Ball, Degnan Battle At Debate Over Military Records
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- July
- 21
Here’s some video of Assemblyman Greg Ball, R-Patterson, and challenger John Degnan during a heated portion of their debate last week at a Meet Your Candidates Night in a Catholic Church in Patterson.
The two battle over their military records, with Ball at the end standing over Degnan and asking for an apology. He claims Degnan’s camp sent out a mailing that alleges Ball left his military service early.
“I want a public apology for you attacking my military service,” Ball, a protocol officer, barked at the 5:00 mark of the video.
Degnan denied being involved in the mailing and claims that Ball only served three years and seven months of his military contract.
Degnan then grabbed a microphone and responded, “three years seven month broken contract with U.S. taxpayers.”
And it’s only July.
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on Monday, July 21st, 2008 at 4:49 pm by Joseph Spector.
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clearly john degnan has attempted to engage in personal
smear tactics…implying that somehow greg ball breached
his committment to the US armed services..and apparently
mr degnan owes mr ball an apology..not only that
he continued his accusation after mr ball demonstrated
he was still on ready reserve…..degnan is not
the person to challenge ball…for those of you interested
in challenging greg…greg is prepared for the race
next time vet your candidate and vet the issues
Ball is running another con game, Ball did not fulfill his commitment to the residents of the United States, Ball is playing a shell game with the public. This debate was set up by Ball and it was stacked with ball supporters and Ball did not anticipate Degnan showing up. Ball said he was going to debate a chicken because Degnan was not going to show up, when Degnan did show up Ball was nervous and seemed unsure of himself. Degnan went into enemy territory and handled himself well. Ball has been found over and over and over lying to the people in his district. Ball will be shown to be a phony several more times during the campaign.
If these two are representative of the people willing to afford us leadership, we are in a sorry state. Ball comes off as less than erudite and Degnan comes off even worse. Ball wins this one, hands down.
the issue is whether greg breached his committment ..degnan
made it the centerpiece of the campaign….apparently
greg who admits not being in combat..and holding umbrellas
was not needed and TRANSFERRED to the ready reserve so
that the military could spend his salary on Iraq..
am I missing anything?
JB, for you information since Greg did know in advance that Degnan was attending b/c he responded to the group who organized it.. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!!!
The Consultant said, “Am I missing anything?†yes, you are, Ball would like to shape this debate to be about what he wants and he will distort the truth to make you believe what he wants. Ball has fooled the people once and they will not be fooled again, Ball has been proven to be a liar and a fraud.
John Degnan is talking about some key issues; Degnan is talking about energy policies, economic security and property tax reform. These are the issues that are impacting the residents in the 99th Assembly District.
John Degnan is the right man for the job at the right time.
Degnan is morally bankrupt. His doomed campaign is also bankrupt, which could only raise $6,000 in the same time it took Ball to raise $100,000.
The failed Brewster Mayor has failed again by breaking his promise to wage a “positive campaign based on the issues.”
Thus far, the only issues we’ve heard about from him are that immigration (“Illegal immigration is the same as the space program”) and taxes (“I oppose a property tax cap, instead lets raise income taxes to slow down spending during a recession”). No wonder Brewster is the laughing stock of Putnam County.
For a draft dodger like John Degnan to call anyone’s military service into question is offensive. Obviously the 100 people in attendence, most of whom were undecided voters, were very off put by Degnan’s misrepresentations and outright lies.
Clearly he should not participate in any more debates. Once he is off the strings of his puppet masters and handlers he comes off looking like a crass buffoon.
John Degnan, “Um, first of all, I do not know how a bill becomes law.”
This guy is so far off the reservation its amusing to watch. The three people that follow him around to his events are almost as good, especially the one with the speech impediment whose all sauced up in that video where he yells, “Will Stephens…for assembly.”
Leibell funneling $30 grand to Degnan just to avoid running against a Democrat will eventually come back to haunt him.
Credible challengers (decent campaigners, with staff, fund raising, name recognition, etc.) such as Jim Martorano and Mike Kaplowitz all turned this race down.
Now Democrats will be stuck with a third-tier candidate who couldn’t even get enough signatures for an Independence primary.
Once Degnan is crushed, there will be some kind of crazy Putnam politics reckoning between Ball and Leibell that scares me to think about.
The failed Brewster Mayor’s being put up as a sacrificial lamb by the Putnam politics of patronage. Libel Lynn, one of his handlers, admitted as much (thanks for reminding us that not all patronage jobs are “no-show”, btw).
