A retort to MG Batiste from one of his troops

Posted By Uncle Jimbo

Matty O' has already weighed in with displeasure at the defeatist whinging of MG Batiste, but you should read this personal response from David Bellavia of Vets for Freedom.

When I left the First Infantry Division in August 2005 I had served under General John Batiste for over 33 glorious months. When I came home from Iraq sun burnt, emaciated and sour from months of close quarters combat, pale and plump civilians would always ask me what I did in Iraq. All I would say was all they needed to know. “I served as Infantryman in the Big Red One.” My Division is one of the most storied institutions in all my beloved Army and our reputation from World War Two to Vietnam stands up for itself. Our 2004 to 2005 tour in Iraq sealed the legacy for another generation to admire in the annals of American military history.

John Batiste left command of his First Infantry Division at the same time. We both shared the satisfaction of serving our beloved nation and Army, while still mutually motivated by bile and rage for those we lost during our year plus tour in Iraq. We chose two different paths to voice our anger over what is wrong with our world and this war. And out of admiration and duty, I have reserved judgment for my former commander’s outspoken criticism of policy and procedure until recently.

General Batiste has intentionally gone out of his way to irritate and instigate. No matter the stage, he has chosen to rankle and oppose those with whom two years ago he served shoulder to shoulder. This is not un-American, but uncouth. His insistence that he is honorably serving his fellow soldiers by cheapening their mission and in turn casting aside their sacrifice is not treasonous, but distasteful.

Head over to the Vets for Freedom blog and read the rest. He points out the saddest thing about the General's self-serving snivel.

Batiste laments that he lost his third star for his beliefs and retired. Our Combat Team lost 43 of our brothers and suffered over 300 injured for ours.

Sorry about that promotion sir. And yes that sarcasm was dripping with disgust.

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A retort to MG Batiste from one of his troops

Matty O' has already weighed in with displeasure at the defeatist whinging of MG Batiste, but you should read this personal response from David Bellavia of Vets for Freedom.

When I left the First Infantry Division in August 2005 I had served under General John Batiste for over 33 glorious months. When I came home from Iraq sun burnt, emaciated and sour from months of close quarters combat, pale and plump civilians would always ask me what I did in Iraq. All I would say was all they needed to know. “I served as Infantryman in the Big Red One.” My Division is one of the most storied institutions in all my beloved Army and our reputation from World War Two to Vietnam stands up for itself. Our 2004 to 2005 tour in Iraq sealed the legacy for another generation to admire in the annals of American military history.

John Batiste left command of his First Infantry Division at the same time. We both shared the satisfaction of serving our beloved nation and Army, while still mutually motivated by bile and rage for those we lost during our year plus tour in Iraq. We chose two different paths to voice our anger over what is wrong with our world and this war. And out of admiration and duty, I have reserved judgment for my former commander’s outspoken criticism of policy and procedure until recently.

General Batiste has intentionally gone out of his way to irritate and instigate. No matter the stage, he has chosen to rankle and oppose those with whom two years ago he served shoulder to shoulder. This is not un-American, but uncouth. His insistence that he is honorably serving his fellow soldiers by cheapening their mission and in turn casting aside their sacrifice is not treasonous, but distasteful.

Head over to the Vets for Freedom blog and read the rest. He points out the saddest thing about the General's self-serving snivel.

Batiste laments that he lost his third star for his beliefs and retired. Our Combat Team lost 43 of our brothers and suffered over 300 injured for ours.

Sorry about that promotion sir. And yes that sarcasm was dripping with disgust.

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