Posted on 07/19/2008 5:57:10 AM PDT by DJ Taylor
Jerry Boykin had lost 15 pounds in the grueling Delta Force selection process, but he faced one more ordeal: a one-on-one interview with an overweight Army psychologist.
Could you spend several days alone in a sniper position with a homosexual? the psychologist asked.
Boykin had to think about that one.
Finally, he replied, If it was my mission, I could. But hed better understand that Im not like that.
The story is from the retired three-star generals book Never Surrender: A Soldiers Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom. The books release date is July 29.
Boykin spent most of his Army career out of public view in the militarys most secret units many of them based at Fort Bragg but he became a figure of public controversy in recent years. The reason: He promoted Christianity and denigrated Islam in uniform at church gatherings and got ripped by the Washington press for doing so.
I really wrote the book because I have been so criticized and accused of so many things, he said in a telephone interview. Heres who I really am. Draw your own conclusions. Let me set the record straight.
These days, he still speaks to religious groups, but he wears a civilian coat and tie instead of an Army uniform with a bright red combat patch on the right shoulder. He plans to speak Sept. 7 at Manna Church on Cliffdale Road.
In his book, Boykin, the quintessential warrior, reveals his soft side. He writes tenderly of his wife, Ashley, who comforted him in his darkest moments when he came under criticism inside the Beltway. And Boykin the believer reveals the times in his life that he despaired, railed at God and even doubted Gods very existence.
(Excerpt) Read more at fayobserver.com ...
If only politicians had Gen Boykin’s integrity.
There is a special place in American history and heaven for these heroes. God bless you General.
'Integrity' and 'politician' do not go together.
If one had a crush on you, as a team-member, would he sacrifice himself to save you? Just a thought....
and i would prolly kill them for it tooo...
“if one of these things had a crush on some guy in your squad, in an emergency, would he sacrifice you and or the whole squad to save him???”
For this reason, its never a good idea to have females or close family members serving together with men in combat units. If you’re interested in the subject, I once wrote about it and the story can be found at: http://www.projectdelta.net/dry_hole.htm
PING
He became a casualty of his own mouth when he told a church gathering in Sandy, Ore., that foes like bin Laden and Hussein “will only be defeated if we come against them in the name of Jesus.”
He was a 3-star general. He knew, or should have known it was way beyond the pale. If he wanted to be a preacher, he should have retired.
Gen.Boykin BUMP!
So, once he took on the uniform he gave up all right to speak his mind? What of the First Amendment?
Maybe there /is/ wisdom to the words: if we can’t win the spiritual and character battle, then how can we win this long term war spanning decades?
Should he be ashamed of his faith during the fight?
Mark 8
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Just as it would be cowardly to hide away in a place of safety in a fire-fight while your buddies are being slaughtered in the open, so too is it cowardly to keep quiet when words of encouragement cry out to be spoken.
> If he wanted to be a preacher, he should have retired.
PurpleMan, your counsel is not good at this time.
If a man cannot speak at a church gathering in the United States of America, just where can he speak? Mutter inaudibly to himself while hiding trembling in a closet?
You hide your faith away if you will, if you have any; I must stand steadfast and unashamed even if no one else will stand with me.
I, sir, have bled to preserve the right for the General to speak freely and without fear of reprisal from those such as you. Have you bled to preserve your right to belittle better men than yourself? If you haven't, then you should thank the General for doing it for you.
hello! Hello! HELLO!!!!!!!
It’s not about his adherence to his “biblical” principles, it’s about a commissioned officer using his rank and position making a religious policy statement. That’s not what uniformed people do. The constitutionally devised civilian control of the military implies that you DON’T establish policy and that if you don’t believe in the policies of those over you, can’t follow the orders, or you can’t keep ypu yap shut, then get the hell out. Besides, how much did his “this is a fight for Jesus” crap result in insulting behavior of soldiers towards Muslims? I dare say more than you are aware of.
“it cowardly to keep quiet when words of encouragement cry out to be spoken.” It’s inappropriate for him to have been publicly running off at the mouth about his specific religious principles.
Hear, hear!
The IG reports said that on more than 20 different occasions Boykin 1) Per DoD Directives and Army regulations failed to have his speeches appropriately cleared for thru security and public affairs; 2) Per DoD’s Joint Ethics Regulations he failed, on numerous occasions to issue the required disclaimer.
He knew he wasn’t supposed to do what he did, and he a Lt General w/ over 33 years in the Army, chose to violate Army and Joint regulations. He should have been shown the door.
Read the IG report for yourself.
http://www.dodig.osd.mil/fo/Foia/ERR/h03l89967206.pdf
Thanks for sharing it.
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