I would like to mention the actions of Gov. Edwards and his appointed general of the Louisiana National Guard. I am speaking to the choir as I write this letter. I want to remind both of how unprofessional they acted while our troops were in Washington for the purpose of security. If one desires a uniform of our military they are properly vetted prior to acceptance. Only then are they authorized to proudly wear the uniform of the branch of the military for which they have chosen. I feel certain that Governor Edwards, prior to his being accepted to West Point, was properly vetted before acceptance. Once accepted, was he ever interrogated in reference to his loyalty to his country? Don’t think so.
There is no reason in discussing what the world has already seen and read in the news outlets as to how the National Guard troops were treated while in Washington. How embarrassed it must have been to be interrogated by a civilian agency as to “the troops beliefs.” Was the general of the Louisiana National Guard present when this was taking place? If they were aware of the interrogation of our Louisiana troops, why didn’t the governor and the general object? Did they manage to take time out to speak to the Louisiana troops — as Vice-President Pence did?
Prior to sending our troops to Washington did the governor and the general assure that three hot meals and a decent place to live were available? Evidently not from the photos shown on national TV.
After serving 22 years of active federal service in the U.S. Army and retiring as a criminal investigator (CID special agent) I know the definition of interrogation — ”to extract information from a person in order to solve a case.” When questioned I feel the only answer from our troops should have been “loyalty to my country.” Also, as past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Louisiana, I feel comfortable with the majority of our troops in Louisiana. I am going to find one National Guard soldier and get the full details of the interrogation and get back to the governor and the general of the Guard, the La. Congressional delegation and most importantly the people of Louisiana with the truth. Note: During one of the governor’s weekly news messages about the virus, an apology to the troops as to how they were allowed to be mistreated in Washington while conducting their assigned duties.
Respectfully,
Link Savoie
Retired military
Army criminal investigator (CID special agent)
Sunset