This is an overdue step and opens viable careers to our troops. In the current economic environment, retirement at 57 is neither viable or even necessarily desirable. I think it could be a great advantage to have a well-educated and seasoned Vet at the upper levels of federal service. I think this rule may have been created or directed at the stereotype of the “ole’ military man” that isn’t educated or can’t change, much less remember that they are working with civilians. Those roles changed long ago.
Doing it for the US Army————
this is my second trip to Pennsylvania to work with Tom and Barbie on Swamp Duck I.
Tom and I could not have devoted the time we did on this project if not for Barbies tireless work and support to make it possible for this to happen.
Barbie we love you.
This time Tom and Barbie adorned the car with US Army logo- and put a wing on the duck) it also is the first time anyone sat in the car for a fireup. this, by the way has been our agenda for several months.
We knew that SSG Marshall (Pat) Maset would be home from Iraq from his THIRD tour and here stateside for a short time then re-deployment for his FOURTH tour in IRAQ. we managed to pull it off- right place, right date and right time. we sat the 38 year old ‘kid’ in the seat for a Nitro baptism..
This entire day went off as we wanted and we couldn’t have been happier with it all.
To be honest-I never thought I’d see a 38 year old US Army Veteran grin like a 10 year old getting a pony for his birthday- check his smile, … Tom and I are so happy to have been able to provide this for Pat.
Pat- and your sisters and brother’s in the US Armed forces -this is for you. We love and admire you all!
you also scared the crap outa me when you whacked the throttle, watch it..
I wish we’d have had a 20 gallon tank on the Duck.
From AABB:  We continue to suck our youth populaion dry without expecting more of the adults or analyzing the reasons they don’t donate:
Blood center: 16% of donations came from students
The Indiana Blood Center said that about 16% of last year’s blood donations came from high school students. “For the last couple of years, we’ve had a very successful program with 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds,” blood center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Don Waxman said. The state allows 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent, and 17- and 18-year-olds to contribute blood without permission from parents.  Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.), The (8/26)
“WASHINGTON – Researchers testing ways to treat the psychological wounds of war among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are encountering a serious roadblock: a shortage of willing study participants.”
