SwiftVets.com

[JMMallory]

Dear Swift Boat Veterans and POWs:

First of all, thank you. Thank you for having the courage and conviction to stand up and say what needed to be said, what had to be said to the American people.

Your stories are heartbreaking and wrenching. Having been an active duty USAF officer, I had the privilege of hearing a Vietnam Veteran POW speak to us one day at a briefing at Langley Air Force Base back in the late 1980s. It was a horrific story that I have never forgotten, although unfortunately I have forgotten the speaker’s name. While at Squadron Officer’s School, “Into the Mouth of the Cat” was required reading and, of course I recently read “Unfit for Command” and watched all the videos and documentaries you have made or been part of. The videos and documentaries were extremely well done and were totally without any political slant, although those who were blinded by ideology were unable to see that.

Having been in the service of our country and having taken the oath very seriously and with great pride, I was deeply horrified to learn of John Kerry’s actions while in country and after his return from Vietnam. Simply put, the thought of him being Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Services, and particularly my beloved Air Force, was just unthinkable, period. I am sure that is even truer for you all, and I understand perfectly why you had to come forward and not give up.

Perhaps the most disturbing part of this long campaign was that any American would even consider supporting such a man as John Kerry. Even now that he has lost, I am deeply concerned for our country when so many people don’t care. For me, no other political matter, economic issue, foreign policy or domestic agenda mattered. First, and foremost, the man simply was not fit to command. In fact, he should have been in prison.

Thank you so much for your service to our country and the awful price you had to pay. My heart goes out to all of you who lost good friends.

Respectfully yours,

Jana Mallory

Rollinsford, NH