Unit 2 Annotation 2 "Elvis"

The Associated Press. “Army Puts Elvis Back in Uniform.” Daily News-Record [Harrison, PA] 25 Mar. 2004: 7. Print. 

The AP reports that in 2004 an exhibit honoring Elvis Presley’s enlisted service time in the United States Army during the late 1950’s was on display for one year at the General George Patton Museum at Fort Knox Kentucky. This article reported how the King of Rock and Roll was being honored with an exhibit featuring photo’s, video interviews, various documents and the actual uniforms worn by Elvis during his two year enlistment. This Article reminded us that although Elvis was drafted, he chose to go to a combat reconnaissance team in Germany instead of going into the USO and entertaining the other service members. In turn the AP goes on to emphasize that Elvis and his manager, Col. Tom Parker, kept Elvis’s career going by verifying that “on display are Christmas cards showing a young Presley in a soldiers outfit. Those cards were sent by the thousands to fans around the world, Jardim said.” (11). I acknowledge this articles assertion that the military has adapted in many regards to having individuals of celebrity serve with distinction and honor, however I would also go as far to say that having celebrities that are still treated as such while serving can turn out to be a detrimental thing. A case in point that supports my argument is when former NFL star Pat Tillman was killed in action in Afghanistan on 22 April 2004. The initial reports that Tillman was killed by friendly fire were covered up which caused a huge scandal. It should be noted that treating celebrities who serve in the armed forces just like the rest of their comrades in arms is the best policy by far. Challenging the military to revaluate its policy towards casualty reports regarding celebrities should be further addressed.