SwiftVets.com

[Stephen Marquette]

I am a Vietnam veteran. I spent part of 1970 and part of 1971 in the 1st Air Cavalry. I knew nothing of John Kerry in 1971 when I returned home after 12 months and 21 days in Nam. Early in 1972, I learned of the VVAW activities, as well as those actions of Jane Fonda and others. I was a 21-year-old kid, angry and confused by the reaction of the public, the protestors, and the press towards us. I just could not believe the things being said about those of us that had served honorably. I felt like an alien in my own country. I believe that those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, did so for an honorable cause – none of which were the “last man to die for a mistake.”

Due to the negative reaction of people, and my own pain, I never spoke of VN – never joined veteran organizations, and never allowed myself to think of it. I spent 35 years burying the pain of unfair dishonor.

Early this year, my wonderful wife of 32 years ran across some information on the Swift Boat Vets on the internet. As we began to read your information, the memories and pain returned. I became angry all over again, as I learned for the first time, exactly who John Kerry really was. I began to speak to people about it – and was astonished to realize that people still believe the lies and rumors of John Kerry & friends from 1971. Friends I have known for several years asked with wary looks, questions like “are you saying you never committed ANY war crimes or atrocities? Really, tell the truth.” They believe that atrocities were commonplace, and even endorsed by military leadership.

I read the book “Unfit for Command” and shared the content with anyone that would listen to my ranting and raving. I went on a personal campaign, aided by my wife, sons and daughters-in-law, to inform people of the real John Kerry. When asked if it mattered what Kerry did as a (27-year old) kid, I bought the books "Tour of Duty" and the "New Soldier." I read both pieces of trash, as painful as it was. I realized that Kerry not only refused to acknowledge the error of his comments, he continued to endorse the lies and accusations.

He turned on us back then, refused to acknowledge the error of that, but wanted to run as one of our “band of brothers.” He’s not one of us. My goal was to inform others and win over one person at a time, to help ensure that John Kerry would not be elected commander-in-chief. I could not bear to see another generation of young soldier denigrated and dishonored by the “wrong war, wrong time, wrong place” crowd.

It worked. WE WON. We didn't let him get away with it this time! I finally feel like I have come home. Thanks to the Swift Vets.
_________________
Steve
1st Air Cavalry
'Nam 70-71

[gocars]

Steve:

All 'Nam vets have been vindicated by Kerry's defeat. The whole ordeal has been a catharsis for many of us who, like you, chose to bury the memories and the pain from so long ago. Welcome home brother!

Our mission to expose Kerry the traitor will still continue; we need to tell everyone who will listen of his misdeeds so that he can be banished from public office forever.

gocars
101st Airborne
'Nam 67-70
U.S. Army Rangers Lead the Way!

[JN173]

Welcome home Steve and you're right we did it.

But it's not entirely over. There are still nearly 56 million people (those who voted for the traitor) who apparently still believed his bs.

We still have some work to do to correct the record.
_________________
A Grunt
2/503 173rd Airborne Brigade
RVN '65-'66

[shooter]

Welcome home, Steve. Bless you for helping us to fight the good fight. It does make you feel better, walk a little straighter and finally be proud of what we did there.
_________________
ADC USN Ret.

For those that fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know !!

Harley Davidson - If you have to ask, you don't understand !

Gun Control = Double tap - center mass

[DLI78]

Good for you, Steve.

A few days after the election I was talking with somebody who is otherwise smart and she said she voted for Kerry. Well, she voted against Bush is more like it. When I mentioned Kerry's treason in 1971 she was surprised. Didn't have a clue.

I told her some of the details, and she said she had heard about his medals being bogus and thought "so what." She had tuned out the message and the messengers before hearing about Hanoi John's congressional testimony.

She still can't stand Bush but at least she understands Kerry is far worse.

Thank God we won't have to suffer the insult of seeing Kerry laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown every year. Or would he fly to Vietnam to lay a wreath for the only Vietnam vets who support his sorry butt?

I served after you guys, in peacetime, but I was just as pissed to see that clown "reporting for duty" at his convention.
_________________
DLI 78
Army Linguist
1978-1986

[oldcoot]