Conservative Christian Soldier Told Not to Read Levin or Hannity in Uniform

[RobJohnson]

A veteran member of the U.S. Army Band said he is facing retribution and punishment from the military for having anti-Obama bumper stickers on his car, reading books written by conservative authors like Mark Levin and David Limbaugh, and serving Chick-fil-A sandwiches at his promotion party.

Master Sgt. Nathan Sommers, a 25-year Army veteran and conservative Christian based at Fort Myer in Washington, believes his outspoken opposition to gay marriage prompted higher-ups to take a closer look at his beliefs. The recipient of an Army Commendation Medal and a soloist at the funeral of former First Lady Betty Ford, Sommers said his core beliefs are enough to mark a soldier for persecution in today’s military.

“It seems like with the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – that the Christians have been the ones who’ve had to go underground and in the closet – for fear of retaliation and reprisals,” Sommers told me.

“Christians feel like they can’t be forthright with their faith. They have to hide.”

http://townhall.com/columnists/toddstarnes/2013/06/07/conservative-christian-soldier-told-not-to-read-levin-or-hannity-in-uniform-n1615420/page/full

[Eupher]

This is very interesting to me on many levels, not the least of which is that this is the first "press" of any significant import on any of the military bands (apart from having budgets slashed, of course, just 'cause some congresscritters think, "We don't need no f'n military musicians.")  

Here's a newly promoted MSG (last September) who is definitely poking a stick in the eye of his "superior officer" (probably a Section Leader SGM or even, perhaps, any of the rest of the Head Shed), who is openly gay.

The Army Band (Pershing's Own) is filled with professional musicians. We can argue all day long about them being "soldiers" and yes, of course, they are. But most of them haven't seen a foxhole or a rucksack in anything other than a war movie and they have the skills to stay in that assignment for the duration of their career. In the case of this MSG, I'm more than willing to bet he's one of them -- a superior musician, but unwilling to conform to the current Army's "don't-even-talk-about-the-gay-thing" policy.

This MSG is not shy about keeping his views in front of people. That right there draws attention to yourself, and this kind of thing seems to be pretty much a death knell in the military these days. Txradioguy might want to comment on that.

I admire the guy's refusal to keep his mouth shut -- but it is patently stupid if he thought of retiring as a SGM and if he did not, he has nothing to lose. With 25 years in uniform, he can tell them all to go **** themselves, and the worst that can happen is no exit award.

BFD.

[Mr Mannn]

Obama wants to harass the honorable men out of the military.

An army filled with homosexual degenerates and progressive marxists are far more likely to attack fellow Americans than those who uphold truth and honor. Obama wants an army loyal to Him, not some outdated constitution.

[Eupher]

We don't know that this MSG is "honorable" but we can assume that he's done his job well over the last 25 years.

The thing that is most troubling about all of this is that the gays are hiding behind their new-found "legitimacy" and are now running the show.

[RobJohnson]

It does sound like he was pretty outspoken in his support for DADT including making his opinions known via Twitter.

Even with these reprimands from superior officers about the nature of his political leanings, Sommers was eventually promoted to Master Sgt. At about the same time Chik-fil-A was making its national appearance in a controversy over its leader’s opinions about the morality of gay marriage. Sommers, being an ardent supporter of traditional marriage, decided to cater his promotion party with Chik-fil-A, a decision he announced via his twitter account.

 The Chik-fil-A/twitter incident led to a confrontation with yet another superior officer, who happened to be gay, who told the Master Sgt. that some of his fellow officers were offended by his tweets. Sommers was then officially reprimanded and an investigation into his actions was begun.

 The investigation uncovered other tweets in defense of “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”, including one which contained a pejorative word for homosexual. After the investigation was concluded, Sommers was told that some homosexual soldiers were scared of him, and that he should apologize for his statements/actions.

http://lastresistance.com/2272/soldier-persecuted-for-conservative-beliefs/


Master Sgt. Nathan Sommers is still a hero in my book!

[RobJohnson]

Whether you agree or disagree with this soldier’s opinions, I think we can all agree that the apparent retribution he faced for proudly reading certain authors is outrageous.

 I’d love to see more of America’s finest, our men and women in uniform, along with everybody else proudly and boldly reading more writings from patriots who pinpoint who is trying to kill our Constitution. Americans obviously need to know why it’s imperative we don’t roll over and succumb to these attempts to fundamentally transform America into a populace of sheep merely grazing, and then atrophying, under tyranny. This IS a battle between liberty and tyranny, as the title of Mark Levin’s book declares. The authors and commentators mentioned in the article linked below will help more of our loved ones understand this by articulately explaining what the radical Left’s leadership is doing to our country.

 Yes, if more citizens would hear and read Rush, The Great One, et al., the empowerment of the average person would provide the energy and encouragement to take a stand and proclaim, “No more!” It’s time. Troops – especially you – have fought for the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. Your brothers and sisters have died in this battle to defend liberty. Please know that a grateful nation won't let your sacrifices be in vain. We have your back.

