WH: Rejection of Medal Winner‘s Family ’Unfortunate Misunderstanding’
- Posted on September 30, 2010 at 12:56pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Yesterday, news of Vernon Baker’s family being turned away at the White House spread quickly. Now, the White House has admitted error in turning away the Medal of Honor winner’s family fore “dress code” reasons.
Family of Medal of Honor recipient Vernon Baker was denied access to the White House’s West Wing on Saturday, a day after the World War II hero was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Baker’s widow, Heidy, and grandson, Vernon Pawlik, 10, were denied entry because the boy was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. His shirt had a picture of his grandfather on it.
The family said it checked ahead of time to make sure there was not a dress code, and said it could not find anything.
Last night, a White House spokesman said that the incident was the result of an “unfortunate misunderstanding,” according to the the Spokesman-Review.
“We would have loved to have hosted 10-year-old Vernon and his family at the White House and we have reached out to the Baker family and Lt. Norris to communicate our deep regret and invite them back to the White House,” spokesman Adam Abrams said. “This family, as well as Lt. Norris, have given so much to our nation and they have our sincerest appreciation and our apologies for this misunderstanding.”
Norris, mentioned above, accompanied the family and was also denied access. Although he is a retired FBI agent and himself a Medal of Honor winner, the Secret Service didn’t have time to complete a background check on him.
Ahead of the spokesman’s announcement last night, some of Idaho’s politicians (where the family is from) were notified of the incident and were angry. Sen. Mike Crapo (R) was preparing a written letter, while U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick (D) is said to have been “very upset.”
Vernon Baker was the only living black World War II veteran to receive the Medal of Honor, the Review reports. In 1945 he rallied his fellow troops after their commander deserted and took a German stronghold in Italy, in the process taking out three machine gun nests, two bunkers, and an observation post.
That Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Comments (129)
Awakenow
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:21pmThese are the people casting aspersions about the intelligence of;TeaParty, Conservatives,Fox News or just about any opponent. Once again they have insulted our patriotism, intelligence, and common sence. After all it is also known as the “Peoples House” and this family has done far more than they to respect it.
Report Post »Waiting4George
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:18pmAnother sad day for America. Whatsoever you do unto the least of my children, you do unto me.
Report Post »nomad360
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:18pmTo all the morons in the White House. IN CASE YOU’VE FORGOTTEN, THAT HOUSE BELONGS TO “WE THE PEOPLE”, not you pieces of pond scum.
Wally Pieper
Report Post »311 N River Rd
McHenry, Illinois 60051
623 695 4654
wally@wallypieper.ws
zagfan
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:43pmNomad,
That is the point everyone seems to forget…We own all of the buildings in Washington D.C. We should be able to tour it at will, not the up stairs living quarters, but the rest does belong to us. We should be able to sit in the House chambers, the people that work there are our employees…We have let the elitist snobs have their way for to long…Time to make some demands and changes!
Report Post »czshadow29
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:17pmSo Bill Ayers can sit and chat with Barry in the Oval Office anytime he wants. Man, this administration just doesn’t get it. Bring on November!!!
Report Post »Revotelution
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:16pmThe grandson grabbed the wrong T-shirt. He should have worn the T-shirt with BO on it. YES, pun intended.
Report Post »Freedom fighter
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:13pmgime me a break the guy is a god dam war hero unlike the rest of the people in washington. Yo Norris tell them to take their medal and shove it after all you have done for this county they should have treated his family to a new set of clothes if they dident like what they were wearing.. oooh wait that right we gotta save the money for bailouts sorry buddy go home and come back when you can aford to dress your grandkids accordingly.Poor Guy
Report Post »mjbeejr
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:13pmIf the Baker’s grandson had been wearing a T-shirt with a picture of King Shamir Shabazz on it, instead of his grandfather’s, they probably would have been ushered right into the Oval Office.
Report Post »conservative teacher
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:13pmDoes this dress code perhaps involve the president wearing a tie? I’ve seen too much “dressing down” from this white house to believe there’s any kind of dress code other than arbitrary cruelty aimed at the family of a veteran.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:59pmYour statement is right on…….I was noticing that yesterday. Obama is starting to look like a used car salesman….oh, wait…..no, they wear ties. Any way the child was wearing the shirt to honor his grand-dad. Anyone with a heart would have let him in.
Report Post »ManBearPig77
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:12pmDid these people just show up unexpectedly? Were they invited? The article doesn’t really make it clear. If these people just showed up expecting to get in just because they are related to a medal of honor winner, then I don’t blame the people working at the white house for turning them away.
Report Post »Waiting4George
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:29pmUM…unlike the Lincoln White House days–I don’t think one just drops by, knocks on the front door and asks to visit.
Report Post »jnword
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:12pmThe child should have been with Salahi’s then he could get in!
Report Post »Soconservativereagonlookslikenewdeal
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:11pmI would say racism truly played no part…in fact it is just more of the distinct dislike of the peasantry with a splash of disregard toward the military…Peasantry and military are not honorable enough folks to walk within the halls of this White House. Now, if it had been a convicted felon Black Panther wearing military gear….”Heeeyyyy Come On In!!!!”
