We are at war. And West Point is at the epicenter of preparation for our combat leaders of the future.
The lists grows longer, day by day, of West Point graduates who have made the supreme sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These honorable men went into “harm’s way” and willingly laid down their lives for their country. They deserve our everlasting respect as we honor their memory.
So how can the arrogant and mercurial Donald Rumsfeld explain his latest insult to the United States Army?
“NO COMBAT” COLPO LANDS BIG JOB AT WEST POINT
At a time like this, who gets the coveted spot of chief of staff at the U.S. Military Academy but COL Mike “NO COMBAT” Colpo, who not only inexplicably “missed” any combat duty since graduating from the Point in 1978, but in the ensuing 27 years, didn’t serve one day overseas despite his Infantry brass, airborne wings and Ranger tab.
“This is disgusting,” said a senior NCO and Gulf War veteran. “Colpo’s just a chairborne Ranger who knew what butts to kiss along the way.
“Sending him up to walk among real heroes at West Point is a disgrace! No one can tell me he was the best qualified candidate for the job. Surely there are bird colonels and experienced combat leaders in today’s Army whom the cadets could look up to and learn from. Instead, they get a desk jockey and politician. It makes me sick!”
AVOIDED OVERSEAS DUTY FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS
Well, you’re not alone, Sarge. Lots of people are shocked and upset about this assignment, but there’s little they can do about it.
Because of Colpo’s powerful friends, we doubt any officer at the Point – certainly no cadet – will dare to ask him why he avoided overseas duty.
“Stateside for nearly 30 years? That just doesn’t happen by accident,” an officer who served with Colpo at Carlisle Barracks told MilitaryCorruption.com.
“Even if he was MI (military intelligence) or in the Quartermaster Corps, such a thing would be shameful! But to be airborne-infantry, a ranger, and a West Point graduate, yet ride a desk your entire military career, that tells me all I need to know about his character, even if I hadn’t already seen him in operation at the Barracks.”
COMBAT TROOPS NO ADMIRER OF COLPO
Reaction pouring into our office in Arizona from enlisted soldiers, officers, DOD civilians and military retirees is virtually unanimous.
“That yellow ribbon with the red borders on each end denoting the blood of those who went into combat, you should send him that to add to his collection of merit badges,” a Vietnam vet said.
Actually, to be entirely accurate, the “award” was suggested by a reader last year and we wrote about it at the time. No such ribbon has ever been presented, not that it would be entirely inappropriate in Colpo’s case.
There was a time we would have been willing to cut “NO COMBAT” Colpo some slack, despite his arrogant and obnoxious personality. But knowing his recent role in the disgraceful Gen. Omar Bradley aide “gun grab,” (see “Related Stories” box below) we think “Mikey’s” elevation to such a high and coveted post at West Point is a cruel joke.
We know of one “Mustang officer” and decorated, multi-tour Vietnam combat veteran who now walks with a cane who’d love to debate Colpo publicly on the virtues of risking one’s life for his country. How about it, colonel? You could lecture us all on the definition of “bravery” on the battlefield. Just read up on it in the history books.
WEST POINT CHIEF OF STAFF SHOULD BE COMBAT VET
What does it say to the United States Army and the American people that the high position of chief of staff at West Point is filled during wartime, or any time for that matter, by a non-combat vet who even managed to safely stay in the United States for 27 years? Colpo doesn’t even have one overseas tour to his credit in Germany, Korea, Kuwait, anywhere. How many West Point officers, Infantry branch, do you know, dear reader, who over three decades could pull off a stunt like that?
We are sure there are more than a few colonels out there who proudly wear the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Combat Infantryman’s Badge, who’d like to know why the new chief of staff at West Point has so few decorations, he’s even ineligible to wear the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Maybe Alumni members – those who don’t have a son or daughter currently attending the Point – might pay a visit to “NO COMBAT” Colpo’s office and ask him why he thinks he deserves to be the chief of staff.
Cadets, when you salute Colpo, as you must, keep in mind what kind of man he is. Remember the honored names of Patton, MacArthur, and the greatest of them all, Omar Bradley.
When you look to be inspired by genuine leaders who went into battle at the head of their troops, not warming some chair behind a Pentagon desk, think of those men. Not some sycophant wearing “chicken wings” who is skilled as a politician but undeserving of any respect by combat troops.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Please give this “open letter” the widest possible dissemination within the bounds of your own safety. We have publicly offered to “debate” Colpo on the meaning of courage and have offered him equal time and space on MilitaryCorruption.com to respond to our views. From his track record, we doubt if he will rise to the challenge.]
Wow. Believable.
"So how can the arrogant and mercurial Donald Rumsfeld explain his latest insult to the United States Army? "
RUMMY IS THE MAN!! WHAT A GREAT PATRIOT!!! How dare ANYONE question him about ANYthing he does!!
[/sarcasm
Next thing you know they'll put Barney Fag in charge of the
Naval Academy And it is all part of Colorado's biggest embarassment (Patricia Schroeder's) plan After they destroy our Military they can invite the Tally hoho ban in to build it back up.