Too bad you can’t appoint voters, eh, John?
Poor John is in way over his head. Too bad he’s going to blow his “nice guy” image as a favor for the powers that be, but maybe there’s a nice staff position at the end of the tunnel for him somewhere come November 5th.
Greg Ball should come out publicly and denounce Michael Rights the disgraced Southeast Supervisor who Greg Ball orchestrated his campaign for Southeast Supervisor. Greg Ball and Michael Rights could always be heard saying, “illegal is illegalâ€, if they both believe “illegal is illegal†then someone should ask Greg Ball what he thinks about his drinking and driving buddy and cohort Supervisor Mr. Rights. Everyone knows these two are tied at the hips, the press should ask Greg Ball for a comment.
Michael Rights said in the Gannett News that he is fighting to take over the Southeast Republican Committee, what he forgot to say is he and Greg Ball are fighting to take over the Southeast Republican Committee.
Here is a good one for you, Greg Ball who lives in Pawling is running in the Election District of Dennis Sant and is trying to defeat Dennis Sant for his committee position. The Southeast residents need to be careful with this undermining group and not allow them to put their people in control of the Southeast Republican Committee. You have a man who has been arrested twice in the last 13 months and a known liar in Greg Ball trying to take control of the Southeast Republican Committee.
Lets be very clear here, Greg Ball and Michael Rights are a team who work together. Greg Ball is responsible for Michael Rights being in office, Greg Ball should demand Michael Rights recognition.
But then again in Greg Balls world, illegal is illegal only when it applies to others.
it is pretty clear that degnan is off the mark..you
don’t accuse someone of awol or breach of contract
unless you have the stone cold proof..degnan made
a huge error…ball is the nominee
Being a friend to a habitual drunk driver is probably better then renting to and defending an sexual predator.
Listen to Degnan’s own words before you throw stones at Michael Rights, who should pay for what he has done and get the help he desperately needs.
“Folks, the key word here is alleged. There was an arrest made,” Degnan said. “That man will have his day in court. Yes, I do fear for my children. But I will also make sure that people who are accused of a crime are entitled to their day in court.”
“I am not condoning what happened, assuming it happened. The words are properly used, ‘alleged’, but let that man have his day in court.”
I’ve pointed out in the past that Degnan should not be attacking people military records. I was glad when I got home a few minutes ago and opened up an email containing a link to this.
John is not welcome at the Yorktown Heights VFW Post.
Degnan once again is showing how little class he says, and how much of an idiot he could be. Clearly ball proved that he did not quit, and just leave.
The thing that amazes me is how Degnan still fails to stop talking after Ball proves his duty through his dd-214.
Degnan is playing right into Ball’s hand. Greg loves to scrap. Ball will not lose a dirty fight. Bad move, Degnan. You showed your cards far too early.
Will someone please explain to me how Greg Ball, a graduate of one of this nations top military academies, was released from his pledge to serve his country the full 5 years? This happening during a time of war, not during peace time. He says he was a protocol officer and held the umbrella for the generals? Is that true? So Greg Ball was given his four years of education at the Air Force Academy, paid for by the tax payer, and all he had to do is hold an umbrella for generals. And to top that off, he got out of his pledged commitment early? Was he that much of a flunky that during a time of war the Air Force could not put the education we paid for to some good use? Just think of the expense. I must not be well informed, I didn’t know that our nations top military academies were in the business of graduating non-essential personnel, especially during a time of war. Ball says in the video that “Rumsfeld wanted more boots on the ground and less protocol officersâ€. How about the “boots†this nation paid for, like Greg Ball’s? This guy did not graduate from ROTC paying his way through college to join the service. He received his education for free. The tax payers gave him the best education money could buy, and he held up the umbrella for generals? And now he is the 99th A.D.’s assemblyman. Hilarious!! I guess the voters do get the government they deserve…..
John Degnan and his rag tag band of nere-do-wells ought to be ashamed of themselves for continuing to spread these terrible lies.
Degnan will fail against Greg Ball just like he fails at everything else.
Check out this Youtube video of Degnan defending a vicious sex predator who lives across the street from him in one of Degnan’s rental properties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgoWzdSR9nI
John Degnan: The Sex Offender Lobby’s new best friend.
