jmac12, do you enjoy kicking people when they are down? I obviously am not privy to all the information of what happened, but I do know two things, (1) Patmack18 was retained in the Naval service by his surperiors and (2) He is traveling a much harder route with his chin up than either you or I have had to go. If he was not fit for Naval service and to share the wardroom with you and I, he would no longer have the right or priviledge to seek his commission.
On a side note, as a collateral duty, I have been a command Legal Officer for 18 months. I have seen more than my share of CO's Masts, XOIs, ADSEPs and Court Martials. I have airmen that used to be (PO3s or PO2s) that have faced their punishment and are out there working hard on the planes I fly. I, and the rest of my wardroom pay these sailors the same respect as they go about their duties. While Patmack did not go through the same thing, he is "paying his price" now by still being in OCS and working his way towards his commission. Could you you go through the same? I don't know if I could.
Throughout my career, when I have been at my worst or at my best, when I have needed help, shipmates have been there to lend me a helping hand. Some close friends, others acquantinces, and on a few occassions people I have never met before but are wearing the uniform of the United States Navy. I ask you, which type of Naval Officer are you going to be? Are you going to tear down and back stab against your shipmates in the wardroom and on the hangar deck, or help that fellow shipmate out when they are at their worst and need help the most? I am not being sanctimonuous, I have had my fair share of misadventures, but there has ALWAYS been someone there to help me along when I needed it most. One of the main reasons I have enjoyed my time in the Navy over the past 12 years is that commraderie and support.
