Bush and I were Lieutenants (Fellow Pilot Comes to Bush's Defense)

The Washington Times Letters to the Editor ^ | 2-11-4 | Col. William Campenni (ret.)

[Petronski]

'Bush and I were lieutenants'

George Bush and I were lieutenants and pilots in the 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS), Texas Air National Guard (ANG) from 1970 to 1971. We had the same flight and squadron commanders (Maj. William Harris and Lt. Col. Jerry Killian, both now deceased). While we were not part of the same social circle outside the base, we were in the same fraternity of fighter pilots, and proudly wore the same squadron patch.

[Petronski]

Thanks for the pinglists!

Not only is this a great defense from a colleague, it is a sterling list of talking points.

[jmstein7]

BUMP!

We need a Guardsmaen for Bush Group to go out there and say how pissed they are about being dissed.

[Frank_Discussion]

Been there, Done that, Cheered at the monitor!

Thanks for the ping, regardless!

[Hillary's Folly]

Just strapping on one of those obsolescing F-102s was risking one's life.

LOL! Amen, Brother. Tell it like it is.

[Petronski]

RichardW. Is he still around?

Just ping arete. [snicker]

[Credo]

It's possible that there are skeletons Kerry doesn't want revealed.

He as much revealed during congressional testimony after his service in the early 70's that he knew of war crimes and did not report it.

That could be a problem

[sandydipper]

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

[Defender2]

Thank You, Colonel Campenni. This thanks to You comes from a 28 year plus Fellow Blue Suiter!!!!:-)

[dogbyte12]

There is one problem though. This guy served with the President from 1970-71 in Texas. If somebody comes forward from Alabama, it would be much better. I don't think there is a dispute that the President served honorably in 70-71. The big sticking point is what happened when he went to Alabama to work on the political campaign. Hopefully, this publicity, will spark the memories of somebody who worked on the base with the President in Alabama.

[jmstein7]

BUMP TTT!

[Pest]

bump

[clyde260]

Good Morning America "said" they were looking for this evidence, but could not find it.

WELL HERE IT IS!!!!!

We all know they will never give this any attention.

[Petronski]

I don't think there is a dispute that the President served honorably in 70-71.

Tell that to the left.

[af_vet_1981]

The Bush critics do not comprehend the dangers of fighter aviation at any time or place, in Vietnam or at home, when they say other such pilots were risking their lives or even dying while Lt. Bush was in Texas.

• Excellent points
• Excellent letter
• Thank you for your service to our country Col. Campenni, sir!

[mystery-ak]

Who is the reporter from Talon News who asked that wonderful question yesterday at the WH briefing...he needs to see this.

[CitizenJ]

Everyone here should forward this letter to their local papers

[Aura Of The Blade]

The entire media blitz of President Bush's military service is not only a disgrace, but is a new low in political campaigning.

Any person who makes a decision to enlist in any branch of the service and who serves his country and is honorably discharged is undeserving of any attack on his character. No former member of the military should ever have to justify their service to anybody.

Screw Kerry and all the other liberal dirt he kicked up.

[AfghanIraqVeteran]

I concur with everything said in this letter. There are many troops who are given excusals for many different reasons in the Guard and Reserves. John Kerry is a worthless sack of dung. I would not offer to piss on him if he were on fire. That is how many of us in the service now feel about him. God forbid he should become our Commander in Chief.

[sirshackleton]

Great letter.

My boss, a Vietnam Vet himself, was making a similar case yesterday to a Demmy yesterday. Glad to see folks are speaking out.

[OldFriend]

Few of today's political partisan pundits know anything about ANYTHING. They parrot only what is disseminated from the DNC fax line.