Can’t blame him for carrying umbrellas for generals. Tell the generals to carry their own umbrellas and expensively educated guys (at public expense) like Ball can do something constructive while in the military. When I was in the Navy, attached to an Admiral’s Staff, we had a flag lieutenant, which is similar to a protocol officer in the USAF. He seemed pretty busy to me, getting conferences, meetings, and sundry flag social functions work smoothly. Granted, the few I knew in the military were handsome, secretarial sorts who were, of course, educated and well groomed, part of the reason they are chosen for this duty. Not shooting- war guys, but who can blame them? It’s plush duty and you’re seen as something of a fop by the grittier guys, but a lot of the attitudes were more from jealousy than the reality of the situations.
Degnan is a loser
John Degnan has not shown his hand as of yet, I am sure Degnan is a better poker player then Ball. This election will see its ups and downs for both sides and when it all over John Degnan will expose Greg Ball for the fraud that he is. Last election Ball played all offense and beat his opponent into submission, this election John Degnan is giving him a taste of his own medicine. When it is all said and done the people will elect the person who is talking about the issues. John Degnan is talking about the issues that matter most, property taxes, energy policies and economic security. Greg Ball is in a time warp talking about the same old thing and doing nothing.
John Degnan will be the voice of the 99th Assembly District next year!
Nice to see jb is as delusional as the other three Degnan supporters.
The “attack veterans” strategy being used by Degnan did not work for Willis Stephens (his #2 campaign contributor). It will not work this time around. He denies sending a letter attacking Ball’s military service, and then gets up and repeats the charge. This is almost exactly what Willis Stephens did, except Willis used proxies instead of addressing the charges correctly.
Degnan should have stuck to his promise to run a positive campaign, because he now has so much egg on his face that he is being barred from AM Legion and VFW halls. Since Degnan’s own failed record would never get him elected, he has little other choice then to grasp at straws, I’ll admit, but confusing basic military terms demonstrates his naiveté.
Not to mention, Degnan has himself, admitted in public, that he has “no shot” unless Ball makes some kind of major implosion. As he is the second best fund raiser in the entire Republican minority conference, this is highly unlikely.
Degnan is not talking about issues at all. He is running the same negative mudslinging campaign he ran for Southeast supervisor, and Brewster mayor, and trying to blame it all on Assemblyman Ball.
Degnan doesn’t even know how a bill becomes law, for christ’s sake. He is despised in Westchester, and in Putnam County, he couldn’t even with his hometown during his last campaign (with a dead last finish in the Republican primary).
He has no clue when it comes to taxes, I am convinced he left the Republican party ages ago—raising incomes taxes instead of capping property taxes? Is Degnan nuts? The reason we give tax rebates, is so that people have more money, spend it, and the economy grows. Failure to grasp a basic concept like this is demonstrative of why Brewster went into such a sharp decline while he served as trustee and then Mayor.
He has not said a word about energy policy, or “economic security”. As an Assembly Democrat, his only job will be to fleece taxpayers in one part of the state to pay the ones in this part.
Degnan’s nomination, Leibell funneling money, all of the patronage jobs for brothers in law and campaign contributors, and all of the housing developments built with taxpayer dollars by public benefit corporations, his profiting off of public works through his contracting firm, including a veteran’s monument, are all a mockery of the electorate and our democracy it self.
Lay off the drugs is obviously one of Greg Balls spin doctors. Greg Ball is in serious trouble and he does not know which way to turn. The world according to Greggy is begging to crumble, Greggy feels the ice cracking under his feet. Greggy and his few supporters that are left are fearing for the worst, what will we all do when we have to find real jobs and we no longer can lie to the public. Greggy and his team are the biggest con-artist in the area, they have gotten away with their lies and deception for to long, the public is now aware of Ball’s tactics. In fact, when you run into old Ball supporters they will give you an ear full. You will all hear all about when the time is right.
I would love to know what Greggy thinks about his good friend Mike Rights, wasn’t it Greggy who ran his campaign and pushed him on the people in Southeast?
Perhaps if John Degnan and his three supporters ventured outside of Brewster they would realize why he was booed so roundly in Patterson, or why no one showed up to his events in Yorktown and Somers.
Ball raised 10x the amount of money that Degnan did in the same period. Meanwhile, Mayor McCheese couldn’t even qualify for the Conservative and Independence lines. 100 signatures too much for you Johnny?
Who supports John Degnan?
25 People at his campaign opener (all from Brewster). $6,000.
Willis Stephens. $2,000.
Vinnie Leibell. $80,000.
Robert Buckley. $1,500. (all from correction officer’s pensions, they are none too pleased about that mind you)
Who supports Greg Ball?
