oped: Just *SMH* what can a veteran say? Chuck with 2 tours in Vn as a Buck Sgt...and now as Secretary of Defense...feels praising soccer stars trumps praising real veterans by giving *Pink Slips* to soldiers, sailors,marines and airmen with a one line statement 'Thanks for your service"...however the Obama administration no longer needs you............! 

All I have to say:

http://sharlaslabyrinth.blogspot.com/2014/07/allen-west-quick-note.html

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Actual Secretary of Defense Says Tim Howard Could One Day Have His Job

Hagel calls the World Cup star following a Wikipedia prank, says the keeper's future looks bright.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel calls U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard to thank him for his performance at the World Cup. 

By Paul D. Shinkman July 2, 2014 | 6:07 p.m. EDT + More

A Wikipedia prank late Tuesday could pave the way for a career in public service for Tim Howard, the rock star goalkeeper for the U.S. men’s national soccer team.
In a fit of patriotism and respect for the team, a Wikipedia user changed the online entry for “United States Secretary of Defense” to yield Howard, who in Tuesday's U.S. loss to Belgium still managed to make 16 saves, a record for the World Cup.
The entry was quickly amended. But the Pentagon revealed Wednesday that the real secretary of defense, Chuck Hagel, called Howard Wednesday to offer his congratulations on the game, among other words of encouragement.
[READ: Do Soccer Teams Foul Based On International Relations?]
Hagel thanked Howard for “defending the United States of America at the World Cup,” according to a readout of the call, and “congratulated Howard on his record-breaking game and a great run in Brazil.”
Hagel also told Howard, according to the Pentagon, that “with some training, he could someday become the real secretary of defense.”
The only legal requirements to become defense secretary are that the president must appoint a nominee, who must then be confirmed by the Senate, according to Article 10 of the U.S. Code. A prospective defense secretary also cannot have served as a commissioned officer in the military within seven years of being nominated.
Continue Reading: http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2014/07/02/secretary-of-defense-chuck-hagel-says-tim-howard-could-have-his-job