[Jeff Head]

For those following the story...here's the latest from LTC Al West himself.

[Free Trapper]

Great news!!!

[Magnolia]

Thanks for the ping Jeff. This is great news. Bless Lt. Col. West. The military is losing a good man who put duty & honor above personal consequences.

[MileHi]

Good news. Still, shame about the blemish on this good mans career.

Freegards, sir!

[MEG33]

Great news!I am not surprised that there will be no court martial and no loss of pension.There was too much of an outcry from citizens,congress,TV commentators and some column writers.

Saving lives and sacrificing his career does not seem fair.There's the right way ,the wrong way and the Army way,I suppose.It's their loss,therefore our loss.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

Jeff, thanks for the ping and for posting this. But more than that thanks (in order) to God, FreeRepublic and yourself for this happy outcome. I have to believe that all of the above had a hand in this.

[blackie]

LTC Allen West is a hero ~ Bump!

[editor-surveyor]

This is major good news, but I think that we should keep up the email campaign to keep this model soldier from being punished in any way.

He truly should receive a promotion, and we would be right in demanding that he be promoted, and any above him in command who interpreted his actions as a violation should be discharged immediately, as they are clearly unfit for command. The men must be assured that their necessary actions are fully supported.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[Badray]

Great news, Jeff. Thanks for the ping.

I can't help but compare and him and x42. What a stunning contrast!

x42 violates the law and the rules - even those that he signed - for his own gratification, gets caught and still denies that he did anything, let alone anything wrong. Then fights for his political life and is then hailed as a hero for getting oral sex in the Oval Office.

LTC West - Violated the rules of conduct, but did it for the safety of the men in his command. Then he reports himself to his commanding officer expecting to be held to account for it. He is threatened with a court martial and possible prison time. Fortunately, common sense prevailed and this courageous man will not be prosecuted, but his career is still over.

We definitely have elevated the wrong men to the highest offices while denigrating good men like Col West.

I wish the LTC all the best. I sure hope that a man of his integrity will still be able to find a job befitting him.