Here is a copy of the e-mail I have written to the CinC Geo. W. Bush Jr.
President George.W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Vice Pres. Richard Cheney, Mrs. Cheney, Honorable Representative Richard Gibbons, Thomas M. Campbell
It has recently come to my attention that in the city of Solana Beach, California, a decorated Vietnam Veteran was treated in a most un-American manner. Robert Thomas Northcut is a decorated Vietnam Veteran. In the years that have passed since he was blown up in a delta ambush he spent his time in and out of Veteran's hospitals.
Ten years ago he walked out of the VA hospital never to look back. He found his way to Solana Beach, California where he has lived outside, as a homeless man, never panhandling a dime.
Each day he walks the streets with his trusty German Shepherd, ``TJ,'' given to him by caring townfolks. He always stops to greet people and pat children on their heads as they pet his dog and look in wonderment at this shell of a man, forever wounded serving his country in the war in Vietnam. His Purple Heart went the way of all his belongings when he decided to stop living in a VA hospital and get out and enjoy the beauty of the California coastline with ``TJ.''
His long shaggy Australian bush coat and Crocodile Dundee hat distinguish him for the hero he is as he is seen searching in the morning shadows looking for food.
For ten years Thomas has been the street ambassador of Solana Beach.
When he heard the tragedy of ``9/11'' on his little portable radio he was instantly moved to action. He now had a purpose, a mission, a reason to reestablish his identity. He went to the little traffic island of the City which houses the stone war memorial next to the large American flag pole. He took up residence next to the Memorial, resting his head each night on it to protect it from what he felt was a possible terrorist attack. Each night he lowered the flag and each day raised it to half mast.
Neighbors brought food for him and his dog and brought him newspapers to keep up to date.
It had all come back to him....a purpose, a vision, an identity. He was now back in the line of duty. Every small part helped. His was to raise the flag and to protect the Monument.
Then the City workers came out and posted the monument as 'No Trespassing. Thomas Northcut was arrested for being there and guarding the monument and our flag on the grounds of trespassing. His dog was taken to the city pound and locked up on their "death row" as a dangerous animal. Why? Because he barked at the workers.
Thomas Northcut is now free because veterans have taken up the call to defend one of our own. But his dog is still being held prisoner in the San Diego Animal Shelter awaiting execution. This is wrong!
I am writing to you on behalf of my brother Thomas Northcut and his dog! I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and still defending my country by serving on active duty. What came to my notice was how unfairly this brother of mine was treated for doing what he saw as his duty! Would it be that all Americans were so courageous and forthright we would not have these people in the streets making treasonous anti-war statements to a pandering press.
But one man, who still serves his beloved country in his own way, Mr. Thomas Northcut is pilloried and his dog put in peril for defending a War dead monument and our American flag. He, having already given parts of his body in battle for us, is now treated unjustly by us!
I am incensed that the City of San Diego will not return his dog to him. And I ask that pressure may be brought to bear that they will do so .... immediately! I ask nothing more than that this decorated combat veteran be given back his beloved friend "TJ", and that an official apology from the City of San Diego for the wrong that has been done to him.
In my opinion the man should be decorated for "stepping up to the plate", while others are shirking their duty and protesting the war effort!