@PaulRieckhoff: How’s the shark look from up there?
It seems that everywhere I turn, I see something in the media about Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff pimping for a parade for returning veterans from Iraq. He’s been in the New York Times, the Huffington Post and an unnoticed appearance on Rachel Maddow’s show (yeah, I know, I’m surprised she’s still on the air, too)
The latest is in the Stars & Stripes;
“The country wants to come out and thank these veterans,” said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of IAVA. “We’ve already seen one celebration in St. Louis, and we’re hearing from other communities who want to do more. Rather than have a scattering of parades here and there, we think it should be a coordinated effort.”
Really, Paul? This is what you want to hang your hat on? A parade? I get the feeling that with all of the problem facing veterans – unemployment, combat stress and injuries, rising health care costs, DVA backlogs – this parade thing seems less daunting to Paul, and one that he might be able to actually solve if he focuses all of his energy on this. All he has to do is shame someone into promising one, and given that Bloomberg worships symbolic crap, he’ll probably fall for this first.
But I think this is IAVA jumping the shark. They’ve never done anything for returning veterans, despite their excellent ad. There were a couple of glitzy Hollywood parties to assuage the guilt felt by movie star-types that no veterans could afford to attend. there have been ball game seats – he even invited me to a ballgame in NYC once to influence me to shut my stupid mouth about him.
I agree with Colby Buzzell in this MSNBC article on the subject – Rieckhoff’s relentless obsession with a parade is an embarrassment;
Former U.S. Army soldier Colby Buzzell, author of My War: Killing Time in Iraq, calls the Rieckhoff and IAVA’s push for the parade embarrassing. “It’s premature,” he said in a phone interview with msnbc.com. “We don’t know what’s going to happen in Iraq and there are still troops in Afghanistan.”
The only veteran that IAVA has ever helped is Rieckhoff, and now he won’t shut up about this parade idea…I have to think that there’s something in it for Rieckhoff, call me skeptical. I guess it’s just his way to look like he cares about the troops, and it won’t cost him anything – well unless he crashes into Fonzie over that shark tank.
“We’re heading for the ramp, Paul, are you sure you want to do it?”
Category: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
I agree with your arguments, and the data that backs it. . . there are much more pressing Veterans issues out there.
Strangely enough, for some insane reason, the mere thought of a parade with fellow desert veterans makes me happier than hell.
-OIF/OEF, just a few tours 😉
Then again, I agree its as premature as two teenagers dry humping.
Well the good thing out of all of this is that it has motivated me to renew my Legion membership so i can get involved again, even its just tending the grill at some event so those like Semper can just chill and BS.
Real heroes don’t ask/demand for parades or recognition. I served in Iraq and am proud of that service. But I still blush when people thank me for my service. If the public organizes a parade, fine, but for veterans to demand and shame the public into doing it seems very cheesy and immodest. This kind of behavior makes us all look like bad… can’t even think of the right word… but it doesn’t feel right for someone to claim to represent my demographic and demand a parade.
It does seem to have become an obsession with him.
Spontaneous parades occurring in communities around the country? Sure. Sounds pretty good. Maybe around Independance Day or Memorial Day?
I never really noticed this jerk until I came here and read about him. I always hear about him on military.com where there are a few guys who think this guy and Obama are the best thing for veterans ever. After reading the posts and stories here I have to agree with Jonn, this guy is all about himself, and he deserves to be crucified.
I don’t think parades are what the veterans want, I agree tat they want jobs and a feeling that their time there is not going to be wasted.
“But I think this is IAVA jumping the shark. They’ve never done anything for returning veterans, despite their excellent ad.” I concur with this sentiment. Frankly the only thing IAVA seems to be used for as an instrument of advancement for Paul. It’s not about Vets, but the use of Iraq/Afghan Veterans to further his favorite cause, himself. His attempt to corral Vets is at best unnessary and at worst detrimental to them. What niche does he/IAVA serve or contribute to? I can’t see it.
On a different note haven’t heard anything about Buzzell in at least 2-3 years. His book was great and his occasional articles were the only reason I’ve ever been willing to buy an Esquire Magazine or few.