Fred Flynn booted from court room
Someone sends us a link from Pocatello, Idaho, where Lieutenant Colonel Fred Flynn wanted to show support for his friend, Dustin Sweeney, who was eventually found guilty of possession and delivery of methamphetamine. Flynn wore his military uniform in the Bannock County Courthouse;
Flynn said that immediately after entering the courtroom, a court marshal approached him and told him that [Sixth District Judge David C.] Nye was not comfortable with him wearing a military uniform during Sweeney’s jury trial.
“What the marshal told me is that the judge didn’t want anyone wrapped in a flag during the trial,” Flynn said.
If Flynn was wearing the Army Camouflaged Uniform, as it appears he was, I don’t blame the judge for booting him. He traveled to the court room from his current home in South Carolina and that’s the uniform he wore? If he was wearing anything other than a Class A or Class B uniform, he deserved to be thrown out.
Now, if he had been wearing Class As and the judge tossed him “for wrapping himself in the flag” I’d be outraged and vocal about it, but not in this case. A lieutenant colonel should know better.
Category: Dumbass Bullshit
i wonder if he’s going to show up for the clown that was on here yesterday that got busted for carrying a pound of meth also
Even if he was wearing Class A’s or B’s, it’s an inappropriate use of the uniform. Did he testify on behalf of his druggie friend?
I should have read the article posted at the link. He is retired! The AR is very clear about retired soldiers wearing the uniform. This guy was way out of line.
Lemme guess. He was acting as a “translator” too?
Hmm. After taking a close look at
his “CIB” andhis right shoulder patch, I’m thinking this guy likely isn’t legit.Can someone check if he’s listed on AKO or with DMDC?
(Disregard deleted portion – that’s probably a ACU CAB.)
The SSI-FWTS is legit. I know several that have it. It is some type of special operations patch. However, everyone that I know that has it, was NOT SF. I know a couple of guys that worked with local district governors sort of as a liaison between them and the SF team working the area. Sorry, I don’t know the name of the patch, or the official “group”
I should have added tha he is a F-head even with the patch.
It’s the Afghan Commando Kandak. When I was in Kabul from 07-08, I recall that it was all SF guys who were assigned to them as trainers who were wearing them, and I don’t recall seeing anyone who wasn’t sporting a long tab wearing one. Things might have changed, or my scope of involvement with them too limited to get a full appreciation of the US support element, though.
I can confirm as of 90 minutes ago in the DFAC here in Kabul that many non-SF type staff officers and various support pax with this patch.
Civil Affairs patch I’ve seen it also in the Stan and when I was up at VBC and in Kuwait
Legit they may be, but the 4th ID isn’t the unit he retired from, or even served with since 1997, nor is that the SSI-FWTS from the unit he served in Iraq with.
Nope. That patch is Afghanistan only
???
That is the Afghan National Army Commando Patch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commandos_%28Afghanistan%29
The only instance I found of a US military being able to wear it is:
it was being worn by a US Navy Corpsman on the sleeve of his ACU (yes, many Sailors wear ACUs in Afghanistan) when I got it, so I think it counts. The Corpsman was part of an Embedded Training Team (an advisor) working with a group of Afghan National Army Commandos from the 203rd ANA Corps operating in Paktika Province, Eastern Afghanistan.
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/48972-afghan-commando-patch-worn-by-us-navy-corpsman/
“I’m quickly thinking this Fred Flynn is BOGUS, or at the very least, an embellisher”
Found more folks that were embedded with ANA groups that wore it but I don’t think our Lt. Colonel here was embedded in Afghanistan.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/wearing-unauthorized-patches-flags-while-deployed
He wasn’t. He served in Iraq.
Retiree recall? Or Desert Storm?
FWIW: he claims 2 retiree recall tours – one in each country.
I can’t find anything about the 2nd recall (Afghanistan). And no one I know who knows him can confirm it. He may have gone over as a civilian. We had several retirees from his time frame contract with the Pentagon around the same time, as trainers, but that doesn’t qualify for an SSI.
Agreed.
Hopefully any FOIA results will include any time as a recalled retiree.
If its not a US Army Institute of Heraldry approved shoulder sleeve insignia, its not authorized for wear as a permanent Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Former Wartime Service worn on the right side.
In theater, I’ve seen local commanders authorize embedded personnel wear local unit patches, but that is just a local modification.
As for wearing his uniform, its a no go by AR 670-1, nuff said.
