Retired Army colonel, 70, sent to Afghanistan
By R. NORMAN MOODY
Dr. John Caulfield thought it had to be a mistake when the Army asked him to return to active duty. After all, he's 70 years old and had already retired - twice. He left the Army in 1980 and private practice two years ago.
"My first reaction was disbelief," Caulfield said. "It never occurred to me that they would call a 70-year-old."
In fact, he was so sure it was an error that he ignored the postcards and telephone messages asking if he would be willing to volunteer for active duty to "backfill" somewhere on the East Coast, Europe or Hawaii. That would be OK, he thought. It would release active duty oral surgeons from those areas to go to combat zones in Iraq or Afghanistan.
But then the orders came for him to go to Afghanistan.
Today, Caulfield, a colonel from Satellite Beach, Fla., is an example of how the continuing demands of keeping ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are forcing the military to go to extraordinary measures to keep its ranks filled. He's attending to patients - U.S. troops, Afghan soldiers and civilians - at the Army's 325th Field Hospital in Bagram, Afghanistan.
He is one of about 100 over the age of 60 known to be serving. The Department of Defense couldn't provide exact figures.
Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, an Army spokesman, said the service has taken back some 350 soldiers who had already retired from the military. But some of those could have done 20 years of duty and still be only in their late 30s. He did not know how many of the returning retirees are 60 or older.
The reason, he said, is clear: "It's the continuing demand in the service."
The Navy has 36 medical personnel and 16 chaplains who are over 60.
There is one Marine between 60 and 65 currently serving.
The Air Force has 12 chaplains over 60 and 32 medical personnel between 60 and 65.
"The rules say it's at 60 years of age when people retire," said Dov Schwartz, an Army spokesman. The Army will issue waivers allowing people who are older to serve if they have needed skills. Returning, though, is "totally voluntary," Schwartz said.
Caulfield has much-needed experience in gunshot and fragmentation injuries.
"We salute his courage," Schwartz said. "We salute his bravery."
Caulfield lived and practiced oral surgery in Salisbury, N.C., before moving to Satellite Beach two years ago.
When the call came, he had no qualms about serving. He said that because the wars in Afghanistan and in Iraq were within such a close time, the military is exhausting some specialties. They have rotated some reservists in and out.
"Because there is no draft, they are using and maybe overusing the National Guard and Reserve," he said. "There is no obligatory method."
Caulfield said he is glad to be able to help.
"I've been a soldier for 25 years," he said. "When your country asks, you do it."
His wife of 47 years, Patricia, said she thought a cruise through the Panama Canal they took after he gave up his private practice would be the most adventurous experience they would have after retirement.
"I feel a lot more comfortable than when he was in Vietnam," she said. "This is a great way to finish his career."
Getting ready involved updating his medical credentials and re-establishing military security clearances. His pre-deployment preparation at Fort Benning, Ga., included making sure he was physically fit and could use a gun. Caulfield carries a gun in a holster strapped to his side, sometimes under his scrubs.
"Getting used to wearing boots and carrying a gun is a little unusual," he said.
But the habits of an old soldier didn't fade away.
"Readjusting to the Army was a lot like riding a bicycle again after 24 years: a little rocky at first, but you make adjustments and it comes back to you," he said.
Full Article
Full Version: 70 Year-Old Recalled To Active Duty
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > U.S. Military Issues > U.S. Military Issues Archive
Sutpid AS$ pres. idiot . Why is no one stopping this mad man?
Get this to the producer of last week's 60 Minutes segment titled "Old Soldiers". They should do a follow-up.
Dr. John Caulfield sounds like a class gentleman!...May God bless him for his service above and beyond.
QUOTE(gmanders777 @ Dec 12 2004, 06:20 PM)
Sutpid AS$ pres. idiot . Why is no one stopping this mad man?
My thoughts exactly!!! Seems lately if your still drawing a breath, your fair game.
Its bad enough Rumsfeld and the rest could care less what our soldiers have there to keep themselves safe but now they're enlisting people who should be in their Golden yrs. enjoying life before their God calls them.
