I’m not sure where I fit into this whole “birther” movement. One on hand, I find the whole thing absurd. However, on the other hand, how hard is it to just placate the many people with these opinions by producing the documents constitutionally required to hold the office of President? Well, Army Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Lakin thinks that “failing” to produce his birth certificate is justification to refuse deployment.
Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin did not report for duty at Fort Campbell, Ky. as ordered today, and a spokesman for the post said it’s not likely he will.
“The last report I got as of Friday is that he is not going to report to Fort Campbell,” spokesman Maj. Patrick Seiber said. “That’s from our division surgeon.”
I have two major issues with LTC Lakin’s decision. The first is that we were Iraq nearly six years prior to President Obama becoming president. If he didn’t have a problem deploying then, he shouldn’t have a problem now. It’s the same conflict. It’s an absurd argument from someone that should be intelligent and educated.
My second major issue is that this “officer” is a flight surgeon. By refusing to deploy, LTC Lakin is turning his back on the troops whose lives are in his hands. He is also violating the Flight Surgeon Oath:
I will at all times remember my responsibility as a guardian of the skies
I will uphold the sacred charge to promote the health and well-being of those aviators entrusted to me.
My studies will be unending
My efforts ceaseless
Those who place their lives and the lives of their loved ones in my hands will not be disappointed
My obligation as a flight surgeon is to move ever forward in the mastery of my skill
I promise to practice the medical arts with forthrightness and honor
My skills must remain sharp, my mind quick – Lest I fail those whom I’ve sworn to protect
My insight and knowledge can turn the tide of battle
The skies of tomorrow await the discoveries of today
As a soldier, I dedicate my efforts to the well being of the United States of America
As an officer, I will always live the Army values and remain devoted to Duty, Honor, Country.
As a healer, I dedicate my efforts to the well being of mankind
I wear the sacred wings of my profession with the pride and understanding that I carry the legacy of brave men and women who have given their lives so that I might better protect my fellow Americans
From the skies above, aviators are not separated by mountain and sea- they are joined by a common sky
I will bring all of them home, my word is my bond, these wings my manifesto
I do solemnly swear these things by the heavens in which we fly
I am an Army Flight Surgeon
Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice states:
“Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”
It says contemptuous words, regardless of fact or fiction. An officer can use contemptuous words and still be truthful in the manner of expressing those words. Now for those that are calling me a hypocrite for my past issues with IG complaints due to my “contemptuous words” about Obama, I remind you that I’m NOT a commissioned officer and Article 88 doesn’t apply to me.
The Military.com piece continues:
Lakin, who has been the chief of primary care at the Pentagon’s Tricare health clinic, could not be reached this morning at his Maryland home. Margaret Hemenway, a spokeswoman for a group called the Patriotic American Foundation, which is supporting the 18-year officer, said the Army should not expect Lakin to report unless he sees an original birth certificate showing that Obama was born in Hawaii.
I can’t help but wonder if Laken and the Patriotic American Foundation thinks that ALL Soldiers have the right to personally “see an original birth certificate” and what makes him so special.
Sir, you have a job to do. If you can’t do your job as a Soldier, a medical professional, or a leader then please submit your retirement paperwork stop “bringing discredit upon the Army” with “conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.”
[Author's Note: The OPINIONS expressed here are solely those of the author and do not represent those of any agency of the United States Government, expressly including, but not limited to, the Department of Defense or the United States Army. This site is not designed, authorized, sanctioned, or affiliated, by or with, any agency of the United States Government, expressly including, but not limited to, the Department of Defense or the United States Army. This post is in accordance with DODD 1344.10, which expressly permits me to "express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces." Therefore, I hereby declare that I do not write this post as a representative of the Armed Forces. Since I no longer own this site, consider this post also in compliance with the provisions of paragraph 4.1.1.6 of DODD 1344.10.]