The voters of the 99th Assembly district. Priceless!
ball is a chickenhawk….he is clearly scared of losing this election because he is boisterous, obnoxious, arrogant, mean-spirited human being.
Speaking of obnoxious, you’re still using my name.
To “Lay off the drugs”, nice avatar. Just a thought, there are two Will Stephens’ who have served in the assembly. There is Will Stephens, and there is Will Stephens, Jr. So, if you think Will Stephens, Jr. made that donation to John Degnan you are sorely mistaken. But I guess you might have known that, but wanted to leave the wrong impression anyway. Maybe you should “Lay off the deceit”.
greg ball may have some personality issues…but degnan’s
bull in the china shop attitude is not exactly what
should represent the republican party …clearly he
had his facts wrong..but when shown the facts he decided
that he would continue the attack..not the sign of
a good legislator
Balls education at the Air Force Academy for four years do not count as serving his contract to the Unites States of America and getting out early was a plan for his own personal gain. So he owes the country back.
Ball really does not car about any of us, he cares about his own personal gains and power.
His signs are up all over and there are regulations regarding the posting of political signs early…but Ball does not care.
Ball supports this Rights in Brewster…and this Rights blames others for making him drink and drive.
Ball is a smooth talker with two personalities. He can persuade the public easily but a little research can pull apart much of what he says and he stretches the truth to his own needs.
Is he a politician playing the game…he sure is and we all lose.
Ball is clearly concerned about his military record. If I recall correctly, Will Stephens never raised the issue, it was Ball who claimed Stephens had sent out some “anonymous” letter before the Republican nominating convention assailing Ball’s service to our Country. Does this sound familiar? Greg is using the same tactic here against John Degnan. Many observers believed that Ball sent the “anonymous” letters himself in an effort to make himself the victim and gain the support of Veterans. That’s where my money is. Ball is a con artist and he has surrounded himself with devious, manipulative people who show cynical contempt for the voters and the truth. In all my days, I’ve never seen anyone anger more people and accomplish so little. I only hope the good voters of the 99th AD will send Greg back to complete his military commitment that we, the taxpayers, paid so dearly.
Reading the above posts is alarming to all of us in this local assembly area. These people come off as fighting personal battles and the rest of us people are left with nothing. Having Ball for the representative for the past two sessions, would not vote for him. The other man, Degnan, has an up hill battle and not sure if he do the job either. So we are left with a November vote for NO ONE. Maybe not a year of viable candidates to vote for in our district. What a shame. Of course the Leadership in Washington has been horrible and we all are fed up with the Republican do nothing of the past 8 years.
if you think that greg ball did not fulfill his committment
why don’t you pick up a copy of the document he offered
in the video..and make a formal request of the air force
as to his status….then you will know the facts as they
may be rather then issuing an attack based on your opinion
Ie think “consultant” misses the point. True, Greg Ball can show a DD-214 that says he was “honorably discharged for miscellaneous reasons.” What that document DOESN’T say is what that “miscellaneous” reason was. Furthermore, all one has to do is go to the Air Force Academy website to learn about the “contract” or “commitment” that a cadet undertakes to serve in the military AFTER obtaining a tax payer paid education. What I read was that you must commit five (5) years to active duty (more if you are a pilot) and three (3) years of reserve duty. If you don’t fulfill this commitment, you are liable to pay the government back for some or all of your education costs. A little simple math tells me that Greg would have to serve a TOTAL of eight (8) years (active duty and reserve) which would bring him to 2009. Greg now claims that, because he was allowed to skate on a portion of his “active” duty commitment that “additional” time was tacked on to his “ready reserve” commitment, yet he claims he is still “done” in 2009. It doesn’t seem like he had to extend his service to our Country as he suggests. It is still eight (8) years no matter how you add it up. Question to Greg. Did you have to pay the United States of America back for any of your education costs because you skipped out on some of your “active duty” commitment? If so, how much was it and who paid it for you? Lastly, I find it so difficult to believe that the government would discharge you, a highly (and expensively) educated military professional while, at the same time, call up reservists who are well in their 40’s to serve in a combat theater. But, then again, we have Mr. Ball as our Assemblymember, a leader in our government …. that says it all. Greg Ball should be profusely apologizing to the people of the United States, not seeking an apology from John Degnan. Its not even close, Degnan has my vote.
The two strategies in play here are issues (Ball) and character (Degnan).
Ball uses issues to define himself and his opponent. He is pro life, pro gun, tough on crime, a fiscal conservative, and opposed to illegal immigration, as we all know by now.
