93 Responses to:
KEEP THIS SOLDIER HOME

# 1. 12/12/03 12:02 AM by Marc Olson - Salt Lake City
Bob, It sounds Like Utah has turn you into Rino, (republican in name only).The last I heard is that we had a volunteer Army, so the only way in ,is to enlist,so doesn't Duty honor, country ring a bell. Then how about your sense of Pride,The Army has been paying the salaries for these Guards people and now the Army needs you to serve and you have other commitments,I am sorry then DO Not Enlist if you have other commitments. I must be old School, when I sign a contract I do my best to honor the contract. Bob You are tipping to far to left!

# 2. 12/12/03 12:12 AM by SGM - AF Canyon
Get a life Robert. This girl knew she was joining the Utah Army National Guard to be a soldier. Getting to be an athlete was just one of the bennies she got. Now she pays the price. Just like the college educated Civil Engineer who couldn't qualify for a commission but is serving as a Machinist in a Combat Engineer Battalion and the Recruiter who is now a Military Interrogator. Both are now in Iraq.

You got this one completely wrong.

After all---she VOLUNTEERED to be in the Military. And if she doesn't go, someone else's kid will have to take her place.

# 3. 12/12/03 12:27 AM by Lee Shumway - Syracuse, Utah
Sorry, pal. You're wrong about this one.

It's not about the aggrandizement of the Army. It's about the support of our policy in Iraq and the honoring of personal commitment.

Once you start playing word games with how little an individual soldier's job means, and how much more valuable they would be doing >fill in the blank<, then you might as well sign off hall passes for the whole military.

Heck, one can make a case for *anyone* being more valuable in an essentially civilian capacity rather than the gruntwork that we signed up for. My son Kevin is in SaddamLand as a artillery forward observer instead of being home doing his usual outstanding job of administrating computer networks.

We are all sorry that folks are getting their lives interrupted to do as they said they'd do. She isn't alone.

I know people have been excused to be in the USO or whatever, and had she made a deal with the War to do that when she signed up, one couldn't criticize. This isn't what happened.

In the end, what is important isn't having privileged people with "Army" printed on their jerseys to impress the kids...the kids probably won't get one anyway. What is important is that we as volunteer soldiers don't feel like fools because we didn't have the political suck to get out of duty like the privileged class.

Bob, the disruption of our personal lives and careers are every bit as important to *us* as her's are to her!

I just can't agree with you on this one.

# 4. 12/12/03 12:41 AM - Van Nuys, CA
In 1961 I was called up for Active Duty for the Berlin crises with the 146th Wing of the California Air National Guard. Rafer Johnson was also on our base and was called up with a companion unit.

He didn't try to get out of his obligation and served in a clerical position also. However, things were arranged so that the was able to get back to training for the Olympics and earning medals for the US. Hope similar consideration is given to Shauna.

# 5. 12/12/03 1:31 AM by mary - Pike. Il.
Sometimes you amaze me Bob. This is one of those times when you make perfect sense.

# 6. 12/12/03 2:35 AM by Reese
You're right on the money on this one, Bob. I was once an Army Ranger myself. I also was an aspiring Olympian (biathlon). As things turned out I ended up serving my country as a Ranger, and could only dream of the Olympic Gold! I wish I could have somehow served my country in both capacities, but duty called, so I answered unabashedly. While serving overseas, I spent countless hours contemplating what an Olympic experience might have meant to my life. I can only wonder if I would have been more representative of what's good about America if I'd been able to bring home the gold for my country. I guess I'll never know, but I'd hate to see another individual have to go through the same dilemma as I did. In this case, it appears that our country would be better served if we sent her down the hill instead of over the dale. I will do whatever I can to see that she represents our good old U.S. of A. in the upcoming Winter Olympics. Her value to her brother and sister soldiers can only be enhanced by allowing her to participate. Imagine the pride for her fellow Unit members when she brings the Gold to the platoon!! Go USA! I miss you on WHAM.

