In my home office on Valewood Drive, my observations on military matters have led to about 2,000 published opinions in magazines and newspapers over many years. My goal is to provoke thought.
A friend asked me to name my two most controversial topics, the opinions that drew the strongest reactions. It's a safe bet Oakton neighbors won't agree with my views on these topics. Here they are:
1. Rolling Thunder is inappropriate.
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Remember the annual event that brings half a million motorcyclists to Washington every Memorial Day? Those Harley riders are veterans and well-meaning citizens. They honor the military and raise awareness about America's prisoners of war and missing in action.
But Rolling Thunder is loud, smelly and intrusive. The widow of a World War II bomber pilot told me she couldn't visit her husband at Arlington National Cemetery because "those motorcycles get in the way and traffic is paralyzed."
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My dissent from Rolling Thunder appeared in the trade journal Air Force Times five years ago. Afterward, an angry cyclist telephoned from his home in West Virginia.
"Buddy," he said, "you'd better not ever show up in my town."
"Funny," I replied. "That's exactly what I've been saying to you."
A threatened demonstration by hundreds of Rolling Thunder stalwarts in front of my house on Valewood Drive, hogs, noise and all, failed to materialize.
2. Veterans organizations are out of touch.
The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (to which I belong) and other veterans' service organizations (VSOs) make important contributions to community and nation.
But they need to change if they're to embrace younger veterans.
Ditch the ritual. At Legion meetings, Legionnaires recite a "preamble" written in response to the Red Scare of 1919 when the Americans saw a Bolshevik around every corner. "None of us understand this," one told me.
Ditch the sexism. No organization should have a Ladies Auxiliary or the Sons of the Legion.
Ditch the smoke-filled bar. Using a Legion or VFW post for taxpayer-subsidized smoking and drinking is a turn-off to younger veterans. My opinion, published in the Military Times several years ago, drew a barrage of brickbats.
Yet VSOs near us and around the country are drawing almost no new, younger members. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are staying away in droves.
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About me: My new book is "Mission to Berlin," a Stephen Ambrose-style history of B-17 Flying Fortress bomber crews in World War II, based in part on bagel-shop interviews with veterans. You've seen my Labrador retriever, Autumn and me dodging both bicyclists and motorcyclists who consistently ignore the stop sign at Valewood and Wayland. Help with my next military writing project by ringing me: (703) 264-8950.
Special Thanks: My writing on these topics would be impossible without interviews conducted at the literary center of our community, the Chesapeake Bagel Shop in Oakton, where Paul Park oversees food, drink, and the perfect meeting place for almost any get-together. It's one of Oakton's last family-run businesses.