Organizing for America | Leonel Brodhead's Blog: Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts

By Leo - Jun 7th, 2007 at 4:37 pm EDT

Also listed in: Chicago Cubs Fans for Obama | Military for Obama NOW IN '08 | Soldiers for Obama

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Tags: Air Force, Army, budget, congress, Illinois, Iraq, Marines, military, President, south carolina, Terrorism, texas, War

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.

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My first Comments | Report to Admin

By Leo Jun 7th 2007 at 4:46 pm EDT

I am just seeing how this works. I wondering if anybody will read this?

Re: My first Comments | Report to Admin

By alc0f7 Jun 23rd 2007 at 9:51 pm EDT

Thanks for posting your story. I'm now in the Air Force Reserve, but was in a career-field which was heavily impacted by force shaping.

Re: My first Comments | Report to Admin

By Leo Jul 7th 2007 at 10:43 pm EDT

Thanks. I am currently at my pre-deployment training for Iraq.

Re: My first Comments | Report to Admin

By Mia Jul 2nd 2007 at 7:02 am EDT

Hi,

I've just joined this group and yours was the fists blog I read. Very nice story. Your folks myst be very proud of you. I too believe that Sen. Obama has something to offer us. I hope the young people in our nation will step up this year and vote and make a difference. I am stationed overseas and find it frustrating to know that my absentee ballot may not even be counted...nother crazy American law I would love to see changed.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know I read your blog.

All the best,

Mia in Germany

Re: My first Comments | Report to Admin

By Leo Jul 8th 2007 at 9:53 am EDT

Thanks Mia. I promote Obama everywhere I go. Talk to you soon. I am currently in the field.
LEO

I don't know | Report to Admin

By James Feb 14th 2008 at 3:10 pm EST

Unfortunately it is a shame. I believe we need the F-22 and F-35. The number of planes being produced was greatly cut too. Everthing was cut but the budget increased due to the war. What we need is a balanced budget. We should be fighting terrorism with intelligency and anti-terrorism, not with conventional forces. Just imagine if we are there for 100 years. I don't see how you can maintain a war, cut taxes, and then say you for a strong military as you cut projects. Read my F-22 Raptor blog!

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