# 7. 12/12/03 6:05 AM by Catherine - Pittsford
Our society should be honoring her for fulfilling her service commitment - not because she is on an athletic team. One should be preferential treatment in the service for fulfilling parental duies, not for athletic participation. Athletics are fine when kept in perspective. Great athletes such as Roger Staubach and David Robinson have served their country and then gone on for sports careers. This is another case where people get honored for doing the least important jobs in our society such as athletic stardom, movie stardom, rather than getting recognized for doing the truly heroic - being a soldier, a parent.

# 8. 12/12/03 6:05 AM by Tom Dey - Springwater, NY
When you sign up, you become government property. It is your duty to follow orders and maintain body and sprit. That said, the military is morally obliged to make best use of its assets. In Shauna Rohbock's case, that is obviously as an athlete/recruiter. She will certainly do what is ordered - but to have her pushing paper is a pathetic waste of her talents. And maintaining world-class competitive performance is phenomenally tough on body and spirit. Good grief...assign her to do the sports. With respect, she will be putting more dedication and effort into that than is required of the average soldier. Who's the military underling afraid to provide an appropriate special assignment in this extraordinarily rare case? Come on guy, wisely use the discretion allowed a senior officer. If you cop out with "Sorry, them's the rules" then you lack creativity and rank and should ask your boss to handle it.

# 9. 12/12/03 6:30 AM by lon bonsberry
sometimes you're brilliant ,,, sometimes you're a bonehead. lots and lots of young people are having their lives interrupted by this war; as far as i'm concerned, she's just one of the troops.

Editor's Note: I notice that all these people condemning this woman are themselves home and safe. We are quick to decide on others' honor and duty, while we send them off to do what we clearly lack the courage to do.

# 10. 12/12/03 6:32 AM by Dave - Hilton, NY
Why do we love these sports jerks? The pro sports are full of criminals who got special treatment. What makes her any different than anyone else in the reserves. I am sick of the people who want the benefits of the reserves but do not want to serve when the time comes. Let little children play games.

# 11. 12/12/03 6:49 AM
If Shauna is "excused" from the Army to play sports, then every woman in the Service with a child should be excused as well, because there is no greater way for a woman to represent this country than to stay home and raise her children!

# 12. 12/12/03 6:51 AM by Brian - Rochester, NY
Based on the info you provided, this all makes sense to me.

But logical and efficient have never been two adjectives I have heard used to describe the U.S. Army unless prefixed with "il" and "in" respectively.

Here's to hoping the right words reach the right person in time.

# 13. 12/12/03 7:01 AM by Ron - Kenmore, NY
It's only the Olympics. Get over it.

If she can find a way to weasel out of going to Iraq by transferring to another unit, more power to her.

The 10th Mt. Div. is based @ Ft. Drum, close enough to Lake Placid to get some practice time.

Otherwise, if her unit deploys to Iraq, she should go with it.

I thiink that you're distracted because it's "BOB"sledding, a euphamism for another sport that you played in your youth. One that involved you and a similarly sports-minded young lady. "Hold on; it's gonna be a wild ride!"

P.S. As I see Survivor playing out, the final few days will involve Jon being used as the gals' servant. Darrah or Lil would beat him in the final vote, so they'll want him in the final two.

Sandra might cut someone's throat in their sleep, yet.

# 14. 12/12/03 7:07 AM by yoko - ontario ny
You are so right Bob! Let a Mother or Father take her place , they are way less important than soccer or bobsledding medals.

# 15. 12/12/03 7:33 AM by sue - buffalo, ny
W R O N G......her first responsibility is to her country, as she volunteered to serve. Maybe she should have thought about soccer and bobsledding before she signed up. How do you think our men and women in Iraq would react to hearing that one of their own got out of service to play soccer? I'm sure it would make them want to serve her time for her....not. You are dead wrong here, Bob...sorry.

# 16. 12/12/03 7:34 AM by Dave - Mt. Pleasant, SC
I usually agree with you Bob, but this time you are on the wrong side. When folks join the National Guard, they know ahead of time what they are in for and they gladly cash that paycheck as long as things are going their way. It is unfortunate that this young lady will need to interrupt her sporting pastime and honor her commitment to our country, but that is what she willingly signed up for in the first place.

