Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces

It seems that for as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with politics. As a child growing up on Pawley’s Island South Carolina, I was one of those rare children that would enjoy watching the news as well as Sunday morning talk shows. Even to this day when I want to relax, I will sit down in front of the television and watch a good talk/news program. If I have to take a long road trip I will listen to talk radio over a music station any day. However, doing this drives my daughter Marissa crazy as she is a huge Hannah Montana and Keyshia Cole fan.

I do not know were this fascination with news, information and politics came from but for what ever reason; it is at the core of who I am. Maybe it came from a recorded sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I heard as a child. As I recall the name of Dr. King’s sermon was “The Drum Major Instinct”. That sermon affects me to this day. If you ever get a chance to read it in it’s entirety you should but it would be even better if you heard the words as spoken by Dr. King. The following is just a small part of that sermon.

“…And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be
important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be
great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your
servant. That's a new definition of greatness. And this morning, the
thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means
that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have
a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your
verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve.
You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have
to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You
only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you
can be that servant…”

http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/publications/sermons/680204.000_Drum_Major_Instinct.html

While a student in college at The University of South Carolina, I ran for several political offices. These offices ranged from being appointed as Chief Student Advocate to running for student Senator, as well as my short but valiant attempt at becoming student body President. I actually did pretty well considering I was considered the new kid on the block and was out spent by my opponents. You would be surprised at what some of those kids spent to run for office. You would have thought we were trying to run for President of the United States.

I remember campaigning like I was running for President of the United States. In fact, I coined the phrase “State of the University Address”. When asked about some of the changes I would bring into office if elected, I responded that I would give weekly State of the University Addresses to keep the students informed about the goings-on on campus.

However, when it comes to political activities while in uniform, service members must think twice. I have been involved with many election campaigns over the years from local, state and federal elections but while wearing the uniform there are certain types of activities that I, nor any other service member, can undertake.

In short while in uniform, a service member can not carry on certain types of political activities. Types of activates forbidden while in uniform include but are certainly not limited to attending rallies, using government vehicles or conducting political activities while working, using their military influence to interfere with the election process as well as speaking before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

I should also point out that as an officer serving in the military, it is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or UCMJ to speak out against the President. I remember a case of a military General that made some disparaging remarks about then President Clinton. After those remarks came to light the general was forced to resign.

However, you are allowed to speak as a private citizen and of course while not in uniform about a particular candidate you would like to support. You can give money to the candidate just as any private citizen can do. According to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, you may also “attend partisan and nonpartisan political fundraising activities, meetings, rallies, debates, conventions, or activities as a spectator when not in uniform and when no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can reasonably be drawn.” Remember, you must not be in uniform! For more information relating to the Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 which relates to political activities by members of the armed forces visit: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134410p.pdf

Voting in a Deployed Environment

It occurred to me during the presidential campaign of 2008 that I am witnessing history in the making. For the first time in American presidential politics all the major candidates are Senators. For the first time in the history of American politics a woman, an African American and a former prisoner of war (POW) all have a real and viable chance of being elected President of the most power country in the world, The United States of America.

Yes-siry this is a very exciting time for me indeed! After all, I have always been a political conesore. In December of 2007, I completed an extensive certification training program and was certified by the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program as a Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). As the VAO, I am responsible for providing accurate, non-partisan voting information and assistance to service members and others attempting to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

Voting is more then just a constitutional right but it is also a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Many have fought and died to give individuals around the world the opportunity to take part in democracy. Voting is the great equalizer. Your vote matters and your vote counts! It matters not how much money you have, your position in society or your birth lineage, all votes count the same.

For example, the President’s vote carries the same weight as the homeless town bum living on the street. Bill Gates’ vote carries the same weight as the single mother on welfare with 5 children to feed. That is the beauty of our electoral system in America. While you are deployed, you should not give up your right, your duty to vote. You should and must vote!