Report Post »MissCherryJones
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:23pmI have to agree with you on this one. First, it’s the military, despite being a truly brave, honorable member of the military. Obama and his administration seem to undermine the military at every juncture. Second, he’s a “civilian.” He’s not a politician or a member or acquaintance of the Obama social circle. Denying a Medal of Honor recipient’s family because a 10 year old was in short? I’ve seen sports champions wear worse when they arrive at the WH. Even a gesture as seemingly small as this reinforces my belief that this administration is taking this country down.
Report Post »parmajohn
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:11pmSince when Has P-BO had a dress code?? The Most unpresedential president EVER
Report Post »TNgirly
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:10pmSpeechless. Absolutely speechless. I sure hope Obammy‘s daughters don’t wear t-shirts around there.
Report Post »grannyjojo
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:09pmAhhhh, somebody needs to be FIRED NOW. Heads should ROLL! They turned away the family of ONE Medal of Honor recipient and an Honor of Medal recipient…..all because the grandson was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and they couldn’t complete a background check on the other one? This stinks to high heaven….the best of the best turned away. But thank God for her community. They are awesome! They came through for her. Kuddos, kuddos to them. The help she needed….and the her government screws up. What a story! May God bless Heidi, her family, their community and Lt. Norris!
Report Post »Tedford
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:24pmThis just goes to show what our Founding Fathers knew from the begining. THE PEOPLE will help their fellow man when the need is there. You can not and should not expect an over bloated government to be able to help anyone. The larger the government the less proficient they are.
Report Post »JJBlazeReader
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:08pmGod bless you Vernon and may you rest in peace. God bless you Mrs. Baker and your grandson. Shame shame on you at the White House.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:14pmWell said…
Report Post »CanIGetABreak
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:38pmAlso, lets thank this community that did such a wonderful thing raising money for Mrs. Baker and her grandson to say goodbye to their loved husband and grandfather. Also thank them for fixing their home.
Report Post »As always, communities that come together can do such great and heartfelt and hearttouching things. I love to see neighbors coming together.
Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:02pmAmen. Semper Fi.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:07pmMaybe they should blame “racism” here, too? That’s what they would say to us, isn’t it?
Report Post »JJBlazeReader
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:07pmAdd your comments
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:27pmThank you. This abomination of a family does not belong in the white house. Soon, they will no longer be there. But I doubt we will ever rid the place of the stench of them. Pity those two beautiful children have been exposed to the Rev. Wright and all the filthy goings on. I really do pray for those beautiful children.
Report Post »zagfan
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:06pmSo all of the SPORTSMAN and WOMEN that show up in uniform to **** chat with Obama are welcome and a little boy in shorts and a tee shirt can’t get in! I guess Obama hides behind his helicopter to change into shorts and a golf shirt many times a week….Look how Michelle tramps around the world and you are telling me they have a dress code. ROTFL! Give me a break, those liars!
Report Post »ProudImmigrant
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:05pmIf anyone deserves access to the White House whenever they want it, its this family. God bless them.
Report Post »LLATPOH
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:04pmUsually I’d wait until more facts come to light, but…
I think the White House acted stupidly.
Shall we host a beer summit?
Report Post »Butterfly2012
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:19pmI don‘t drink but I’d drink to that! Shorts on a ten year old? c’mon! Stupidity seems to abound this week.
Report Post »Waiting4George
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:20pmNope–a beer rally. Get together all your rowdy friends and alert the media.
Report Post »OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:41pmWaithing4George…don’t you mean…this administration
Report Post »sarnold51
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:14pmUmmm…better not do that…the 10 year old would probably have to drink kool-aid!
Report Post »Anonimouse
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:04pmI won’t fault the White House on this one.
It’s the White House! If you know you’re going there, dress respectfully.
Waiting4George
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:10pmThat explains why the Dahli Llama got escorted out the back door past the garbage.
Report Post »George1
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:11pmThe issue was a 10 year old in shorts and a t-shirt. Considering the family was unable to get any information regarding a dress code, I’d think it more reasonable to blame the usual inflated bureaucracy that fails, on a consistent basis, to get people information they need, or to even submit to requests for such information.
Honor doesn’t have a dress code, it is shameful to turn away a family being honor because a 10 year old boy is dressed like a 10 year old boy.
Report Post »Toodumtu
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:15pmSo long as my private parts are covered what more do ya want. Go drink some more of that Libotard Kool Aid.
Report Post »Anonimouse
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:16pmLOL! Did they get rid of that thing Michelle was wearing in England last year too?
Report Post »grannyjojo
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:19pmWhat a dang coat and tie? Last time I checked there was NOTHING wrong with a tee shirt and shorts for a little boy. After all it is OUR White House and they ARE the family of a Medal of Honor recipient JUST buried at Arlington National Cemetary and whats the reason for THE Medal of Honor recipient being turned away…..no TIME for a background check. Shame, shame, shame. Turn MY grandson away when he‘s clean wearing a tee shirt and shorts when its warm out and you are going to be putting MY butt in jail cause I’m gonna raise a stink you’ll hear all the way back to my great home state of Oklahoma. The DRESS does NOT make the person!
