Free Republic

Crossing Red Lines By Ari Bussel Those who serve in the military are owed a great debt of gratitude. In the United States, we are registered for selective service, but most of us have not experienced a draft. Military service in Israel is mandatory for every man and woman age 18. Men serve three years, women two unless they fulfill combat assignments that require three years as well. For those who become officers, an extra year is required. In addition to Jewish people, most Druze men and a small number of Bedouin men volunteer for service as well. However, from...

Was Lt. Kerry AWOL from the Ready Reserve?   On 18 Feb. 1966 John Kerry signed a 6 year enlistment contract with the Navy (plus a 6-month extension during wartime). On 18 Feb. 1966 John Kerry also signed an Officer Candidate contract for 6 years -- 5 years of ACTIVE duty & ACTIVE Naval Reserves, and 1 year of inactive standby reserves (See items #4 & $5). Because John Kerry was discharged from TOTAL ACTIVE DUTY of only 3 years and 18 days on 3 Jan. 1970, he was then required to attend 48 drills per year, and not...

Local doctor describes tour of duty The Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK Dr. Tom Caldwell, who went to Kuwait in the Army reserves, is back at his job as a physician at LeRoy Family Medicine. Caldwell examines Daniel Hartwig, 11, of LeRoy for a sports physical Thursday. By Paul Swiech pswiech@pantagraph.com LeROY -- "So, you're going to wrestle?" Dr. Tom Caldwell asked Daniel Hartwig, 11, a sixth-grader at LeRoy Elementary School. Hartwig said "yes" and Caldwell proceeded with the questions and examination that come with a school sports physical. Caldwell saw several patients at LeRoy Family Medicine on Thursday afternoon. During a...