Letter: Guard NCO protected his unit

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

A big guard drill weekend is on. The troops have known for weeks it will be a tough field problem with an overnight bivouac, so bring your field gear (TA-50 in Army lingo). But of course PFC Sadsack, part of that 10 percent who never get the word, forgot his at home. Thank goodness Sgt. Kiwi has a complete extra set of TA-50, so Sadsack is in no more trouble than usual. After the all-night training drill, there are still some blanks and flares left over. It would be a big problem to return them to supply, so Sgt. Kiwi takes it home to dispose of later. He knows it's not the right way, but it's not the wrong way either -- it's the Army way.

I served with Sgt. Mosby in the Nevada National Guard as tank commander from 1974-79. He was my platoon sergeant at the Yerington unit and thanks largely to his leadership, our beloved M Company 3rd/163rd Armored Car, out of little Yerington, Nev., developed into one of the top National Guard tank companies in America.

One of the best memories of my life was when our regular Army advisers from the elite 1st Cavalry Division told us they would be proud to roll into combat beside M Company.

I have served three years with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany and five years with the Nevada National Guard and I can say Sgt. Mosby is the finest noncommissioned officer I have ever seen. If he is drummed out, it will be a tragedy for the U.S. Army, Nevada National Guard and the troops in his command. Gov. Miller and his commanding officers should do whatever necessary to return him to his duties immediately.

Butch Gordo