Vice President canidate

Leo — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:17:40 EDT

Who do you think President Obama will pick as his Vice?

Numbers that never add up!

Leo — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:07:43 EDT

I am watching Gen Petraeus report to Congress on C-SPAN. Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was brown-nosing the success in Iraq. As I listen the numbers that she regurgitated and then as I hear our Generals regurgitate the numbers of "progress", I keep thinking to myself, "We at the lowest level in the Army, can't report solid numbers"

The reason I say this is because, I've noticed that my time in the Air Force and Army,we report numbers that may or may not be accurate. I've noticed that people in general like to exaggerate to make them self look better or used as a tool to defend their actions.

Every time I hear reports, Its hard for me to believe reports of Data that reflect numbers because as the numbers make it up the chain of command, the numbers gets skewed. I currently deal with numbers and data that is reported to me and then to higher levels. I never feel comfortable with the data that I collect from the lower levels.

There are so many things that I wish was done right but I believe this war is going to be reported by numbers as to show progress. Remember Vietnam, that was all about skewed victories measured by enemy casualties.

Let me know what you guys think about the data that is reported on TV. Talk to you soon.

Military for Obama

Leo — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:50:19 EDT

I noticed a trend when i talk to fellow Military comrades. I think Obama brings hope to Military members as he represents a leader that we can trust as our CNC. A lot of us want and need to him to lead us.

Many people in general automatically are supporting Hillary only because of her name and don't even know who Obama is. Obama and his supporters somehow need to promote more who he is. I was training in South Carolina and everywhere I went, I discussed our current candidates and many didn't know Obama and what he represents.

Another random thought, There are some people in the Military who think Obama is a Muslim running for president. Educated people believing what ever they heard on the news and what there fellow friends told them. It is amazing.

What can we do to promote a better candidate. Not only does America need Obama but other Nations would benefit with President Obama steering our country into the right direction. Thanks and talk to you all soon.

LEO

Random Thoughts

Leo — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:37:07 EDT

Note to the Reader, There will be grammar and spelling errors.

I am sitting here at the Denver USO waiting for my evening flight to Boise, ID. At first I was upset because the Airlines were affected by the weather and in turn every action there is a re-action or what I am saying is someone is going to get affected and not every involved person in the process will be happy or satisfied. How does this relate to my random thinking? I am not sure. But, I sit here in this USO looking at men/women who serve our country to include myself. Well first let me explain a little about myself. It may or may not be relevant but I have 8 more to get on the plane and reunite with my wife Sandra.

Ok. I am originally from Mexico. I was born in a small town near Culiacan, Sinaloa. My birth Certificate says Rancho Viejo, Sinaloa, Mexico. (Side note – I decided to copy and paste this into Word, in the event my web-browser fails.) My Mother’s name is Pilar Heraldez, she currently resides in Phoenix, AZ. I also have a brother with the same Mother/Father. Well, in the late 70’s my soon to be stepfather met my mother and it was then followed by him adopting my brother and I and bringing us to a suburb in Chicago. When I tell my life to people, I usually expand on more details because my existence and opportunity that I have is by chance and coincidence. My Step-dad could be a chapter, if I were to write a book. But, I am not an author or do I claim to be.

I am not sure if I should use names but, why not. Paul is my step-dad and Pilar is my mother. My brother and I were brought to the Chicago area at the very tail end of 1979 or beginning of 1980. From this point on, I will focus just on my life and try to be as accurate as possible. We lived in Chicago for 8 or so years before moving to Richland Center, WI. Small town that is not ready for change. But then again that is my opinion. This is where I graduated from high school. Public education was great to me but the culture shock to a 99% Anglo-Saxon school was an experience in its own. I realize now that the kids who called me spic, border-hopper, Pedro, bean-eater, and a bunch of other names, did it because they were passing on what they heard growing up. Well, this in a sense made me grow up faster and learn that the world isn’t fair.

