Female CAPT Bligh! ARRGHH!!

I know this isn’t Meidcal related, but I am sure Doc’s out there worked for this “WITCH”.

This is a problem with the “It’s how you know” mentality in the Services.  I have worked for bosses like this before, I am sure we all have, all the while watching the “GREAT” leaders being kept down out of the club.

Take a read from this “Time” article (It will also be in NavyTimes this week as well).   I just could not believe that this woman was this way all through the ranks but was promoted everytime.  I thought this was why we have FITREPS.  All her CO’s who wrote them prior for her should be fired as well for lack of leadership.

Take a read..

Women are so common in the upper ranks of the U.S. military these days that it’s no longer news when they break through another barrier. Unfortunately, the latest benchmark isn’t one to brag about: being booted as captain of a billion-dollar warship for “cruelty and maltreatment” of her 400-member crew. According to the Navy inspector general’s report that triggered her removal — and the accounts of officers who served with her — Captain Holly Graf was the closest thing the U.S. Navy had to a female Captain Bligh.

The Chaplain further weighed in on this as well in a followup article.

Navy Cmdr. Maurice “Mo” Kaprow was stunned to watch then-Cmdr. Holly Graf in action. He saw her for the first time after arriving aboard her ship, the destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill, in Italy just before the Iraq war began in 2003. A Jewish rabbi and a Navy chaplain, he’d been sent to the Churchill on temporary assignment as the vessel readied for war. Usually pulling out of port is a methodical and precise process. “But I never in my life saw such chaos as there was on that bridge — Holly Graf began yelling and screaming rudder orders, engine orders, insulting people,” Kaprow recalled Friday. “I’d never seen anything like this.”

The first article can be found here: The Rise and Fall of a Female Captain Bligh

Read more: The Rise and Fall of a Female Captain Bligh

The second article here: Complaints About Female ‘Captain Bligh’ Began Early

I think the Navy leadership has to look themselves in the mirror on this one.

Gumby Damnit!

Well it will have to be rescheduled, I have 2 sick kids home today from school so won’t be able to do the show tonight.

Might do it tomorrow, depending on how they all feel.

Semper Gumby, Always flexible.

D/C

Corpsman.com

Thats right, it’s time to try out the Monster Machine.

I have a new computer, this will be the first time broadcasting with it on Thursday night @ 2130 EST.  Should be fun times!

So if you want to watch the comedy of errors etc, join me on Thursday night @ http://www.stickam.com/da_chief 

We have no agenda other then trying to get everything working right.  There will be light hearted discussion, music etc.

Hope to see you!
Da-Chief

2010 a New Decade

We’re Back!

8404 and myself will host 2010’s first AOTC this Thursday Night at 8:30 Central Standard Time.

We might be trying USTREAM Vs. STICKAM, so please stay tuned.  I am trying to find which production handles our load on video etc.

I would like to use USTREAM in that you can ask poll’s during the netcast etc, but last time we had some problems with it.

Keep in touch tomorrow and regardless we will have the links up here Thursday one way or another for you to click to get to the video site.

I would also like to take phone questions as well, I will post the “DOC-LINE” later tonight, you can call it and leave a question message that will be played during the show.

We are seriously looking for contributors to Corpsman.com.

If your interested in providing 1-3 articles a week and becoming a contributor to a section, Please email me ASAP.

I can’t even sit at my desk right now, I injured my back and can only sit here if at all 10 minutes at a time.  I can however read and edit articles sent to me via email or I can give access to a writer to a section to post their own stories or articles.

Sections I am looking for..

Veteran / VA section

Corpsman / Medic Advancement Articles

Spouse / Dependant articles..

Recruiting / Retention Articles

Career Counseling Articles.. (SonarMark, can you do this actual articles?)

Corpsman / Medic History articles

General News / Military News articles.

A Editor / Helper to keep us up to date with our Advancement area.

If interested, please email me at admin1@corpsman.com with your interest.   I will ask you to write me a 500 word article just to see if you know the difference between “A and An”..

Thanks all, I need to get this site up and going again, but just cannot physically do it.  I was hoping my back was going to get better but it’s not.  I am going to have to get evaluated for the “S” word.

Thanks!

Da-Chief
Corpsman.com

Mash Surgery

It’s here!!

DeeDee has done it again!!

She really has outdone herself this year, 40 pages of goodness and remembrance of the year 2009.

Thanks DeeDee!

This whole newsletter was written by users of Corpsman.com.

Vets, Family Members, Active Duty and Reserve Members themselves.

I hope you enjoy the this special newsletter.