# 17. 12/12/03 7:52 AM by Chris - Churchville
Bob,

The last I knew, you were allowed to make choices in this country and it seems to me that she did so willingly. This isn't the "maybe I'll go if I feel like it" National Guard! She should & must go with her unit. The military is all about sacrifice. She knew that being in the guard could result in her service. It is a shame that her talent will not be on the bobsled hill, but better she serve and protect our interests (no matter what her job is) so that future bobsledders have the chance to compete. For without her service, there may not be Olympics again.

# 18. 12/12/03 7:54 AM by Greg - Rochester, NY
Hurray! Burton is gone! Please, Lord, may Jon be next!

# 19. 12/12/03 7:56 AM by Aimee - Greece, NY
She should have to go. She would serve the people of the US better if she were forced to go. How? Because she would be serving the truth, and the truth is that no matter what their "Army of One" advertising campaign tells us, once you are in the army you are a nameless tool to be used in any way the government sees fit.

She would be showing us war for what it really is, necessary or not, a horrible waste of human life and potential. The end of her career could be a metaphor for the senseless waste of human life that occurs when humanity fails and must go to war.

# 20. 12/12/03 8:10 AM by Jeff Black - West Jordan, UT
I agree with you completely, Bob.

Anyone who does not realize that all branches of the military use some very good rah-rah advertising has never watched television or listened to a radio or read a magazine.

Apparently Shauna was "hired" to be used as a public relations tool, and to dismiss or ignore her potential for such makes no sense. It's like having a computer genius on your staff and using that person as a dishwasher for two years.

A U.S. Army patch of some kind on her bobsledding uniform would be excellent for public relations, and think of the advertising that could subsequently be generated if she happened to win a gold medal.

The Army is wrong on this one. It's not a matter of duty, it's a matter of using your head.

# 21. 12/12/03 8:12 AM by Bob - Rochester, NY
All I know is that somehow American Idol finalist Josh Gracin (An active duty Marine) made it all the way through the series without being called. He was recalled to his unit, but after the show ended!

# 22. 12/12/03 8:13 AM by David - Rochester, NY
She should go. She took the oath and she should have understood what that meant. Elvis went, she should go. How her commanders assign her is up to them.

She should go. It is now her duty.

# 23. 12/12/03 8:14 AM by Wilber - Rochester, NY
Serve some respectable amount of duty overseas, then market her. When she signed on she knew she would be serving her country in any capacity she was asked to. Do a 6 month tour and then let her be all that she can be... as an athlete. That would be great PR. Pictures of her in a combat zone assisting the military leaders in battle along with her accomplishments on the bobsled course. That would be a GREAT commercial.

# 24. 12/12/03 8:16 AM by roy b. - swain,ny
Bob, you are speaking through that dark and stinky place where the sun never shines! What on earth are you thinking? She obviously is using the military for her own personal gain and now she has to do what the Army says. I've served my time in bad places. Now its her turn!

# 25. 12/12/03 8:18 AM by A Patriot - Lockport, NY
I'm old and fat, with heart problems, but I can make coffee as well as Shauna. Keep her on the sled. I'll go in her place.

# 26. 12/12/03 8:32 AM by jim - Rochester, N.Y.
Welcome to Bizarro land Bob, where right is wrong, up is down and black is white. I agree with you. It appears most of Lonsberry's legions of lemmings don't. I think she should be permitted this chance of a life time. She would be representing the U.S.A. at the Olympics. Here's an Idea, allow her to attend the Olympics and just extend her discharge date from the time she returns to active duty. Then she could do both.

Exceptions like this are not unusual. many actors in WWII received exemptions . There was that marine, I forgot his name, who was allowed to compete in American Idol before going to Iraq. This looks much more prestigious. What would be really hot would be for the Army to create a special customized outfit for her to wear at events.

A question for you Bob. the anonymous #11 who suggested women stay home and bear children for our country. what was the point. It was the exact role Nazi Germany placed their women in. Following up on it to the point they had breeding programs? I guess I just don't quite see the equation.

Enjoy the scenery while you're here

# 27. 12/12/03 8:33 AM by George Urian - Fayetteville, NC
Bob.....usually I agree with you 99% of the time, but this time, you're way off base. I am a retired Army guy with twenty two years of active service. During that time I had first hand contact with many instances of soldiers being removed from their units in order to participate in all sorts of activities totally unrelated to their unit's mission. This always hurts because someone else, who already has a job, has to fill in and do their work. This usually results in both jobs being done half assed. There is also resentment among the other troops because of the appearance of special treatment. This young lady volunteered for this job, nobody forced her. I do have sympathy for her, but the choice was hers. She should suck it up and do her job, especially now in time of war. I don't recall a single terrorist being killed by an errant soccar ball.

# 28. 12/12/03 8:44 AM by Bobsled Earl - Rochester, NY
Being an ex-member of the US National Bobsled team, I am in agreement with you on this Bob. The Military has always had great athletes involved in the sport. The way I read your message is that Shauna joined the Army under the WCAP program.....how is she recieving that portion of the Army's obligation? If you take a look at the US Bobsled federation website...you will see at least two COACHES who are currently listed as being in the WCAP program. The mens National Team Head Coach and the Womens National Team Head coach, both for bobsledding. See www.usbsf.com for info. WCAP is a great way to promote the Military service, the sport of choice as well as National Pride.

# 29. 12/12/03 8:44 AM by Mr. Taylor - Tooele, Utah
Good morning, Bob! I'm a simple E-5 (sergeant) in the Utah Army National Guard. It's true that a soldier has an obligation to respond to the call-up when it's time to go to war. He/she is advised of the possibility that he/she will have to spend a year in some corner of the world where there is no air-conditioning and you only get to take a shower once a week. But you should also know that the leadership of each state (where National Guard soldiers are called to Active Duty) has the option of attaching soldiers to a company or a battalion that is being mobilized. If Shauna Rohbock truly is a 71 Lima, and does NOT hold a critical secondary MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), then there is the possibility that the Officers-in-charge (way above her in the chain-of-command) could recommend calling-up another 71 Lima from somewhere else in the Utah Army national Guard and sending him/her overseas in place of Shauna. That decision would probably have to be made by somebody who is a Colonel or a General here in Utah. Bob, you should know that a 71 Lima is an important job in any battalion or company. He or she must know how to use a couple of computer programs (which use language that only government or military people can understand) really well. The 71 Lima takes care of many important personnel issues such as making sure each soldier's family has their insurance and pay issues resolved. He/she should be available to First Sergeants (NCO in charge at the Company level) and the Commander to assist in filling out paperwork for company requisitions and all kinds of other things. A 71 Lima knows how to choose and properly submit dozens of complicated government forms. You can't become a good 71 Lima overnight. Bob, I'm NOT authorized to be a spokesperson for the Utah Army National Guard. So please just say that this message is from "an NCO in Tooele" who cares about athletes that are great examples to the youth in our community. Thank you, Bob! Keep up the good work of "telling it like it is" to the people of Utah. And have a great Christmas!

Editor's Note: Actually, when I was in, Limas were a dime a dozen. An important job, like all jobs, but most of the Limas I knew got assigned that MOS because they couldn't cut it in their original MOS. It was not brain central, if you know what I mean.

# 30. 12/12/03 8:50 AM
Bob... I must say that I was on the fence until I saw your comment on #9. My response to that is.... WE DID NOT VOLUNTEER FOR THE NATIONAL GUARD!!!!! Volunteer being the key word. If she didn't want to go, she should not of volunteered! With that being said, I wish her the best of luck and hope everything turns out for her.

# 31. 12/12/03 8:54 AM by Sydney - Provo, UT
Help!!! How do I contact these fellas you suggested to "Keep this soldier home"? Thanks Sydney

# 32. 12/12/03 9:00 AM by Ryan M - Webster, NY
I didn't want any americans to go to Iraq, but people like yourself, jumped on George W.'s bandwagon, in spite of what the rest of the international community had to say.

Now, that it seems pretty clear that there are no WMD's there, and we can't find Saddam, you want to pick and choose who's life should be disrupted. Now that you have put us there we need to finish the job.

