Statement to DACODAI by former Captain John Thomas, US Army, USMA’ 78
Sirs:
I graduated from West Point in 1978 and served for 5 years, separating from service as an Armor Captain and Airborne Ranger. I was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, among other awards.
I left to attend Harvard Business School where I graduated in 1985. My career was as an executive in a couple of corporations, and later County Commissioner. I now serve on the Boards of two charities assisting the working poor with their healthcare needs.
When I was in the military there were no government programs like DEI or CRT. Nonetheless, a disproportionate number of minorities joined the military and were promoted to senior positions.
We were confident they were in the positions based on merit. They had earned the positions. They were respected; relationships were formed; and we felt we were in a military society where race didn’t matter.
Today, the perspective of friends in the military and those who have left in the last several years has changed.
They believe that minorities and women are promoted just because of their identity and not their abilities.
There’s a lack of trust in the leadership, both political and for the generals.
There’s now a disdain for service in the military where it was once respected.
Many don’t believe the military is as capable as it once was or will support the men in uniform.
My oldest son-in-law is of African descent. My stepmother’s family is Hispanic. (I speak Spanish, too.) My brother adopted Asian kids into his family during his tour in South Korea.
So, I’m dismayed to see the lack of respect that DEI/CRT brings to those minorities.
They are fully capable of competing without governmental help. And our military needs to stop the divisiveness those programs create–for the sake of our country.
Thank you for your time.
John D. Thomas
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