Edit: I have no idea where the picture was taken, it could easily have been taken in Afghanistan.
it was being worn by a US Navy Corpsman on the sleeve of his ACU
fascinating…must be an in country thing. Navy doesn’t wear unit/combat patches, tabs, or foreign wings etc even when earned. Only instances I’m seeing currently are NSW Sailors wearing american flag and Gadson flag on shoulders, FMF types are still slick regardless of experience.
Navy even rejected letting combat Sailors wear their rating badge on the opposite sleeve which was customary for combat vets in the past.
Unit rockers were enough of a PITA. Mostly because we never got enough (like 4 instead of 8 or so).
another advantage I had being Marine regs, no rockers and such…lol
NO, all IA sailors deployed on Joint task forces wear the patch while attached to that command.I wore one in 2010-2011 for my task force unit.
Yes all NECC AND NSW wear the two shoulder patches you mention on the type III and type III uniform it is now mandatory as of 2015
His Linked in is pretty specific
Lieutenant to Lt Colonel
United States Army
May 1977 – September 1998 (21 years 5 months)
Leadership positions :
Commander, Human Intelligence Team, Afghanistan
Commander, National Police Training Team, Iraq
Commander, 1st Battalion, 148th Field Artillery, 116th Cavalry Brigade, Idaho
Commander, Howitzer Battery, 2 / 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Germany
Platoon Leader, Firing Platoon, Bravo Battery, 1 / 20th Field Artillery, Colorado
Platoon Leader, Fire Support Platoon, Headquarters Battery, 1 / 20th Field Artillery, Colorado
Staff Positions :
Battalion Adjutant, 2 / 11 Armored Cavalry Regiment
Battalion Operations Officer, 5 / 29 Field Artillery, 4th Infantry Division
Battalion Executive Officer, 1 / 148 Field Artillery, 116th Cavalry Brigade
Brigade Fire Support Officer, 116th Cavalry Brigade
Aide to the Asst Div Commander, 4th Infantry Division
Assistant Professor, Military Science, Middle Tenn State University
Nuclear Weapons Technical Inspector, HQ, Forces Command
I’m kinda wondering how he served in Iraq and Afghanistan if he got out of the Army in 1998.
Theoretically possible, perhaps, with 2 periods of duty under the retiree recall program. But I highly doubt that GEN Petraeus had him recalled by name – that’s not how the process works.
Standing offer: if anyone can come up with the pertinent info on the guy, I’ll file the FOIAs. Need full name and DOB plus POB OR full name and SSN. Any other info would help.
Hmm, a Citadel grad. I think we might know someone who should be able to check that. (smile)
Me?
Only one that pops up is a ’77 Grad from R Company. And that tracks with the May 77 BPED he posted on Linked In.
Thanks, sj. So it looks like we may well have a legit vet here who should damn well know better.
Now, time to try and find out whether he actually was recalled to active duty from retired status (presumably retired ARNG, since his Bn Command appears to have been with the ID ARNG) for Iraq and/or Afghanistan.
I work twenty minutes away from the Citadel. Where does this dipshit live?
Hondo, his full name is Fred Vaughn Flynn, Jr. DOB is 25 June 1954. Possible birthplace is Greenwood County or Greenwood, SC.
Yes, he is a 1977 Graduate of Citadel…Distinguished Military Graduate. Received a RA Commission. Received a BA in Psychology and a MEd (Aerospace) at MTSU. Found several newspaper articles on him.
Graduated from CGSC in 1991 as a Major in Field Artillery (I have the BELL Yearbook with his picture in it).
Found his Mother’s Obit…according to the Obit, he was in Iraq when she passed away in 2008.
http://www.blythfuneralhome.com/obituary/Lenora-Flynn-Price/Greenwood-SC/571786
His Linked Account matches everything I found on him to include an address in Murfreeboro, TN and Fort Carson, CO.
He’s legit and looks as if he had a great Army Career. Still can’t put my finger on as to why he wore the Army Combat Uniform to Court, especially if he is now Retired. IMO, so sad he did this.
I don’t think the picture above is necessarily of him when he attended the court trial. I’d suspect it would be more likely he’d have been in Class A or B for that. He certainly seems to have the correct background to know what would be appropriate.
I can’t find him on global address book….but like you said he’s retired.
can’t establish a connection on AKO (enterprise)…Bragg system is worthless sometimes.
He was an FA Battalion commander in the Army National Guard.
AGR, or traditional “part-timer”?
AGR
Is there something in the water that makes people engage in this inappropriate behavior in public? Or am I reading too much into this. Does Mr. Flynn have a problem with carbonators? Just askin’.
