Master Sergeant Bradley Behling e-mailed me yesterday with an update on his legal fight against PODS, after they mistakenly sold all his belongings from a storage container while he was serving in Iraq for only $300, according to a court document.
As much as I would like to share his e-mail with you, he has kindly and understandably asked me not to, since he is still in ongoing legal negotiations with PODS. But here are some new developments and insights:
* MSgt. Behling tells me PODS has improved its offer to settle the case. I will not tell you the specifics because settlement negotiations are a game of chess. Any disclosure of an offer could be construed as a breach of good faith, or jeopardize anything already on the table.
* This is not a case of jackpot justice. MSgt. Behling tells me he is not trying to win the "lawsuit lottery," and his court complaint (a public document which he generously provided to me) bears this out. It does not seek a specific amount of money, but rather damages "in excess of $10,000" for each of the seven claims he makes against PODS plus punitive damages and court costs. I calculate the total claim at more than $100,000. That is well above the $64,000 estimated value of his belongings, but way below the $54 million claimed by a Washington, D.C. judge against a dry cleaner who lost his pants.
* This ordeal has created considerable turmoil in MSgt. Behling's life, and I know his children and family are caught in the halo of the strife. He has replaced what he can, but he tells me most of his wardrobe must still be repurchased, and you can imagine the financial strain he is bearing. Still, through it all, he is demonstrating the strength and honor of an effective leader. I am certain he will pull through this with his character intact.
His list of awards and commendations should serve as proof:
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster-OLC)
AF Commendation Medal (1 OLC)
AF Achievement Medal (1 OLC)
AF Outstanding Unit Award (1 OLC)
AF Organizational Excellent Award (2 OLC)
AF Good Conduct Medal (5 OLC)
National Defense Service Medal (1 device)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Ribbon
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon w/Gold border
Distinguished Graduate Airman Leadership School Class 96-D
Air Base Group Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Quarter 1999
DET 3 AFFTC Wing Superior Team of the Year 2001
Air Base Group NCO of the Quarter 2002
Air Base Group NCO of the Quarter 2003
Distinguished Graduate Non Commissioned Officers Academy Class 03-7
DET 3 AFFTC Wing NCO of the Quarter 2003
Services NCO of the Year 2003
Mission Support Group NCO of the Year 2003
DET 3 AFFTC Wing NCO of the Year 2003
99th Security Forces Group 1st Sgt of the Year 2006
* I find parts of PODS' legal answer curious. If I read the court document correctly, they deny the "allegation" laid out in MSgt. Behling's complaint that PODS "treats your PODS containers with care and respect," and other statements regarding customer care. Yet I clearly found those statements on their website.
More than anything, this case raises a fundamental question: What does it really mean for us when we say, "We Support Our Troops?" I understand PODS has procedures for handling loss and protecting against fraudulent claims. They do not deny making a mistake. But given the enormity of this mistake and its impact, and the fact that it happened to somebody who is sacrificing for this country, I expect better. We all should.
Is PODS also willing to sacrifice, if it means swallowing a little corporate pride or taking a dent in the profit column? I am confident the company would not have gone broke by simply paying MSgt. Behling the $64,000 he computed. And thinking about it from the perspective of a PR person, it simply would have made good business sense. It would have sent a powerful message about corporate accountability. It is so easy for us to slap magnetic ribbons on the back of our cars. But do our actions back that up?
I'm no Vegas oddsmaker, but I'm willing to bet PODS racks up a legal bill of at least $64,000 in defending this lawsuit, if it makes it into a courtroom. It's sad to see that money go to lawyers when it could have gone to helping putting MSgt. Behling back on his feet.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers. FrancisPage will continue to follow developments in this story and bring you the latest.
13 comments:
YEA IM SUING THIS COMPANY FOR MAKING A LOT OF MISTAKES IN CALIFORNIA AT ONE OF THERE CORPORATE LOCATIONS THEY HIRED THIS RACE CARD PLAYING GENERAL MANAGER WHO TALKS TO YOU ANY KIND OF WAY&TELLS YOU 'HE KNOWS HOW HARD IT IS TO BE BLACK IN 2006! AND HE DENIED THE ALLEGATION. THE COMPANY THEY ARE DEFENDING HIM, IM SUING FOR AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT THERE FIGHTING FOR IT TO.
