ATTITUDE [CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53]
with friends and family far beyond the reach of traditional ink and paper. In turn, these technologies help create a broader network of support for servicemembers. The result is greater empathy and wider community support than was possible in the Vietnam era.
Public opinion The Vietnam confl ict occurred during what Kemble calls “an atti- tudinal perfect storm” of rampant countercultural and antimilitary sentiment. Many people — and media — depicted the confl ict as unnecessary and immoral, with no inherent urgency. But now, says Kemble, “threats to our na- tional security are seen as very real and much more immediate.” Today’s veteran more often is seen as a community’s represen- tative in doing a dirty job that someone has to do.
“[Sept. 11, 2001,] has turned
many into patriots,” says Smith. This event and others, such as the October 2000 USS Cole (DDG- 67) bombing, have brought the immediacy of confl ict home to the American public, creating a perception of the military as what Kemble calls “appreciated protec- tors.” He sees growing acceptance within both the military and the “arms-length” public of a “warrior caste” he describes as “profession- ally aloof from everyday America, requiring diff ering values and con- duct but dedicated to defending mainstream American principles and codes.” Events like the Feb. 20 town hall meeting to discuss ROTC’s po- tential reinstatement at Columbia University in New York (during which students hissed, booed, and called a wounded warrior “racist”) lead many to wonder whether
70 MILITARY OFFICER MAY 2011
facesofmoaa Kudos
Do you know an MOAA member who is making an impact? To nominate a candidate for “Faces of MOAA,” see the MOAA Directory, page 18.
They come to MOAA with various interests and experiences, and together they make the association strong. Read on to learn more about your fellow MOAA members.
Cmdr. Vaughn Bornet, USNR-Ret. (member since 1968): Bornet is a lifelong research historian. Now 93 years old, he recently published his latest book, Speaking Up for America
(iUniverse, 2011) — a compilation of speeches he delivered during the Vietnam War era at Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day ceremonies held in his hometown of Ashland, Ore.
Lt. Col. George A. Larson, USAF-Ret. (member since 2008): Larson graduated from Iowa State University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in history and from California State
University Stanislaus in 1978 with a Master of Arts in history. He served as a strategic intelligence offi cer with the former Strategic Air Command and DIA. He also served as commandant of cadets for Air Force ROTC at the University of Iowa. After retiring from the Air Force, Larson authored sev- eral books about the history of aviation and the military.
Col. Victoria Revilla, USA-Ret. (Life Member since 2002): Revilla has served as president of the Southside Virginia Chap- ter for seven years and has been a top recruiter for the chapter
since the Give Me 10! recruiting program began. She participates in annual ceremonies at which the chapter presents Junior ROTC medals to top ca- dets at seven local high schools. Revilla also takes part in commissioning ceremonies at Virginia State University and presents newly commissioned offi cers with their fi rst sets of gold bars.
Cmdr. Torger A. Siqueland, USNR-Ret. (Life Member since 1987): Siqueland served 27 years in the military, including tours in Korea and aboard the USS Lowry (DD-770). Siqueland is a
member of the Orange County Woodworkers Association in California. He is active in a national woodturners eff ort called the Freedom Pen Project. In 2010, participants made and shipped more than 5,000 pens to servicemem- bers overseas. Of those 5,000 pens, Siqueland made more than 300.
MO
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