Nice folks you hang out with there Colonel.
Retard.
I bet this is what we’ll hear from his COC about this.
*crickets*
I wonder if 670-1 says you may not wear the BDU/ACU (whatever it is described as these days) any other place then your work area as the USAF AFI 36-2903 says….”to and from home and your work location with brief stops for gas food groceries etc at public stores”.
( 1.4.12. When off base eating at restaurants where most diners wear business attire or at
establishments that operate primarily to serve alcohol, do not wear utility type uniforms such
as ABUs, etc., or the flight duty uniform.)
A couple of things here I didn’t know For you USAF posers here.
1.2.8. Airmen discharged for bad conduct, undesirability, unsuitability, ineptitude, or other
than honorably will not wear the Air Force uniform upon discharge.
** In this instance*
1.4.8. While participating in civilian court proceedings when the conviction would bring
discredit to the Air Force. (Ah, YEP!)
Just food for thought.
With you completely, Chip. Is there any good reason to wear your uniform when not on duty? (Other than the short stops we had in USAF, and there are times when even that is not allowed.)
None that I can think of. Other than funerals I haven’t worn mine since I retired.
me either, not once…also haven’t shaved…’cept mah ballz
Careful there, IDC SARC. If you’re not, you may hit 2 octaves above a dog whistle after splashin’ on the Hai Karate after Kojackin’ the nads.
(Bonus points for anyone who gets the reference.)
Nope. The “Kojakin'” phrase is only descriptive of shaved bare, and isn’t the reference I’m looking for.
Not a bad guess, though.
valencia oranges, all juice and no seeds.
Kojak! “Who loves ya baby?”
Played by bald as a que ball Telly Savallas.
https://youtu.be/jtwh3nQP5Uo
Also a peripheral element in the reference. Could have been nearly any after-shave, but the reference I’m looking for used Hai Karate.
I remember the old Skin Bracer commercials did that…
Nope. Not it either.
Home Alone, perhaps?
appreciative Sheilas make the risk worth it….oh yeahz
Just make sure you aren’t using a 9-month old rusty Schick Quattro when you Kojak those nads.
Yeah, that’s another hint. (smile)
You wouldn’t be refering to ol Maggot from the dirty dozen would you?
Nope. Sorry.
It’s from that picture that Jonn shows all the time when Obumbles subjects come up.
Instead of the “Who farted?” caption, it’s what Obozo’s face looks like right after he does a Hai Karate douche on his just shaved sack.
Not it either. Sorry.
(sigh) Dave Burge would be disappointed.
OK. I remember the term Scrotum Shaver being bounced around last fall when people were talking about Vlad and the Ghettofabulous leader, but I guess I missed out on the point of reference.
Now, about those Power Ball numbers…..
(sigh) Ok, here ya go – the reference, not the numbers.
http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2006/06/paradise_blows.html
Hai Karate
Didn’t the adverts show a guy getting two hard face slaps associated with “splashing” that on. Geez that goes way back.
Not the reference. As noted above, nearly any aftershave could have been used. The referenced item simply used Hai Karate.
I wore my class A at my dads military funeral in a National Cemetery.
He asked me to before he passed. I made sure it was correct and tailored to fit my old ass. The next time I wear it I will be in a box.
Yeah.
Mine is in the closet were it belongs.
He is retired, isn’t he? At least is appears so from the only Linked-In page I saw for anyone by his name with the rank of LTC. In any event, Sustin has his problems. He and a cellmate are charged with stuffing their cell toilet and flooding the floor. He is also charge with shooting his brother in the leg but his brother says that he won’t testify against Dustin. To me, if that holds, the brothers may be in the same cell block soon.
The Army G-1 cracked down on unauthorized tabs and patches a few years ago, especially regarding what can be worn as an SSI-FWTS on the Army Combat Uniform. The Commando tab is not authorized at all. I’ve seen units wear the NATO patch with the KFOR tab in Kosovo, and the Army G-1 smacked them down and told them to start wearing their own unit insignia.
Army Regulation 670-1 (Chapter4) clearly spells out the rules on wearing the US Army Combat Uniform.
Chapter 23 clearly spells out the rules for wearing Class A/Bs/Blues for Reserves, Retirees, Separated and Civilian Personnel at US Military Functions composed largely or entirely of current or honorably discharged Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf
According to this article, he retired from the Army in 1998, but was recalled after that to serve three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served for a total of 24 years, most recently as the commanding officer of the Army National Guard in Pocatello.
http://idahostatejournal.com/members/veteran-asked-to-leave-courtroom-for-wearing-army-uniform/article_bc38082a-c57f-5b97-b31b-83c1013207c4.html
Just another attention seeking person who clearly does not pay attention to Army Regulations or disregards because of his own personal beliefs.
