Posted on Nov 7, 2014
LCpl Norberto G Bernabe Jr
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My wife and I were at a liquor store shopping for our favorite wines a few weeks back. There was a wine tasting event going on that Saturday. I did a double take when I saw someone in full ACU at the event. Took a closer look and saw that she had a major's insignia. A few minutes later, she walked away from the crowd and started taking selfies and then she was Skyping. My wife said she overheard her saying that she was guzzling some wine to who ever she was on Skype with. I wanted to say something to her but my wife wouldn't let me. What do you folks think?
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Responses: 22
SFC Mark Merino
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This is when I introduce myself and shake her hand and get her name and unit. I then ask what her course of action is to get home since she is drinking in public and in uniform. I offer to call someone above her in her chain of command to get her a ride home. The picture I would take of her drinking in uniform would ensure that she does not get into her car to drive away quickly. I get her license plate number (post ID sticker back in the day). If she appeared buzzed in my opinion and she tried to illude me I have that covered too. The boot blousing discussion I throw in free of charge. Officers make policy. NCO's enforce policy. I would enforce that young major up one side and down the next.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
PO2 Ed C. I shot coffee out of my nose. You sir, are a God sent blessing!
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1SG Eoc Ops Coordinator / Ga Certified Emergency Manager
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
SFC Mark Merino Pretty much covered it...well said! As for me, I would seriously consider pulling out my phone, setting it photo.....then as the "major" lifted the glass to her mouth, call out, "HEY MAJOR, how is it" and when she looked snap the pic of her face, name tag, and glass up to her lips! And then let the conversation begin!
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
>1 y
I might have served under you at some time Top!
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SFC Customer Care Representative
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
SFC Mark Merino the unbloused boots were the first thing I noticed.
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MAJ Deputy Director, Combat Casualty Care Research Program
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Edited >1 y ago
I've stopped at liquor stores many times while in uniform on the way home. I live 20-30 minutes from most stores, so if I'm picking up a drink, it's on the way home. But I try to be in/out quickly - and definitely not stopping for wine tasting. I've even sat outside the store for a few minutes to wait for people to leave before I go in, because I hate the look of somebody in uniform buying alcohol. With that said, it's that or driving 30 minutes home, then 30 minutes back to the store, and then 30 minutes back home again. I realize it doesn't look good, but I'm not doing 2 hours of driving to get a beer.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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>1 y
MAJ (Join to see) I agree totally with you and even the sense of decorum and respect.
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SSG Jim Foreman
SSG Jim Foreman
>1 y
Major Dews has a point. If you live in the sticks, and a lot of bases/posts are in rural areas, stopping at the store to pick something up is okay as long as you don't stand around and try everything. As far as Skype, who's to say she's not just showing someone what she's brining home. But...what's with the unbloused boots?
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SPC Fred Lytge
SPC Fred Lytge
>1 y
Sir, there is a thin red line in disrespecting the uniform and being human...You just explained it in a "nutshell"..and thanks for your honesty...
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CW5 Desk Officer
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Edited >1 y ago
Tough question, but away from anyone and very tactfully, I think there is an opportunity to discuss with the Major the image the Major is projecting. That would be a tough on-the-spot correction, but with finesse and tact it's possible.
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