During my senior year, I was focused on attending college and I knew I needed a way to cover the costs involved in attending a major University. I did what my stepfather did (he was drafted), my brother (Army Reserves) and I enlisted into Active Duty Army. I was 17 years old when I decided to take this next challenge/chapter of my life. At this point, I was still a Resident Alien and wasn’t thinking of applying for my citizenship. And yes, there are many people serving in the military that aren’t eligible to vote. That sort of bothers me but that is our system and you got people who can’t vote serving. That should make every American think and see if they have something at stake when we send our military to fight for the decisions of our elected officials. Just think about it. Have you done your part for your freedom? (Freedom to vote and play an active role in our government.)

What is my point and where am I going with this. First let me explain the rest of my story up until this moment here at the USO lounge. The first three years after high school I would get stationed in Germany and deploy to Bosnia for 9 months. At the three-year mark, I transferred to the National Guard while I was attending University of Wisconsin-Madison. After two years in the Guard, I transferred into my Brothers Army Reserves medical unit. In 2001, I graduated College and completed my 8-year Army Obligation. I didn’t re-enlist or extend because as a Resident Alien, you are only allowed to serve 8 years. Well, a month after I left the Army, my citizenship package was completed and I swore in at the Ronald Regan Court-House.

This opened up new doors for me. Not only could I vote, I was able to apply for federal agencies or become a Military officer. I applied for the FBI and the Air Force Officer Training School. The process was going well for both agencies. The Air Force responded in 10 or so months after testing and interviews. So, I now would become an officer in the Security Forces career field. This career field is unique because they think and operate like the Army and very recognizable in the Air Force.

My career was going well until the Air Force announced a Reduction in Force. I was like holy cow; you are going to cut 60-75% of my career field for 2002-03 officers. I thought I was going to be safe because of my time in. But, the Air Force’s vision was to cut Manpower by 57,000 and Inventory to cover the contract of the new planes. The contracts were for the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. I didn’t under stand. My career field was a ground troop who does Army missions and you are cutting us why? Well, every action there is a re-action. First, Accessions brought to many of us in 2002-03 without thinking it through. (Budget wise and rank wise). I was given the opportunity to take a severance package or to put in for a Blue to Green Package. (Intra-Service)

I decided to give the Army a chance and see what I can offer the Army as an officer. I would not lose any rank and in fact promote to captain 4 months ahead of when I would of got in the Air Force. This time I went into a the Human Resource Career field called “Adjutant General.” You lead and manage personal actions and of course do extra petty tasks. When I made the transfer my wife stayed at Boise to finish her masters while I attended the Captain’s Career Course at Fort Jackson, SC. (This is where I had the opportunity to meet Barack Obama in Florence.) Didn’t have the chance to tell him my story but I did file a Congressional on the Air Force down-sizing.

Today, After 7 or so months of training, I will re-unite with my wife and help her drive/move to our new home near Fort Hood, TX. I then will be deploying to Iraq in the months coming. I will see my wife for 7 days before flying out to train at Fort Irwin, CA. So, I sit here waiting to get on a plane. Remember, the first plane I missed due to the bad weather Midwest area.

Ok. Every Action there is a re-action (Cause and Affect). I can talk about our war policies, Reduction in Force, Joining the military, voting and so on. Anything we do will affect someone else. I look at these troops here at the USO. We are the extension of the elected officials. We are at the mercy of their signatures. This includes all branches and the people who serve. But, The Army is taking the brunt of the signatures of our elected officials. We are overworked, tired, lack of equipment, uncontrollable spending, and the list goes on and on. It affects our budget, operations of our government and the decision making process. And most importantly, It weakened our ties with all the inhabitants of this Great Earth. How do other Nations look us at? Cause and Affect my friend.

Please feel free to add to my random thinking. Please remember, I am not an English major or do I pretend to be. Take care and please be active in our political process. Do what is right for our country. Put someone in charge that has a vision and someone who can repair the damage we have caused. I believe Barack Obama is the answer.

Commander in Chief

Leo — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:31:05 EST

I want honest leadership and I believe that Barack can provide that for us in the Military.

Leonel Brodhead's Blog

Vice President canidate

Numbers that never add up!

Military for Obama

Random Thoughts

Commander in Chief