I have spoken hundreds of times about my own service, which was just after the “VietNam Era”.
Not ONCE would ANYBODY have been left with any impression that I was in VN.
This is something you don’t “mis-speak” about or have a few “misplaced words”.
Those who were IN VietNam have just as much appreciation for my service and my defending them and their families in the years following VN. There is no reason for any military man to make claims about the service they did for our country - whether that service was voluntary or coerced by being drafted, if our service is honorable there is no need for justification or excuse. We all honor each other’s service.
Blumenthal’s LIES about what he did while attached to the military are intentional and atrocious.
I can’t believe that a single person who served finds this forgiveable.
I've made the point elsewhere, but there are several levels here of Veteran: Veteran (like me), Vietnam Era Veteran (like you), and Vietnam Veteran (like many of Brother Rats and friends - I was medically disqualified for several years and only served after the medical regulations changed....).
Blumenthal is none of these, because he's not what the government recognizes as a "Veteran" for the Vet's hiring preference: you have to have 180 days of active duty, OTHER THAN ACTIVE DUTY FOR TRAINING ONLY, any part of which began before Oct '76.
As far as I can tell Blumenthal never spent a day on active duty other than boot camp, the Marine equivalent of AIT, and some summer camps -- all of which are considered "FOR TRAINING ONLY".
The most Blumenthal can legitimately claim to be is a Vietnam Era WEEKEND WARRIOR.
There's nothing wrong with that, just like there's nothing wrong with having taken advantage of legitimate deferments and not serving.
BUT BLUMENTHAL LIED and said he served in Vietnam.... That's intolerable!