Posted on 08/25/2006 2:43:32 PM PDT by george76
Nine veterans groups in California are criticizing 1st Lt. Ehren Watada for his decision to disobey deployment orders to Iraq.
Watada is trying to "make himself a martyr and a hero," said Robert M. Wada, a charter president of the Japanese American Korean War Veterans.
He said Watada's actions disrespect a legacy of military service by Japanese-American soldiers dating back to World War II.
"No Japanese-Americans did anything like that and that is why Japanese-Americans are so upset," Wada said.
"He is doing something that has never been done by Japanese-Americans."
The groups expressed their outrage at Watada in a public statement Monday.
Watada, 28, a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University and Kalani High School, refused to deploy to Iraq on June 22 with his unit based at Fort Lewis, Wash. He is now awaiting the finding of a hearing held last week that could lead to his court-martial on charges of conduct unbecoming of an officer, missing troop movement and contempt toward officials.
"No one refused to go just because they didn't believe in the war," Wada said. "We went to Korea, and we didn't know what the hell we were there for. ... But nobody refused to go."
But Bob Watada, the lieutenant's father, said his son is grateful for the veterans who fought in previous wars and he isn't dishonoring their legacy.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Was a requirement for me too, but that was back "when Nixon was President"...
The Army needs to be clear on one thing. They need to make an example of this putz.
Should probably be borne in mind that the American Nisei manned the most-decorated unit of World War II. And they had a lot more cause to dissent back then.
The fellers at Leavenworth will LOVE seeing him. Too bad we can't do the Old Traditional Drumming Out Ceremony.
Wada. What a MAN.
Therein lies the difference.
Every other article you mention are reasons as well. I've had clearances pulled, because soldiers became members of groups that are subversive in nature. This guy would have been gone a long time ago in my unit.
His rank should be RIPPED from his uniform in front of his unit.
They should go for simply American, but Japanese American is more American than Japanese-American.
THIS GUY IS THE BIGGEST IDIOT EVER.
If you want to pull this off, you can not be an asian.
None of the asians will support this.
The leftists politicians see asians as too small a minority to be interested in supporting this.
Ditto for the news media.
The absence of any one supporting him means the military is going to want to make a big time example out of him.
He is so screwed.
The weather would be way off from the other two states (not close to the ocean, days and nights with greatly varying temperatures, etc.).
I'm impressed. Are you JAG or something like that, or do you just know your UCMJ?
Weren't they the most decorated unit in American history?
Why not throw in 85 as well?
(Not that I know my UCMJ, I googled it :) )
I think the reason that the Army went with Missing Movement rather than desertion is the first stipulation in Art. 85. It says the person must leave his post, etc., with the purpose of remaining away permanently. Watada never went missing, he just refused to get on the bus to the airfield to deploy.
Usually desertion is a charge saved for those who have gone UA, Art. 86 for a specified period of time. Desertion would include guys that run to Canada to avoid deployment to a combat zone.
I know we all want to see this guy fried for everything, but we also need to look at it from a big Army perspective. They want to get this over with quick with the three charges that will be quick to convict. Enough prison time to set an example, but get it out of the press quickly.
My oldest son is at Ft. Benning GA right now, busting his ass in basic training - he aspires to be an Army Ranger and fight wherever he is assigned.
I miss G every day he's not here, and fear for his safety. But at least I know my son has the FORTITUDE to put himself between us and the enemy!
Not like Lt. Watada here, who signed his name and took the oath, but doesn't have the strength of character to follow through with his duty.
Sorry - hearing about this puke made me mad as hell.
According to various sources, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (Nisei) became the most decorated unit in U.S. military history for its size and length of service, earning it the title "The Purple Heart Battalion." Not sure how that compares to the Marine Corps - for example on Peleliu and Iwo Jima - but it's certainly nothing to sneeze at.
bttt
Cindy Sheehan has probably already called.
Yes, you're right. I just don't know. In any case, to be in the company of the United States Marines in terms of honors is an enormous achievement.
Cindy and friends are ready to go.
Hopefully they will get Hillary and Lamont to join the protest.
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