THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 3, 1994 TAG: 9409020043
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
The letter from Earl Koepcke (``Fricke not a sailor,'' Aug. 25) struck a nerve. I do not know about Mr. Koepcke's background, but, he certainly went badly astray in his notion that a naval officer is not a sailor. This projects an elitist view of what the Navy officer corps is all about.
I have served 30 years on active duty in an officer's uniform, and I was always proud to regard myself as a sailor. I have heard a number of flag officers refer to themselves as sailors. When Gen. Douglas MacArthur retired, he addressed the Congress and stated, ``Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.'' Would Mr. Koepcke not accept the idea that naval officers are just as proud of their generic title?
Important qualities define an officer and a leader. The most basic quality between a leader and those led is mutual respect. Leadership, esprit and mutual respect are not rooted in some sort of elitist caste system that sets officers on a pedestal. A very wise senior officer once told me, ``Officers organize and administer the Navy, chiefs and senior petty officers run the Navy and enlisted men are the Navy.'' Each has a vital role in an effective naval organization.
JOHN E. HANSEN
Captain, U.S. Navy (ret.)
Chesapeake, Aug. 26, 1994 by CNB