Posted on 07/09/2013 6:52:21 AM PDT by bestintxas
A retired, disabled U.S. Marine in full dress and donned with numerous medals was flagged by federal security agents at a California airport for wearing “too much metal,” and pulled to the side for additional scrutiny — even asked to lift his arms, despite an injury that made doing so impossible.
“What does a uniform and heroism represent if our own citizens — in this case, employees of the TSA and security personnel — have not regard for them?” said Patricia Martin, the former Marine’s travel partner, Fox News reported.
Cpl. Nathan Kemnitz was injured in 2004 from a bomb in Iraq. He can’t lift his arm above his head, MilitaryTimes.com reported.
He was en route to the California state Capitol building for a ceremony to honor him as veteran of the year in his legislative district and wearing full uniform for the occasion, when he was stopped by Sacramento International Airport security officials for “too much metal,” Fox News reported.
Transportation Security Administration officials asked that he lift his head for a full-body scan — but he couldn’t.
“My right arm doesn’t work,” he told security scanners, Fox News reported. “It’s a lot of hassle for me to do that.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
And I bet the rest of the passengers just kept their mouths shut to avoid creating a scene. The word “Shame!” repeated ever more loudly, along with a demand to see the TSA shift supervisor would have been appropriate. The sheeple would rather not have their personal schedules messed with. And that is the real shame.
". . . Patricia Martin, the former Marine’s travel partner, Fox News reported."
This person is a Marine veteran, and with implicit permission robed in the full dress of the United States Marine Corps he is representing his service and the honor and tradition of the Corps.
A "former" Marine is one separated from the Marines; with a Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge (enlisted), or Dismissal from the service (officer), for the good of the Service. He is no longer to be referred to as a Marine. He is neither permitted to re-enlist in any branch of the Armed Services nor to own nor possess any form of firearms in the United States.
The author of this article, in referring to Cpl Kemnitz as a "former Marine" is committing, however ignorantly, a deep offense to the digmity of the person and to the honor of Corps; and should be publicly corrected, with retraction in the publication.
Yeh since we have had such a problem with highly decorated combat veterans trying to blow up US planes. Theatre of the absurd to the 10th power.
“TSA practically gave my Dad, a decorated three-tour war vet—and in a wheelchair with a new hip—a prostate exam the last time he flew.”
There was a time when someone who treated those deserving of honor would be subject to firing. Now they are likely to be rewarded.
bingo!!! being screen leaving the Sac airport!
Me too, in 2002. Saw where we were headed.
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