Post from David vacchi
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 10:16AM Lt Col David Vacchi is one of the people whose portrait is included in 100 Faces. In his statement he named his commanding officer, COL Stramara. A couple viewers of the project advised that I blank out the name of Stramara until I know whether the project could be held Libel for the use of his name. I think everything will be fine and that I will be able to restore David Vacchi's quote to include Stramara's name soon. In the mean time David has written the following post to say why it is important to name COL Stramara.
David Vacchi said...
Matt has developed an amazing series of modern art, by bringing to life the personal thoughts and images of some of us who have been to the most recent wars in the Middle East. In my own experiences it is clear that our senior leadership was completely out of touch with what was really going on in the war and what it would take to win the war. This has resulted in our still being in a quagmire. With Gen Patreus taking command, we have a chance to change the tone of the way this war is being waged... It is a small chance. The military needs a major change in philosophy in order to understand modern warfare. Those that try to engage the local populace as a primary means to establish security and stability have been chastised for doing so. This is my story and how COL Kevin Stramara of the 4th ID ended my career, by refusing to embrace the right way to win in Iraq and discriminating against me for generating results without killing or mistreating Iraqis. His techniques resulted in increased violence and Abu-Graib-like treatment of detainees. Tragic. I'm glad his career is over after 5+ investigations into his conduct and poor leadership during the war. As for me, I'm glad to be moving on with the final stages of my career and on to the next chapter in my life without compromising my integrity or honor. There is no honor in people like Stramara. At least I can look in the mirror each morning when I shave.
Reader Comments (4)
It became apparent that the project would not be at risk of libel from naming a person in the way Lt. Col David Vacchi uses in his statement. However, I must add that upon thinking about the issue some more it seems there is more to think about than legal issues. In short I think the project must be able to reserve the right to blank out an individual's name if the individual is a near peer mentioned in an accusatory light. As Lt Col Vacchi states, it is important to recognize mismanagement, etc. However, the fact of mismanagement can be recognized without naming names specifically in this venue. If people care to look up the issues which Lt Col Vacchi names in order to develop a specific history of mismanagement it would be more appropriate for them to learn the specific names of the people involved through those other venues.
I was the closest person to Col. Stramara during the war. I stood side by side with him in many firefights and he always looked out for his men. The only people that had problems with his leadership were those that were weak minded and afraid to be the warriors they sighned up to be. -Former Army Staff Sergeant Ed Chelby
Furter more Mr. Vacchi we (the enlisted soldiers) all knew you were weak; you looked like it, smelled like it and not one of us would have followed you down a dark alley like we would have for Col. Stramara and CSM Sherrill. War has no place for the weak, Mr. Vacchi. You know who I am and I know who you are. You're a man who wishes to be remembered by protesting and explaing why you couldn't make it as an officer by blaiming others. Col Stramara and I will be remembered by those that matter to us the most. The soldiers who served side by side with us while we laughed, cried, and and put the enemy to sleep. Mr.(Major) Vacchi do your self a favor, show some respect for those who made the decisions to save American lives rather than worry what they look like while shaving. "Deep Strike!" Sir!
Let it be know that these comments were posted by Staff Sergenat Ed Chelby, Two time Bronze Star recipient and Purple heart Recipient. Veteran of two tours in Iraq with the Fighting Fourth.