As for the Stop Loss, I was told its for National Guard only. WHY??? Why are the Regular components allowed to retire and step down after their enlistment and the National Guard (a volunteer Army) is told they will be held hostage till our Gov. deems it OK to leave? Sanchez and others are allowed to step away from this war.
A Stop Loss should be across the board and not discrminate to certain areas of the Military. The regular Army trains 24/7 for war, that is their job! The National Guard is made up of civilian soldiers who have jobs in the civilian sector and train on a very part time basis. Would make more sense, to keep the ones who are regular Army and train for war or hold hostage the ones who are the less experienced.
Many of these soldiers will come home after being deployed several times to find they have no job. Employers are told to work with the Military but there are loopholes the employers can use and do, to cut that soldiers job. Will our Military care if these guys come home to live on welfare or are suddenly finding themselves will a loss of quality of life because of an injury? NO!! Many will fall through the cracks as has happened in other conflicts.
QUOTE(PaineInTheArse @ Dec 12 2004, 09:23 PM)
Get this to the producer of last week's 60 Minutes segment titled "Old Soldiers". They should do a follow-up.
I've sent this to 60 Minutes.
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 12 2004, 10:38 PM)
Dr. John Caulfield sounds like a class gentleman!...May God bless him for his service above and beyond.
My sentiments exactly.
I'm 54, been retired for four years but if I got a call that they needed me I'd be dusting off the old boots to go in a heartbeat just like this old Doc.
QUOTE(Frenchy @ Dec 12 2004, 11:38 PM)
Dr. John Caulfield sounds like a class gentleman!...May God bless him for his service above and beyond.
My sentiments exactly!Methinks he could easily have gotten out of returning to active duty, if he'd wanted to. Being a 70 year old physician he knows what he could have used to fail the physical to return to active duty, but 'twould appear he made his choice. God bless him!
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QUOTE(Lcyberlina @ Dec 13 2004, 03:07 PM)
We’ve removed some posts from this topic. The Forum Rules call on each and every one of us to take a respectful tone when speaking to and/or about others:
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LcyberlinaWe promote a civil tone of discussion. Select language that is kind and respectful of others, even if you don't agree with their viewpoint or thoughts. Although our rules cannot specify every type of uncivil post, this does not imply that the administrators approve of disrespectful behavior.
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Did not see anything wrong with my posts or StillMadAtBush's post. But your the head honcho, so be it! But you got to agree, (and I'll be a friendlier Bammo) anyone that wants to Dust off their Boots to support the Bush Iraq Policy - should by all means do so. Looks like from the first post, Bush is in desperate need of help for his War! Hope this post is civil and proper Lcyberlina. I am doing my best here, trust me. LOL - You take care and be well! Hope Bush and his chronie's does not call up my X-D Day Airborne Dad. Seiously Lcyberlina, I really did not see any civil disobediance in those posts. Could be wrong and if so - Please excuse this Biker Trash for he knows no better. Thank you and have a great day!
Seems like he is happy to go. It's a little odd that the military would request the services of a septagenarian, but if he has the skills and is willing- good for him! I'm not sure what problem people are having with this. Bad decision to war in Iraq? Arguable. Poor planning? Sure. Overextending our troops? You bet. The fact is, the guy could get out of the service if he wanted to. He is choosing to serve his country again. I find it incredibly humbling and honorable- unlike the service of our current CIC.
QUOTE(jcrew @ Dec 13 2004, 03:32 PM)
Seems like he is happy to go. It's a little odd that the military would request the services of a septagenarian, but if he has the skills and is willing- good for him! I'm not sure what problem people are having with this. Bad decision to war in Iraq? Arguable. Poor planning? Sure. Overextending our troops? You bet. The fact is, the guy could get out of the service if he wanted to. He is choosing to serve his country again. I find it incredibly humbling and honorable- unlike the service of our current CIC.
jcrew The problem jcrew is a G.I. used to have to pass a PT test. And the one I had to pass when I was 18 before being deployed to the Nam was not that hard, but could not see a 70 year old passing it. I could be wrong, but would bet I am not. Agree with you on your quote - I find it incredibly humbling and honorable- unlike the service of our current CIC ! Have a great day!