 I’d love to see pictures of our troops reading any of these apparently “banned” pro-America books. Don’t show your face or name in the photo, perhaps just your liberty-loving hands around a liberty-loving book or hands on a radio dial tuning in to hear the aforementioned conservative leaders speak truth. What is the use in fighting and dying for freedom in far away countries if they take away freedom at home? Post a pic.

 - Sarah Palin

 Here is the article I'm referencing:

http://townhall.com/columnists/toddstarnes/2013/06/07/conservative-christian-soldier-told-not-to-read-levin-or-hannity-in-uniform-n1615420/page/full



Fox also had some good coverage on the subject.

[CG6468]

It does sound like he was pretty outspoken in his support for DADT including making his opinions known via Twitter.
 

http://lastresistance.com/2272/soldier-persecuted-for-conservative-beliefs/


Master Sgt. Nathan Sommers is still a hero in my book!

Awww, shucks. Some queers are afraid of him. TFB, queers.

[Dori]

I wonder how all the PC garbage is affecting the enlistment rate.  If they're not careful, they may have to go back to a draft, which they won't do.

[obumazombie]

More catchy than "Forward"

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG78M7g9wRo[/youtube]

The hope they refer to isn't the hopey changey kind of hope either.

[RobJohnson]

Awww, shucks. Some queers are afraid of him. TFB, queers.

 

[txradioguy]

We don't know that this MSG is "honorable" but we can assume that he's done his job well over the last 25 years.

The thing that is most troubling about all of this is that the gays are hiding behind their new-found "legitimacy" and are now running the show.

He's a band member with TUSAB.

[Eupher]

He's a band member with TUSAB.

Actually, he's a vocalist, but yeah he's with TUSAB.

[txradioguy]

Actually, he's a vocalist, but yeah he's with TUSAB.

I knew I recognized the name. 

The vocal group...the guys anyway are a pretty Conservative bunch.  I did a lot of missions with them at the Pentagon and the Capitol.  When they sang at a service for MLH at the Capital in IRRC 2008 we were all pretty upset because Pelosi and Lewis and maybe Cummings turned it into a political rally.  We reported the incident to the proper people at TOG and at TUSAB.

I'm trying to think of which officer at TUSAB would have gotten his/her panties in a twist.

[Eupher]

I knew I recognized the name.  

The vocal group...the guys anyway are a pretty Conservative bunch.  I did a lot of missions with them at the Pentagon and the Capitol.  When they sang at a service for MLH at the Capital in IRRC 2008 we were all pretty upset because Pelosi and Lewis and maybe Cummings turned it into a political rally.  We reported the incident to the proper people at TOG and at TUSAB.

I'm trying to think of which officer at TUSAB would have gotten his/her panties in a twist.

I'm thinking it isn't really one of the head shed. It's probably the section leader, or whatever the SGM is called that runs the section - be it tenor or baritone or bass, whatever the guy sings.

The story says "superior officer" but that comes from somebody who has no clue what they're talking about. It's most likely ONE of the Sergeants Major who's a card-carrying faggot and has a problem with somebody who hasn't jumped on the "Oh! The Gays! Isn't that Wonderful!" bandwagon.

No pun intended.

[txradioguy]

I'm thinking it isn't really one of the head shed. It's probably the section leader, or whatever the SGM is called that runs the section - be it tenor or baritone or bass, whatever the guy sings.

The story says "superior officer" but that comes from somebody who has no clue what they're talking about. It's most likely ONE of the Sergeants Major who's a card-carrying faggot and has a problem with somebody who hasn't jumped on the "Oh! The Gays! Isn't that Wonderful!" bandwagon.

No pun intended.

If it's like the USAREUR Band then they have a Captain that's the OIC for the Chorus.  So I could see the OIC getting a bit uppity.

[Eupher]

If it's like the USAREUR Band then they have a Captain that's the OIC for the Chorus.  So I could see the OIC getting a bit uppity.

Yeah, the 33rd's "Soldier's Chorus" is full of fudgepackers. And it's small enough where there's really only one conductor (an officer - usually the XO) apart from maybe a SGT/E-5 that is sort of an Ops guy and singer. Not the case with TUSAB. There is, as you know, a very heavy rank structure there.

Sergeants Major are often just Section Leaders or "Principal [Insert Instrument Here]" Of course, the SGM of the band itself is now a CSM. It wasn't too long ago when TUSAB, the School of Music, and the Field Band didn't have CSM slots. Now they do, which makes the "dividing line" a little more obvious.

Speaking of the Field Band, a guy I served with in Berlin eventually went on to become CSM of the Field Band. He retired after 35 years, I believe, and within 20 minutes after he retired announced on his FB page that he was a fudgepacker.

That one surprised me. I had no idea. He certainly wasn't one of the simpering ones.

