General's ribbon rack upside down at STOTU address

3,751 Views | 20 Replies | Last: 5 yr ago by Bodie Broadus
Wildman15
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AG
Surprised this hasnt been discussed yet.

https://www.stripes.com/news/us/air-force-general-apologizes-for-wearing-upside-down-ribbon-rack-at-state-of-the-union-1.567619

*sorry for screwing up the title. But fitting in this case!
JABQ04
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But if my National Defense Ribbon and GWOT ribbon are our order then I get crucified.

Also good to see even at that high of a level the blue falcon is still making its rounds.
74OA
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National Guard. <shrug>
Fly Army 97
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I don't see the issue... dude made a mistake and owned it right after it happened. Humans make mistakes, leaders admit them and showcase their lessons learned so others don't make the same mistakes.
BaitShack
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What do I know but I doubt it was his mistake. Dont generals have staff that take care off this kind of stuff?
bufrilla
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I never allowed someone to put my ribbons/medals/wings/marksmanship medals on my uniform for me. My wife knew how, but it was not her responsibility and I always had extra sets available (cost big $$ for the extras, but came in handy). For the bi-centennial in 1976, Op Sail, in New York Harbor, I changed dress uniforms 4 times. Escorted Priness Grace & family of Monaco from NYC to the viewing ship (USS FORRESTAL) and the Crown Prince, now King, of Norway and his sister. Pomp and Ceremony, they do have a pecking order. Even wore my sword. This Marine , a Captain at the time, with 3 tours in Vietnam/SEAsia, had a great time with both parties, even if the protocal officer was having a "cat".
The Ambassador's wife thanked me for be so personable with the Crown Prince and Princess, it put them at easy and they really loosened up as we zip down the river to the harbor in the Forrestal's 30 plus foot cabin cruiser. Observing all the tall ships come into the harbor was great viewing.
Semper Fi
JABQ04
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I'll play the ******* and ask what would you (and you as in officers since the vast majority were or are officers) have done if one of your joes had showed up to a ceremony with his ribbons upside down, or I guess what would his 1SG/CSM have done? General or not, the wearing of the uniform is totally an individual task and correct me if I'm wrong but one of the first things taught to new Soldiers/Airmen/Sailors/Marines. If I drop my ASUs off at the Korean lady at the alterations shop and she puts my ribbons jacked up I can't say it was her fault.

And yes I know I'm going to get "he's a general"..."he's a busy man"...." he has aides to help him".... still that individuals responsibility to have his or her **** wired right.

Edits because my spelling is atrocious tonight
CanyonAg77
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BaitShack said:

KWhat do I know but I doubt it was his mistake. Dont generals have staff that take care off this kind of stuff?
If he did, good on him for not throwing some poor airman under the bus. And, as noted, final check was all his.
CharlieBrown17
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I'd point it out and tell them to get it fixed by a buddy or take it off if time didn't permit that.

Maybe you've only been around more *******s.

**** happens.
FILO505
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Your uniform is a public display of your professionalism.

You won't change my mind.
bufrilla
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He's receiving his punishment, one that will never end, "embasassment". The same that I would have handed out to enlisted or officer, by this former "mustang officer".
Fly Army 97
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I don't get this response. He never blamed it on anyone, and went out and blasted it to everyone.
Fly Army 97
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You are right... but I don't see the 'so what' here.

Are you saying he isn't a professional, or are you saying 'yes, appearance is one of many ways we show our professionalism. This gentleman, like many others, made a mistake and otherwise probabaly busts his tail for the Guard/Reserve everyday advocating for their profession... and is probabaly still a good professional'?
CT'97
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I liked Tim Kennedy's comment.
Quote:

"No one understands Air Force uniforms anyhow. I think you are safe," wrote MMA fighter Tim Kennedy, a former Army Ranger.

FILO505
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A uniform is the "first impression" factor. I don't know him, but it's safe to assume he is a professional based on his position, rank and time in the military. You know as well as I do that there's an enormous amount of personal and professional vetting to ever reach that level.

However, being in that role leads to increased critique. His career isn't demolished because his uniform was jacked up, and he owned up to it, but he deserves the criticism and jokes. If we can hold E-4s to a standard, we can hold 4-stars to the same.
DogCo84
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How many other officers and/or senior NCOs did the General encounter before "hitting the stage" that night? Somebody should have squared the man away.
Agvet12
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DogCo84 said:

How many other officers and/or senior NCOs did the General encounter before "hitting the stage" that night? Somebody should have squared the man away.


All the hard chargers were kicked out not making rank by 10 yrs, and all buttery types stayed in
bufrilla
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BS there AgVet.
Aggie@state.gov
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His brother MGEN (ret) Greg Lengyel '85 is not going to let him live that one down.
Diyala Nick
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Is he good at killing people and/or logistics? If yes, who gives a f*ck.
Lee72
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Made a similar mistake when I was a young seaman...got dressed in the dark while I was on evening watch so I wouldn't wake my wife who was working midwatch. Was running late and put on my shoes and scurried out to the schoolhouse. We were lined up for inspection beforehand and the Chief stopped in front of me saying "no ****, Seaman Jones, so now you're a Chief are you?" Looking down at my shoes, I discovered that I had jumped into my brown civilian shoes instead of my black navy shoes. Has to work the shift in stocking feet and then pull a couple hours extra swapping floors etc. but rest assured, I NEVER DID THAT AGAIN!
Bodie Broadus
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Good times! The lessons you learn!
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