QUOTE(Lcyberlina @ Dec 13 2004, 02:07 PM)
We’ve removed some posts from this topic. The Forum Rules call on each and every one of us to take a respectful tone when speaking to and/or about others:
We promote a civil tone of discussion. Select language that is kind and respectful of others, even if you don't agree with their viewpoint or thoughts. Although our rules cannot specify every type of uncivil post, this does not imply that the administrators approve of disrespectful behavior.
Thank you in advance for understanding.
The Moderating Team
We promote a civil tone of discussion. Select language that is kind and respectful of others, even if you don't agree with their viewpoint or thoughts. Although our rules cannot specify every type of uncivil post, this does not imply that the administrators approve of disrespectful behavior.
Thank you in advance for understanding.
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What? I take a little nap and missed all the good stuff Methinks!
Oh well, I still think you're a nice lady.
QUOTE(flydangler @ Dec 13 2004, 10:41 AM)
My sentiments exactly!
Methinks he could easily have gotten out of returning to active duty, if he'd wanted to. Being a 70 year old physician he knows what he could have used to fail the physical to return to active duty, but 'twould appear he made his choice. God bless him!
Methinks he could easily have gotten out of returning to active duty, if he'd wanted to. Being a 70 year old physician he knows what he could have used to fail the physical to return to active duty, but 'twould appear he made his choice. God bless him!
I think you hit-the-nail-on-the-head, Doc! Looks to me as if God has blessed the good-doctor...
joe e
(I too retired in 1980)
QUOTE(D103486 @ Dec 12 2004, 07:11 PM)
Retired Army colonel, 70, sent to Afghanistan
By R. NORMAN MOODY
Dr. John Caulfield thought it had to be a mistake when the Army asked him to return to active duty. After all, he's 70 years old and had already retired - twice. He left the Army in 1980 and private practice two years ago.
"My first reaction was disbelief," Caulfield said. "It never occurred to me that they would call a 70-year-old."
In fact, he was so sure it was an error that he ignored the postcards and telephone messages asking if he would be willing to volunteer for active duty to "backfill" somewhere on the East Coast, Europe or Hawaii. That would be OK, he thought. It would release active duty oral surgeons from those areas to go to combat zones in Iraq or Afghanistan.
But then the orders came for him to go to Afghanistan.
Today, Caulfield, a colonel from Satellite Beach, Fla., is an example of how the continuing demands of keeping ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are forcing the military to go to extraordinary measures to keep its ranks filled. He's attending to patients - U.S. troops, Afghan soldiers and civilians - at the Army's 325th Field Hospital in Bagram, Afghanistan.
He is one of about 100 over the age of 60 known to be serving. The Department of Defense couldn't provide exact figures.
Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, an Army spokesman, said the service has taken back some 350 soldiers who had already retired from the military. But some of those could have done 20 years of duty and still be only in their late 30s. He did not know how many of the returning retirees are 60 or older.
The reason, he said, is clear: "It's the continuing demand in the service."
The Navy has 36 medical personnel and 16 chaplains who are over 60.
There is one Marine between 60 and 65 currently serving.
The Air Force has 12 chaplains over 60 and 32 medical personnel between 60 and 65.
"The rules say it's at 60 years of age when people retire," said Dov Schwartz, an Army spokesman. The Army will issue waivers allowing people who are older to serve if they have needed skills. Returning, though, is "totally voluntary," Schwartz said.
Caulfield has much-needed experience in gunshot and fragmentation injuries.
"We salute his courage," Schwartz said. "We salute his bravery."
Caulfield lived and practiced oral surgery in Salisbury, N.C., before moving to Satellite Beach two years ago.
When the call came, he had no qualms about serving. He said that because the wars in Afghanistan and in Iraq were within such a close time, the military is exhausting some specialties. They have rotated some reservists in and out.
"Because there is no draft, they are using and maybe overusing the National Guard and Reserve," he said. "There is no obligatory method."
Caulfield said he is glad to be able to help.
"I've been a soldier for 25 years," he said. "When your country asks, you do it."
His wife of 47 years, Patricia, said she thought a cruise through the Panama Canal they took after he gave up his private practice would be the most adventurous experience they would have after retirement.