To Anonymous,
WHATEVER...
While I wonder what measures were taken to get his stuff back (if any), incidents like this within the company are a rarity. I do, however, agree with the original posting which said that PODS should just pay him what he asked for, and avoid the expense & media attention this has caused.
Chris you may have picked the wrong pony to back this time...
Brad Behling is not a good guy. I am in his old unit, and his ex is still assigned here. She does not say much about him so I doubt you would get any confirmation from her, however it was well known he was a problem gambler and it is suspected he let that problem ruin his last family financially. One thing that is not rumor is that he is a laughing stock around here for accepting that Bronze Star. He sat at a desk and wrote that medal for conducting mortuary affairs. (google his name and Bronze Star and you can read about it)People are doing truly brave things in Iraq and can't get the recognition they deserve. When people accept medals for actions that don't merit it it cheapens the medal. I have no doubts that you are a true Patriot, and think you are doing a good thing for a G.I. But people who knew him here in vegas knew his ex had just put him out shortly before he deployed and he probably did not have much, so the assumption here is that he IS trying to hit Lawsuit Jackpot. Not that there is necessarily anything wrong with that, PODS admittedly screwed up and I'm sure they have insurance so why not let him get a payday. I am just suggesting that maybe you shouldn't wave his flag so boldly as you may end up embarassed.
To "Anonymous" who said I may have picked the wrong pony,
I am not going to deal with the gambling allegation. As for your characterization of the Bronze Star, I Googled it as you suggested and found he was recently honored at an Air Force Ball.
An article from the Green Valley/Henderson View says: "The Bronze Star Medal can be earned in a variety of ways, not necessarily in combat.
Bradley Behling earned his while stationed at Camp Bucca, a U.S. Army base in Iraq, when a fellow airman was accidentally shot. No one was certain whether to follow Army mortuary procedure or that of the Air Force until Behling acted, following Air Force procedure. It was his third deployment.
"It's an honor beyond words," Behling said of the decoration and his recognition at the ball.
Behling said, while no war should be glamorized, an event like this one builds camaraderie among different units and allows military personnel with different experiences to share their stories with one another."
Being honored at a ball hardly sounds like being treated as a laughingstock. And furthermore, MSgt. Behling's superiors made the decision to award him the Bronze Star, not Behling himself. If you don't think he earned it, shouldn't that criticism be directed to somebody else? De-tangling bureaucracy doesn't sound glamorous, but from what I read, MSgt. Behling did it to make sure a comrade was treated fairly. Sometimes the things we don't consider major are the things that earn us honor and respect.
By no means am I downgrading or diminishing the sacrifices of our servicemembers now in Iraq. They are putting their lives on the line in war that a lot of people don't want anymore. A long list of them have lost a LOT more than their stuff. But I'm not changing my disposition towards MSgt. Behling unless I see more proof.
Chris you said “I'm not changing my disposition towards MSgt. Behling unless I see more proof.” I know I didn’t offer you proof, all I presented was the viewpoint of my self and some others that know the man. Since in your response to me you did not wish to discuss his gambling and instead wanted to focus on the Bronze Star I will offer more viewpoint on that, and a little on his pending lawsuit.
I am an enlisted man so I am aware of the criteria for the Bronze Star but for those out there who may not be it is: "For heroic or meritorious achievement of service, not involving aerial flight in connection with operations against an opposing armed force." For the most part we think of the "Heroic" achievement when we think of the Bronze Star; however it can be treated like a Meritorious Service Medal except in a combat zone.
You can make the argument that simply doing your job every day is a “Meritorious Achievement” but the medal is supposed to represent something over and above. Dealing with the death of an Airman quickly and respectfully is an important part of the First Sergeants job, but it is just that, his job, it does not warrant additional recognition.
The article you linked was the one I had hoped you would find because it gave the reason for MSgt Behling’s Bronze Star.
