Did Rep. Tony Shipley Misuse His Medal For Political Purposes?

18 Responses to “Did Rep. Tony Shipley Misuse His Medal For Political Purposes?”

1. Cav writes
   July 9th, 2009 3:14 pm

   Huffman must be a real immature twit with nothing substanative to write about. How many years did Huffman serve in the military?

2. Ft. Campbell Dem writes
   July 9th, 2009 3:33 pm

   Cav, Don’t you think you’re the one being immature? I mean, what did Huffman ever do to you? He just brought up a few good points. Obviously you have no good points since you attacked the author’s character.

3. jim voorhies writes
   July 9th, 2009 3:47 pm

   There were a lot of people who served in the VietNam era who got their medals while they were in field dress or bandages and pajama bottoms. However, AR-670-1 which he quotes is probably only applicable to people still in the military. Having said that, it’s typical asshat politician grandstanding and disregarding what they claim to respect. And before you ask Cav, it’s four.

4. Cav writes
   July 9th, 2009 4:17 pm

   I think my point is clear; Huffman is seeking to malign a decorated combat veteran for the sole purpose of advancing his infatile world view. Shipley is proudly displaying his Bronze Star. Good for him. (I would question whether Huffman knows what a Bronze Star is). Neither Shipley nor any other combat decorated vet should be subject to second guessing by some wet behind the ears adolescent distributing character hits from his mommie’s kitchen table.

5. Brawndo the Thirst Mutilator writes
   July 9th, 2009 4:34 pm

   I’m not a fan of Shipley, but this is really a non-issue.

6. Ft. Campbell Dem writes
   July 9th, 2009 4:44 pm

   Well Cav, Shipley is the one parading around in his medals and fatigues for political purposes. Knowing Jordan, I would be sure that he knows what a Bronze Star is. Besides, Shipley is a one termer.

7. dontcallmemikey writes
   July 9th, 2009 4:44 pm

   Cav. He stated respect for the military, for soldiers in combat and for veterans. Perhaps *your* world view disrespects the military and doesn’t care about uniform, traditions and respect for medals and honor. Huffman apparently does - in fact, he researched it because a friend of his - a veteran - was offended by Shipley’s display. Yet you mock him, call him names … Why are you against honoring the military, respecting the uniform and the medals earned in war? Why doesn’t Shipley’s disrespect offend you?

8. Cav writes
   July 9th, 2009 5:53 pm

   I have one son that graduated from West Point & is currently serving just a few miles from the Pakistan border. My second son is a member of the Texas A&M Cadet Corp.

   Contrary to Huffman’s premise, private citizens are free to display their medals as they see fit. (Reference John Kerry who said he threw his away).

   dontcallmemikey, are your really advancing the argument that Huffman “researched” this non-issue because of his passion for military protocol?

   Like all Americans, Huffman is entitled to his opinions. If this hit piece is representative of his musings, he has a ways to go before he is entitled to respect.

9. dontcallmemikey writes
   July 9th, 2009 6:21 pm

   Cav, I have to buy it just like I buy your biography. I noticed you referenced John Kerry - it didn’t seem at the time that the GOP was very understanding of Kerry’s choice of how he ‘treated’ his medal.
   Besides, his article said his friend - and other friends - brought it to his attention and were disturbed by it. I am buying that Shipley - and elected official - is not showing proper respect to the medal, the military, to veterans and to his country.
   So, given your belief that a private citizens is able to do as he.she pleases - did you criticize Kerry’s decision about his own medal? Do you think Shipley’s showing the respect you and your sons would show?
   Do you honor Shipley’s choices - is his usage of the medal the proper choice for an elected official showing respect for the military, the flag and veterans.
   Please remember the firestorm over whether Obama wore a flag lapel pin as well … do you think, given that Obama had a choice as a private citizen, that he wasn’t remiss is wearing a flag pin? And do you think that Shipley should rethink how he presents his medal, at least in public?

10. Jordan Huffman writes
    July 9th, 2009 6:28 pm

    I did not blog about this because I dislike Tony Shipley. I did it because of the response that I got from my friends currently serving in the military. It is clear that Rep. Shipley is flaunting his medal around to impress voters and it makes me sick. I have a tremendous amount of support for the military and when someone does something like this, I will point it out.

    And also to Cav: I have not served one day in the military to answer your question. My friends in the military who were interviewed for this story however have served a combined 64 years. Im not pretending to be an expert on the military, but rules are rules.

11. Cav writes
    July 9th, 2009 6:38 pm

    I think Shipley is proud of his medals and the country he served. I think John Kerry was not. And I think the Obama flag pin was a non-issue probably raised by some partisan, juvenile, puissant pontificator who lacks sufficient life experience or maturity to warrant an audience.

12. dontcallmemikey writes
    July 9th, 2009 7:23 pm

    So you support some misuse of medals, and then sometimes you don’t support them? Still - would you or your sons display your medals the way Rep. Shipley has? Do you think Rep. Shipley is exhibiting respectful behavior?

    BTW - I feel the same way about Hannity, Limbaugh and others who raised the flag pin issue as you apparently do

13. Cav writes
    July 9th, 2009 7:31 pm

    If my son comes home from Afghanistan with a Bronze Star, you bet I want him to wear it, even if it exposes him to childish comments from some underage twit.

14. dontcallmemikey writes
    July 9th, 2009 7:56 pm

    I pray your son comes home in one piece, and thank him for serving our country.
    And I know your son won’t be wearing any medals he might earn in the field of combat disrespectfully - a shame Rep. Shipley has decided to do so.

15. Jordan Huffman writes
    July 9th, 2009 8:19 pm

    The notion that since I am a 22 year old concerned citizen should not matter Cav. I have done nothing but show respect for soldiers like your son. To personally attack me catigorizes you as nothing but an old loudmouth who hates the world. Personally, I am very proud of your son. He is serving his country proudly, but you on the other hand need to step back from your political beliefs and look at reality.

16. Josh Arrowood writes
    July 9th, 2009 9:06 pm

    Interesting read Jordan. I must claim ignorance on the whole subject and so I am unsure of how much of a substantive issue it is, but you did obviously hit a nerve with it. Hope everything is well….

17. Reality writes
    July 9th, 2009 9:47 pm

    This line is a scream:

    “This is clear as he proudly announces it at every public function possible and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.”

    Yeah thanks for making that clear, dude.

    You’d thin after John Kerry, liberal whackadoos would stay away from talk of medals. I gues Shipley could have just chucked them over the White House fence.

18. dontcallmemikey writes
    July 9th, 2009 9:55 pm

    Reality - lol. What a concept!

    You’d think - after making such a fuss about how Kerry disrespected his medals, his country and current and former soldiers - true conservatives would be just as disgusted with how Shipley uses his medals.

    Rather than taking a pot shot, how about a simple answer –

    Do you think Rep. Shipley is exhibiting respectful behavior?

    Should be an easy and straighforward - non-insulting - for those who obviously did not think Kerry showed respect … eh?