Thank you for alerting me to this.

I knew about Golden Corral, because I ate a Veterans Day meal at the golden Corral in Vernal, Utah a few years ago.

The free Veterans Day meal at Applebees was announced on the FACEBOOK web site a couple of days ago.

But, I’ve never heard of McCormick and Schmick’s.

Then again, I rarely even leave my room, and haven’t much interest in restaurants, theatres, public events, et cetera.

Unfortunately, I just now returned from eating chow in the mess hall, so I am FULL!

As for Pat’s comment about Muslims and diversity, I am absolutely furious at what I just heard on the radio.

General Casey, the Army’s top general, in a television interview says we shouldn’t condemn Islam for the actions of Nidal Malik Hasan.

Since Nidal Malik Hasan clearly and openly acted as a Jihadist in support of and in sympathy with Al Qaeda and Taliban military operations, then our domestic combat military casualties at Fort Hood, Texas are entitled to be awarded the Purple Heart Medal, and our domestic combat civilian casualties at Fort Hood, Texas merit award of the Defense of Freedom Medal.

In addition, several individuals rate combat awards of at least a Bronze Star Medal, and probably a Silver Star Medal, plus award of the Combat Medic Badge and the Close Combat Badge.

In fact, as a result of that domestic combat action, those soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas may now wear their unit insignia on the right shoulder of their uniform, a status symbol indicating combat experience while assigned to that unit.

However, it is VERY possible, indeed, even quite probable, that misguided “political correctness” by career bureaucrats will prevent these awards being granted.

So, I think it behooves us to begin NOW to pressure Congress and the Department of Defense to grant those merited combat awards.

By the way, I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, where I was a Scout for the Seventh Cavalry.

Again, thank you for thinking of me and e-mailing that notice.

John Robert Mallernee
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

chsw