LETTERS: BEHAVIOR DOESN'T REPRESENT GUARD

To the editor:

I was both shocked and appalled to read in the May 9 Southeast Missourian of the inexcusable behavior of the National Guard sergeant from Fulton. I am referring to her public remark that she would not take orders from a superior officer simply because he was black.

This attitude is intolerable and unacceptable in today's Army. This person is a disgrace not only to the Army, but to the noncommissioned officers corps of which I am a proud member. Worse yet, it appears several of her superiors ignored and apparently condoned her behavior.

Her punishment was a reduction of one rank and a suspension so she could retire with benefits. This person needs to be court-martialed under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and denied benefits. She has violated the sacred oath she took to obey the officers appointed above her. She has disgraced the NCO creed.

Surely this is not representative of the officers and soldiers of the Missouri National Guard. The last time I looked at my uniform, I saw over the left pocket "U.S. Army." It is the same tape for the active component, the Army Reserve and the National Guard. We all belong to the same family.

In 18 years of active duty and reserve duty, I am proud to say I have served with some of the finest people this country has to offer. I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters.

In a time of reduced forces, we cannot tolerate one among us whom we cannot depend on. The military is the one element of society that must maintain a level playing field for all who serve. For the most part, the military is light years ahead of the rest of society.

In my capacity as a reserve drill sergeant, I make it a point to tell the basic trainees I work with that I'm colorblind. I see only woodland camouflage. It is for these privates and all other ranks that a person of this caliber should be drummed out of the service. She should make a public apology to all the officers and soldiers in Fulton, to the National Guard and to the U.S. Army in general.

Sgt. 1st Class JAMES C. ROCHE

U.S. Army Reserve

JACKSON