Can a retired Senior MSGT be be denied the First Amendment and forcibly removed from giving a retirement speech for another MSGT ?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 22:56:10 -0400

This is the second link that I mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wo9mQoPVsM

"How? ... Did we ever let it get this far...

At Travis Air Force Base in California,

A Retiring Master Sergeant Chuck Roberson, had asked Senior Master Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez if he would Honor him and his family by reciting the “American Flag Folding Ceremony” at his retirement celebration. This was something Oscar had done over a hundred times throughout his decorated thirty three year career in the United States Air Force and agreed to do so.

When Master Sergeant Chuck Roberson’s Commanding Officer heard about this he took steps to band Oscar Rodriguez, a retired fellow airman now, from entering the base. Having no right to do so the Commanding Officer thus, had US Air Force NCOs physically throw Senior Master Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez out the doors of Roberson’s retirement celebration, in the belief that an assault on Oscar’s person would be far more professional and less offensive than to allow him to mention the word “God” in the flag folding ceremony, which he had been invited to do so.

This “scandal” is made all the more onerous because a retirement ceremony isn’t even a required Air Force function (see AFI 36-3203). It is performed at the pleasure of the retiring Airman, to honor him and his family.

“This Speech means so much to so many, and I (Master Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez) hope you will help in letting all the nation listen to its words, it may not be for everybody, this I understand, but every time I say these words I think about those who have touched the hand of God, and those sacrifices of so many who keep the dreams of all Americans alive so they can pursue their happiness”.

There is no greater Love than for a man to lay down his life for another. This is what Oscar Rodriguez means when he says, “To touch the hand of God”. Please take 10 minutes to search your heart and view the links above.

I know of a Grandmother who is making a plea with all American Women throughout our nation to put aside their bias and their prejudice against Trump and think of their children and grandchildren. Donald did not create this problem. Although, Hillary is the problem! This Grandmother asks that you PLEASE vote!

Semper fi,
Tommy"

Oscar Rodriguez Removed from Air Force Retirement Ceremony

Visit StandWithOscar.com for more information. Oscar Rodriguez, Jr. is a decorated Air Force veteran who has delivered a patriotic flag-folding speech over 1...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2016 10:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 22:57:12 -0400

I think this one has been discussed already. I will look for it and try to link it back.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jul 12 at 2016 11:35 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 23:35:46 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, please consider editing your post, the title doesn't suggest the actual question. Can a CO control his base? Yep. But that's not the question you're really raising.

That said, there's probably more to this story than is immediately apparent.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Jul 13 at 2016 12:30 AM

Capt Chris McVeigh — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:30:40 -0400

This is a very biased version of a previously posted discussion, that somehow raps up as an endorsement for Donald Trump.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 13 at 2016 2:43 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 02:43:44 -0400

I'd read of the story onnhere before, of course, as I'd mentioned elsewhere on here, I think, in an earlier era, certainly, that'd likely never have been allowed to happen, I expect, as sensibilities evenmhalf a century or even sevl decades ago were obviously markedly different from those of the present, obviously. Hope was of interest, be eager for any views, many thanks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2016 3:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 03:16:49 -0400

If there is no captive audience, there should be no restrictions on proselytizing or preaching or doing whatever floats your boat. I agree with MRFF about 90% of the time, however sometimes they just take things a bit too far.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 14 at 2016 5:02 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 17:02:50 -0400

Assault is assault! As the article articulates these services members were completely wrong and should be ashamed of themselves. They all also should face UCMJ for assault and other violations forced upon their brother in arms. I want to know where the Senior NCO was in all of this. This is a crying shame. Think of the poor Family and the retiring Service member.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 1 at 2018 12:00 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 01 May 2018 12:00:23 -0400

Sad, damn sad!