Marine making his mark

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | Dec 4, 2005 | Editor

[SandRat]

When Americans think of Marines, most will picture tough men and women who tell it like it is and make the impossible happen.

It’s an image that has lasted with the service through the many conflicts the nation’s leaders have sent that branch of the military to respond to.

For the first time a Marine heads our Joint Chiefs of Staff, which consists of the top leaders from each of the military branches.

And Gen. Peter Pace seems to have brought the Marine spirit to the job he began on Oct. 1.

In the past week, Pace has contradicted his boss in public and said that the U.S. military has done itself a “disservice” in communicating the level of readiness of Iraqi troops.

In speaking that way, we see a Marine who isn’t afraid to tell it like he sees it.

Previously, Pace differed with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on when American troops should intercede and stop abuse of prisoners by Iraqi security personnel.

During a press conference, Pace said troops should intercede immediately. Rumsfeld then told the media he believed that Pace meant to say the U.S. soldiers had to report the abuse, not stop it. But Pace stuck to his original statement.

“If they are physically present when inhumane treatment is taking place, sir, they have an obligation to try to stop it,” the general said.

A day later, Pace was giving his first public speech as Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman. During that speech, he said he believed the military is largely to blame for how the American public sees the status of Iraqi forces that would take over for U.S. troops.

Pace is new to his job, and there will be many more comments he will have to make. But, so far, we like his approach and his attitude.

We see a general who isn’t afraid to correct a politician, especially on the topic of prisoner abuse — a subject that the United States must continue to work on in the wake of Abu Ghraib.

In Pace, we see someone who isn’t afraid to admit a mistake and work to correct it, something some politicians might want to take note of.

We also see a general who knows what he wants the nation’s troops to do, and we believe it is the right move for U.S. troops to make.

Pace’s experience in Vietnam as a rifle platoon leader serves him well. He knows what it’s like for the troops overseas. He also knows what it is like on a battlefield.

Another note on Pace’s resume is that he served as deputy commander of Marine forces in Somalia from December 1992 to February 1993, and as deputy commander of the Joint Task Force there from October 1993 to March 1994. Again, he has experience from being “on the ground”, which we believe will be invaluable in tackling the obstacles he’ll have to lead the military forces in Iraq.

And as he leads, we hope he continues his say-it-like-he-sees-it approach. That kind of talk earns the trust of a nation and fosters leadership at a time when leadership is needed.

[hsalaw]

"In Pace, we see someone who isn’t afraid to admit a mistake and work to correct it, something some politicians might want to take note of."

Quite right - the dems might want to admit all their mistakes and start to actually participate in the war on terror (although I'm sure the author of this piece intended this as a dig at Pres. Bush).

[Recon Dad]

Always trust a Marine!

[JOE43270]

I do and God Bless them ALL.

[geezerwheezer]

Seems t me he is a "Pace" or two ahead of the rest of the crowd! Candor is refreshing, and I'm glad this man is where he is. I think that Sec. of Def. Rumsfeld will be well served by Gen Pace's honesty and "can- do" spirit, and as a result of that, we citizens will be well served by all.

[Texican]

SandRat:
My friend by the looks of your profile, I see that you are an Army Retiree. However, by some of your posts that I have read, and the replies also, I get the impression that you are really a MARINE at heart. I like you, have been out of the service for some time, almost 65 years in fact. I served one hitch in the MARINE CORPS, but it was so long ago. I still have flying in my front yard the Nations flag, and also the MARINE flag. I carry in my pocket my NARINE money clip, and every day of the year I wear on my collar the MARINE AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA flag pin. I may be old, but I am proud. I believe in our PRESIDENT and support him in every way that I can. Some time if you have time just check the replies that I have written to other posters. I have only posted a couple of time, but am here on FR every day. At 81 I still work every day (40 hours) and am disgusted with all of the people that stand on the corner and beg. (bums)That is enough from me today.

Good evening and the very best to you and yours.

Semper Fi
Tommie

[A.A. Cunningham]

Old Corps bump!

[Texican]

A.A. Cuntingham:
Thanks, A A, The fact that I am an "old time CORPS MARINE." does not mean that I feel that old. Ha Ha. In fact my friend I often tell my lovely wife of 60 years that I am a 55 year old man in an 81 year old body. (She knows better though.)

