Well, apparently Gardner isn't featured in the ad, but he is part of the SBV for Truth group. The lawyers all know good and well that these guys in the ad weren't on Kerry's boat, but they have not claimed to be. One of Kerry's ads shows him surrounded by these guys and says that they back him. I think that's where the vets have a legitimate message. By insinuating that all of those in that picture are supporting him, Kerry's trashed their good names and now, they have to do this to get their good names back!
There are 2 different Vet groups who are opposing Kerry.
One is the Swift boat group. The other may be the SBV for Truth group.
[I still haven't heard a valid listing of who all those 'crew' were on stage with Kerry at the Convention. Did they all actually serve with him? They don't seem to be identified individually anywhere that I've seen.]