Much ado about Ollie: Retired Marine officer-turned-newsman a hit in Iraq war zone

[thedrifter]

Issue Date: August 16, 2004

Much ado about Ollie
Retired Marine officer-turned-newsman a hit in Iraq war zone



It’s hard to ignore the “Ollie factor” in a war zone.
Oliver North, the controversial retired Marine lieutenant colonel and television personality, is making the rounds in Iraq, visiting Marines, putting them on network newscasts and motivating troops with every live feed he does from the trenches.

“He’s a legend,” said Staff Sgt. Brian Callaway, 31, an infantry unit leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, in Ramadi. “To me, he’s like an icon.”

Callaway said he’s particularly inspired by the way North persevered through the Iran-Contra arms-for-hostages scandal. He was convicted in 1989 on various charges in the affair, but his convictions were overturned on appeal.

Now, he’s viewed by many troops as a breath of fresh air amid what they view as largely negative war coverage. North’s show “War Stories,” which appears on Fox News, is a morale booster to many troops and their families.

Though he’s long since retired from the Corps, he writes his e-mails in typical Marine fashion: all caps.

“I HATE WAR BUT I LOVE WARRIORS,” wrote North in an e-mail. He said he never tries to be part of the story, but instead provides a forum for troops to tell theirs.

“I TRY VERY HARD TO NEVER APPEAR ALONE ON A LIVE NEWS FEED, BELIEVING THAT OUR AUDIENCE WD RATHER HEAR FROM THEIR SONS AND HUSBANDS DOING THE FIGHTING RATHER THAN A GEEZER WITH A FACE FOR RADIO,” North wrote.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story.php?f=1-MARINEPAPER-273211.php


Ellie

[Namvet67]

Kerry could learn something from Ollie. You know the old saying..if you have to brag about it, you probably didn't do or can't do it.....Semper Fi

[Lock-n-Load]

:marine:Way to go Ollie...Semper Fi.... :marine:

[CAR]

Many Kudoos for Ollie. He's a good man. You can tell he loves being in the sand box with the boys. Love his War Stories show. Good knowledge to absord.
Semper Fi Ollie

[radio relay]

I was down on Ollie, for dissing Congress while in uniform. I don't think he should have done that, even if he was right.

However, it is indeed a breath of fresh air to watch him cover this war. He does it just the way it should be. He respects the Marines, and Soldiers he interviews, and he makes sure he is not the center of the story. I like his "War Stories" show, too. Wish he'd do one on Comm pukes! :)

Can't say enough good things about, Ollie.

As a Vietnam Veteran, Marine, and American, I must say that Lt. Colonel North, makes me proud!!!

[paul g fleming]

yes yes

[HardJedi]

I ALWAy'S have loved Ol Ollie. :D

[Jersey Joe]

Compared to the normal BS you see on the major "news"
stations, Col. North is, indeed, a breath of fresh air. Nice to
see some honest reports about our guys from someone on
the front line (not transmitting from the reporters hotel in Bagdad or Karpul).
Semper Fi Ollie

[al20852]

Can't tell you how ****ed I was when Ollie appeared before Congress in his uniform. I and many Marines I know thought he was hiding behind the uniform and that that was inappropriate. However, whether or not it was a mistake, it happened a long time ago, and no one is perfect. Since that time I have off and on listened to his radio show and seen him on TV. He has more than made up for the mistake (if indeed it was a mistake) by his actions since that time. He provides much needed balance whatever your views on Iraq happen to be.