"I feel a lot more comfortable than when he was in Vietnam," she said. "This is a great way to finish his career."
Getting ready involved updating his medical credentials and re-establishing military security clearances. His pre-deployment preparation at Fort Benning, Ga., included making sure he was physically fit and could use a gun. Caulfield carries a gun in a holster strapped to his side, sometimes under his scrubs.
"Getting used to wearing boots and carrying a gun is a little unusual," he said.
But the habits of an old soldier didn't fade away.
"Readjusting to the Army was a lot like riding a bicycle again after 24 years: a little rocky at first, but you make adjustments and it comes back to you," he said.
Full Article
By R. NORMAN MOODY
Dr. John Caulfield thought it had to be a mistake when the Army asked him to return to active duty. After all, he's 70 years old and had already retired - twice. He left the Army in 1980 and private practice two years ago.
"My first reaction was disbelief," Caulfield said. "It never occurred to me that they would call a 70-year-old."
In fact, he was so sure it was an error that he ignored the postcards and telephone messages asking if he would be willing to volunteer for active duty to "backfill" somewhere on the East Coast, Europe or Hawaii. That would be OK, he thought. It would release active duty oral surgeons from those areas to go to combat zones in Iraq or Afghanistan.
But then the orders came for him to go to Afghanistan.
Today, Caulfield, a colonel from Satellite Beach, Fla., is an example of how the continuing demands of keeping ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are forcing the military to go to extraordinary measures to keep its ranks filled. He's attending to patients - U.S. troops, Afghan soldiers and civilians - at the Army's 325th Field Hospital in Bagram, Afghanistan.
He is one of about 100 over the age of 60 known to be serving. The Department of Defense couldn't provide exact figures.
Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, an Army spokesman, said the service has taken back some 350 soldiers who had already retired from the military. But some of those could have done 20 years of duty and still be only in their late 30s. He did not know how many of the returning retirees are 60 or older.
The reason, he said, is clear: "It's the continuing demand in the service."
The Navy has 36 medical personnel and 16 chaplains who are over 60.
There is one Marine between 60 and 65 currently serving.
The Air Force has 12 chaplains over 60 and 32 medical personnel between 60 and 65.
"The rules say it's at 60 years of age when people retire," said Dov Schwartz, an Army spokesman. The Army will issue waivers allowing people who are older to serve if they have needed skills. Returning, though, is "totally voluntary," Schwartz said.
Caulfield has much-needed experience in gunshot and fragmentation injuries.
"We salute his courage," Schwartz said. "We salute his bravery."
Caulfield lived and practiced oral surgery in Salisbury, N.C., before moving to Satellite Beach two years ago.
When the call came, he had no qualms about serving. He said that because the wars in Afghanistan and in Iraq were within such a close time, the military is exhausting some specialties. They have rotated some reservists in and out.
"Because there is no draft, they are using and maybe overusing the National Guard and Reserve," he said. "There is no obligatory method."
Caulfield said he is glad to be able to help.
"I've been a soldier for 25 years," he said. "When your country asks, you do it."
His wife of 47 years, Patricia, said she thought a cruise through the Panama Canal they took after he gave up his private practice would be the most adventurous experience they would have after retirement.
"I feel a lot more comfortable than when he was in Vietnam," she said. "This is a great way to finish his career."
Getting ready involved updating his medical credentials and re-establishing military security clearances. His pre-deployment preparation at Fort Benning, Ga., included making sure he was physically fit and could use a gun. Caulfield carries a gun in a holster strapped to his side, sometimes under his scrubs.
"Getting used to wearing boots and carrying a gun is a little unusual," he said.
But the habits of an old soldier didn't fade away.
"Readjusting to the Army was a lot like riding a bicycle again after 24 years: a little rocky at first, but you make adjustments and it comes back to you," he said.
Full Article
why do i smell a "draft" around the corner....
then it's no longer an extended favor to the united nations... if the draft comes back into play, it becomes vietnam all over again...
is this a good or bad thing....?
on one hand human rights violations that have been ignored for so long are finally being addressed, on the other we have to ask ourselves, beyond human decency... why are we there?
just an observation
- perry
QUOTE(PaineInTheArse @ Dec 13 2004, 10:23 AM)
Like that new avatar!!!
