Posted on 09/20/2004 7:34:36 PM PDT by flutters
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A local soldier back from the war in Iraq said he was beaten at an area concert because of what was printed on his T-shirt, NBC 4's Nancy Burton reported.
Foster Barton, 19, of Grove City, received a Purple Heart for his military service in Iraq. He almost lost his leg last month after a Humvee he was riding in ran over a landmine.
Barton said he was injured again Friday night in a crowded parking lot as he was leaving the Toby Keith concert at Germain Amphitheatre. The solider was injured so badly that he can't go back to Iraq as scheduled.
"I don't remember getting hit at all, really," said Barton, a member of the 1st Calvary Division. "He hit me in the back of the head. I fell and hit the ground. I was knocked unconscious and he continued to punch and kick me on the ground."
Barton and his family said he was beat up because he was wearing an Iraqi freedom T-shirt.
"It's not our fault," Barton said. "I'm just doing a job."
According to a Columbus police report, six witnesses who didn't know Barton said the person who beat him up was screaming profanities and making crude remarks about U.S. soldiers, Burton reported.
One witness, a friend of the alleged attacker, said Barton hit first. Police said they do not think that witness is credible since the six other witnesses said Barton was hit from behind.
Barton's mother said she has a message for her son's alleged attacker, who police said ran into the crowd after the incident and was not arrested.
"He needs our prayers, just like the insurgents, because he's a coward," Cindy Barton said.
After a two-week leave, Barton was supposed to return to Iraq Tuesday. But his broken nose will delay his return.
Barton is waiting for doctors to tell him when he can return to active duty. He said wants to go back as soon as possible because his unit was just attacked. Eleven soldiers were wounded and two were killed, he said.
This soldier and his mom are great Americans! About the punk who beat him up, all I can say is what is this world coming to?
Go to www.switchboard.com, type in Foster Barton, Columbus, OH, and you'll get his address and phone number. I'd put it here, but some think that isn't proper.
First Highway shooters now a-holes who sucker punch hero soldiers? Now I know why I moved from Grove 'Tucky...
GIVE THIS GUY A MEDAL!
(Unlike kerry, he will probably keep it).
I wish I'd have been there - I would have stood for him!
Oh wait, you are searching for the soldier? Nevermind. (sheepishly stepping away)
BTTT
:o)
I'll call channel 4 tomorrow to see if there is a public address where we can send cards. I'll ping you if I find one.
ping me too please!
At a Toby Keith concert?? Are you freaking kidding me???
He sure is a coward, although that's too human a word for that scumbag, but she sure is a good Christian mother. So, God bless her, her son and the rest of her family.
But speaking as an Italian girl, I don't see myself according him 'prayers.' I do see myself calling my uncle Lucky or my uncle Nicolo, you know, just to 'chit chat.'
Bump!
Hopefully someone at the White House will read this and perhaps arrange a message from the President, at least, for this soldier.
One of the very few times I listened to Savage was today and he was pointing out that Kerry's hurting the soldiers again. I have to agree.
Don't wait, call them and ask for an address to send cards. Maybe they will provide their own.
I am thinking he may be living with his parents in Grove City. The map that comes up on switchboard.com isn't even close.
Stated by Cindy Barton in article:
"...'He needs our prayers, just like the insurgents, because he's a coward,' Cindy Barton said..."
Ms. Barton, they're not insurgents, freedom fighters, militants, or religious followers. The people with whom your son was doing battle on behalf of appreciate Americans are TERRORISTS & MURDERERS and nothing less. [/rant]
We hope your son heals quickly!
~ Blue Jays ~
Some people need shooting!
Assault on a U.S. service member for terrorist reasons during wartime should bring the death penalty.
appreciate = appreciative
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