Everyone involved has a life that they are leaving behind to over there. So what is your idea? Should we send over some child's mother or father so that this girl can go bobsledding?

# 33. 12/12/03 9:03 AM by Rick
Too bad we didn't have that mentality during the Korean and second world wars. Ted Williams might be the all-time HR king.

Come to think of it, why not let our best-looking, most talented non-comabt troops out to compete on "American Idol?" We've got some troops that hold international grandmaster ratings in chess, so let them out to compete against Kramnik and Kasparov.

Realistically, as long as there's any chance that a soldier can pick up the country's morale out of uniform, he or she should be discharged immediately. Forget that he or she enlisted voluntarily, just like you and I did - they're SPECIAL. Let them out, and transfer their duties to the everyday, unremarkabke enlisted trash.

Oh, and under no circumstances should talented athletes from the Army, Navy or Air Force acadamies actually have to serve in the military like Roger Staubach or David Robinson did. This idea of people living up to their agreements makes me sick.

Thank you for pointing out this travesty of justice.

# 34. 12/12/03 9:13 AM by Dennis - Murray, Utah
It's ok for her to stay here. We'll just send someone else who can leave their family here with less money for the rent and they can be evicted just like the family in Utah county. I did serve. 30 years active and reserve. I have been activated, I'd go today if they would let me. I'm sorry anyone has to go, but that's what we signed up to do.

BMCM USN RET.

# 35. 12/12/03 9:13 AM
Bob, is there something you are not telling us. Are you two dating?

# 36. 12/12/03 9:22 AM by Chris - Washington, DC
An exemption for soccer? This sounds like something Lonsberry would criticize somebody else for.

# 37. 12/12/03 9:26 AM by Richard - Penfield
that you're wrong on this one is obvious; why you have this opinion is less apparent. you've written with some eloquence on the necessity of soldiers' absolute dedication to their station -- and by extension, to the federal government which they serve. now that should all be cast aside because this particular soldier is really good at sledding?

the olympics are great, but they're an optional extra in the big picture of what it means to be an american. we have freedoms, and those who freely choose to sign up for military service do so knowing they may be called.

i don't doubt that missing the opportunity to compete would be painful for this woman, but as a justification for not being sent to the middle east ... well, try telling the soldier who won't see the birth of his child that his own personal life is less important than bobsledding. or tell the family that's losing their house because dad had to stay active longer than expected that watching the olympics will cheer them up.

# 38. 12/12/03 9:49 AM by Curt - Layton
She signed up knowing that she could be called up. She took the pay. Why not take the orders.

# 39. 12/12/03 9:50 AM by Mike R - Livonia, NY
Heeeeeeeyyyyyyy Bob,

You know, at the bottom line. I would probably be proud of her whichever way she went.

If she's truly willing to give up a pro soccer salary and the glory of Olympic Gold to serve her country in Iraq for E-2 pay, then all I can say is God Bless her.

Keep writing.

# 40. 12/12/03 9:51 AM by Sue - Webster, NY
Your comments to one say that we are home, safe and sound....that is right...I didn't sign up to serve, not proud of that, but I didn't, she did-now she must serve! I am surprised at your view on this, your compassionate side is covering the logical side.

# 41. 12/12/03 9:51 AM by Karl - Greece, NY
I dont know what to think of this Bob. Many people demand others to do things or reap the rewards of others... UNTIL it is their time to go and serve.

Plenty of politicians and athletes have served. Plenty have been kept out of harms way in the National Guard.

Good luck to her and the rest of our fighting machine. May the Lord be with them all no matter what happens.

# 42. 12/12/03 9:55 AM by Fred - Rochester, NY
Typical government move Bob, promise one thing, then do the ole switcheroo.

# 43. 12/12/03 10:10 AM by Average SLC Guy - SLC, UT
Bob - Regarding your 'editors note' on comment # 9: Why must you always miss the point of your readers comments? In this case, you not only missed the point but went on to call these people cowards? Sheesh! No wonder they booted you in Rochester.