It was that article that started the conversations among his former colleagues that made me say he was Laughing Stock. This article, the nature of his award, and the proximity time wise to the news story about his lawsuit made him seem opportunist. Perhaps “Laughing Stock” was a misstatement, there was some laughter but the feel and undertone was more of antipathy and disbelief. I feel most of the participants in that conversation would have said they liked or do like Brad, but only one person was a defender of his receiving that medal and even she said “maybe there is more to it” and “we don’t know what really happened”. Three other Bronze Star recipients were honored that night also; I wonder what their Achievements were?
I did not mean to imply he was laughing stock at the Air Force Ball; I did not attend the Ball. However the article you linked was written prior to the event so neither of us have an idea how he was received there. I believe it would depend on whether they read the “Citation to Accompany the Award” if they read the citation I would imagine the response would be similar to the reaction I described above.
In my experience, with some exceptions, civilians seem to view military members one of two ways, heroes or parasites with little grey between. This is due to the fact most don’t understand us, we are a society apart with our own customs and laws, that make us seem mysterious. We however, see ourselves the same way you view your own peers, based on our individual makeup; we see the go-to guy, the brown nose, the comic or the slacker and so on, perhaps we are more critical of our own. Equate this award to your own industry, how would you receive someone who wins an Emmy or Murrow award and they clearly did not earn it, particularly if they were holding it up as an example of their character? You listed his awards and decs as testament to his character; I assume he provided you that information? He touts his Bronze Star as evidence of his character in that open letter you linked to so I believe he invites an examination of his award of that Medal and his character. I question his character in relation to the medal and his lawsuit
You were right in pointing out that it was the fault of his Command that he got that medal, you know character flaws can exist in officers too, it looks good on them that one of their troops was awarded a Top Tier Medal. Or it could be an officer misguidedly “looking out for his troop”. We will probably never know.
I did not say, as you seem to imply, he awarded himself a Medal, what I said was that he wrote himself a Medal. It happens sometimes and if the writing is warranted there is nothing wrong with the practice per say, just in this case it was not warranted. A lot of NCO’s particularly SNCO’s write there own performance reports and decorations. That starts as training so you can write more effectively for your own young troops. It then continues because as you advance in rank you realize your superiors don’t always have the time or skills, so to minimize their effort and to ensure you have quality writing done on yourself, if you have the skills you do it for them. As I stated before there is nothing wrong with that unless what you are writing is unwarranted.
I doubt I have swayed you at all but I had fun expressing my points, thank you for the forum. I do hope some other GI’s will chime in on this subject. Remember not ever hero gets celebrated and not everyone who gets celebrated is a hero.
I will close with these two points:
Perhaps by the letter of the regulation MSgt Behling qualifies for a Bronze Star but not the intent.
From one GI’s perspective; his dispute with PODS is nothing but a civil disagreement not a “support the troop’s” issue. He says his stuff is worth X they say prove it. That could have happened to you after a prolonged business trip. I hope he has his day in court and gets whatever the law says he deserves.
P.S.
I did not understand why you included this quote: Behling said, “while no war should be glamorized, an event like this one builds camaraderie among different units and allows military personnel with different experiences to share their stories with one another." He was speaking of the Air Force Ball building camaraderie, was he not? What relevance does that have?
To Anonymous:
Thanks once again for your insight from an Air Force/personal perspective.
For the record, I am deliberately leaving out any allegations of gambling because MSgt. Behling is not a part of this conversation -- at least not at this time, and he should get the first right of response to that.
As for the Bronze Star, I understand that what some constitute as heroic effort is part of the job for others. But I never knew it was possible to write yourself a medal. At my station, we have performance reviews once a year, where it becomes sort of like Match Game: my managers and I both write what we think are my strengths and weaknesses. The more we match, the better the review -- it's almost like the review itself is part of the performance being evaluated! No wonder I tend to think my own evaluation writing as a strange exercise.
We also have AP awards here in Arizona, and a lot of people don't think a lot of them because of the perception they're so easy to win. This is due to a lack of entries in some categories and the rules which have only Tucson stations competing against Tucson stations, Phoenix against Phoenix, etc., etc. However, Emmys and Murrows still carry quite a bit of prestige, but I don't recall -- at least not locally -- any situation where somebody thought an Emmy or Murrow award didn't earn it. And I might mention, you have to pay to enter the competition for those awards, so there's not a huge temptation to stuff the ballot box.
