Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Decorated Vietnam Vet Arrested Guarding War Memorial and American Flag in San Diego(#2)
Newsgroups: alt.war.vietnam ^ | 01/10/30 | SOURCE: Jaffe & Co., Inc., Strategic Media and Crisis Management

Posted on 11/04/2001 5:54:46 AM PST by B4Ranch

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.

Early one morning after he raised the flag, the workmen arrived. As he saluted, they pounded into the ground the two foot square No Trespassing sign. Moments later they called the Sheriff's department and held Thomas there until they arrived.

The city code enforcer ordered a citation to be issued for Thomas Northcut for trespassing. Thomas crumpled it into his pocket and went back to his duties, guarding the monument.

The code enforcer patiently waited for the court appearance date to pass then asked that the arrest warrant be issued.

Thomas and his dog awoke to the angry sounds of deputies as they pulled him from the ground, his hat falling by the side of the Monument and dragged him away in one direction screaming for his dog as they dragged ``TJ'' away to an animal control truck.

Thomas was handcuffed and taken to jail to await arraignment. ``TJ'' was taken to the pound where if unclaimed, he will be put to death in a matter of weeks.

This story did not take place in 1975. It was Thursday, October 26, 2001. Thomas, unable to post the bond, waited in the lockup and had to be sedated because of panic attacks which resulted from his incarceration. Meanwhile, his dog, ``TJ'' has lost his appetite longing for his owner. And the flag just sits at half mast.

``How soon we forget,'' said Sam Georges, an attorney, U.S. Air Force veteran and friend of Northcut's who is trying to get people to help for the jailed vet get released and see that he's reunited with his dog, and in the process sensitize the city. Georges is also president of the internationally famous Anthony Robbins Companies.

``It's pretty obvious that a time like this, we need to show our respect to patriotic Americans to those who have fought to protect our freedoms. Especially those who have worn the uniform of our armed forces and sacrificed for our country,'' said Stephen Jaffe, president Jaffe & Company, a crisis management communications firm in based in Los Angeles.

This morning, Jennifer Lynch, Esq., an attorney living in Vista who heard about the Northcut case from friends, appeared, pro bono, on his behalf in Superior Court. She noted that Northcut has served several days in jail for essentially protecting a Monument to those who had died defending our country during a former war. Northcut remained silent but the Judge, a distinguished veteran himself, saw the sad irony of the case and dismissed it for ``time served.''

``Now there remains only one more injustice to be corrected,'' Lynch stated, ``and that's for Thomas to be reunited with his dog, 'TJ.''' Friends of Northcut have agreed to take him to the pound where ``TJ'' is being held tomorrow. ``If the city officials and the system doesn't get in the way, Thomas and 'TJ' will be together again, greeting the folks in Solana Beach and enjoying the freedom he gave so much of himself to protect,'' Lynch added.

For further information, please contact Jennifer Lynch, Esq., +1-760-643-4113; or Sam Georges, Esq., +1-619-417-1408; or Stephen Jaffe of Jaffe & Co., Inc., +1-310-275-7327.

SOURCE: Jaffe & Co., Inc., Strategic Media and Crisis Management

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011030/latu141_1.html


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 181-200201-220221-240 ... 261-274 next last
To: Cultural Jihad
"of a press release from an obscure media outfit"

Still doing your FL recount of ballots because the major media told you Gore won?
201 posted on 11/05/2001 1:11:13 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 184 | View Replies]

To: nancetc
At 2:45 EST I did speak with Jennifer,the receptionist, at the Solana Beach city hall ("Lucy" was unavailable.) I expressed my concerns and made sure she knew that people all across the country are now "watching" this story. I also told her that I had contacted Fox News and asked that they have their local affiliate look into it. I asked if she had heard from others about this. She said she had had only 2(!) calls so far today...
202 posted on 11/05/2001 1:19:31 PM PST by krunkygirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 199 | View Replies]

To: nancetc
At 2:45 EST I did speak with Jennifer,the receptionist, at the Solana Beach city hall ("Lucy" was unavailable.) I expressed my concerns and made sure she knew that people all across the country are now "watching" this story. I also told her that I had contacted Fox News and asked that they have their local affiliate look into it. I asked if she had heard from others about this. She said she had had only 2(!) calls so far today...
203 posted on 11/05/2001 1:19:35 PM PST by krunkygirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 199 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
I am not at home at present so I do not have the phone number available to post but I would encourage others to scroll back through the thread, find it and give city hall something to think about!
204 posted on 11/05/2001 1:22:05 PM PST by krunkygirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 203 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
I am not at home at present so I do not have the phone number available to post but I would encourage others to scroll back through the thread, find it and give city hall something to think about!
205 posted on 11/05/2001 1:22:07 PM PST by krunkygirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 203 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
I am not at home at present so I do not have the phone number available to post but I would encourage others to scroll back through the thread, find it and give city hall something to think about!
206 posted on 11/05/2001 1:22:12 PM PST by krunkygirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 203 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
sorry...that triple post was an accident...I'm at the library using an unfamiliar computer
207 posted on 11/05/2001 1:23:45 PM PST by krunkygirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 206 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
sorry...that triple post was an accident...I'm at the library using an unfamiliar computer
208 posted on 11/05/2001 1:23:48 PM PST by krunkygirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 206 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
I sent e-mail instead of calling. I find that most city offices do not keep very good records regarding calls received about certain subject matter.
209 posted on 11/05/2001 1:24:15 PM PST by nancetc
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 202 | View Replies]

To: Snow Bunny
I wouldn't condemn all VA Hospitals based on a few bad ones.