You may be asking yourself how I can vote when I am deployed and serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or anywhere outside of the United States for that matter? The answer is simple. Obtain an absentee ballot. With an absentee ballot you will be able to write in your candidate of choice and have your vote counted as though you never left the comforts of home. It is important to contact your individual state for greater details on the voting process as every state has their own election roles. A good starting point to get information may be found at http://www.fvap.gov/index.html

Central Receiving and Shipping Point “CRSP Yard”

From souvenirs to additional equipment, it is surprising just how much “stuff” service members acquire during their deployment. Most service members, after spending a year in a deployed environment, will accumulate a tremendous amount of property. I was surprised at how much “stuff” I had acquired after only being in Kuwait for 1 year. It should then come as no surprise that after spending two years in the desert, I pretty much amassed a small museum of artifacts and items that I had picked up along my travels throughout the Middle East.

The question that comes up often among service members deals with shipping personnel property back home. The answer is not as simple as one might think. Making a hasty decision could cost you hundred dollars in unnecessary packaging and shipping expenses at the post office. All too often service members will pay hundreds of dollars to ship their items home. However, there is an avenue of shipping your personnel property home that cost nothing.

The Central Receiving and Shipping Point or “CRSP Yard” as it has come to be known in some circles is a great opportunity for service members to ship large amounts of personnel property home at no cost. Well actually the items are not sent to your home but to a military center closet to your home. From there, you must retrieve the items.

You may ask yourself why do this when all you may want to do is put everything in your unit designated “conex”? That may be an option; however, most unit conexs have to be packed for shipment as much as 45 days prior to the unit departing from theater. Most importantly not all deployed service members will return to the home station of the unit they deployed with.

As an example, when I was deployed in 2006, I was considered an Individual Agmentee (IA). My Reserve Unit was a unit in Michigan but my deploying unit, with whom I had no previously relationship with, was in South Carolina. Sending my personnel items in the Unit conex of the South Carolina unit would make no sense as I live in Michigan and that is were I would return. Also, the unit I deployed with left a year prior to my redeployment in 2008.

Shipping my property through the Central Shipping and Receiving Point or “CRSP Yard” was the perfect choice for me. However, it is important to point out that you will still have the restriction on items sent in the mail in much the same way as you would at the post office. For example you will not be able to mail back hazardous material, weapons, or classified material in most cases.

Arrangements may have to be made for customs agents to inspect your shipment prior to mailing. However, if you are willing to undergo a few minor inconvenaces, the “CRSP Yard” may be the way to go when shipping personnel property home.

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Life Insurance is a very important and valuable benefit for service members. At the time I wrote my book, The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed., service members who died while on active duty received up to $400,000 and under certain situations could receive even more money. Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance or SGLI is life insurance policy the covers service members who die or are killed. The money is paid directly to the named beneficiary or beneficiaries upon the death of the service member. This money could also be used to fund a Trust. The trustee would then carry out the wishes of the deceased service member. Additionally, there are other monies paid to the family upon the death of a service member in combat. I discuss those benefits in greater detail in my book.

It is very important that as a service member you review your SGLI policy to include beneficiary information for changes or necessary modifications. A thorough review of your insurance policy is a must and should be done yearly regardless of your deployment status. You need to review your beneficiary information just in case something unfortunate happens to you the service member. You want to make certain that the person receiving the death benefit actually is the intended recipient or beneficiary. You certainly want to ensure your intended beneficiary is provided for if you are killed while serving your country.

I know of several cases where because the service member did not update their SGLI policy, an ex-spouse or someone other then the intended beneficiary received the insurance money. In situations like that, there is little the intended beneficiary can do, especially without court intervention. Even then, the intended beneficiary has very little to adequately show they were the intended beneficiary. Think of it this way, if it were that easy to contest the named beneficiary, courts would be tied up more then they are already with cases of folks trying to overturn what the court assumes is the “will” of the deceased. If you find yourself in a situation like that, contact an attorney immediately to discuss all of your possible options.

A Snowflake in the Desert!

I have often been asked to explain what is the most difficult part about being stationed in a combat and war zone. Is it the possibility of being killed? No. Is it the threats from enemies near and far? No. Is it the horrid drivers? No. Then it must be the numerous times I have traveled throughout the Iraq War Theater of operations? No.

The most difficult and challenging thing for me to deal with is being away from my family and in particular my children. When I was deployed in July 2006 to go to Iraq, (though I ended up in Kuwait), my son was 9 months old and my daughter was 4 years old. Upon my return home later this year, my son will be nearly 3 years old and my daughter will be 6 years old.

