'Avoid wearing of uniform' general warns local soldiers

San Antonio Express-News ^ | 13 April 2003 | Roddy Stinson

[Lacey]

"If possible, avoid wearing of the uniform when dining in public places." — From a "Protective Measures Awareness" notice sent to San Antonio's U.S. Army personnel by Maj. Gen. Darrel R. Porr on Friday

April 11, 2003, will be remembered as one of the saddest dates in Alamo City history.

Because of recent instances of harassment of uniformed personnel, Porr, the commanding general at Fort Sam Houston, felt compelled to warn the men and women who serve under him to use caution when traveling, shopping and dining in San Antonio.

"Two separate incidents against military personnel have occurred," Porr reported. "In the first incident, two males on the city's Northeast Side made threatening gestures and pounded on the car window of a drill sergeant and his spouse while they were on their way home.

"The second incident involved two sailors, in uniform, who were accosted by several males who said, 'You'd better not go to war,' as they departed a River Walk restaurant."

Porr provided this possible explanation for the hostile actions:

"There has been a significant increase of demonstrations throughout the United States in opposition to the ongoing U.S.-led military operations in Iraq.

"As individuals voice their opinions against military operations, they tend to direct their frustrations toward governmental and military symbols."

On receiving a copy of the notice from an anonymous e-mailer, I called Fort Sam to ask for more details about the incidents, in general, and the harassers, in particular.

A post spokesman indicated that more information was available, but declined "to go there."

He then made a point of emphasizing:

"Soldiers here in San Antonio have always proudly worn their uniform because of the support for the military.

"Previously, there has never been any perceived threat. This is quite unusual.

"Even during Vietnam, San Antonio was one community that supported the military forces.

"That's one reason the general put that notice out ... because (such harassment) is so unusual in this community."

The notice included cautions other than the warning not to wear uniforms when dining in San Antonio restaurants.

Porr also recommended:

"Be cognizant of people who gather and voice their sentiments against the military efforts in Iraq. Do not get involved."

"When in public facilities, soldiers should avoid conversations related to work or military operations in general."

"Always practice the 'Buddy System' when traveling."

"When in uniform, minimize the number of stops when traveling from home to work or vice versa. Wear civilian clothing when possible."

There you have it: San Antonio, Texas, anno Domini 2003, in all its un-glory.

What's worse ...

Community leaders continue to show pitifully little support for U.S. soldiers.

Example in point:

City officials have been mute as mice since troops entered Iraq. (The San Antonio City Council, which regularly passes resolutions honoring everything from the Dallas Cowboys to Hike and Bike Week, has deigned only to observe "a moment of silence" for the troops and their families.)

Add to that palpable hush the rants of the town's Saddam Hussein apologists, and "Military City USA" can easily degenerate into a South Texas backwater, where men and women in uniform can't safely wear their uniforms in public.

"Sad" hardly describes such a miserable state of affairs.

Fortunately, all of the news surrounding the recent threats isn't dreary.

One unofficial source I talked to said he had seen the police report of the incident on the River Walk, and he provided this description of the confrontation:

"Some Marines who were nearby saw what was happening and went to the sailors' aid.

"The matter was then taken care of by combined military action."

[buffyt]

I HOPE THIS 4th OF JULY IS OUR GRANDEST EVER! I hope to see EVERYONE wearing red, white, and blue. I hope to see flags EVERYWHERE!

[Eaker]

There are three of us.

There is a bunch more than three. A WHOLE bunch more!!!

[steplock]

"Yeah, that'll work. One GI computer tech against a couple rednecks - someone who isn't trained in hand-to-hand against a couple guys who go out every Friday and barfight. Sorry, but a uniform doesn't make you superman."

I NEVER said it did - but at least I AM PROUD to AMERICAN.

Unlike some whimps on here who, like carter, get on their knees in front of evil.

If I get my butt kicked, so be it, but I really doubt it (I am old enough NOT to play fair).

[steplock]

For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines, and we win battles.

-- Gen. Charles C. Krulak

[Newbomb Turk]

Well Maj. Gen. Darrel R. Porr was assigned by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki . Mr everyone needs a beret to feel good about themselves. What do you expect.

[x1stcav]

I knew that. I ust wanted to hear it.

[Newbomb Turk]

Well Maj. Gen. Darrel R. Porr was assigned by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki . Mr everyone needs a beret to feel good about themselves. What do you expect.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Any harassment of uniformed military personnel had better not happen in my presence.

My sentiments exactly. Military personnel in uniform might get in trouble for responding to this kind of disrespect...but I'm willing to take the heat.

[Eaker]

Remember that if they are in a large group to shoot the ones in the back first so they don't stumble over each and appear to be non-combatants when they are still viable.

[Conservative4Ever]

Thanks for that quote...I would suggest the author of that quote not say that in front of my ex-Marine brother and Viet Nam vet. It did indeed happen to him coming home. Semper Fi

Red

[x1stcav]

That pretty well sums up the attitude of a lot of us here. We've got to take care of our own and military personnel are our own.

[RJS1950]

Based on personal observation in the past, it is the large illegal-mex population. Gang-punch their worthless asses back across the border.

[LouD]

I'm with you guys. I will kick the living sh*t out of anyone I catch harassing any of our military folks - or their families (and I've heard a couple of stories of that happening).

This problem can be blamed, at least in part, in the ongoing "wussification" of the military. Yes, I know they're more professional now - but back in the day every decent NCO had at least one "Arty 15" in his 201, and it did not carry the negative career ramifications that it does now. If the consequences for the servicemember weren't so draconian, I'd bet there'd be a lot fewer incidents of military harassment.

[Travis McGee]

Amen my Cav brother. If it happens in my presence somebody is going to be hospitalized. It might even be me, but there will be bloody knuckles and teeth at the least.

[Travis McGee]

I agree 100%. And any uniform ruined in fighting for the honor of the military should be replaced gratis.

[Travis McGee]

"Texas rednecks" are not going to be giving our servicemen crap, put that in the bank! Ten to one they were college students or cholos.

"Texas rednecks" who see servicemen being harrassed by a gang of college lefties or cholos are going to jump in, on the side of the uniform, 100% of the time.

100% of "Texas rednecks" have brothers or cousins in the military.

[Travis McGee]

If I were that base commander I would have told the men and women to travel in groups and defend yourselves.

I'd go back to the same places with my smallest guy in uniform as bait.

The rest of the platoon would be in a truck outside, waiting.

The results would not be pretty, but they would be highly instructive.

[Travis McGee]

Post 53, note to self: put aluminum baseball bat in car behind front seat.

[OldEagle]

I have to go along with your take on this. If we have progressed to the point where our troops have to conceal their military identity then it is time to take our country back.

Isn't there a special law against assault on a uniformed military person? There sure ought to be!

[Rainmist]

I live 30 minutes from Ft. Stewart, the home of our brave fighting infantry in Iraq. We love our guys, we support them and will line the streets ten deep when they come home. This sort of behavior in San Antonio should not be allowed. Totally deplorable.