My arm would be very tired...

was it me or did it seem like one person possibly two specifically went out of their way not to shake the presidents hand?

If so, very disappointing display by the newly minted 2LTs. The President doubles as Commander in Chief, to whom all military officers are fully accountable. Officers are to be publicly apolitical. Beyond that, the Commander in Chief deserves respect.

Agree. Not saluting is, itself, a political statement. The Military must remain non-political. The salute is to the Office of the Presidency, not to any particular holder of the office. Just like in the service, during your career you will have superior officers you do not like or internally respect, but you still have to salute and display respect externally.
 
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Maybe this will balance things a bit. This is EJ Coleman. The former VP is more recognizable and was the speaker at the WP graduation three years ago. EJ was one of my students and football players at Mount Vernon High School, coincidentally the alma mater of the current WP superintendent. My two kids also graduated there but that’s not important here. EJ was lauded as the first black class president and first captain. Never mind his melanin content, those two positions have only been held at the same time by only a handful with names like Pershing, Dawkins, Ike, and other people with statues.

EJ may or may not get a statue but who cares. I know this man from the time he was a great kid. He was like all the freshmen showing up for practice in August when all the other kids still had three weeks to lay around in the morning. Except he was really different. He said yes sir and actually listened and obviously gave a darn about what was going on at the team level. He also had a pilot’s license. I could go on and on about this outstanding man who is now an outstanding leader of Soldiers. You can find him on the Internet and read about his prowess in boxing and bodybuilding. And by the way, some outlets saw fit to write about EJ being the first gay this and that captain blah blah whatever. He came by to visit after graduation and he still calls me coach.

I know him based on not only his value as a superb human, but the value he places on others. He’s just one of those once in a lifetime people who you never forget, and wish we had more of. The reason for this essay is to say EJ, without doubt, would be the first to rise and show the proper respect and protocol to the president, VP, or any in his chain of command, regardless of political party.
 
Even though the VP outed him to some of his family members at that graduation. It was a jaw-dropping event, but Biden did not know EJ wasn’t completely out to his entire family.
 
Even though the VP outed him to some of his family members at that graduation. It was a jaw-dropping event, but Biden did not know EJ wasn’t completely out to his entire family.
Biden gets away with more gaffs than should be allowed.
 
I should have said, “..to his entire family and most of the corps.” Joe’s a great guy, just a bit clueless in this instance. If it was not well known, EJ should have mentioned that. Joe had no way to know otherwise, and a black, gay first captain definitely represented the “not your father’s Army” diversity point. It’s pretty funny now. No real harm done.
 
was it me or did it seem like one person possibly two specifically went out of their way not to shake the presidents hand?

If so, very disappointing display by the newly minted 2LTs. The President doubles as Commander in Chief, to whom all military officers are fully accountable. Officers are to be publicly apolitical. Beyond that, the Commander in Chief deserves respect.
I believe all the newly minted 2LTs were great. Actually, I saw what I saw early on in the ceremony (hint: front row on-stage guests). Like I said, maybe I was imagining it. It was pretty obvious to me though, the president even gave this individual his signature, reach out and left arm them in for the big shake:)
 
Why? Mr. Biden is no longer VP. He is known for his misstatements and he gets away with them. He called out EJ and I'm calling him out.

As per OP's request:

Please do not turn this thread into a political discussion.

As per @AROTC-dad admonishment:

Mod Note:
The following is an excerpt from SAF rules and they are quite clear:

- The purpose of this site is not to discuss politics. Political discussions should be limited in context and scope, and our nation's elected officials respected at all times.

At least take it to the Off Topic Forum
 
The purpose of this forum is to educate and inform SA/ROTC/OCS/OTS candidates on how to become officers.

It is not to disrespect elected officials, or appointees of the past or present, regardless of political spectrum.

The mod team is closely reviewing this thread and is evaluating actions to be taken.
 
I did not get to see the USAFA graduation, but the VP looked to be very genuine in greeting every graduate with a salute and handshake. From the video I saw, he was truly enjoying his time there. I think it is very important that POTUS or the VP spend an hour to congratulate each graduate and give something back to the young men and women who have signed up to defend our country. I also remember that President Clinton spoke one year during my time at USMA. He handed the honor graduates their diplomas and was asked to stay for everyone else. He declined and sat in the shade for the rest of the ceremony. I will never forgot what seemed like a lack of respect for the place and graduates.
 
The purpose of this forum is to educate and inform SA/ROTC/OCS/OTS candidates on how to become officers.

It is not to disrespect elected officials, or appointees of the past or present, regardless of political spectrum.

The mod team is closely reviewing this thread and is evaluating actions to be taken.

Decision is easy...should have been locked up long ago IMO. Would have had zero value to my son during his app process. Applicants and appointees have zero control over who speaks, and they are required to return salutes. No value added and predictable politicization.
 
Why mention it at all? EJ didn’t need his sexual orientation added to his list of accomplishments.

In a way I can kind of see why he did it (gaffe or not) in my opinion, it is to show inclusion and acceptance for ALL people, not just the "typical" members of the Armed Forces we think of.
 
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