veteran’s corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

I recently heard a couple of things that confirm fact is stranger than fiction.

A woman was rescued after she fell head first into a vault toilet. She was trying to retrieve her phone. I’m hard pressed to value any news that much.

The other thing I learned is that they are gathering bids to build a vault toilet at the Fargo National Cemetery. The difference between a vault toilet and an outhouse? A vault toilet has container water that cannot “permeate” through.

I find it unacceptable that human waste and human remains will be buried close together. If you’ve been around a vault toilet they can emit a horrendous odor.  A slight wind for those mourning their lost loved veteran will have an amplified misery factor.

This is not a solution or a temporary fix, this is something NOT needed or wanted. The veterans groups are strongly opposed to this.

Two hundred to three hundred fifty thousand dollars of taxpayers money should be better spent.  One more reason we need a privately built shelter.

I received my first salute from Dan Bohmer when he was commissioned (big honor for this guy). We go way back since serving together in 1989 when we were in stinger missile school. He went on to a very successful military career becoming a bird Colonel. I know he worked hard to get there, not many officers make it that far. He recently announced he is seeking Kent Ekens Senate seat. We need more veterans in office, especially ones with proven leadership dynamics.

Ukraine thoughts. This far into the Russian invasion the Ukrainians are STILL launching aircraft missions against the Russians. Modern military 101, controlling the skies is key to victory.

Can anyone imagine what if Iraq’s powerful air force conducted missions against US and allied forces? It would’ve been a game changer. 

For the 2nd biggest super power to have so many missteps leaves me confused. I believe warrior ethic has been replaced with political glad handing and favoritism. Our own military has suffered much of the same fate. Fighting wars should never take second place to feelings, financial gain or any type of friendship.

The Russians are also losing a lot of generals. It’s their weak command and control structure. When an operation gets stalled it’s a Russian officer that goes to troubleshoot. The bigger the cluster the bigger the officer to get things moving. Ukraine has been full of clusters. Nothing attracts snipers more than someone dressed well, being clean, yelling, waving hands, pointing fingers and acting in charge. This is how many of the generals are meeting their demise.

The US has a strong NCO corps. A crusty NCO with many years of service will keep things moving. Initiative is valued among the US combat arms. In Russia the NCO corps is weak and constantly turning over because of conscription. Our forces are volunteer professionals. You’d be very hard pressed to see a US general on the front lines.

Closing with another weird fact. I’ve seen some destroyed Russian vehicles with “Wolverines” spray painted on them. It’s a trip back to the 1984 film Red Dawn.

Anything veteran related, comments or anything else contact me at 11btwk@gmail.com.