I wholeheartedly agree that the military is no different than civilian jobs in drawing all sorts of personality types, some of which are less than heroic. And I agree MSgt. Behling's dispute with PODS is civilian in nature. That being said, when most of us outside the military go on a business trip, we expect to come home alive. The way I see it, in the military, putting your life on the line is part of the job description, and even it is "part of the job," I find it worthy of some extra respect.
True, not every hero is celebrated, and not everybody celebrated is a hero. But on balance, I find more people earn their honors than otherwise, civilian, journalist, or what have you. Yes, MSgt. Behling did provide me his list of awards -- it came from his official bio. I also have some paperwork associated with the Bronze Star, but it's in a document format I have not been able to open on my computer (even after downloading a reader!).
Finally, I included the quote from MSgt. Behling about the ball even though it did not relate directly to this thread just so more of his voice could be in the conversation. This is just me feeling awkward about talking about somebody in the third person without that person being a part of the thread. And maybe that quote about "balls building camaraderie" hit a little close to home... as the stories on the "Life & Timelines" page illustrate.
To Anonymous (and others): MSgt Behling gave me permission to post this response... the following words are his:
"To Anonymous,
I am sorry that you feel the need to attack my character. I guess the fact that you chose to remain anonymous shows your character.
I know exactly how people feel about me at my last job. I often get calls from them for advice or invites to group functions.
My ex wife is a good person, and we are great friends- she has testified for me on my behalf. I doubt that if I was a gambling degenerate liar she would have done that. I was able to pay for everything that I had to replace from savings, and investments. If my "gambling problem" was so severe I doubt I would have had the means to do that.
You ask for proof all I can to is write about my time there Any of these facts are easily verifiable in my squadron.
February ‘06 a tasking came down for a 1st Sgt to deploy with the cops to Iraq, since they are my folks anyway I thought it would be a good experience, my commander didn’t want to let me go because of the crap going on with my soon to be ex at the time. I convinced him and he let me go.
March-May we went through the Army “prepatory course” for Convoy operations, Urban Terrain Combat scenarios, Local confrontations, and detainee ops. All of this because we were filling an ILO mission (In-Lieu-Of) the Army did not have enough people to send to this area, so it fell to us. We could not go until we had completed this training. I established myself during this time by doing everything that the “kids” did taking no advantage of my rank and position to include being pepper sprayed and running the combat course. At the end of training the kids collected over $500 for me and bought me this beautiful shadow box that said “MSgt Brad Behling Army Qualified 1st Sgt You are the corner stone of our morale” and $300 in “Gucci gear” to go over my flack vest. It was very moving.
We came back for 10 days around Memorial Day, and on 2 June we departed for the AOR and landed in Kuwait for 10 more days of training in desert conditions.
We Arrived in Camp Bucca on the 14th of June, change of command on the 17th. We fell in on 65 additional troops that were staying for another 4 months, and cops being cops I was concerned that they would not mesh well, but as all things when it comes to my professional life it worked out fantastic and they became quick teachers and friends to all of my cops.
The 30th of June an Airman from the 886th (our sister squadron) was shot by a 9mm from some kid messing around. 98% of the time where the bullet went in it goes straight through and he gets a painful reminder, this time it clipped his right shoulder bone and cut 45 degrees through his body severing a major artery on the way out his left side. There was nothing anyone could have done.
While our units responded to the crime scene I got two kids in my office both named Ryan, both 19. They were in the same barracks when their friend was shot. They were of course hysterical and I did my best to calm them down getting them some water and talking to them about their time in the desert and what they had accomplished during their time there, consoling them about their friend and telling them that the hospital there was above reproach.
After I calmed them down I went to the crime scene, they were taking him out and while still alive at the time I knew it looked grim. I found the other 1st Sgt Frank Guzman standing with CID getting asked a hundred questions he did not have the answer to. I got him out of there and let CID do their job.
