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Show Page 6 HILL TOP TIMES Friday, February 11, 1983 Editorials 8 (dlfelfDdld series on (Editor's Note: This is the first in a black participation in the American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict and Vietnam Era. H is condensed from sections of the DOD publication, "Black Americans in Defense of our all-bla- Nation.") On the eve of the American Revolu-- , tion, approximately 20 percent of the colonial population of 2Vz million was black. From the very beginning, the question of arming the black population proved a source of bitter controversy among the colonists. all-blac- Blacks had already proven themselves in combat, during the previous years and many were members of the new state militias. Fear-- of slave revolts, however, was still first in the minds of many white colonists. . When George Washington assumed command of the Continental forces in In December 1775, as a result of the 1775 his British action, Congressional debate July adjutant general ordered recruiting officers not to and protests from the black communienlist any "stroller, Negro or ty, Washington authorized recruiting officers to sign up free Negroes vagabond." The British were not fearful of "desirous of enlisting." Slave parrecruiting blacks, however. Recognizticipation was strictly prohibited and divisive was that a issue this was reinforced by General Orders slavery ing and suffering from manpower shortages, they recruited blacks with the promise that those who were slaves would be freed. , issued on Feb. 21, 1976. Despite this policy, slaves did participate. Some were "substituted" for their masters, who chose not to serve. k'JDFuD (si By Charles R. Sexton Chief, Labor and Employee Relations Section 2750th ABWDPC Wright-Patterso- n AFB, Ohio In a recent fantasy movie, The Time Bandits, the central characters have the ability to "steal" time by moving back and forth in time and dimensions at will. This concept made for an interesting movie, but in real life, time bandits aren't so amusing and can seriously impair the efficiency of an organization. In this latter case, "time bandits" refers to those of us who waste and fritter away the time we spend on the job in nonproductive pursuits. In a recent article published in "The Government Manager," a study conducted by Robert Half International, Inc., reported that time theft, the deliberate waste and abuse of time, cost the U.S. economy $120 on-the-j- ob billion in 1981. 'Dime Mntfs ff The study states that the average weekly time-theper employee was four hours and 18 minutes. The study went on to note that office workers wasted 30 percent more time on the average than did manufacturing .workers. The study also observed that older employees generally are more conscientious about time and harder working than younger employees. Some federal employees may feel that wasted time is not to be unexpected given the economic difficulties that are affecting all federal employees. Many are disappointed by the amount of the pay raise authorized this year, particularly in light of the recommendations by the president's pay agents. They are also concerned about the increased deductions for health insurance and medicare coverage that will go into effect in ft , . each brigade in By mid-177Washington's army averaged 42 black soldiers, all serving on an integrated units basis. Later in the year, were formed - a battalion from. Rhode Island, a company from Boston called the "Bucks of America" and a company from Connecticut known as the "Colonels." The most significant encounter in which an unit fought was the Island in August Rhode of battle 1778. During that engagement, a black unit, which was relatively untrained, held the line against British-Hessia- n assaults for four hours, enabling the entire American army to escape a trap. In 1779, approximately 600 free blacks and slaves from the French West Indies were among the troops that besieged the British garrison at Savannah. Later that year, black troops from Louisiana comprised almost half the force that successfully drove the British from Louisiana and the Mississippi valley, thereby preventing the southern flank of the Continental forces from being turned 8, six-pa- rt ck k back. By the war's end, approximately 5,000 black soldiers had served in the army of 300,000. Black had troops fought in most major battles and had garnered honors and praise from their commanders. The small Continental navy was supplemented by individual state navies and privateers. All carried blacks, although race was not always noted on ship rosters. Naval vessels suffered from chronic manpower shortages. As early as 1775 a recruiting poster in Newport sought "ye able backed sailors, men white or black, to volunteer for naval service in ye interest of freedom." Many black seamen had naval experience from previous colonial wars or from serving on numerous coastal vessels prior to the war. Although no ship captains were black, many pilots Colonial ' were. No state passed legislation barring . blacks from naval service and several states paid bonuses to black crew members or granted freedom to known slaves. Service in colonial military units on land and at sea brought some gains to specific blacks who had participated. Some who were slaves were freed and others received land grants for service. (AFIS) 'th iim .i . money we receive for the work we perform, we still owe the American public, who, after all, pays the bill, the best performance possible. So let's resolve to continue to do our best and give a full measure of effort - . for wages received. We'll all profit from such an attitude because the impact will be felt in all corners of the economy, and that can't help but be a positive indicator for the days ahead. (LOGNEWS) 1983. But, although we may have some V concerns about the economy and the "afo eciicoyirogje Aor Force irelreiniyDOini yJ'W By TSgt. Bert Cantu 144th Fighter Interceptor, Wing Fresno ANGB, Calif. The Air Force is taking great strides to ensure the retention of our most valuable resource people. Without them we would have a hard time completing our mission successfully. Here are some hints to encourage retention: Respect members, their opinions and points of view. Encourage members to get involved and excel in their chosen specialties. Teach them to do their jobs. Allow them to become proficient by hands-o- n experience. Enlighten members about all aspects of the Air Force., Nurture understanding and harmonious relations between yourself and your people. Talk to your people. Keep them apprised of things that affect them and their careers. Include members, when'possible, in planning, conducting and evaluating required training. Open and maintain avenues of communication between you and your people. Neutralize the negative by accentuating the positive. Narrow the gap of understanding between you, your (AFNS) people and the mission. Everything advertised in the Hill Top Times must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to the race, creed, color, national origin or sex of the purchaser, DO GOOD WORK AND BE PROUD OF IT TACKLE THE TOUGH PROBLEMS AS WELL ASTIIE EASY ORES SPEND TIME LIKE IT'S user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print ' advertising from that source. YOUR OWN MONEY MorMedia Sales, 1152 West Riverdale Road, Ogden, Utah 84403. Phone Sorry, classified ads by mail only. Send S3 to 394-2S5- 5. : tr.j. jlmjx ivoy, man owa. ( |