Report Post »solaveritas
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:20pmShorts and a T-shirt are good enough to get into GOD’S HOUSE. Why aren’t they good enough to get into ….. oh, wait, I forgot. This is OBAMA’S HOUSE!
Report Post »Anonimouse
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:27pmSorry I got you all in a tailspin. And TOODUMTU, Libotard? Ouch, that hurts.
But I stand by this one. 10 years old is plenty old enough to dress properly. I am not defending Obama and his family at all. I think they are very disrespectful of the office and the setting. That doesn’t mean the rest of us have to be.
I will add that there should have been more of an effort made to work out something better than turning these people away, but ultimately it was their responsibility. IMHO.
Report Post »ConservativeJane
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:11pmAgreed. I don‘t think it’s appropriate for Mechelle MaBelle can wear shorts on Air Force One. I was fortunate to have gone to the White House several times during the Reagan years and the dress code was strictly enforced no matter what time of day it was. Ahhhh…the good ol’ days
Report Post »bobandruth2416
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:34pmthis was a 10 year old child….with a very special tee shirt with his dead grandfather’s picture on it….hardly inappropriate! It IS our ‘house’, you know….and there was no disrespect shown by the little guy!!
Report Post »freeper
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:30pmYou mean like when “broad beam” struts out in shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops…?
Report Post »OneCitizenOfTheRepublic
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:40pmThey could not afford the trip…so just maybe they did not have a wardrobe full of “dress clothes’ and were not told of the dress code before arriving, even though they asked… The White House should be respected…but you know…so should our churches…and they are…even by folks who do not have fine clothes…and by a lot of folks who do and choose not to wear them…
Report Post »sarnold51
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 3:50pmThe rest of the story…
“They turned away a family who came from Idaho that had just buried a loved one who is a Medal of Honor recipient and the family couldn’t come in because a 10-year-old is wearing shorts and a T-shirt that happens to have an image of his grandpa,” Norris said. “You’d think that something could be worked out, but that wasn’t even attempted. It was an event that should have never occurred.
“It should have been handled much more diplomatically.”
Norris said he understands that there needs to be guidelines in place to protect the White House and its staff, particularly after a couple who didn‘t have clearance entered the building and even shook Obama’s hand, but those guidelines should apply to everyone.
“While we were waiting, a man in shorts who had a cooler was allowed in,” Norris said.
Norris, a 20-year FBI agent and one of three surviving Navy SEALS to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War, said he was also denied to go on the tour because he didn’t have clearance after a three-day notification was given.
“I was told they didn’t have time to get security clearance,” he said. “I don’t buy that either as I used to be in that business and I know how long a security check takes.”
Vernon Baker, the last living African-American Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died in July at 90 at his home south of St. Maries after a six-year battle with cancer.
Report Post »sarnold51
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 4:12pmI checked the White House site and it lists no dress code. It just tells you the items that you cannot bring into the White House.
I wonder what the liberals would be saying if this had happened under the Bush admistration? Probably a lot and none of it nice. Probably involving the word racist.
Report Post »sarnold51
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:00pmummm…admistration should be administration.
Report Post »johnv
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 5:08pmI seem to recall Obama can’t manage to wear a tie half the time and they still let him in.
Report Post »Arc
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 2:11amThe Medal of Honor family’s entrance into THEIR White House TRUMPS such a weak minded reason for denial. Makes me wonder about next years Easter Egg Hunt.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:04pmHuh…. They refuse entry for “dress code” reasons but allow convicted terrorist Bill Ayers anywhere he wants to go. What is wrong with this story?
Report Post »J-Fray
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 8:33pmThe problem is that the boys grandfather bombed the wrong country…
Report Post »NoStar
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:03pmWelcome to the Obama Amateur Hour.
Report Post »Business as usual. Move along. Nothing to see here.
Masamune
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:03pmDisgraceful, this just adds to the long list of Obama’s failures.
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 10:12pmIs there no end to these stooges and their ignorance. If I were the family and invited back I would be nice about it but decline the offer. You had your chance Obama administration and you failed, AGAIN. These are Medal of Honor recipients, have you absolutely no shame at all. God bless all our troops both past and present. SEMPER FI
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:00pmWow, proof that Obama and Co. are racists!!! this was no accident. (sarcasm off)
Report Post »solaveritas
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:12pmThis white house can’t get the simple things right.- showing inexperience we warned of.
Report Post »Their elitist attitude shows in their behavior. – showing their lack of caring.
They keep making these mistakes over and over. – showing they are too stubborn to learn and CHANGE
MAULEMALL
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 1:48pmThey should of said they were going to be on house bimbos of wherever and they could of waltzed on in.
Report Post »Compete or Lose
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:14pmYou know, if you cant manage the relatively simple thigs you are sure to screw up the hard stuff.
RGS
Report Post »Beandawg
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 2:50pmThey weren’t wearing enough “Red”
Report Post »Nostraquedeo
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 9:37amDress code and Background check’s sound like an excuse. Maybe the Prez didn’t want to have to award the medal to the family since the war was wrong in his eyes.
Report Post »