[Cincinatus' Wife]

Rick Perry served in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Texas A&M

Perry Awarding Iraqi Service Medals

Texas Marines

Gov. Rick Perry participates in ceremonies at Camp Mabry to redesignate the 49th Armored Division as the 36th Infantry Division. The former 49th Armored Division, which consists of approximately 12,000 soldiers, makes up almost two-thirds of the Texas National Guard. The division's redesignation as the 36th Infantry Division is part of the Texas Army National Guard's transition from a heavy armored force to a more versatile infantry force.

Texas Gov. Perry receives a warm greeting from Ghazni Provincial Governor Dr. Usman Usmani at the flight line minutes after landing at Forward Operating Base Ghazni by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Perry led a delegation of four other governors to visit

Lt. Col. Thomas J. Kleis (R) briefs Texas Gov. Rick Perry (C) as Command Sgt. Maj. Peter P.A. Collins (L) listens on the intelligence gathering successes the 636th Military Intelligence Battalion has achieved during their last six months of duty in

Texas Gov. Rick Perry stands with Texas service members from the 636th Military Intelligence Battalion, 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and the 136th Military Police Battalion on July 20th under the Texas flag he presented to the 636th.

[FrankR]

""I saw all of these different types of governments and I made the connections to how the people acted and looked, and it became abundantly clear to me that, at that particular point in time, that America was this very unique place and that our form of democracy was very rare," Perry said. " ... That was the greatest gift I received from my years of being in the military, and they really shaped my outlook on the rest of my life." "

Amazing. That's the same sense I had from my Air Force stint, especially the 3 years in Germany.

Nothing made me appreciate America so much as not having it for three years.

[2nd Bn, 11th Mar]

Thanks for posting this. I had been meaning to research Gov. Perry’s military record, but just been too busy. Good to know that he’s been in uniform - even if it was the wrong color. LOL

Semper Fi,

[radioone]

But, but, Obama “gave a speech” to some military people once or twice in the last couple of years, so nothing to see here, folks, move along. /sarc

[Tex-Con-Man]

Using the headset, Perry asked the loadmaster to take a look at the engine from the window and about that time, the engine exploded and blew a tail pipe off the plane.

"He started screaming that we were on fire and that we were all going to die," Perry said. "The aircraft operated as advertised and flies amazingly well on three engines."

Yup...Perry is indistinguishable from Romney...

[SERKIT]

Somewhere in a Kinko’s in the dusty back roads of Texas, toils an old CBS anchor and a wayward assistant manufacturing ‘false but accurate’ military documents showing Perry did not serve in the Air Force. Courage.

[jpsb]

I consider this a big plus for Perry, I did not know he was an Air Force pilot, thanks for posting, unfortunately it is another just like Bush (not really since Bush was air national guard, protected elite, and Perry was active air force) blob on his resume'. I am not sure the country is ready to elect another Texas gov any time soon after the horrible job the last Texas gov did as president.

Personally I am still hoping Sarah will get in late summer early fall. But you are doing a nice job of promoting Perry, he is looking better all the time.

[samtheman]

Flying C-130s, Perry lived in Germany and Saudi Arabia. He flew in Central and South America, North Africa and all over Europe.

But he didn't fly in Vietnam. So who did he bribe?

(This post is a sarcastic attempt to anticipate what the Romneybots and other assorted leftwingers will say in response to Perry's military service.)

[ansel12]

With five years in service, what kind of retirement is it, was that just the writer’s mistake, or was Perry injured?

[Ditter]

Thanks, there was a whole lot there that I did not know about Perry.

[No Truce With Kings]

I like Perry and absent Sarah Palin entering the race, I will work for Perry if he chooses to run.

It is worth pointing out that having a military record - even an outstanding one - does not necessarily mean a politician will be a good elected official. John Murtha served in the Marines. And George McGovern flew B-24s in World War II.

At this point, of the contenders in the race, my dream ticket would be Perry-Bachman. I like Bachman’s politics better than Perry’s but she lacks executive experience, which would be a major negative considering how badly the last legislator elected President fouled things up. Perry has the executive experience, but lacks the brilliance of Bachman. Bachman is smart as a whip, and I could see the same type of partnership as Bush-Cheney, with the plus that Bachman could run for President when Perry steps down.

[deport]

The Paint Creek Cowboy

RICK PERRY CAMPAIGN)
Family photo of Rick Perry as a child, posing with a horse in Paint Creek, Texas.

[mosaicwolf]

I think “retired” as a Captain is a mistake or typo unless he received a Medical disability retirement. He just put in his time and served his country which is fine with me.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

It’s just a shame he went from being “C-130 Rick” to being “Trans-Texas Rick.”

[smoothsailing]

Thanks for sharing this! I knew Perry had been a pilot, but I wasn’t aware of the details. This adds to my overall positive impression of the man. I hope he gets in to the race, he will improve the quality of the field.

[potlatch]

Excellent post C.W., thank you for posting!