[Dori]

Soldier Who Read Conservative Books Now Faces Charges

Sommers is accused of giving a superior officer the wrong date for a doctor’s appointment. He’s also accused of failing to carry out an order. In order to comply with that order, Sommers would have had to disclose private information about his autistic son’s medical records.

The charges were handed down one day after Sommers told Fox News that he was facing discrimination and persecution because of his conservative political and religious beliefs.

[obumazombie]

I surmise the soldier is an E-7 or above. During my career it was unheard of for an E-7 or above ever being charged with an article 15 offense. If there was some act that would warrant that type of discipline some other means of handling it was worked out. I can't imagine the military has changed that much since I served.

[Eupher]

I surmise the soldier is an E-7 or above. During my career it was unheard of for an E-7 or above ever being charged with an article 15 offense. If there was some act that would warrant that type of discipline some other means of handling it was worked out. I can't imagine the military has changed that much since I served.

He was promoted to Master Sergeant E-8 last September.

These days, an Article 15 is a career-ender, unless the record is put into the "Restricted" portion of a Soldier's record. At least, that's the way it used to be. It's entirely possible with the Sequester and downsizing, that there is no such thing as a "Restricted" portion of a Soldier's record anymore.

Of course, Sommers has over 25 years of service and thus, may retire even with an Article 15. I'm betting that's what happens to him -- he'll wind up just retiring.

I'll say it again -- in my view, Sommers brought a lot of this crap on himself. Rather than take the issue up through his chain of command, which is what he was supposed to have done, the reports clearly show that he received a Counseling Statement -- which is, by itself, nothing more than an official warning.

So what does he do with that? Goes running to the press. That's bullshit, right there.

I've not read anything that indicates he went through his chain of command and, in particular, his NCO support channel. It's my educated guess that this "superior officer" moniker that the reports cite is a SGM within the Chorus who is basically a Section Leader. The SGM is a fudgepacker and thus is railroading Sommers because of the Chik-Fil-A incident (which wasn't a smart move on Sommers' part because it makes him look like he's an informal leader crusading against the homo policy).

That said, there's no doubt the homo policy has driven most normal soldiers underground. And as a result, the faggots are running around like little Hitlers just daring the heteros to say anything, do anything, incite anything other than extend an open-armed welcome embrace to Barry's "policy."

Yeah, right. In a pig's ass.

[dixierose]

I'll say it again -- in my view, Sommers brought a lot of this crap on himself. Rather than take the issue up through his chain of command, which is what he was supposed to have done, the reports clearly show that he received a Counseling Statement -- which is, by itself, nothing more than an official warning.

So what does he do with that? Goes running to the press. That's bullshit, right there.

I've not read anything that indicates he went through his chain of command and, in particular, his NCO support channel. It's my educated guess that this "superior officer" moniker that the reports cite is a SGM within the Chorus who is basically a Section Leader. The SGM is a fudgepacker and thus is railroading Sommers because of the Chik-Fil-A incident (which wasn't a smart move on Sommers' part because it makes him look like he's an informal leader crusading against the homo policy).

I agree with that. I believe if he would have just said he's serving Chik-Fil-A without the reason why...he wouldn't have gotten in so much trouble. I'm not as upset about him getting in trouble over his tweets, because I'm sure he knew how controversial they would be. The guy getting in trouble over reading a certain book is too much, though.

[txradioguy]

Of course, Sommers has over 25 years of service and thus, may retire even with an Article 15. I'm betting that's what happens to him -- he'll wind up just retiring.

And if he does that he'll have to retire IIRC as a SFC because he won't have enough time on that third rocker to keep it.  MSG requires 3 years more on that stripe once they pin it on.

Now that being said this IS TUSAB...and they like the Army Field Band and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps are speciality bands and their promotions are different than any other unit musical or otherwise in the Army...so he might get to keep it.

[Eupher]

And if he does that he'll have to retire IIRC as a SFC because he won't have enough time on that third rocker to keep it.  MSG requires 3 years more on that stripe once they pin it on.

Now that being said this IS TUSAB...and they like the Army Field Band and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps are speciality bands and their promotions are different than any other unit musical or otherwise in the Army...so he might get to keep it.

True dat. There is minimum time of service after a promotion in order to keep it. The Army wants its money's worth. I'm thinking this guy can ride out another 2.5 years singing his gigs and reading his books (as long as they're pro-fudgepacking books) before he tells them to **** off and retires.

TUSAB, the Army Field Band, and the West Point Band are all premier Army Bands, just like the Marine Band, the Navy Band, and the Air Force Band. The Naval Academy Band is also part of that group, but not the Air Force Academy Band. They were downgraded last year, IIRC.

Speaking strictly for the Army premier bands, their promotion system is a closed system - meaning that they compete only with others in the premier band field. So the rules that I knew of back in the day, and that are apparently still in effect per TRG, may not be in effect in the premier bands.