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.
The fascist pigs on the Left need a dose of their own medicine.
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Looks like Kerry has spawned a new generation.
Thank you, John Kerry!
Hey, ho, way to go, Ohio.
Well, let's just say this. The man who attacked the soldier did it with his fist. John Kerry does it with his flip flops and his historic betrayal in Vietnam. So what's the difference and where is the outrage?
This at a Toby Keith concert? Unbeleivable!
Watzat and where can I get one?
Chalk another one up for Kerry. DAMN! I'm mad.
Have you tried to locate an address for this young man? I'd like to send him a card expressing my appreciation for his service. I'm astounded that with all of the folks at that concert nobody jumped the asshole that did this to him.
The US has it's very own Religion of Peace..they're called Democrats.
Must have been one of the Ditzie Chick's travelin' goons.
libs are all fricken cowards...hit from behind.. what a man....
HEY TOBY...give the soldier a call and fly him to your next show..
Keith will probably do something for this guy. He's good like that. He appeared at a welcoming rally for a former POW that sang "Courtesy of the Red White and Blue" at his captors to annoy them. Perhaps the best part was he disappeared after he did the song with the guy, meeting him and his friends later. He didn't want to steal the focus of the show.
I normally dislike country but it's impossible to dislike Toby. He's a class guy.
-Eric
Bump this story to the heavens.
Does this mean they know the identity of the attacker? Just ask the "friend" for his name and go get him. Easy.
... and Dan Rather, Michael Moore, Terry McAuliffe, Tom Daschle, International ANSWER, Code Pink, DNC, Bruce Springsteen...
I'll see if I can find an address.
I asked if he'd served in Iraq (not knowing whether the cap was even his) and he said yes. I thanked him for his service and asked if I could shake his hand. He smiled very warmly.
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