Nice work, Another Pat. Well, it could be that he put his Class As in the laundry and, when he went for pick-up, he learned that the whole place had the flu. (If you don’t get the reference, let me know.)
2/17 Air Cav:
I confess. I don’t get the reference.
Please share…thank you!
The bit is from “My Cousin Vinnie.” Joe Pesci wears a silly suit to court and is questioned by the judge (Fred Gwynn) about it. He explains that he went to the only clothing store in town but…
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/ce43605a-ccbe-4471-bba7-4fc04db0d4ec
Thanks, 2/17 Air Cav!
Completely forgot that scene in the movie.
You Rock…ever thought about being a contestant on Jeopardy?
?
Fred Flynn kinda looks like Herman Munster.
What was he thinking? Was he smoking crack? Was Fred Flynn Stoned?
nbcguy54ACTUAL:
Hahahahahahhhaha…that was a GREAT Pun….
WILMA!!!!
Thanks!
🙂
Hehe guffaw guffaw
I see what you did there.
Good one!
I was involved in a civil suit over a property dispute with my ex-father in law, I wore class B’s. His lawyer started disparaging my choice of clothing, asking if I was hoping to sway the court by displaying “all those pretty ribbons”. My ex-father in law (retired CW4) looked like he was gonna kick his ass. I replied “No sir, the only suit own is class A’s and it’s too hot for that”. Judge was livid, told him to shutup about the uniform and get on with it.
I still think the judge was wrong. His reasoning was bullshit.
If that is the colonel’s duty uniform and he is merely sitting in the audience of the court then I see less problem with it. It is still not an appropriate choice but i does not discredit or shame the military. There is slightly more latitude in wearing the duty uniform then there was in the 90s. Though this case is probably not ok.
As a side note; you should not wear your uniform as a defendant in court even your dress uniform. Unless it is a military court. In fact I cannot think of a time when your uniform is appropriate in a civilian court as a defendant.
I did it once for a speeding ticket was I was a buck sergeant. I was wrong for doing it but since I was only given a few hours off to go to court and return to duty I thought staying in uniform was an implied task.
Lostcause:
How could wearing the Combat Uniform be his Duty uniform if the guy is retired? Don’t understand.
Another Pat…..”Don’t understand?” Don’t worry about it. When Comrade Poodle Dik speaks, EVERYBODY listens to the guy who is ALWAYS right. Just have to understand Mr. Know It All is never wrong, in HIS opinion. He is such a wonderful soul to tell us what is right and wrong with any event. Maybe he will tell us how we need not worry about a Communist country testing nukes these days. After all, Comrade Poodle Dik is the one who wrote on this web site, “People who worry about Communism are foolish.”
LMAO!!!!???
Don’t Fear the Commie.
I missed that he was retired.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL, Sweet Pea!!
Another involuntary vowel movement there, Lostcause?
Brain fart. And remember which orifice he often “talks out of”.
Lamb. Slaughter. Popcorn
Beer???
Flynn’s appearing in court may have been a laudable act on his part, regardless of how he was attired. The connection between the two is unknown to me. It would help, considerably, if I learned what it is. On its face, it seems odd, but I have no idea.
It indeed could be, 2/17. Looks to me that he traveled cross-country to support a friend who’d fornicated Fido. I have a hard time blaming him for that if that’s the case.
However: given his claimed background, he damn well owns appropriate business attire (e.g., a suit or blazer/dress slacks). He didn’t wear those to court; he intentionally chose to wear an Army field uniform, ignoring Army policy and regulations in the process. And I do have a problem with his using the uniform as a “stage prop” to try and influence his friend’s trial.
Hondo, agree with your comment.
Also, see my comments above when you asked for information on him for an FOIA.
Hope that helps.
Got it, thanks; that should be enough. FOIA will be on the way today or tomorrow.
His consulting business in South Carolina has been dissolved (Fred Flynn Consulting, Inc.) as of June 6, 2016
http://www.scsos.com/index.asp?n=18&p=4&s=18&corporateid=558235
According to his LinkedIn page, he was the “Commander, 1st Battalion, 148th Field Artillery, 116th Cavalry Brigade, Idaho” perhaps that could be the Idaho link. Or this:
Fred Flynn Consulting, LLC was registered in Idaho in 2002 and dissolved in 2004. Interestingly, the listed address is in Pocatello, ID.
https://www.accessidaho.org/public/sos/corp/W20298.html
Nice catch ex-OS2. His address was in Chubbock, Idaho and Sweeney is no stranger to Chubbock. I do not suggest anything untoward but the geo connection (as opposed to mil connection) is now there–or was there when Sweeney would have been around 16.
