Community Corner

Tennessee Air Guardsman Re-Enlists Using Dinosaur Puppet

An Air National Guard colonel was forced into retirement after administering a re-enlistment oath to a guardsman wearing a dinosaur puppet.

NASHVILLE, TN — A video showing a Tennessee Air National Guardsman re-enlisting while wearing a dinosaur puppet cost her a job and forced out the officer who administered the oath.

The video has drawn more than 3.4 million views and plenty of sharp rebukes since it was posted earlier this week.

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The video shows the airman reciting the oath delivered by the colonel while wearing the puppet on her right hand. The puppet mouths the words along with the airman.

The state’s Military Department announced Wednesday that after an investigation, the airman has been removed from her assignment with the Joint Public Affairs Office and the colonel was immediately retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel. The non-commissioned officer who videoed the re-enlistment was removed as first sergeant of his unit.

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“I am absolutely embarrassed that a senior officer and a senior NCO took such liberties with a time-honored military tradition,” Tennessee Adjutant-General Major Gen. Terry Haston said in a statement. “The Tennessee National Guard holds the Oath of Enlistment in the highest esteem because that oath signifies every service member’s commitment to defend our state, nation and the freedoms we all enjoy. Not taking this oath solemnly and with the utmost respect is firmly against the traditions and sanctity of our military family and will not be tolerated.”

Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, Air National Guard Director, wrote that he was outraged by the video.

“Let me say, I’m equally shocked and dismayed by this event that mocks such a cherished and honorable occasion,” he wrote. “The oath of office or enlistment not only signifies our commitment to our nation, but pays respect to our fellow service members and to those who came before us. We as military members answer to a calling of service and represent the Profession of Arms. This action goes against our very foundation.”

Image via Tennessee Military Department


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