From Patterico’s Pontifications is the following quote from a returning Marine chaplain:

“As we came in for the final approach to Oakland a Lieutenant who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006 mentioned how when they landed in Oakland they were not allowed in the terminal. He said, “they made us get out by the FED EX building and we had to sit out there for 3 hours”. He also indicated he was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal.

Well the same thing happened again. This time we did not park by the FED EX building, instead we were offloaded near the grass that separates the active runway from the taxi ramp, about 400 yards from the terminal. When we inquired why they wouldn’t allow us in the airport they gave us some lame excuse that we hadn’t been screened by TSA. While true, the screening which we did have was much more thorough than any TSA search and was done by US Customs. Additionally, JFK didn’t seem to have a problem with our entering their terminal, nor did security in Germany.

It felt like being spit on. Every Marine and soldier felt the message loud and clear, “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN OAKLAND!”

Add to that the fact I read an article the other day that stated the US Marine silent drill team was not allowed to film on the streets of San Francisco because of traffic concerns when the traffic officer in charge of filming movies said it has never been a problem before. The Marines were allowed to film on the streets of New York City during rush hour.

These Marines have served their country and most didn’t ask to go to Iraq. We are treating today’s military the very same way some treated our military returning from Viet Nam and it is wrong!

These guys would lay down their lives to save yours or mine and we treat them like we’re ashamed of them. I’m proud of every single one of our military who has or is serving with honor.