1/148 FA’s HQ today is in Pocatello, ID. Not sure how long it’s been there, but ARNG units and armories tend to stay put and don’t move around that much.
The wife and I were just at the 116th Cav HQ day before yesterday getting her a new ID card.
1/148 HQ occupies the same compound.
From what I could find, Flynn had no relationship with Sweeney other than both being veterans. Sweeney is a 30 yr. old former enlisted Marine honorably discharged in 2010. Two tours in Iraq and medical problems including traumatic brain injury and PTSD.
“Flynn currently resides in South Carolina, and he was in Pocatello to attend the jury trial for Dustin Sweeney, a local veteran of the war in Iraq.”
Long haul just to support “another veteran”. Must have been a personal connection (or perhaps a business one?)
Wonder if Tricky Dick “Watch out, my uniform buttons are lethal projectiles” Hollingsworth was in the courtroom as well?
Or if Amber Dawn Brower showed up to lend her support? Dustin sounds like her kind of guy.
PV8 Carrot Top and PV9 Gainey might have been there as well since they both have demonstrated their “lack” of knowledge of Army Regulations.
Speaking of the 1st SEAC of the JCS: He’s still AWOL on Killer Killam.
Hope TAH has an Enabler Tournament. We can name it “The Gainey Enabler Cup.”
Not just AWOL, but DFR (Dropped From Rolls) status for Fighting Joe Gainey.
Is That Clear?/ smile.
I’m also surprised that Spec8 Moerk wasn’t there also to offer up a couple of ARCOMs in support of Dustin to the judge.
Claw: Completely forgot about Spec8 Moerk…which brought back the memory of the wonderful Video Dave H. made of Fighting Joe Gainey and Moerk…remember?
STILL LMAO on that video. A classic.
Thanks! ????
I know this a$$hole, personally. He wass a “regulations are for the troops, not the command” kind of commander.
The things he got away with because he knew “the secret handshake” would have gotten any troop imprisoned and kicked out.
Too bad he didn’t resist so they could have gotten physical with him.
I’m surprised his last name isn’t Clinton if that’s the case.
Unfortunately, it’s surprising how often that seems to happen.
He looks like a meat gazer as well.
Fred Flynn or F2 as we called him was my Battalion S3 in 5-29FA at Ft Carson, CO during my time there from 1990 to 1992. At the time was a very good 3! When I was AC/RC in the 5th Armored Training Brigade at Ft Carson, CO from 1997 to 2000 he was the 1-148th FA Battalion Commander. Never any issues with him and always thought of him as a good officer. I am not saying what he did here was right but his character when I knew him was superb.
Comment 100.
But NBCguy54s question still stands.
Was Fred Flynn stoned when he went into court in ACUs?
Back in the ’70s if a soldier got in trouble and had to go to court downtown they would wear their Class A’s (ask me how I know)… Sometimes the platoon sergeant would attend and drag “Joe” back on post after he lost his drivers license…
This is ass-hat should not have worn that uniform… he’s supposedly retired, it’s not appropriate, and what was he thinking?
LTC Ass-Hat:
“Hmmmm, let me see, maybe I should drive cross-country, put on my ACUs as a retiree (with a 4ID LEFT shoulder insignia, never mind the unauthorized foreign patch on the right) and show my support to an alleged dope dealer… Yeah, that’ll bring credit upon the military and she stands for, cause you know in a civilian court you’re innocent until proven guilty!”
The veteran (Sweeney) on trial was found guilty of several serious charges. I’m pretty sure the judge knew his background and veteran status. Friends could have been there for support without looking like dumbasses in uniform!
The only thing positive that could come out of this is the guy getting some help for his drug problem and any other issues he may have, making restitution and moving on with his life.
At Fort Stewart, mid eighties, there was a standing order from the CG that any person stationed there -shall- appear in Class A uniform for any and all court apperances, no exceptions, chain of command to -ensure- compliance.
I guess since he’s retired, there wasn’t a SNCO to pop him upside his brain housing unit and remind his dumb ass about uniform regs.
Enjoy thee GOOGLE fame, Freddo…
What a clown.
I imagine he likes attention.
A LTC no less.
Wow.