Good evening and the very best to you and yours.

Semper Fi
Tommie

[stephenjohnbanker]

My dad was a Navy Corpsman(Peleliu,Okinawa) and loved his Marines so much that he took bullets several times trying to save a few of them.
He always told me that the Marines he served with were the best men on earth.

Semper Fi

[real saxophonist]

Hey, it's good to hear from you. Glad you're doing okay.

[SandRat]

Many of my closest friends are Marines, I attend in Doggie Dress Blues each Marine Corps Ball here, I stand with all the vets (many of them Marines) on Flag Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veteran's Day in my service Greens. My car pool pal and physical training pal in the Officer's Advanced Course was a Marine. My truck looks like an American Patriots Campaign vehicle with all the stickers on it. So you might be right, beneath this gray haired Doggie exterior there just might be the tiniest glimmer of a Marine heart beating.

You got me beat by 23 years, but like you I'm still working 40+ hrs a week, taking courses to improve myself on the job, giving another 15 a week to the Boy Scouts (that includes humping a 35# - 40# backpack through the brush once a month), and all the stuff of being a good husband and neighbor. That's going faster than the majority of these young kids.

[Texican]

Stephen:My friend, if you would like to know what I think of the NAVY CORPSMEN, just take a look at my replies. I have repeatedly said that I believe that CORPSMEN are the bravest and finest service personnel in the world. (Other than MARINES of course) Just go to the search bar and put in my "moniker" and then select "poster" and read my thoughts and feelings of the CORPSMEN.

Good evening and the very best to you and yours.

Semper Fi
Tommie

[Texican]

Sax:
My friend it has been some time since we have "talked". It is always good to hear for friends that we have not heard from for a long time. I hope all is well with you and that you are in good health. (I am). I do have a small problem with the "Big C" in my prostrate, but I don't worry about it. I am good 10 to 15 years though.

Good evening and the very best to you and yours.

Semper Fi
Tommie

[Doctor Raoul]

Sierra Vista is the home of Ft Huachuca, Signal Corps country.

[stumpy]

No sand rat you cannot always trust a Marine. John Glen a Marine hero of Korea became a traitor to America during the impeachment just for another ride into space. James Carville is a traitor to America by his aid to the communist clintoon, and Murtha is selling out our troops becoming the john kerry of the Iraq war.

I am proud to call myself a Marine active duty 1965-1969 and a Viet Nam vet. But there are some that bring shame on our Corps.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

In his saluting...

...we 40 year veterans of the 1st Major Battle in the Valley of Death known as the IA DRANG Valley of 1965 ...this year at the Vietnam Wall Veterans Day Ceremony...

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair/General PETER PACE thanked us for leading the way in our new time of war.

This man is THE Greatest.

The LORD does provide.

.

[Tahoe3002]

Semper Fi!! Tommie,
Marines may die, but they live forever so long as the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor continues to defend the USA. Thank you for your service; May God Bless you!

RIP Major John Macrouglou and Captain Bill Winter, Beirut Oct 1983, and the 239 other US Marines, sailors and soldiers murdered there in defense of freedom.

USMC 1970-1981, USMCR Desert Storm 1991.
DEATH TO TERRORISTS!!

[RightOnline]

Thank you for your service, friend.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

For...


WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE...& YOUNG...4 FREEDOM.


http://www.lzxray.com

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm

http://www.Freerepublic.com/forum/a39626542519c.htm

[Texican]

Tahoe: My friend, MARINES may not live forever in this life, but I can tell you that the MARINES that I knew and served with will live with me all of my life. I lost a lot of good friends MARINES on Iwo. My very best friend and the MARINE that my youngest son is named after was lost on Iwo. I missed Iwo by three days, I wish I could have gone and been with my friends. Who knows why some are shipped back and others shipped to another action. As for thanks for serving, none is needed. I as did many others did out duty to GOD and COUNTRY. I just wish that more people in our country would appreciate the people that we now have in the services and treat them as the HERO'S that they are. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND OUR PRESIDENT.

Good evening and the very best to you and yours.

Semper Fi
Tommie