I've read the articles, but I'm more of a skimmer. I guess I missed the one where his mom said that he returned home. Perhaps you could guide me too it.
Also, you use the word "likely", which is more in keeping with the story than Stayout's post 27 saying this proved that Alston was not on Kerry's crew.
Read the entire article at captain's quarters--in fact, go there and read what he has posted for the last three days. I'm not going to predigest it for you.