My Oath, My Experience
On May 4, 1968, I took the Oath and promised to preserve, protect and defend… along with the part about obeying the lawful orders…. I remember thinking that these were very important matters and I noticed that the oath was open-ended, I would never be released from its obligations.
One year later, I was a credentialed Special Agent, US Army Intelligence working cases in civilian clothes as assigned (The Army no longer uses military personnel for these investigations). I received a dossier the usual way with a lead sheet requiring me to interview a soldier about a problem in his background investigation. Quite frankly, it was a very serious, and quite possibly leading to trial and incarceration.
The unusual aspect is that a Disposition Form (DF, also then known as a Green Weenie) was attached, signed by my Group Commander, requiring that I interview the soldier without advising him of his right to legal counsel. Words on Green Weenies were less than direct orders, but more than advice, and quite frankly, the way business was done when the writer did not want much of a written record.
There it was, staring me in the face, an unlawful order. I asked the Operations Officer (who had assigned me the case) if I could possibly be reading the directive correctly because it seemed to require violation of the UCMJ and the Constitution. Art, a CW3 of the old school, was a great guy (this was not a set-up) and simply told me I knew what to do.
So I contacted the soldier, read him his rights, and he wanted counsel. We ended up at the post Legal Aid office. One hour later, he signed the waiver and I conducted the interview. There was no derogatory information disclosed and the error he had made was perfectly understandable given the fact that he was a non-native English speaking recent immigrant.
The Group Commander was not happy. He ordered me (again using a Green Weenie) to report to him personally, in Class A Uniform, at 07:30 the next day. Group Commanders do not talk to agents in the field so it was obvious that I had a problem. I took the Green Weenie to my Office Commander, a senior Major, and explained that I had summoned to Group the next morning. He of course wanted to know why. I handed him the Green Weenie and briefed him on the case.
He went straight to purple, not passing through pink or red and told me that I was NOT going to Group the next morning, I was to conduct my usual duties and he would go in my place. I was NOT to discuss the matter with anyone at Group nor anyone other than him or the Operations Officer.
He went.
He Returned.
One day after that, the Group Commander announced his retirement.
I have no idea what the hell happened up there. The whole incident was “the elephant in the next room”, too big to ignore, but out of sight. I do know that the good Major took his oath very seriously. He went to Command and General Staff School within months, and deserved it. I saw his ribbons the day he got back and he only lacked a few at the top of the chart.
Bottom line: Oath Keepers are all around us, it is just that some have not yet picked up the bumper sticker.
Kevin L. Wells
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October 27th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Kevin, that is awesome. It’s always a treat to see people take a stand for what is right. I took the oath in 66. You brought up a good point about no expiration. When I got out I wondered if I was still bound by the oath and realized that it is a lifetime commitment and privilege. Glad to see you here with us!
October 27th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Kevin,
You’re a true hero and inspiration.
Thank you very much for sharing this story with us.
It illustrates the importance of one person taking one right action. The ripple effect is REAL! This is surely a great story for those who think “I’m just one person, what difference can I make?”
Proof Positive of Positive Vibration!
Welcome aboard, Kevin!
October 27th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Kevin,
Thank you for your military service to our Nation.
I agree with you about Oath Keepers having been around us the whole time. I’ve known many Oath Keepers throughout the last four decades, both in the military and in law enforcement.
It’s great to see that a lot of us are showing up at the same place, at the same time. Here at Oath Keepers !
Welcome. And thanks, again.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Kevin, sometimes it is hard to do the right thing. You sir have my utmost respect. I am honored to be with you in Oath Keepers.
Take care and God Bless!
Norma
October 27th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Thank you Kevin for this TRUTH. Oath Keepers ARE all around us, thank you for being true to your country and constitution as well as for your service.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Kevin – just one more voice to say, well done, urrah, I salute you and all like you – men who stand up for the truth and the right, with courage and integrity,
Thank you for your service and welcome to OK.
fire for effect!
j
October 27th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Keven,
I am just an ordinary American Citizen. I have never had the privilege of serving in any form of military or other public service. I’m just another guy making his way in these United States. What you did was brave, honorable and took one hell of a lot of guts, and I thank God for people like you!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
It is an honor to meet you, Kevin. Thank you for remaining true to your oath and sharing your story with us.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Kevin, I just recently heard about this site, and reading through some of the testimonials. Bless you for serving this country, and inspite of what appears to be inevitable…. it is great to know that there are people like you and oathkeepers… like minded people.
AND if Montana does declare independence from the Union…. I will be right up front defending every last one of my constitutional rights.
October 28th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Great testimonial! Thank you for joining us here at Oath Keepers and for you integrity! I salute you!
Semper Fi