to see you toss away your own reputation to be used as a pawn for this disgrace to this Country. HAD he been a real commandant - he would have allowed Waldhauser to address and punish the boys with NJP over TWO years ago rather than drag these trials out the way he did. Heck - had he really been worth two cents as a CMC, he would have taken EVERY action to resolve the entire thing as fast as he could rather than play the games he did given just how "dangerous" he said the incident was to national security (which we wall know was drivel). This CMC has done SQUAT for his men on EVERY front - and that you have allowed yourself to be a PAWN in his propaganda machine turns my stomach sour.

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  38. There were 29 Officers (ret) that filed for an investigation of this CMC over these issues. They are not influenced by the Marine Corps Times Sgt Meyers - they are influenced by the FACTS of the actions of this CMC. Sorry you killed your reputation with a lot of people over a CMC who is simply not worth it, using drivel produced by them.

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  39. So, did Amos PR department write this for you - because word and grammar use shows you did not write this one. Shame to make yourself a tool on this. What did he promise you - to wash any investigation on the MOH away that may be pending? It certainly could not be that you thought his standing up for you if you run was going to bring you lots of votes (hint - his men (your potential voters) detest him).

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  40. Mr. Myer. First and foremost thank you for your service and sacrifice for this country. You are a man among men. As a former career Army Sergeant, and Warrant Officer, I understand the hardships of military life and the sacrifices that our service members and their family make daily for our country.
    Mr. Myer, when you throw your support behind a candidate, as a person of influence, you should do the due diligence on where the candidate stands, and if the person you are supporting is A) the most qualified for the position B) represents the ideals of the party he represents. Jason Thigpen does neither. As a former Tea Party Member just 5 short months ago, and now a Liberal Democrat, how can he represent the ideals of the Party? From a lifelong Republican/Tea Party Member to Liberal Democrat in 5 short months? How do you change your core values virtually overnight? Jason Thigpen did not just become your average Liberal Democrat, he came to the party one day and asks the entire Democratic Party in the 3rd District of NC, to allow him, a former radical right wing Tea Party member to lead their party the next. Sir with all due respect, where do you and Mr. Thigpen get the idea that only serving in the military qualifies you to be a US Congressman? While I will concede that a long military career dose provide you with life experiences, Mr. Thigpen's career lasted 6 years, hardly enough time to qualify him for such a position. Some other issues about Mr. Thigpen worries me. When asked recently by Democrats at a Democratic Meeting, he actually said that he voted for President Obama in the 2012 Presidential Election. SGT Myer how likely is it that Jason Thigpen actually voted for Obama while planning to run as a Tea Party Member against Walter Jones, Jr. in 2012?
    SGT Myers, there is another candidate running for Congress in the 3rd District of NC. His name is Marshall Adame. He is a retired Marine, Vietnam Veteran, served as a Diplomat in the US Embassy in Iraq for 3 years, served on the US Congressional Commission on Wartime Contracting for over a year in Iraq, and has managed billion dollar budgets as a Program Manager. Marshall has two sons that served in the Iraq/Afghanistan wars and one is a Wounded Warrior. Unlike Jason Thigpen, Marshall Adame is a lifelong Democrat and has committed himself to his party, to his country and to the Constitution of the United States. Please visit his website at: democracy.com/MarshallAdameForCongress/default.aspx to learn more about this great American. Marshall provides the citizens of the 3rd District of NC Qualified Leadership and Experience that Mr. Thigpen is lacking. I hope you will keep an open mind and go to Mr. Adame's website and find out what he stands for.
    Thanks again SGT Myer for your sacrifice and for your service to our country. God Bless you and your family.

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  41. 1. Dakota Meyer has as much moral authority as anyone to make this kind of statement.

    2. He is particularly correct when he points out that What Marines Do is ALWAYS have other Marines backs.

    3. Like, for example, our Snipers. Whom our Commandant apparently was willing to break the law in order to throw under the bus, as they became politically inconvenient. If what Marines do best is take care of Marines, then shouldn't we have a Commandant who reflects that? "Never in the history of our Marine Corps?" As far as I am aware, never in the History of our Corps have we had a Commandant that turned against his own.


    Which, after all, is what we get (apparently) when we make a Navy Pilot our Commandant. The Navy has a much stronger tradition of treating Officers as aristocrats and above reproach - and it seems sadly some of that culture has stuck with him.


    Mr Meyer, you've been there, done that. The Commandant you are defending is unworthy of you, but your choice of your dedication is your own. As for Congressman Jones, I rather heavily suspect that he made the decision he did because he is a Representative, and many of the people whom he Represents asked him to do so.

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  42. Jason Thigpen for Congress. Dakota Meyers thank you for your support and service to the military and our country.

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  43. I do not know General Amos personally or professionally but if these allegations do come to the surface as true he should be punished just as a LCpl or SSgt would be. No one man is bigger or greater than the Corps, NOT EVEN the Commandant. I will say as the leader of Corps he has had tough decisions to make that other CMC's in the past 13 years have not had to make. However if he is innocent he should have nothing to worry about. The truth shall set him free but if he is guilty he will go down as the worst Commandant in the history of our Corps and both you and the CMC will lose your credibility.

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