You can download it here:   Scuttlebutt News #24 Oct-Dec 2009

Happy Veterans Day 2009

First the links to today’s shows as promised:

Retention and Recruiting info for FY2010

http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/906D94A9-06C1-403C-91FA-CF836EB86F46/0/NAV09321.txt

fraud ring targeted deployed soldier – Army News, news from Iraq, – Army Times

AF seeks nominations for heroism award – Air Force News, news from Iraq – Air Force Times

Chiefs: Eval delays cost us chance to advance – Navy News, news from Iraq – Navy Times

Tell us what you think: Buying your own gear – Navy News, news from Iraq – Navy Times

U.S. troops likely added soon in Afghanistan – MarineCorpsTimes.com

And the Show notes from Melissa and Karen for the “FAMILY GOODNESS” segment.

In General:
Always check with your local ASYMCA, MWR, and Fleet and Family Support Center for programs in your area.

VETERANS DAY:

Lowe’s Veteran’s Day discount – 10%

Home Depot-10%

Golden Corral-Monday 11/16 from 5-9pm

Applebee’s-Free meal from special menu

Outback Steakhouse-free bloomin’ onion and beverage

THANKSGIVING

Lakes Thanksgiving adopt a sailor program http://www.cnic.navy.mil/GreatLakes/index.htm

Holiday Military Connection program sponsored by Skype and the USO http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091109005061&newsLang=en

CHRISTMAS

Holiday Care Package Deadline Approaches

For military service members stationed around the globe, holiday mail is a big morale boost. The recommended mailing date for the most economical postage to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is November 13, 2009.

Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is $13.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to $11.95. Additional discounts are available for customers printing their Priority Mail postage labels online. Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship.

The Postal Service continues to show support to those serving by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape, and six customs forms with envelopes.

For APO/FPO zip code specific military mailing deadlines, go to: http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_082.htm.

USO Hawaii-I was playing around on the USO Hawaii website and found that they are giving some Holiday Help in the form of food to E6 & below. I’m not sure if this would help any of you ladies but thought I’d post it. I also don’t know how long it’s been up there and it says it’s for the first 40 responders…so if you do respond..good luck!

USO in general-check with your local USO to see what programs they are offering this holiday season.

ASYMCA San Diego-Holiday shopping http://militaryymca.com/index.php?option=com_eventlist&Itemid=99999999&func=details&did=507

ASYMCA 29 Palms-Holiday:

Designed for military personnel and/or their families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, the ASYMCA partners with unit representatives to provide donated gift certificates from the commissary, exchange, local grocery store, phone cards, etc. for those in need. Approximately 708 military personnel and/or their families received certificates in 2007. The ASYMCA also hosts a Holiday Party for military personnel and/or their families. Simple refreshments are served and donated toys, gifts, etc. are distributed. Approximately 600 families participate in this event.

Check with the ASYMCA in your area for specific programs.

Free Christmas trees- www.treesfortroops.org info for GL area http://www.mwrgl.com/Default.htm

Operation Homefront Online Holiday toy shop http://www.operationhomefront.net/HolidayGiving.asp

Operation Homefront Online holiday programs, check with local chapter http://www.operationhomefront.net/holiday.htm

Operation Ensuring Christmas http://www.opchristmas.org/

And last but not least our videos, which unfortunately are in 3 parts as Stickam was crapping out all night.  You can also download the audio version to listen to as well which is just one file.

Leave any comments or suggestions @ admin1@corpsman.com .

Well…

Debunked..

Thanks to some generous users, they have stuck a cork in the sinking ship!

This is only temporary folks, and it was decided tonight on our show by “YOU” the users, that we will be coming up with a way for you all to contribute to the site to help us with costs.

I want to thank those who did donate tonight. I would name them, but I want to clear it with them prior to doing so.

The forums have been paid for.

This does not mean Corpsman.com is out of the woods, but we are alive for right now.

You can watch the show below.  Please leave comments as well below when done, or email me @ admin1@corpsman.com .  And I will repsond to your questions or comments.

Thanks to the entire Corpsman.com Community!!

Much Love..

Da-Chief
Corpsman.com

Attack of Da-Chief, Corpsman.com Netcast

Corpsman.com Family,

Sorry for the confusion, the Chat will be on Wednesday night.  I have to get my thoughts and emotions together for this one.

http://www.stickam.com/da_chief

A couple of points that I want to throw out there:

– We are not a “NON FOR PROFIT” organization, never said we were.  Always said we were not.

– That being said, we have “NEVER” made a profit here!  Like Tony (8404) said, it’s not just about Server Space , hosting etc.  There are more costs involved than you can imagine.  Things that are paid for monthly, as well as yearly leasing or as of this year buying a license for.