Let me reiterate: there is NO draft. You sign up for the militrary, take advantage of extensive and costly training, receive payments for living expenses and schooling costs, plus a salary. I dont begrudge any soldier these priviledges. What I expect in return is a SOLDIER, not a bobsled champion or a soccor player or an American idol.

Your point about everyone who was commenting not having the courage to go fight is so misguided as to be disrespectful to the soldiers themselves. Every soldier should be proud of what they do and should expect no less from their fellow soldiers. To let one off the hook because of outside interests is an outrage and a slap in the face to those soldiers who made Uncle Sam their FIRST priority. When this woman signed on the line and started cashing checks from the taxpayers, she should have known where her bread was buttered and planned her life accordingly.

She, like you, is ridiculous.

Thank you.

# 44. 12/12/03 10:26 AM by Pete - Rochester/Houston
I agree with you on the matter of this women staying in the US; to provide advertising good for the country and the Army. However, I think that ultimately, she should go to Iraq. I think that you are saying the same thing.

The comments from the majority of respondents today seem agianst her staying and doing good for the military & nation from this side of the ocean, simply because of her athletic ability. This is interesting because of the many different points of view that are out there. I think it is mainly the armchair quarterback making the calls (thumbs down & selfish comments). I found the comments to be of an especially poor taste and of a valueless basis & merit. Case in point were the comments about mothers & fathers going over and leaving the family home. Simply put, if these people actually knew what value the soldier/sailor/marine/etc... had to the military/government I am sure their views would be swayed. The military, since long before my time, has considered the troop to be a valueless commodity, unlike a tank, grenade, rocket, plane, get the point? Reason: The troop does not contribute to the taxbase of the nation where items of value can be purchased. The whole soldier idea going over to a combat zone or staying home has to do with simple economics. The soccer lady has more value in the states kicking a ball around generating money for the taxbase than she does filing papers and making the first sergant's coffee.

# 45. 12/12/03 10:39 AM by RWhaley - Salt Lake City
Absolutely, Bob! There is no real, mission essential reason for sending her over there--and I am retired active duty officer. She is of far more value to the Guard as a representative; not as a clerk. The PR she would have given the Guard as an Olympic athelete is of far greater value than as a clerk.

Can you imagine the negative PR her being mobilized (and now the other athelete, too,to make it "fair") is costing the Guard? All the positives are now virtually gone.

Keep her home and the other bob sledder, too.

Rich

# 46. 12/12/03 10:42 AM by Clyde Frehner - Riverton, Utah
After graduating from high school I tried to join the National Guard because of the draft and I wanted to get my service over with. They rejected my attempt because I had asthma. However, the Vietnam war caused a change in their thinking. They called me back in for another physical and decided that I really didn't have asthma after all (lie), and tryed to draft me. Unbelievably they forgot about my age, which disqualified me.

Obviously those in power can be a fickle bunch, and we can see that things haven't changed much over the years. If Shauna was recruited for publicity reasons, then she should be doing what she does best with an army sticker displayed on her sleave while bobsleading or playing soccer to promote their cause. It's for sure she can't do much to help recruiting over in Iraq.

# 47. 12/12/03 10:48 AM by Vince - Penfield NY
Bob, Copies of your column will be sent to all whom you have recomended

# 48. 12/12/03 11:00 AM by Dayna - Ontario, NY
You are way off on this one Bob. I still wish you were back on the air at WHAM. I miss hearing you.

# 49. 12/12/03 11:07 AM by Avik - Rochester, NY
Sorry Bob, normally I agree with your views expressed in your column but today I cannot. She should not be given special treatment. The point that another responder made is a good one, why not make exceptions to other women with children, so they can stay with their children like a mother should. She should not have volunteered in the first place knowing there could be a conflict with her athletic goals. It almost seems that you wrote this article trying to illicit thumbs down reactions, because it does not seem like a viewpoint you would normally take. It does sound like a viewpoint that you would counter if it was expressed by someone else. If she is given special treatment others should receive it as well. Athletes are not that important, at least not as important as one would think when observing how others worship them.

# 50. 12/12/03 11:13 AM by George - Rochester
Worst article yet Bob. Your wrong on this one.

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