When I returned to my office I found the two Ryan’s much calmer, and I did not elude as to the condition of their friend. CID finished up in the crime scene and came and spoke to the two Ryan’s in turn, Frank returned to the scene to clean up the blood once it was released. I found out that Carl had died about an hour and a half later. No one knew what to do with him because we were Air Force, so I had to dust off my mortuary hat, and start the paperwork and help them prep the body.
Arrangements were being made to pick him up and the two kids had still not been told that their friend was dead, so I went to the leadership of the 886th, and talked to their Operations Superintendent-SMSgt Hoffstetter I said “You can tell them or I can tell them but I do not want them over hearing that their friend is dead.”
The Senior said he had told someone once and he would never do it again, I said “That is fine I respect that, I think it is important to see someone from their leadership however so will you at least stand with me while I do it.”
That was the longest hallway on the planet that day. When I walked in I pulled my chair from around the desk and said. “Guys, there is no easy way to say this but Carl died a short time ago.” They fell to pieces. “There is nothing I can say to make you feel any better right now, but there are 8 other people standing outside needing your strength, and need to know you are going to be OK.” The chaplain gathered the other members of that squad and they were out there waiting on them. Frank stayed with them while I went to lodging and arranged movement of everyone in that trailer out to an empty one, I dropped the keys and the completed copies of the mortuary paperwork off with Frank and went back to my room and cried for 20 min.
The next day a Services mortuary team arrived and I assisted them in re-packing the head with ice, sealing him in the container, and getting the flag on. We drove him around the base once. It was moving as everyone stopped and saluted as we drove by. Two helicopters lifted off that day one with Carl, and the other with a 21 year old who was facing murder charges.
As we walked away from chopper pad I ran into one of the Ryan’s put my hand on his shoulder and asked how he was holding up. He said “I’ll be ok sir; and sir if no one else says it, thanks for getting him home to his family.”
I teared up at that, here this kid had just lost a good friend and he was thanking me, shows his character.
We are coming up on the year anniversary of an IED attack that blew up Brandon Byers he lost a chunk of his left hand and his left leg was filled with shrapnel. We were returning from escorting a convoy to Kuwait when we were struck. IED (Improvised Explosive Device) sorry I speak in acronyms:-). This particular type of IED was called an EFP. (Explosively Formed Projectile) it’s small copper plates that form in to “bullets” as the explosion happens. They sliced through the hummer like a knife through warm butter. “Fortunately” he was the only one seriously hurt in the attack; a couple of others were grazed by flying metal. He was medevac’d (choppered) out to Camp Arifjan where they did as much as they could for him. That was a long week. Sitting with him catching barf and trying to get him prepared for the next chapter in his life. He is still here and has had several surgeries to his hand. It can move, and he has some feeling in it. Amazing some of the things doctors can do now a day.
After it is all said and done I came to the realization that no one is guaranteed a tomorrow, and we need to make the most of today. The petty things in my life don’t even register anymore, and I am far more content with my lot in life.
The cops love me and they all feel cared for, I have 370 of them and I know all of their 1st names, and most of their spouses and children’s names. Amazing how far that goes.
So to Anonymous I say think of me what you will. I know what really matters in this life. It is not Bronze Stars- I personally would have had that young man live and come back with nothing. The fact that my leadership saw fit to submit me for that award is humbling.
Your opinion of me is just that and if there was anything constructive in your criticism of my character I failed to see it.
I will continue to do my job and be there for my Airmen both here and where you are.
MSgt Bradley Behling
99th Security Forces 1st Sgt"
Chris,
He has no need to be sorry, what ever MSgt Behling chooses to say in his own defense is fine by me; I invited commentary when I posted to your blog the same way he invited the examination of his character and motivations when he put his legal situation in the public forum, and touted his awards and decorations as testament of said character. I have no need to defend my choice to remain anonymous; You, Chris provided me that option, so I assume it is welcome. I will state my reasons for anonymity; they are reasons of privacy, my own because I do not wish to have my personal views a topic for gossip at my assignment and the privacy of the others whom I referenced in my earlier posts. They have the right to decide if they want their words and views attributed to them in the public arena.
