[Loyal Buckeye]

I don't have the source, but I just read something the other day where the source (former military individual) said his explanation has been misquoted by the Boston Globe, the originator of this whole criticism of Pres. Bush's military record.

In any event, he has spent the most recent 3+ years in the military as Commander in Chief.

[The G Man]

See the link up above titled "Debunking The Bush AWOL Story - From The Horse's Mouth" where FReeper Rookie of the Year "Hon" did the legwork that the media has been too lazy to do.

[mathluv]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1064541/posts
Bush 'Desertion' Charge Debunked NewsMax ^ | 1/24/04 | Limbacher

[dpa5923]

In any event, he has spent the most recent 3+ years in the military as Commander in Chief.

I remember when President Clinton was in the midst of changing the military's policy on homosexuality. In Jacksonville NC (right outside of Lejeune) they had a town hall meeting with personnel from both sides of the issue. One person commented that President Clinton had no military experience and as such didn't understand the military way of life. One of the pro-homo side said that Clinton had been in the military since Jan 20 1992 serving as Commander-in-Chief. Everyone in the audience howled.

President Bush served in the National Guard and did his duty (although not heroic, neither was it dishonorable) but to suggest that his serving as Commander-in-Chief is the same as the everyday solider, sailor, airman, or Marine serving is just as foolish as when the same was claimed of Clinton.

[mtbopfuyn]

In any event, he has spent the most recent 3+ years in the military as Commander in Chief.

Excellent point!

[lepton]

and statements by Bush's Guard superiors,

In the earliest quotes, they didn't say that they remembered him not showing, but that they didn't remember him showing. Given that it was nearly three decades before, GWB wasn't particualrly important, and he wasn't even flying, not remembering him is hardly remarkable.