Ball constantly hits on Degnan’s mismanagement of Brewster via issues: the failed taxpayer funded day laborer hiring site, the failed privately funded day laborer hiring site, the ID cards for illegal aliens, the spike in crime, refusing to arm village police officers, doubling his salary, tripling water/sewage taxes, and getting the village sued (where he is a co-defendant) in an expensive Federal Civil Rights lawsuit.
Degnan on the other hand, will not say a word about issues. Probably because his candidacy is being managed by handlers from boths ides of the aisle (Leibell’s senate team as part of some non-compete agreement, and No. Westchester/Putnam Democrats). Instead, he chooses to focus on character.
However, Degnan’s outright lying and insulting the character of a veteran, using false information, when he never served, reading from a letter that he claims he never sent, tells more about the Mayor’s character then anything else. Ironic.
It takes more character to raise your right hand and serve this country like Ball then Degnan will ever have. He is ill-suited to public office, and Ball’s use of the issues to define the candidates will be the deciding factor in this race, no matter how much money Senator Leibell pours in to keep Mike Kaplowitz from running again.
Localkid, you obviously never served in the military. You have every right to your opinions, but I earned mine, so they carry more weight.
I’ll try and clue you in on something. DD 214’s don’t say “Separated for miscellaneous reasons”, anywhere, EVER.
When I came home from basic training, I was issued a DD-214. Type of Seperation: Release from Active Duty. Character of Service: Honorable.
When I came home from AIT, I was issued a DD-214. Type of Seperation: Release from Active Duty. Character of Service: Honorable.
When I came home from OIF I (that’s Operation Iraqi Freedom), I was issued a DD-214. Type of Seperation: Release from Active Duty. Character of Service: Honorable.
When I came home from OIF IV/V, I was issued a DD-214. Type of Seperation: Release from Active Duty. Character of Service: Honorable.
Everyone who gets a DD-214 under honorable conditions would have be the same information in the “Special Additional Information” area. The only thing that might change is in block 26 “SEPARATION CODE” which is one of about 150 3-letter codes.
As you already knew, Greg Ball’s DD-214 does not say “honorably discharged for miscellaneous reasons” anywhere. You’re as big a liar as John Degnan.
Almost 10,000 Air Force service members lost their job (See the website about) in during Donald Rumsfeld’s Air Force restructing.
I guess John Degnan thinks they “their promises too”. Way to insult the entire Air Force, you moron. It’s even worse that you’re a draft dodger yourself to boot.
Six officers and thirty-three people were given early retirements at Bolling AFB (Ball’s post).
Every other base lost jobs as well, military and civilian. Trying to single out Greg Ball for something that happened to people at every single Air Force base (in a DoD effort to save taxpayer dollars when they increased the size of the Army, mind you) as an election strategy is pure stupidity.
To be expected from the Mayor who wanted a taxpayer funded social services and hiring center for illegals, I guess.
“Three years, seven months” is still better then zero, you pathetic coward.
Air Force vet here, coming via Facebook. Look at the first four states that were restructured when Captain Ball left the military. As you can plainly see, 500 job losses.
Alabama
Maxwell AFB loses 177 enlisted, 20 officers.
Ft. Rucker loses 4 enlisted.
Air Force Logistics loses 5 enlisted, Air Force Doctrine Center loses 10 enlisted, Air Force Research Agency loses 9 enlisted.
Alaska
Clear AFS loses 39 military positions (transferred to the IRR)
Eielson AFB (354th Figther Wing) loses 38 military positions due to resizing, 13 pilots due to realignment, and 10 officers due to reduction in manpower. Other minor actions result in a loss of 7 military position.
Elmendorf AFB loses 77 military positions in the 3d Wing due to resizing. The 3d Engineers convert 28 enlisted positions to civilians. The 381st Intel loses five military authorizations.
Arizona
David-Monthan AFB loses 15 military positions to reshaping.
Luke AFB loses 75 military positions in the 56th Fighter Wing due to reshaping. The 56th Logistics loses 12.
Arkansas
Little Rock AFB – The 314th Airlift Wing loses 60 military positions due to reshaping, the 314th Logistics loses five.
I guess these veterans shirked their duties too, right? When you criticize Mr. Ball, you criticize the rest of us for “breaking promises and not fulfilling their contracts”, regardless of whether or not its your intent.
If Degnan had any brains or military service, he would be criticizing the Pentagon for eliminating soldiers they spent a ton of money to train, and not the soldiers themselves.
