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National Guard Service

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION
by Tim Strom

Some are more equal

I served in the same National Guard unit in Longview from 1964 to 1970 and have no trouble recalling events connected with that time. Virtually every member was required to attend all drills, unless specifically excused, or the drills were made up.

There was a drill scheduled the weekend of the birth of my second child and, when I asked to be excused, I was told that my presence was required and no excuse was acceptable. I asked to make up a Thursday evening drill in advance, to attend a special theatre function, was granted permission and on that evening was escorted from the theatre to the National Guard Armory by none other than Van Tongeren.

During the course of my service, I missed no drills and there were members of our unit sent to active duty for missing drills. The six-year commitment to the Guard was just that, a 6-year commitment, and those who failed to fulfill their obligation were classified as AWOL and dealt with according to established procedures.

President Bush's whole service time is typical of his life of privilege and special treatment for one of the "aristocracy of wealth" in this country. I guess some folks are just a little more equal than others.

Tim Strom
Vancouver

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION