Guestbook Archive
April 1-15, 2004
(125 entries)

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I served in the US Army from 59 to 65 and retired from the NG in 2000. I have the most utmost respect for those that did serve in Nam and now those in the middle east. Keep up the good work and thanks.
H. Williams <hbwms@cox-internet.com>
Heber Springs, AR USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 22:56:50 (EDT)

I am keeping my powder dry.
Linda A Wall <lindagarrettwall@aol.com>
Indiantown, FL USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 22:07:34 (EDT)

Congratulations on making yourself heard. You have our support. A veteran family, The Baileys
Nancy Bailey <nfbailey2@adelphia.net>
West Palm Beach, FL USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 16:56:50 (EDT)

Thank you for your sacrifice and service Don. Thanks also for your honesty and integrity. My prayers are with you and your family, our God-fearing president and those of his God-fearing staff(even though they have made mistakes) and our many faithful veterans; &men and women in service all over the world. Remember though...even if it seems as though we are swimming upstream against an immense current, do not fret because of evil men, but always trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thankfully God has the last word in all of this conflict...every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! To God be the Glory! =) (Christian single mother in Illinois).
Julie Lannin-Moreno <Juledeer@yahoo.com>
Elgin, IL USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 15:44:21 (EDT)

Don, I am not the kind of emotional person that is easily led to tears. But after seeing your editorials and letters about John Kerry, it makes me proud to be a veteran. A wounded veteran, unlike John Kerry, mine was real. On May 17, 1987 I was on the USS Stark when it was struck by two Exocet missiles launched from an Iraqi fighter jet. May God bless you, your family and your business as a result of you continuing love for the greatest nation on the planet. May God continue to bless the United States Of America.
Chuck Stephenson <chuckstephenson@email.com>
Oxford, OH USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 14:37:48 (EDT)

Well Put Flew B52's in Nam - 4 tours Thanks
Bill Bohlke <wbohlke@satx.rr.com>
San Antonio, TX USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 14:34:43 (EDT)

Sir, I am an old Aircraft sailor in Vietnam. Keep up the great work and your website is great. Tom
Thomas J. Dorsey <tom@dorseywright.com>
Richmond, Va USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 14:14:37 (EDT)

I'm a retired US NAVY Seabee and served 2 tours in Vietnam. I appreciate your criticism and exposure of John Kerry's and all of his phony lies. God bless in all that you do! Ron
Ron Harvey <byusef@hotmail.com>
Biloxi, MS USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 12:14:14 (EDT)

Keep up the good work.
John M. Reiutz <usmsjr@aol.com>
Elyria, OH USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 09:07:31 (EDT)

Whole heartedly concur with your editorials. As a Viet-Nam Vet of two tours, I am very proud of the men and women who served there and died there and of those who served in the many other actions through the world. It is a shame that he even claims to have been there. God Bless America and all those that serve or have served proudly!
Cecil "Gene" Haverty <yujin734@hawaii.rr.com>
Honolulu, HI USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 03:24:15 (EDT)

Right on. Myself, I was an ASA guy '64-69. Never made it to Nam, but loved visiting Canon City when I was stationed at Ft. Carson. Keep up the good work!
Jim Judge <djudges@sbcglobal.net>
Livermore, CA USA - Thursday, April 15, 2004 at 00:09:15 (EDT)

Have not finished reading all your articles, but intend to do so. Glad somebody is speaking out against this phony. Too bad the press does not have the same incentive to do some research and the integrity and courage to print it. Keep up the good work. RJM
Ronald J. Mallon RM1/USN/RET <mallonrj@rivnet.net>
USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 16:49:57 (EDT)

Thank you for putting the truth out there! Thank you for serving our country. I lost an uncle in VN in 67. He was a Marine and my name sake. May God Bless you and yours always!
Georgia Brock <gabr83@aol.com>
Mason, OH USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 15:17:39 (EDT)

20th SOS Gunner, 1969-70. Hell-o to all the men we supported.
Joe Sanchez, CMSgt, USAF, (Ret.) <cmsgtjoesanchez@juno.com>
Renton, WA USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 13:53:49 (EDT)

I retired in Aug 1990, with almost 24 years in, and most of that was in SF. Keep up the good work.
Lawrence H. (Larry) Layton <layton@sirinet.net>
Duncan, OK USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 13:24:34 (EDT)

Greetings Mr. Bendell, I checked your web site after hearing about it at work on late night radio out of a Las vegas station. I to, am experiencing problems with my rotator cuff and you have confirmed the rumors I have heard about the painful post op recovery! Not sure I want to thank you for that! lol I'm a viet-nam era vet of the US Army. I served from 73-76(Germany 176th AHC) and again 78-86 (Korea/570th MP Co & Germany/ MP-Schweinfurt)plus various stateside post. My older Bro (Larry)is a decorated Nam vet and served 68-69 Chu Lai 176th AHC. He was a Crew Chief on gunships and went on to retire as a gunship WO-3. He presently "drives" Ah-64 Apaches as a civ test pilot at Ft Hood for Dyncorp! I'm very proud of him and his honorable service to this country. I thank you for your service and "WELCOME HOME BROTHER!!!" I would like to say a lot, but know your very busy. I have seen your editorials about "kerry" (lower case intentional)on the net, forwarded to me by my Brother. Until now, I was unaware you were the author. Thank you for spreading the truth! I mostly wanted to share with you two very impressive web sites that I think you will appreciate. You probably have already heard of them, but in case you haven't PLEASE! Check them out. My Brother was involved in both the projects and we, (our family) learned more about him and his proud service than we ever new. I was fortunate and blessed to serve with Larry on two tours while in the Army. We served together at Ft Ord and again in Germany. He never personally shared with me his combat experiences while in Nam, and I never asked. It was as if it was best left alone. I know you understand the sentiment I speak of. After his involvement with the two "projects" (see web sites), he opened up and that has been the case for thousands of Viet Nam Vets who have been "touched". Please check the following sites out. If your too busy, please ask a family member to go to them, they will drag you over to the monitor I am absolutely positive!!! Thank you again for your dedicated and honorable service to the greatest nation in the world. May God continue to bless you and your family, and of course our country! The sites are: WWW.INTHESHADOWOFTHEBLADE.COM WWW.AMERICASHUEY.COM (or ORG) P.S. Please sign the guest books and send an email to my Brother. Tell him I said to send you a CD by Zach Huckabee "Aircraft 206". He was the inspiration for it! Kinda cool to have a Brother they write songs about! :) HOO-AHHH SIR!!! With Respect, ~Mark Shatto~
mark shatto <mottahs@yahoo.com>
redding, CA USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 08:20:06 (EDT)

keep off my good site in lome ok oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
mugu <mugu@mugu.com>
lome, togo USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 07:36:23 (EDT)

God Bless and Keep our valiant military and their (and our) Commander in Chief, George W. Bush
Jerome Steiner <jstonefish@yahoo.com>
Olean, NY USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 00:20:50 (EDT)

you have my support
ed kemp <fizzel300@hotmail.com>
mcminnville, oregon USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 00:10:19 (EDT)

I appreciate your efforts on behalf of Vietnam Veterans and for the future of the United States of America. My husband served in the Army infantry during the Korean War, and was proud to do so. So many who need to hear your messages are not online. How can we get the word out to them?
Amy <aseekeroftruth@cox.net>
Phoenix, AZ USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 20:23:27 (EDT)

Thanks so much Mr Bendell for supporting our troops.
Richard Smith <richard.smith3@eglin.af.mil>
Ft. Walton Beach, FL. USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 19:59:45 (EDT)

Great site. I have not had time to read all tour replies but will return. Are the more like you? Why can't they get the message out?
Robert Chisman <ARBruce12@aol.com>
Kent, WA USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 19:04:49 (EDT)

I would have been proud to have served with President Bush as my Commander-in-Chief. Command Sergeant Major, US Army, Retired
Donald R Haught <donhaught00@sbcglobal.net>
Lawton, OK USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 18:04:24 (EDT)

God bless you and your wife, Don. Keep up the good work. I was assigned to 592d Transportation Company, Cam Ranh Bay, from May 1970 to April 1971. Later became an MP and rose to SSG. As one previous letter said: "If all the Democrats can come up with is a "man" like Kerry, George Bush has nothing to worry about!
Michael D. Austing <maus@tusco.net>
New Philadelphia, OH USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 16:29:34 (EDT)

I read political viewpoints from the right constantly . Write them too. John. Yours was the best. You are the kind of man who could have led troops over the Delaware, or against that insane position at Gettysburg. You article/letter was magnificent. Barbara Stanley sent it to me. She is a hell of a woman herself. I would be proud to hear from you.
Philip Girardin <philipgirardin>
Glendale, Ca USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 14:27:04 (EDT)

I read political viewpoints fromj the right constants ly. Write them too. John. Yours was the best. You are the kind of man who could have led troops over the Delaware, or against that insane position at Gettysburg. You article/letter was magnificent. Barbara Stanley sent it to me. She is a hell of a woman herself. I would be proud to hear from you.
Philip Girardin <philipgirardin>
Glendale, Ca USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 14:26:06 (EDT)

Just wanted to say thanks for the letters about that lying sack of mud, Kerry. It doesn't take a genius to look into his history and see him for what he really is. I guess that doesn't say much about his followers. Keep up the good work. God bless.
Brandon <bswole at hotmail.com>
Birmingham, AL USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 14:21:09 (EDT)

I found your website very impressive, factual, and imformative. Keep up the good work.
J. G. PULTS <bsheep@fone.net>
yellow jacket, co USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 13:56:53 (EDT)

Stand Tall and Tell is like it was and is. I like you served in Vietnam. Scout Pilot 7/17th Air CAV 1969-1970, Seven months in country and 8 months in Hospital. Medivaced in May 1970 from Cambiodian Incursion. I left it all there also. Along with my observer who gave it all. One month later my Section Sergeant gave it all trying to save another scout pilot like he did me on that day in May. Yes I have metal and I didn't throw them away. Not because I felt I deserved some of them but because of those who did ang gave all. To throw them away disgaces them and all who served in that WAR (not police action). I too sat in country and saw with my own eyes what was giong on and yet as I watched the evening Network News saw something different. After four year of Active Army I spent 28 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard. I served on Active Duty during eight tornados, two police/firemen strikes(took fire in one of thoses)' two floods and Desert Storm during this service. During a Inactive Duty Command and General Staff College class at Middle Tennessee State University I heard the former Cheif of Staff of the Russion Army say that one of the major concerns of the higher command was the presence of the large and ready reserve of the the USA even with the large USA commitment to Vietnem. Yes I am proud of my National Guard Service. Paraphrasing Churchhill in a statem about the reserves in WW II---The service of the soldier/citizen is no more or more sacrificing than that of the Citizen Soldier who stands ready to serve besides the professional in time of war. So be it with the citiaen soldiers of the National Guard. The National Guard is the Militia and the Militial fired the shot heard around the world on Lexington Green that signaled the start of the Revolutionary War. They have and always will stand ready to leave their civilian lives to stand beside the regulars when called on to serve. President Bush name was on the roles and could have been called at any time. The truth is that even during the hottest parts of the Vietnam War 40% of those drafted or volunteering did not go to Vietnam during their term of service. John Kerry's continued bashing of National Guard service is a personal affront to all who honorablely served their country in this manner. There are 10 soldiers who served in the National Guard for every 1 in the Reuglar Army. They need to stand up and let John Kerry know how they feel about his put down on election day. Thank You for letting me spout off. I agree with you feeling 100%.
Daniel K. Lindsey, COL, RET RES, TNARNG. <dlin5546@netease.net>
Sugar Tree, TN USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 13:00:00 (EDT)

John, Thank you for creating a place for Vietnam Veterans to vent their views, thoughts and anger. John Kerry is indeed a walking talking enigma; he uses his service in the Navy and in Vietnam as a crutch. When it benefits his political ambitions he presents himself as a Vietnam War hero and when he sees his service in Vietnam as detrimental he casts that crutch on the garbage heap. Like so many things in his political life his service in Vietnam has many faces and many things that are directly contradictory and amazingly bazaar. I just finished visiting Hanoi John’s campaign web site. If one was to read the things he presents there without prior knowledge of the real truth this guy would seem to be King Kong and Rambo in a single package. I read through the citations for the medals of Honor that he was presented there is one that is really strikingly strange. I never heard of a Swift Boat Crew of 5 Sailors leaving their boat unmanned to go ashore and engage the enemy. Seems to me that might be in direct conflict with the Naval Rules of Engagement, as well as totally asinine. As you say “Medals do not make a man. Morals do.” As a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Silver Star Medal the way I like to present that phrase is “Medals don’t make the man. The man makes the medals mean something”. In John Kerry’s case he is a miserable failure at that task… Please do visit my web site… Thanks again... C.T. Matye USMC (ret) 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division Vietnam 1968 Semper Fidelis
Tim Matye <tmatye@antelecom.net>
Kernville, CA USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 09:50:48 (EDT)

