Posted on 07/09/2004 1:59:42 PM PDT by LurkedLongEnough
RALEIGH, North Carolina -- A former Army reservist ordered to report to Fort Sill has sued in federal court to try to block his recall to duty in Iraq.
Todd Parrish served four years of active duty and another four years in the reserves, but believes his commitment to the military ended in December. The Army says Parrish never formally resigned his commission as a lieutenant and is still eligible for involuntary recall to duty.
Parrish says he did not know he had to resign. He has married, bought a house and began preparing for a career as a civil engineer since leaving the Army.
Parrish's lawyer, Mark Waple, says Parrish has until August 10 to report to duty. Originally, Parrish was supposed to report last month. The Army has granted him two 30-day delays while it tries to resolve the case.
Parrish is from Cary, North Carolina.
BS They always know they are subject to recall.
Officer, I didn't know the light was red!
An amazing coincidence that he's from North Carolina...and this lawsuit comes out the same week that a trial lawyer from NC is selected to be the VP candidate.
Paper work. Read the paper work. Keep copies of the paper work.
LVM
Works both ways, ladies and gentlemen of the press....
Most lieutenants knew enough to listen to their NCOs and not make stupid mistakes. Not all of 'em, though.
He'd better hope his case goes to the dist. in CA
Don’t know about Army, because my dad was in the Air Force, but he claimed that even after retiring at 40 he could still be called back for another 15 years (?), if needed. Might be mis-remembering things though…
Pure BS. Ignorance, or supposed ignorance, of the rules is no excuse. And he is an officer. If any of the soldiers that were under his command "forgot" or "were unaware" of a certain procedural rule, he would walk up one side of him and down the other. What a sickeningly poor example of leadership.
You are pretty close about the recall. Your father can be recalled up to 30 years if they had to. But things have really got to be bad to recall a 60 year old.
This poor dumb officer can't read? An officer that didn't know he had to resign his commission? Not much of a case.
"But things have really got to be bad to recall a 60 year old."
Weren't a few of the top guys in WWII retired prior to that war, and recalled?
Some I think may have been in their 60s (or late 50s). Navy, in particular.
I think 9/11/2001 was 'really bad' and that we should be in the process of pounding radical islam, much more widely and agressively than we are.
In effect we would be in a WW against Saudi Arabia, Egypt, etc. Where the terrorists originate; and where they find safe haven.
Not if he was a scientist, surgeon,etc., etc. Experience doesn't die at 60. One 60 year old can be worth ten young ones. As a surgeon, one 60 year old could save the lives of many a young wounded soldier.
Man! Did he learn, eventually?
What a story!
Enjoy the company, Todd old boy, and the rest of your life.
Forgot to resign?
He did not notice any perks or payments?
I see Lt. Parrish losing his case, and having to serve..
Knowing that he will never be promoted....
Knowing he will be given every crappy assignment that a lowly Lt. can possibly experience in the army..
Knowing that he will be sent to the dirtiest armpits the Army has for his entire tour of duty, freeing up more deserving young officers who truly wish to serve their country..
Congratulations Todd..
You're serving your country, in your own unique way...
I retired with 21 years in August of 2001 and was placed in the Retired Reserve. Received letters from State Headquarters "reminding" me that I needed to maintain my uniforms in case I was ever called back.
I unretired May of 2003 (willingly) and have been activated since October. I was well-briefed and signed off on several documents advising me of my duties. It was no surprise.
The guy's in for 8 years and he is only a lieutenant? Hmmm. Something isn't being told.
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