“Three years, seven months” is still better then zero, you pathetic coward.
Reshaping the force never an easy task
March 13, 2003
By Gen. Lance Lord
Commander, Air Force Space Command
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.—Over the next seven years, Air Force Space Command will trim 1,125 manpower positions. That is our share of the more than 13,200 reductions the Air Force must make before the end of the decade. Seven hundred and fifty-six of those cuts will come in the next year, so we are exploring proposals to implement the reductions. We will focus on outsourcing, reprogramming or delaying some manpower positions and eliminating lower-priority workload.
With all the rumors out there, I want to assure everyone in Air Force Space Command that this force reshaping is central to the needs of the Air Force, especially in strengthening sorely stressed career fields such as security forces and intelligence.
The command is taking a mission-oriented approach to the cuts it has been directed to make, rather than arbitrarily assigning reduction numbers to bases. We believe a “fair share†spread of the reduction to the field is counterproductive, so we will take a hard look at each mission area rather than taking a percentage of slots from each unit.
We still have not completely resolved what bases, or career fields, this reduction will come from in AFSPC. Those decisions should be finalized in the next month.
Increased operations tempo, workload and security requirements created by the war on terrorism, as well as budget constraints, have prompted the Air Force to review its authorizations to create a workforce better prepared to meet future challenges and missions.
Today’s challenges have forced the Air Force to make tough decisions. Shaping the workforce to meet the future steady state of the Air Force that has evolved since Sept. 11 is our top priority. We must do this by making sure manpower authorizations do not exceed the funding Congress has given us.
We will work this issue extremely hard to get answers as soon as possible. We are fully committed to keeping the number of people affected as low as possible without negatively
OIF Vet. Why don’t you look in that little separation box that mention on Greg’s DD-214 and you will see that, in fact, the separation code was indeed MISC. If there are 149 OTHER codes to chose from, why did Greg only receive MISC? So it may not have said “honorable discharge miscellaneous reasons” the DD-214 does say his separation code was MISC. I’ve read the 150 codes avaiable for that little box. If I were Greg, I would have preferred something other than MISC…....
All this attention to the 99th run for assembly. Ball must really eat this stuff up for attention. Does it ever end?
I think the man/woman’s point was that Ball and the other 13,200 people who were separated early due to reshaping (and actually lengthened their commitments in the reserve, mind you) also received a code of “MISC”.
Watched the video….against better judgement. It sounds like Ball has a group there to applaud for him. This was a ball organized event? When Ball spoke no one interupted…when Mr. Degnan spoke, constant interup. Ball looks and sounds really upset.
This guy has to go.
First you call yourself a Somers Republican, ok Republican you do realize that when Ball wins the Primary Degnan will be running as a DEMOCRAT??? AND…
of course he looks upset a man WHO NEVER SERVED is questioning his service. And yes it says MISC that’s b/c that’s what the people who got who extended their contracts. But keep punching holes into the air and see how far that gets you. Ball is a much better canidate than the failed Brewster Mayor.
I am just wondering how many people who criticize Ball’s military record on this blog actually served in the military and graduated from a prestigious military academy. I am guessing the answer is none. Spending four years at the Air Force Academy may be free but it is not exactly fun. So he served close to four years instead of five. Big deal!!! Unless Degnan is planning to sign up for the military tomorrow, he should drop the subject and focus on the issues affecting the district’s residents.
This race shouldn’t turn on military experience but if it does, there is only candidate who has it, Ball. Under Degnan’s supporter’s logic perhaps McCain is the next target since he only flew a plane and served his time in a “Hilton†during the Vietnam War, while others were on the ground fighting. In case, you are wondering that is sarcasm.
To OIF Vet & LocalKid,
This was very easy to Google. Here is the key bullet point of what a DD-214 indicates:
“Separation information (type of separation, character of service, authority and reason for separation, separation and reenlistment eligibility codes)”
Under Ball’s “reason for seperation” it does say “Miscellaneous”. What it does not say is “FORCE REDUCTION”.
I honor anyone’s military service, but I also reserve the right to examine that record, if that person stands for public office and wraps themselves in their military record, ala John Kerry. I found John Kerry wanting as I do Greg Ball. Below please find what is easily available through a search engine on the topic of a DD-214.
