Quote:I agree, but the disruption would have been more unsettling had it been a funeral.

 

I'm more interested in the back story. Was he really banned. If so, why, and why was he there despite the ban.

 

Well the link that I provided does have the information that you seek.  He wasn't "banned" from the base.  A retired veteran has access to most military installations.  He or she cannot be "banned" from a base for a reason such as this.

 

Quote: 

When Roberson’s unit commander discovered that Rodriguez would be delivering the flag-folding speech, which mentions “God,” during the ceremony, he attempted to prevent Rodriguez from attending. After learning that he lacked authority to prevent Rodriguez from attending
, the commander then told Roberson that Rodriguez could not give the speech. Rodriguez asked Roberson what he should do, and Roberson responded that it was his personal desire that Rodriguez give the flag-folding speech as planned. Watch Roberson tell his story.

<p style="font-size:16px;font-family:'Whitney Book';">Roberson and Rodriguez tried to clear the speech through higher authorities at Travis Air Force Base, even offering to place notices on the door informing guests that the word “God” would be mentioned. They never received a response from the authorities. As an Air Force veteran himself, Rodriguez stood firm on his commitment to Roberson.

 

An NCO's retirement ceremony is an important event in the member's career and is meant to honor him/her.  The member can invite whoever they want to speak and/or participate in any manner that they choose.

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