I'm working on the certification right now on my produce.
QUOTE(vegasmisty @ Dec 13 2004, 11:07 AM)
As for the Stop Loss, I was told its for National Guard only. WHY??? Why are the Regular components allowed to retire and step down after their enlistment and the National Guard (a volunteer Army) is told they will be held hostage till our Gov. deems it OK to leave?
A Stop Loss should be across the board and not discrminate to certain areas of the Military.
A Stop Loss should be across the board and not discrminate to certain areas of the Military.
My sister-in-law is USAF. She's been told that she may not be allowed to leave when her time is up this year, and she may, in fact be deployed before her time is up and be staying in Iraq after her enlistment expires.
It's not just Guard units.
(Not angry at you)
I'll cast my vote with Doc, Marine, et al. The doc in the article clearly states that he chose to return and is glad to do so. My wife wouldn't take the same tack if she got the same notice. She's not MD material, but she was medical field. Something Bethesda, etc. may need if we fall on some really bad times or get even more overextended (Iran, or somewhere else). Canada's only 4 hours drive for her, and she's already told me she's taking the car and leaving me the kids if it comes to that
I bet the ol' Doc cannot practice in any hospital on the outside. Seen this happen to a lot of skillfull M.D.'s when their age gets up there. Could be wrong on that. You cannot tell me that there are not younger and more modern "Meatball" saw-bones in this country that could perform the same or better treatment for the G.I. of the SHRUB'S fiasco. Now if this Doc was in a big money making Hospital, making the big piaster for his skill. You don't think for one minute that this Doc would put up a stink. And with the $$ that a qualified saw-bone makes, he could definately buy his way out - no problem at all. Whats next, emptying the Nursing Homes and jails for the SHRUB? LOL Hey, I wish the Doc well. But got to be honest here, this is a very desperate measure to gain "expertise" in the military - for sure. Hope they put some Geritol, and prune juice in the Doc's chow ration.
While the old fellow sounds like an honorable gentleman, I agree with Bammo_, it does sound like an extremely desperate measure to send a 70 yr old into a war zone.
His wife's quote, "this will be an adventurous way to "end his career..." sent chill down my spine.
His wife's quote, "this will be an adventurous way to "end his career..." sent chill down my spine.
QUOTE(ultraist @ Dec 14 2004, 01:18 AM)
While the old fellow sounds like an honorable gentleman, I agree with Bammo_, it does sound like an extremely desperate measure to send a 70 yr old into a war zone.
His wife's quote, "this will be an adventurous way to "end his career..." sent chill down my spine.
ultraist His wife's quote, "this will be an adventurous way to "end his career..." sent chill down my spine.
No doubt ultraist, the Doc is most likely one very squared away dude. But calling up a 70 year old "Doc" to Military service is a pretty rusty situation. Goes to show how thin and stretched out the "SHRUB" has our Military situation in. And if that military is stretched out that thin, what about the safety and protection that our citizen has here in the good ol' U.S. of A. in time of need. Nothing against the "Doc" but this is truly ridiculous.
Service is voluntary over 60.....
All politics aside we should commend the Doc and his brethren for their service.
Some serve for a GREATER cause then any politician, any party or any one conflict.
What I can't believe is they are spending money like water from a fire hose for the inauguration... seems to me more like ancient Rome every day... .but I digress.
All politics aside we should commend the Doc and his brethren for their service.
Some serve for a GREATER cause then any politician, any party or any one conflict.
What I can't believe is they are spending money like water from a fire hose for the inauguration... seems to me more like ancient Rome every day... .but I digress.
QUOTE(SFC_White @ Dec 14 2004, 07:12 AM)
but I digress.
Methinks Dr. John Caulfield would tell you a little digression is good for your digestion, but don't overdo it!
QUOTE(SFC_White @ Dec 14 2004, 07:12 AM)
What I can't believe is they are spending money like water from a fire hose for the inauguration... seems to me more like ancient Rome every day... .but I digress.
Or the 40 Christmas trees in the White House this year...
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