DD Form 214, Discharge Papers and Separation Documents
A Report of Separation is generally issued when a service member performs active duty or at least 90 consecutive days of active duty training. The Report of Separation contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations. Information shown on the Report of Separation may include the service member’s:
•Date and place of entry into active duty
•Home address at time of entry
•Date and place of release from active duty
•Home address after separation
•Last duty assignment and rank
•Military job specialty
•Military education
•Decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign awards
•Total creditable service
•Foreign service credited
•Separation information (type of separation, character of service, authority and reason for separation, separation and reenlistment eligibility codes)
In response to Ian, despite your disclaimer that you were being sarcastic, I feel compelled to respond. And I will disclaim that No, I did not serve in the military, but have a great deal of respect for those that have. I won’t go into the long list of close friends and family that have all chosen to serve. Your sarcastic comment has no place on this message board. John McCain served honorably during a time when our nation was at war. He was captured, tortured and beaten by the enemy, but his committment and devotion to our nation never wavered. Greg Ball served in the military during a time that our nation was at war. He admits in the video that our nation needed men in boots to go overseas. Rather than transfer his service into reserve status, did he not raise his hand and offer to put on the boots that were needed? He says he would fight and die for our country, yet when he was needed (by his own admission) he went to reserve status. I don’t think Rumsfeld would have turned away a young, willing soldier. But Greg Ball did not put on his boots. He walked away to reserve status. John McCain put on his boots. And he served admirably. The comparisions are apples and oranges in my opinion.
At the rate our country is going with the leadership of the republican President we are in a shambles. Prices of EVERYTHING ARE OUT OF SITE. Perhaps people will reflect on this and vote for the other party because they are upset.
well folks I served in the military…the army reserves
four years…now you may ask why only four…when all
other units served 5…the answer does not appear on
my discharge…but the reason was that richard nixon
called the unit up during the mail strike..and accordingly
a year was lopped off..lucky for me..In greg’s situation
it doesn’t appear to be enough for the degnan supporters
that he has a discharge and that the airforce was
doing some rearranging…greg has never claimed to be
a combat veteran…when you are in a political race
you need to criticize your opponent based on a substantive
issue not a technical issue..and here degnan is so
angry at greg as are his supporters that cannot get
past the fact that greg was transferred to the reserves
for the air forces’ benefit not for his….
and that is exactly why degnan will not win this contest
He is acting like a child, throwing a tantrum as he did
in the video..watch his body langauge ..it is the
language of someone who has been shown to be telling
a lie..watch him at the end when he is booed….he
is essentially giving the finger to all in the audience
greg may be a little over the top on occasion but degnan
is by temperment not qualified to be in the assembly
I was merely mocking those who would denigrate McCain’s service because he stayed at a place nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton”, which is no Hilton.
As you concede, you have never served in the military and are denigrating a guy who went through basic training, a rigorous military and academic training at the academy, and then served for three and half years in the military while many men his age were partying three or four nights a week and chasing girls. In return, those who went to state or private colleges had the luxury of a more laid-back experience (I know I did) and as such, had to pay full tuition. Ball, got free tuition in return for a lot of hard work.
Does that mean that Ball is a good assemblyman? I have no idea. Until I started on this blog, I knew nothing about him.
However, I do know that his military record should be celebrated and not torn down. People on this blog who are doing such really have no conception of how hard it is to be in the military regardless of whether one is fighting or not. Regardless of Degnan’s record, I cannot see how anyone would vote for him based on his campaign’s primary tactic of attacking a military veteran’s military record.
well said Ian..degan choose the wrong issue at the wrong
time for the wrong reasons
I am just happy I do not live in that district, because it would be hard to vote. I am a total outside observer (Mamaroneck), but the little I read about Ball is not impressive. He is always battling someone and never seems to be governing. Elected officials must work with others in a bipartisan manner and Ball has failed in that. And his attacks on illegal immigrants go too far.
However, with that said, it now appears that Degnan and his supporters have crossed a very troubling line here. You cannot criticize Ball if his story turns out to be true. If the military told him to go into reserves and leave active duty and that his reserve time would fufill his 5 year commitment, then what choice did he have. It was like he was ordered to leave by militaty and military personnel must follow lawful orders.
My message to Degnam, when the election started, I would have voted for him if I lived in district, but now, after this troubling attack, I would have to vote for Ball (reluctently). At least to this voter, the Degnam attack has back-fired.