I have met Msgt Behlings ex-wife and she does seem to be a good person as he says. As I stated before she keeps her opinions concerning him to herself. All I will say about his gambling problem, is that saying the “bills got paid” is the same as the alcoholic who says “I never got a DUI”. MSgt Behling, don’t forget step 5.
The events MSgt Behling describes here are horrible, every injury to a brother (or sister) in arms makes me sad and angry, but when they are needless and accidental it even make the loss more tragic.
MSgt Behling writes” You ask for proof all I can to is write about my time there Any of these facts are easily verifiable in my squadron.” I just re-read my old posts on this subject and I never asked for proof of anything from him. I closed my last post with two points, one of which was “Perhaps by the letter of the regulation MSgt Behling qualifies for a Bronze Star but not the intent.” He was just doing his job I read nothing here that changed my view.
What I read from MSgt Behling was two anecdotes about three Airmen’s tragedies. I find it audacious and overly dramatic that he offers these heart breaking accounts to defend his nature from my opinion.
There is no resolution to this argument, it is entirely subjective; and MSgt Behling rightly points out that all I’ve offered is opinion.
He states “So to Anonymous I say think of me what you will. I know what really matters in this life. It is not Bronze Stars” yet he uses this Medal and all of his awards and decorations as a declaration of his honesty, in a letter to Congress and in correspondence to you.
He further states “Your opinion of me is just that and if there was anything constructive in your criticism of my character I failed to see it”
Here are the two main criticisms of his character:
It is my OPINION that the events did not warrant this medal, so the very public tribute to it in the news paper and here on the internet represent a weakness of character because even if it was beyond his control to accept the medal he did not have to accept and solicit all that public attention.
Another character flaw I perceive is in his touting of his own achievements as proof of character to bolster public opinion in support of his law suit. The quotes below are what I refer to:
MSgt Behling’s quote from a letter to Congress
“I returned from war and was awarded the Bronze Star for my actions in a combat zone. I currently possess a Top Secret security clearance making me part of an elite few people in the Air Force -- one does not get that by lying or by being an opportunist.”
Your quote Chris with data provided by MSgt Behling
“Still, through it all, he is demonstrating the strength and honor of an effective leader. I am certain he will pull through this with his character intact.
His list of awards and commendations should serve as proof:”
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster-OLC)
AF Commendation Medal (1 OLC)
AF Achievement Medal (1 OLC)
AF Outstanding Unit Award (1 OLC)
AF Organizational Excellent Award (2 OLC)
AF Good Conduct Medal (5 OLC)
National Defense Service Medal (1 device)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Ribbon
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon w/Gold border
Distinguished Graduate Airman Leadership School Class 96-D
Air Base Group Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Quarter 1999
DET 3 AFFTC Wing Superior Team of the Year 2001
Air Base Group NCO of the Quarter 2002
Air Base Group NCO of the Quarter 2003
Distinguished Graduate Non Commissioned Officers Academy Class 03-7
DET 3 AFFTC Wing NCO of the Quarter 2003
Services NCO of the Year 2003
Mission Support Group NCO of the Year 2003
DET 3 AFFTC Wing NCO of the Year 2003
99th Security Forces Group 1st Sgt of the Year 2006
How about this as a concession since he was looking for something constructive in my criticism; I will acknowledge that I do not know MSgt Behling intimately, so perhaps the flaws I point out do not represent his actual character but instead represent aberrant behavior motivated by the loss of his belongings and he does not realize how his actions are perceived by some, if that is the case then possibly the constructive outcome of my criticism will be his awareness of that appearance.
These are all just opinions,
Thanks again to you Chris for the forum to express them.
I guess you can't be everything to everyone.
Anonymous is right. I did open myself up for examination.
I thank him for his in depth observation, and I hope to actually meet him someday so he can see if his opinion was actually justified.
Then again, you can just stop by a casino, I'll more than likely be there...after all baby needs a new pair of shoes.
God's blessings anonymous, and I hope you get everything in life that you desire.
Brad
Anonymous-
What you so eloquently point out amounts to sour grapes and little else.