I missed a great deal of their early life as a result of my deployment. During the time I was deployed my son learned to walk, got his first hair cut, (though I took him to get his 1st “professional” hair cut when I returned home during one of my two R&R vacations.) My daughter lost her first tooth. However, the greatest disappointment was the fact I missed my daughter’s entire year of Kindergarten.

Kindergarten is the time in a child’s life when they learn a great deal about life. There have even been books written about the importance of Kindergarten on a person's life. One such book is entitled "All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"

Without sounding biased and proud, I have the smartest children in the world. Marissa without a doubt is a very bright little girl. I have often said she is 5 going on 26. She was reading at the age of 4. Most of all she is the epitome of a “Daddy’s Girl”. If you do not believe me, stop what you are doing, go to Webster’s Dictionary and look up the definition of “Daddy’s Girl”. There amongst the words you will see a photo of Marissa looking back at you smiling.

Recently Marissa graduated from Kindergarten. Because of my deployment, I was unable to attend. However, I learned something very profound about my daughter. During the graduation ceremony or should I say “Celebration” the children received a DVD of their experiences in kindergarten as well as a year book.

Inside of the yearbook the teacher asked each of the students a question. The teacher asked the students to finish the following sentence; If I were a snowflake I would...

Of curse all the students answered the question with all sorts of amusing responses. When I was informed how Marissa answered, it brought a tear to my eye and a tremendous sense of pride to my soul. My 5 year old daughter stated in response the following;

"If I were a Snowflake I would travel to the Army so I could be with my Dad!"

Well needless to say she will always be my little Snowflake in the desert. Even if the temperatures can and often do reach temperatures of 140 degrees or more in the summertime :o)

Selecting a "Deployed" Service Member friendly Financial Institution

One of the most important decision a service member can make prior to deployment is the selection of a financial institution. Selecting a good financial institution is very important as there are many things to consider relating to financial transaction during your deployment. Some things to consider include, ease of use, the ability to make wire transfer and accessing your bank account online just to name a few things.

It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.

You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!

Puddle of Mudd

Handing out awards to Puddle of Mudd band members. Check out the band's Offical Site at http://www.puddleofmudd.com/

Me and Puddle of Mudd Lead Singer Wesley Reid Scantlin
Me and Puddle of Mudd Drummer Rayan A. Yeardon
Me and Puddle of Mudd bass player Douglas J Ardito
Me and Puddle of Mudd Lead Guitar Christian D. Stone
Me and Wesily hanging outside of my office.
Puddle of Mudd listening very attentively to my "VIP" Briefing just before their perfomance in front of thousands of service members. They also performed in Iraq. These guys are fearless!

"Puddle of Mudd is an American Band from Kansas City, Missouri, United States. They achieved success on rock radio and some success in the mainstream, and their debut album Come Clean has sold well over 5 million copies. To date the band has sold over 7 million albums, and have had many #1 mainstream rock singles in the U.S. They have released 5 albums, with their latest being Famous, released in 2007."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puddle_of_Mudd

Operation Hoop Talk

Me and Head Coach Dave Leitao - University of Virginia (Basketball)

On June 5th, 2008 I had the pleasure of meeting Head Coaches from some of the best College and Professional basketball teams in The United States of America. They came to meet and greet service members in Kuwait and Iraq.

I was responsible for briefing them on the overall mission of Camp Beuhring and thank them for their support of the troops. They are all winners in my book!

Head Coaches in the photo include:

Dave Leitao - University of Virginia

Gary Stewart - University of California

Ed Conroy - The Citadel

Tom Mengesha - Camp Beuhring :-)

Jeff Nix - New York Knicks (Former)

Jim Crews - West Point

Jeff Bzdelik - Colorado University

Securing a Power of Attorney for Deployment Purposes

When considering securing a power of attorney, know that there are two types. A Special power of attorney and a General power of attorney. A general power of attorney gives another person broad and far reaching authority to handle your affairs. A special power of attorney only provides for specifically limited handling of your affairs such as selling your vehicle or preparing your taxes. Regardless of the type of power of attorney you give, there should be a specific termination date. As an attorney, I recommend powers of attorney terminate after one year has passed.

Case Scenario 1:
“Service Member” was ordered to active duty to be deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Service Member” has been married for 18 years to a wonderful person, “Spouse”.