I have not questioned any part of Ball’s military service other than when he says that men in boots were needed, he was transferred to reserve status. I certainly agree there are far more pressing issues facing our Assembly District than Ball’s military record. But he is the one who put it out there, so he has to deal with questions people may ask. My only question is, when the military needed men in boots to serve our country overseas, why did he not raise his hand and volunteer to go? Like I said, I’m sure Rummy wouldn’t have turned him away. I don’t doubt he did work hard at the Air Force Academy. I never said he didn’t. Just explain why you didn’t volunteer to put on your boots when the military said it needed more men and women in them.
Then tell me exactly how you are going to be effective in lowering my property taxes, lowering my energy costs and all the other things you are actually ABLE to do in Albany. Those are the things that matter. And after two years, I haven’t seen much accomplished by Greg Ball on any of these fronts.
Ian- Playing polo is the equivalent of chasing girls. A game of “chucker’s” anyone? How about we have another “Courage Cup” to raise money for Greg? Phony is as Phony does. For those who are unaware of the deceit this guy brings to public life, Google “Courage Cup” under the Washington Post or Albany Times Union. Using a charity front to raise money for political campaign. The man is a phony and remains a phony.
american taxpayers are due a refund for the taxpayer dollars spent educating the whacko incumbent from the 99th AD. additionally new york taxpayers should demand a refund for his salary and staff salaries since he was elected professing false pretenses. an embarrassment to the election district and humanity in general.
7Curses, interesting to ask for refund of salaries Elected Official and staff. More interesting that a staff member is also the campaign manager. So get paid by the State of New York and do campaign work. You may have come across a very good idea !!!!!
One thing is clear from reading all these posts. There are a group of veterans out there who will defend Ball just because he put on the uniform. That is understandable. They will not look beyond the facade to get to the meat of Greg’s true being. Greg Wears his military service (as meaningless as it was – even he admits it)as his armour into battle, yet he can’t hold a candle to any of the other veterans out there … but he IS a Veteran. There isn’t a soul among us who would say they don’t “respect” a person BECAUSE of his/her service to our great country. Ball’s mistake is that he tries to make more of it than it was. Maybe John Degnan isn’t the one to carry this message, but Ball raised it claiming Degnan had sent an “anonymous” letter castigating his military service. This is the same claim Ball made against Assemblyman Stephens – the difference is Stephens chose (perhaps wrongly) NOT to engage Ball in the hoax. Degnan has the guts to say “I didn’t send that letter, but while we are on the subject, how ‘bout you explain why you didn’t fulfill your contract … during a time of war?” Fair question. Don’t think we’ll ever get to the bottom of it because of military and privacy rules. My guess is that in the coming weeks more will be revealed about Ball’s time in the military, both IN and OUT of uniform.
Legal Eagle, good points. One clarification: WE sent the letter. It was not anonymous at all. It went to voters via e-mail and a mailer. WE are not affiliated with the Degnan campaign. So john is correct in saying he didn’t send it. Even though we go to Johns events etc we are not affiliated with his campaign.
Are we all having fun yet.
I regret to inform you all that I did not serve our great nation in uniform. I truly apologize for that very immature mistake. So, having never served, I shall never, ever, post my opinion, cast a vote against, nor criticize a person who has served; those being, John Murtha, my apologies, sir. John Kerry, again, my sincerest apologies, and I most assuredly will never disparage our great umbrella holder to the generals, and “courage cup” polo player, ASSEMBLYMAN Greg Ball, the most Honorable of all. Whilst, my nephew (2nd tour Iraq still deployed) as his grand father before him, serves his duty for the duration, I will only express my opinion deep in the confines of small corners, for I AM NOT WORTHY to express my OPINION of my VETERAN elected OFFICIALS. Especially, those who have earned their wings! As did our current esteemed assemblyman, Mr. Ball, had his wings “proudly pinned on his chest!”…. To those not informed, one either receives wings from FLIGHT SCHOOL, or from one’s first flight as a SIX YEAR OLD on a commercial airliner. Mr. Ball is the latter, and proves his wings every day spent in the district, and in his limited days in Albany. What a mistake was made two years ago. May that mistaken vote never be repeated. THINK BEFORE YO VOTE.
Truth about GregBall
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
”...Legal Eagle, good points. One clarification: WE sent the letter. It was not anonymous at all. It went to voters via e-mail and a mailer. WE are not affiliated with the Degnan campaign. So john is correct in saying he didn’t send it. Even though we go to Johns events etc we are not affiliated with his campaign….”
Who are the WE in this posting? As a voter, a flyer was received in the mail outlining a web site. It did not say who the WE people were behind it.
Every time i come here I am not dissapointed, nice post