–I have had a few rude folks basically accusing me of jilting the users after I put this message out like I was bilking you the paying customers..

YEAH YOU READ THAT RIGHT, I WAS BILKING THE PAYING CUSTOMERS!

I have been accused of a lot of things but how in the hell do I bilk anyone out of a free site?

I dunno.

That being said, I have received a overwhelming response from quite a few of you about the site.  Funds etc.

I’m just tired of begging for money, or pleading for ad clicks etc.

When I retired from the NAVY in 2007 I wanted Corpsman.com to be my “SOLE” job.  I wanted to keep taking care of Doc’s, Recruits, and Veterans and the Doc’s families.

I’m lucky enough to have a wife who believed in my crazy-assed idea that she let me go ahead and give it a whirl.  Karen has “NEVER” asked me to close this place down, and has supported Corpsman.com from its inception.

COMNAVWIFECOM

To do this though, me running this full time as a full-time job, we came upon a $$ amount that had to be generated each month for the upkeep of the site, but as well to pay the guy who was sitting here 24/7 working on the site.  It was not a high $$ amount by any means, and really I would live under the poverty line if that was my sole income.  Lucky for me I am married to the greatest RN in the world who had a good job and believed in my dream.

Even with me doing this as a full-time job, it was more then I could handle on my own.  Enter CrazyCajun, DeeDee, and 8404!

8404 and his HAWG

These folks are my family.  Thru and thru to the bone, my family members.  Not by blood , but by fire here on the site.

And like a family we have had our UP’s and Down’s, not always agreeing on everything, but always, always, always coming back to the center again to support you , the users of Corpsman.com.

I have had one of our Staff here Suffer a Heart Attack, and was worried sick about the folks in the forums over himself. (Thanks 8404!).

I have seen DeeDee, give her sons up to the Navy, and have to send 1 to war hoping he would come home safe.

I have had one Cantankerous Chief Programmer, who was the only on who could reign in my crazy-assed ideas that I always had.  Who myself I worried about whether he was going to deploy again, and also watch him walk the retirement “PERP” walk that I had done.

DeeDee & Johnathan Reno

All 3 have been here from the beginning.  They are not paid with $$, but have paid with their blood, sweat, and time for Corpsman.com.  I have been able to purchase equipment and software, computers to help in the process, but that is never what they are really worth to me and to you all.

Last but not least by any stretch Doc_Konkle my ANCHOR, with Corpsman.com from start till now. I salute her and her devotion to you all..

I salute them.  I hope you do too!

So join us Wednesday night @ 2130 on Stickam, at http://www.stickam.com/da_chief If you want to join in on the chat, please do so, but you have to have a stickam account prior to join the chat.

We will go until the chatting is done tomorrow night.

Thanks and God Speed

Da-Chief
Corpsman.com

But with the ongoing obesity problem in the US now with all the crap food out there, services that are set up for the standard patient are having to be re-thought, and can cost “YOU” more.

(Disclosure: I am overweight myself! But am working on dropping the retirement LBS.)

Now before you say, “Chief, how can you think I am Obese? I’m in the military?”  OK that is true, but are your dependents in the military? Are you retired? Are you a Vet?

I have always prided myself on speaking the truth whether it hurts or not.  Truth is most of Americans are fat and need to lose weight!
Back in the late 80’s I had a friend who’s wife would not tip the scale but would “CRUSH” it if she stepped on it.  She complained that her ankles always hurt.   She always saw the same Dr. would would work up everything which would always come back negative for Arthritis or anything else.

One day her husband came to me madder then hell.  I asked what was wrong and and was told, “My wife is mad at Dr. (Insert Name Here)!

I asked why?

Well his wife had visited Capt “Something” for the 5th or 6th visit for “Sore Ankles” and this time he didn’t hold back.  He said. “YOUR FAT YOU NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT!”

HM1 Something or other looked at me to see my response..  I looked him straight in the eye, “I would call that a accurate diagnosis wouldn’t you?”  He said “Yeah But I have to live with her!”

I bring this up because I saw a article in the Chicago Tribune titled:

Ambulance rides will cost extra for obese patients

Obese Patient ambulance transport

I think you should read this. You are now charged more if you are obese and need special services on a ambulance transport. Other things in daily life are costing more for overweight folks as well. Can you fit into your seat on a Airline? Do you need “3″ Seat-belts for takeoff?

What do you think? Comment below.

What is a good workout for folks who are overweight but can’t get out and do 2-3 miles a day starting. Lets discuss this in our Scuttlebutt Forums. Instead of making fun of folks lets help each other out.