If you don't know him intimately then how do you know do you what ended his marriage?
How do you know what his spending habits are?
When was the last time you were in Iraq and had everything in life you hold dear sold?
You have come back at him again and again with your flowery inuendo and he has taken your abuse better than I would have.
You judge the man without knowing him and then ask him to be ashamed to receive an award that in MY OPINION he rightly deserves.
Before you post things as facts ie.
"Brad Behling is not a good guy.." maybe you should meet him and find out his work ethic.
If that list of awards he has recieved is true and acurate then there is a lot more to this man than he lets on.
When the war for you becomes more than something you watch on FOX news then maybe you can talk to him about the war.
My guess is the reason that you do not want anyone to know your identity is you would become a pariah to those that knew MSgt Behling.
For all your fancy rhetoric I find you a sad pathetic man who is detracting from a true hero.
Bill Halston Akron Ohio
I am a SNCO at Nellis AFB, so I can understand anonymous's reasons for staying anonymous.
I have met MSgt Behling only a couple of times in my travels, but from what I know of him he seems to be an outstanding SNCO.
Upon reading his story about his Airmen over there I was moved to tears. He showed incredible leadership and compassion.
Anonymous says that's his job. Really? Where is it written that you must tell a young troop that thier friend is dead? Show me an AFI that says you must catch the throw up of a severly injured airmen?
The fact he did both of these things and much more shows his willingness to do more than his "job."
Let's match up some credibility issues since Anonymous was so quick to hand out his opinion.
"Brad Behling is not a good guy"-I have been in the AF nearly 20 years and the way you can tell if your troops respect you is if they give you money or time. $500 and the shadow box tell me that he was well liked by his troops. The fact he gets along with his ex-wife is no small feat! How many other people do you know that maintain a decent relationship with thier ex's?
Anonymous says-
"He sat at a desk and wrote that medal-" I am sure you sat right next to him as he did it? I see him getting out with his troops not having time to write his own medal.
You say that his acceptance of this medal cheapens the value of the medal. How dare you make an allegation like that.
It is well known that people where anonymous works do not deploy. It is a controlled tour and it is very likely that Anonymous hasn't worn a uniform in years much less gone to Iraq. So before you say anything about someone who has gone to the fight, maybe you should put on a uniform and stand beside him.
People like anonymous take great pleasure in knock folks down a few pegs because they were wronged somewhere in their career. I doubt if Anonymous will turn down any decoration that he recieves, but the only laughing stock that I have seen in this dialog is Anonymous.
I hope MSgt Behling is able to get justice from PODS which is what this is all about anyway.
Bill I don’t quite follow a couple of things in your post, anonymous said he is in the Air Force and does know Behling although not “intimately” and that he works with others that know Behling. Also I did not read any remarks from anyone about why he got divorced, is there another link I missed?
Mary from Alabama (Roll Tide)
To Annon/Christopher.
Interesting.
I was also in Brad's prior unit until I retired in August. I was stationed there for almost five years. In fact, for the last 2 and a half years I worked as a bartender in the Services Club that he managed. Yes, he was my boss. Even better, I outranked him. In fact, several of the bartenders outranked him. By day I was a MSgt and he was a Tech. At night, he ran the Club and I worked for him. The kicker is, he was the best boss I had during my 20 year career. This man taught me, I mean really taught me, what it meant to look out for your people.
I have seen Brad go to extremes for people that he hardly knew. He is without a doubt the most selfless person I have known. The other bartenders, the services staff and the customers still refer to him as the best they have ever known. Not just the best boss or the best worker, the best. The best human being. Knowing Brad well and knowing how the man is justifiably revered in the community, I am sort of taken aback by your comments. I have never heard anything close to what you claim.
I know the man. I am not relating information that may or may not be true from someone who may or may not have been married to him and may or may not be bitter about something that may or may not have happened in a place that you may or may not have ever been.
I am now retired and have a new career, and therefore, have no reason to lie about Brad and absolutely nothing to gain. I have to wonder if you can say the same. I do not recognize your name or photo. While that does not necessarily mean anything, it does make me wonder.
Robert Cox
Bartender Bob (just in case)
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