The Fraud Perpetrated by John Kerry

I have been a Navy intelligence specialist for 20 years and have extensive background in analysis and archival investigations. One of my most enjoyable tours was with the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Office from 1994 to 1998. Senator John Kerry was the Vietnam War Working Group Co-Chairman for the U.S.-Russian Joint Commission on POW/MIAs of which I was an integral member. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I "served" with Senator Kerry as I "served" with Senator Smith (NH), Congressman Peterson (FL), and Congressman Johnson (TX), who were also Co-Chairmen of the Commission. Why I can't say I served with Senator Kerry? Because he was MIA during the Commission's highly visible work for the four years I was there. Yet, this is not why I am writing to tell you that John F. Kerry has perpetrated a lie to the American people.

The events of 13 March 1969 have been much publicized in the media lately, and comprise a story which has piqued my professional curiosity and spurred me to conduct my own investigation into the events. I can't help but analyze as the United States has taught me this skill for 20 years.

It seems I've been crying a lot lately. The guy I had my first crush on got killed in Vietnam, so did my brother's best friend. It makes me remember all the people I knew who went and served honorably but never got the respect they deserved.

I'll never forget the young man who came to our high school to get his diploma after serving in the Marines. He had been in Vietnam and he lent a certain maturity and seriousness to our lives but he was a great guy. I was a stupid, boy-crazy 15 year old and he was at the house with my brother. He had his Marine annual and let my sister and I look at it. We were impressed at all the good-looking guys and were laughing and giggling but we both chose the same guy as being a dreamboat. We took the annual to Skip and asked him if he knew Michael Box. When we said his name he just broke down and bawled and said that Michael was his best friend and that he had died saving him. I've rarely felt so bad in my life as I did at that moment and have often wondered how or why we chose that particular guy to ask about. Life is funny. This was before Skerry did his protesting but I know it had to wound these ex-soldiers who had fought honorably and families who lost friends and sons and brothers.

I think this controversy might be a Godsend. Not just to point out Skerry's disgraceful behavior but a chance to recognize the heroes we have in our midst who never got their duly earned respect.

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