I think that the rationale (or lack thereof) of the school was that he was wearing a Uniform with a vest and holster (empty). At first glance this would indeed be intimidating. I was a Marine Recruiter for 3 years and always showed up in Dress Blues and Tennis Shoes (rarely in my Cammies). But I never showed up wearing Web-gear.E.Marquez wrote:Simply amazing.
I can not possible count the hundreds (possible thousands) of times I have gone to my sons schools in uniform over the years.. as late as 2011 when my youngest graduated HS.
drop off, pick up, see for lunch, pick up for a doc appt, school activity, early day out to go racingYou know important things..
Even a discipline meeting once,, all in uniform.. and never once were the police called...
Though, yes i'd have to say... a younger looking guy (just graduated HS I think from the story) showing up at his old HS in Mil uniform, with body armor and a duty rig on is, well not a great idea.
The "well a LEO does it" not really the same.. a LEO is recognizable as such, and common place in day to day events... a Guy in uniform and body army with a duty belt at a HS, who looks young,, not so common place.
But I agree, the reaction could have been anything from "Hey dude whats up?" by the first staff person to see him.... to a quite call to 911 and the local sheriff coming on scene and saying... "Hey Airmen whats up?", 2 second check of his mil ID card and a confirmation of reason for being at a HS he no longer attends and does not have kids at... 30 sec total time and it should have been a friendly handshake and have a nice day.
However I do indeed agree that it was an overreaction.