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Petraeus Sorry for Razzing Air Force

Central Command head apologizes after 'outrageous' joke

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 28, 2009 1:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – The head of US Central Command has apologized to the Air Force after making a joke at the service's expense, the Air Force Times reports. A rep for the Air Force chief of staff said the apology was accepted. David Petraeus, an Army general who commands US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, cracked the joke as a lead-in to a speech to Marines.

The joke told of a soldier, an Army Ranger, and a Marine carrying heavy packs through harsh conditions, each reflecting on his tough situation. Meanwhile, an Air Force pilot flies overhead. “'Boy,’ he radios his wingman, ‘It must be tough down there.’” The Air Force Association called the joke “beyond outrageous,” Time notes, saying it “belittled the contributions of the Air Force to the joint force.”

Gen. David Petraeus, the head of U.S. Central Command, talks during a press conference following his meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commander of United States Central Command, speaks to the 91st annual national convention of the American Legion Aug, 25, 2009 in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Brian Bohannon)

Gen. David Petraeus smiles as he speaks at the Marines Memorial Theater in San Francisco, Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

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Petraeus Sorry for Razzing Air Force

Central Command head apologizes after 'outrageous' joke

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Poll: Air Force Losing Ground With Public

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Armed Pair Busted at Florida Air Force Base

Weapons, uniforms found in couple's SUV

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US military firearms with coded messages raise issue of 'crusade'

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5,000 troops to arrive in nation over the weekend

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Petraeus Sorry for Razzing Air Force

Central Command head apologizes after 'outrageous' joke

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

David Petraeus • Air Force • US military • US Army • apology • speech • US Air Force • US Central Command • Armed Forces • Marines

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Poll: Air Force Losing Ground With Public

Army, Marines now ranked as more important

Troops' Morale Drops in Afghanistan

Stress levels rise as fighting intensifies

Armed Pair Busted at Florida Air Force Base

Weapons, uniforms found in couple's SUV

'Jesus Rifles' Draw Fire

US military firearms with coded messages raise issue of 'crusade'

Obama Reiterates Haiti Support

5,000 troops to arrive in nation over the weekend

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?