My Grandson, a Gulf Vet, contacted some kind of a lung/respitory condition and almost died. He was given a 10% disability and a small pension. He goes to the VA Hospital/Medical Center in the SF bay area and gets excellent care. He will get his degree in Comp Sci next year which was provided by the VA.

Now I have two tour in VNam and on many many occasions I had seen where Soldiers literally fried their brains on Marajuana laced with opium and other drugs. Very many of the VN Vets are on the streets due to mental problems from drugs and they CHOOSE to live that way.

I don't know about Mr. Northcut, but all disabled vets, having been discharged with a disability, receive VA pensions.

A very large percent of the VN vets returned and transitioned back into productive lives, even tho they were spit upon.

Even if Mr. Northcut's condition, which I believe, is mental his heart is still in the right place. Thats what concerns me.

210 posted on 11/05/2001 1:31:42 PM PST by rstevens
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 132 | View Replies]

To: Cultural Jihad
I'm SURE God had your type in mind, when He spoke of those who see a person in need and all they do is mouth a 'I'll say a prayer for you, be warm'.

When that last trump sounds, WHICH herd will you be in??? Sheep or goats? IS your name known?

211 posted on 11/05/2001 1:34:30 PM PST by mommadooo3
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: Cultural Jihad
Mr. Jihad, what San Francisco needs is a good political system that does not promote filth in the streets. Maybe someone like Rudy Guiliani? Willy Brown is hardly a reasonable choice, yet San Franciscans made it! What you are suffering from is consequences. As Santa Monica deteriorated and is suffering the consequences of Tom Hayden and his ilk.

Might be more beneficial to spend some money taking care of a vet or a mentally ill person then to make some unfortunate guy into a girl.

212 posted on 11/05/2001 1:37:50 PM PST by MistyCA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 183 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
"I do not have the phone number available to post"

Thomas M. Campbell, Solana Beach Mayor
635 South Highway 101,
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Phone - (858) 720-2400
Fax - (858) 792-6513/755-1782

Click Here to e-mail Solano Beach City Hall.

This is what I sent:
Be advised your anti-American actions regarding Robert Thomas Northcut a decorated Vietnam Veteran
are going to cost your city a boycott of services in your city like the City of Berkeley
is feeling right now. (my real name) Viet Nam Vet
213 posted on 11/05/2001 1:41:50 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 206 | View Replies]

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub; Jim Robinson
"Still doing your FL recount of ballots because the major media told you Gore won?"

And the reason for the personal attack is ___________?

214 posted on 11/05/2001 1:43:21 PM PST by Cultural Jihad
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 201 | View Replies]

To: nancetc
My husband has never mentioned his nightmares, nor do I mention them to him. And he never talks about what he saw, but I know because I hear and see the nightmares. My uncle has just recently started telling me about Normandy Beach and what he saw there. :(
215 posted on 11/05/2001 1:47:00 PM PST by MistyCA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 199 | View Replies]

To: Mudboy Slim
Roflmao!
216 posted on 11/05/2001 1:48:23 PM PST by MistyCA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 200 | View Replies]

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
"Still doing your FL recount of ballots because the major media told you Gore won?"

And the reason you think laws against slander do not apply to you is _______________?

217 posted on 11/05/2001 1:52:13 PM PST by Cultural Jihad
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 201 | View Replies]

To: krunkygirl
I called Lucy at the City of Solano Beach and was told that she was there and I was being transferred, however, I got an answering machine. I left a message asking for a return phone call....let's see if I get one.

City of Solano Beach (Lucy) 858-720-2400

218 posted on 11/05/2001 1:57:26 PM PST by MistyCA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 202 | View Replies]

The next one to hit abuse on this thread or to make a personal attack or to fail to engage in the topic of this thread for any reason will be facing suspension.
219 posted on 11/05/2001 1:58:20 PM PST by Admin Moderator
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 217 | View Replies]

To: B4Ranch
Thanks for the link to the city fathers. Here's what I sent:

SHAME! SHAME!! SHAME!!

Robert Thomas Northcut should be honored and given an apology (unless it would violate your allegiance to your hate America principles).

220 posted on 11/05/2001 1:59:03 PM PST by rightofrush
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 181-200201-220221-240 ... 261-274 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson