Apology from one general for another

Seldom have I felt the need to apologize for the words spoken by a fellow United States Air Force General Officer. Generals are expected to stand above minor league politics. They are supposed to win wars and protect their country.

It should not surprise, I feel compelled to respond to retired M/G Don Loringer’s gibberish (Fearful for the future of our country, July 12).

My first encounter with Don was when he painted his motorhome with political trivia in support of Barack Obama’s campaign in 2008. His rhetoric was as far-fetched then as it is now, but not quite as embarrassing.

Don and I were Air Force generals basically during the same time frame and traveled very similar paths. We both entered the Air Force through ROTC. I attended Texas A&M University, and Don the University of Montana.

Both are former pilots. I flew F-15s, F-16s, F-4s, and the F-106. Don flew heavies, B-52s, F-111s, and the C7A. We both attended the Air War College, flew the same time frame in Vietnam, and retired as vice commanders of Numbered Air Forces.

One might think we would share some common ground when it comes to our country and its welfare. After reading his late oped I sadly realize we do not.

You see, I love this country, the working American people, their right to private thought, and our form of government at a level I do not believe Don understands. For a senior level military officer to accuse half the American people to be traitors because they supported their choice of president is insulting, uneducated, emotional, and unacceptable from any point of view in my opinion. The coming November election will verify one way or the other how Americans feel. The results will determine the accuracy of Don’s deranged sentiments.

I would like to apologize to the good people of Montana and America for such extreme comments from a general, even if he is retired. This is not normal and unacceptable. The selection process for military officers is really quite good, but occasionally one slips under the gate. Please do not judge all from the one.

If interested in my political views I would ask you to Google B/G Jimmy L. Cash Let’s Be Specific, which was written in 2008 and just as true now as then. It is political but buried in a forum where it should be.

Retired Air Force Brigadier General Jim Cash lives in Bigfork.