https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/unc-charlotte-administrator-criticized-for-past-command-of-guantanamo-bay/ [login to see] 4-58f8-4297-8ee5-e72b34944486
MY COMMENT:
This is the beginning of discrimination of US military personnel based on rumors and innuendo. It would be difficult to find a finer officer than John Bogdan, and UNC Charlotte and it's students, faculty and staff should feel honored and privileged that he is the leader of their campus safety and security. Instead, radical elements have taken to an ignorance-based attack on his character and professionalism. These people do not deserve this fine example of Army excellence.
The US military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is a unique and complex assignment for anyone, but especially so for leaders. The need for intense discipline to maintain order and safety can be as stressful as serving in a combat zone. The facility and mission at Gitmo, which began in early 2002, is an enigma to all but very few who have served there or know someone who has. The idea that one can out-of-hand criticize or attempt to shame or get someone fired simply because of their association or leadership while serving there is absurd, unfair and ignorant.
I encourage anyone who is not knowledgeable about Gitmo to read my book, "Saving Grace at Guantanamo Bay: A Memoir of a Citizen Warrior." It is a small piece to a big puzzle that is the enigma we call Gitmo. A Gitmo real story. I don't promise the whole truth about Gitmo, but an honest story of my experience as a US Army Reserve officer thrust into the role of ranking US Army Medical Department officer with the Joint Detainee Operations Group, Joint Task Force 160, from February to June, 2002. UNC Charlotte students could do themselves a favor by reading it, and other personal accounts of those who served there, and then make up their own minds about it.
I challenge the University, it's faculty, staff and students to allow John Bogdan an opportunity to address and answer any concerns they have about him, his service and integrity. In the United States, due process is a cornerstone to our democracy, and without it, we subject ourselves to mob rule. Unfortunately, what's going on at UNC Charlotte is not the most flattering example of the fairness and intellectual curiosity displayed by college students.