SwiftVets.com

UpperNH · Seaman Recruit Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 1 Location: NH

TV ads hit NH early and often in election years. Somehow Kery's election team got my email address and asked that I tell them how I feel. Below is pasted the email I sent 7 Dec 03.

Hello,

You asked for some feedback, so here it is. Tell me why Kerry's first ad for the campaign ran such a short time. Could it be that it (and he) pissed off a bunch of Veterans with his proudest moment - co-founder of VVAW.

I fought in Vietnam as an E5 sergeant - 101st Airborne Div - I heard what was going on back home (1969-1970) - when I finally got home Easter Sunday 1970, I ran into the protesters - up close and personal. Then I hear about a bunch of Viet Vets forming this protest group.

Now I was really pissed off. How dare a fellow Viet Vet protest in public - make himself so visible in an antiwar movement that focused on returning soldiers. Got their message out so effectively that by this time Veterans are paying the price - returning home to ashamed families - no one wanting to admit you were a Vet because of the stigma associated with fighting in Vietnam.

Thank-you John Kerry for joining the "popular thing to do" instead of going about your business in a less visible manner.

I consider you a less than desirable person - let alone a Veteran. I sincerely hope I'm able to say these words in person, but with the primary looming and your candidacy dimming, I'm sure you won't get a chance to visit Bethlehem.

So, with one son fighting in Iraq and another on standby keep your comments regarding this war to yourself. The more you blather out demeaning statements - the more my sons and others like them will question not only your candidacy, but your claim to being a Veteran as well.

Sincerely,

Bill Brown

wbrown@ncia.net
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A Co 1/501st 101st Abn Div
Apr 1969-Mar 1970

RStauch · Ensign Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 62

Thank you for sharing that, Bill. Your heart-felt expression is worth 100 times its weight in TV advertising. It can't be bought.

I agree with you. When my brother got home from Vietnam, he didn't want to talk about it. It's clearly different for me, having been in the Navy from '73-75. Nevertheless, if my brother was capable of doing the things Kerry accused his comrades of, I think I would know.

A traitor like Kerry doesn't deserve my vote. Proud to find myself in your company.
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Richard Stauch
Ft. Myers, FL