“Service Member” loved “Spouse” very much and wanted to ensure “Spouse”was able to take care of things in “Service Member’s” absence. Prior to “Service Member” departing for duty "Spouse" was given a Power of Attorney.

Do to the stress and temptations of “Service Member's” absence, “Spouse” files for divorce. However, due to the “Service Member” not fully understanding the difference between a general power of attorney and a special power of attorney, “Service Member” gave "Spouse" a general power of attorney.

What do you think happened?


Case Scenario 2:
“Service Member” was order to active duty to be deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “Service Member” has been married for 5 years to a wonderful person, “Spouse”.

“Service Member” loved “Spouse” very much and wanted to ensure “Spouse” was able to take care of things in “Service Member’s” absence. Prior to “Service Member” departing for duty "Spouse" was given a Power of Attorney.

Do to the stress and temptations of “Service Member's” absence, “Spouse” files for divorce. However, prior to deploying to Afghanistan, “Service Member” reads the book The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; what every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. Copyright 2008 “Service Member” gave "Spouse" a special power of attorney.

What do you think happened?

To find the answers to these “Case Scenarios” and other fascinating questions, read the book, The Service Member’s Guide to Deployment; What every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen and Marine should know prior to being deployed. Copyright 2008

Family Care Plan

The sequence of events on September 11, 2001 changed America forever. On this day, The United States of America lost its innocence. The land of the free was no longer as free as it once was. Open and free travel no longer seemed as open and free following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Subsequently, America soon found itself at war with Iraq and Afghanistan. The number of service members needed to adequately fight this war was tremendous. The number of service members on active duty was not enough to engage in effective combat. As such, the burden to pick up the slack fell upon the Reserve and National Guard forces of our military. Not in recent memory has there been a greater number of service members deployed conus or oconus. From a military development standpoint, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan provoked the number of deployments to grow substantially. Since September 11, 2001, over 1.7 million service members have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Operation Enduring Freedom’s military focus is on securing the nation of Afghanistan, while as its name suggest, Operation Iraqi Freedom is concerned with securing the nation of Iraq. In addition to the service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of service members were deployed to Kuwait and Qatar in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Moreover, tens of thousands service members were deployed in support of contingency operations around the world.

So what happens when you receive your "orders" to go? Generally speaking your Unit, if you are deploying as a unit, will receive unit orders informing the Command that their unit will be deploying. If on the other hand you are an individual deployer as I was, you could receive your initial order via a phone call followed by orders requesting that you report for active duty. The amount of notice given to a service member ranges anywhere from several months in advance to only several days prior to the date ordered to active duty. I received my orders only three weeks before my scheduled day to report for duty.

There have been millions of Americans deployed to war zones around the world since this great country was founded over 230 years ago, however, recently it appears that many soldiers are deploying in greater frequency then ever before. In addition, some of those deployed are on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th deployment. In many cases, the deployment is involuntary and not knowing all of the information that will make the deployment less stressful creates a tremendous burden not only for the deploying service member but the family of that service member as well.
Deployment is much like a roller coaster ride at an amusement park. You first have the uncertainty of the entire event much like what you feel as you enter the gate to a roller coaster that you have never ridden before. You are unsure if you will make it. You may even attempt to get out of it at the very last minute. The roller coaster makes its climb and just as you begin the process of family planning and the actual deployment, you become anxious and nervous. After you’ve made it to the top of the roller coaster, you brace yourself for your quick decent, and at this point you realize there is no turning back. This is a similar feeling to what you may experience upon reaching your mobilization site but you brace yourself anyway and prepare for the many highs and lows this ride will offer.

One of the first things a service member should do prior to deployment is review and/or implement a current family care plan. Your family care plan should be reviewed certainly, if you are being deployed, but also at least once a year regardless of deployment status. It is said that “the strength of the Family is the strength of the Soldier is the strength of the Military is the strength of the Nation!” So it logically follows that caring and providing for the families of service member alleviates many of the stresses related to deployment and combat. This in turn leads to the strong national defense of the United States of America.

The very first responsibility of a service member scheduled for deployment is to inform the family and start making a plan. While I would not say it is easier deploying without having a family, it certainly is challenging if you are a deployed service member with a family. Regardless, if you have children or not, you should have some form of a Family Care Plan in place.

In my book, I go into great detail explaining what a Family Care Plan is and how to set up a good Family Care Plan.