guy men pls keep offffffffffffffffffff ,i don land here ooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
john mugu <mugumugu@maga.com>
lome, lome togo - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 09:28:16 (EDT)

I LOVE THIS SITH KEEP IT UP
MUGU <MUGU@YAHOO.COM>
TEXAS, USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 06:56:17 (EDT)

Thanks for the good work, keep it up. We wish your wife to a speedy recovery.
Dan Carney <dcarney@dsvusa.com>
Merritt Island, FL USA - Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 05:33:17 (EDT)

Read your letter, god bless you. I served in Vietnem 1967-1968, 1st Marine Division and I never seen anything like Kerry has stated, you are right John Kerry is a liar. Why can't the American People see this. We need to shape up the News Media in this country especially some news papers. God Bless and Thank you for your service in Vietnam.
Duane Mattson <phantom71336@aol.com>
Grand Forks, ND USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 22:25:20 (EDT)

keep on driving brother, airborne all the way
tom kelly <mpjumper@yahoo.com>
livingston manor, ny USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 20:40:23 (EDT)

Thank you for your effort in exposing Senator John Forbes Kerry for the opportunistic hypocrite that he is. I wish we could get a view into HIS military record and prove the fraud that many suspect he is.
Dr. Richard A. Sandell <ras@aura.com>
Scarsdale, NY USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 18:24:47 (EDT)

dear sir, i read your letter and i respect you for your courage i too was in vietnam with the 11th cav god bless you and your family welcome home.
ssg david chute <iNDIANROCK35@AOL.COM>
Clarksville , tn USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 17:05:20 (EDT)

Vietnam Veteran - I wholeheartedly endorse (the first part) your views and exposure of Mr. Kerry. I wish there was some way to get national exposure. The very best to you and your wife. If you would like to establish a communication channel I would be more than honored. Sincerely, Mark Hurst
Mark Hurst <hurst@pacwest.net>
Eugene, Or USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 16:47:42 (EDT)

Great comments Don. If John Kerry is the best the Democrats have to offer then President Bush has nothing to worry about come November. A former SFC, 11bravo. Vietnam 65-66
Jerry Jensen <jjensen19@cox.net>
Norman, Ok USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 15:07:58 (EDT)

OCS-Benning-7/13/67. Americal Div, Chu Lai, Jan.-June 1968. WIA 6/6/68 1Lt(Ret). I echo your sentiments. Two purple hearts for injuries most of us laughed off! And a six month early out to boot!! I hope the American public can see past his rhetoric.
Mike Stone <stone2434@aol.com>
Exeter, RI USA - Monday, April 12, 2004 at 13:41:08 (EDT)

I know this is not a forum, but I can't stand it. Now is the time to stand firm. Just like in Nam, even more so, the enemy knows there is a political fight going on here in the US. They would love to see Kerry and the UN taking control in January. And just like Nam, they won't come out and fight. They strike and run back into their holes. Between now and November they will take every political advantage they can. This is war. You got two choices. You can back Bush and stand tall, or you can cower with the Liberals and be forever enslaved under the Left. I think this is Americas' last chance. Bush ain't God, and Kerry ain't the devil. But it is something to think about. As for me and my house, we learned from Vietnam. We will not listen to the leftist media. We will not cower in the face of the enemy. We will stand with "W". Martin N. Tirrell, rejoice@eagle1st.com, Lisbon, N. H.
Martin N. Tirrell <rejoice@eagle1st.com>
Lisbon, N. H. , NH USA - Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 20:22:08 (EDT)

Bush Out The Door in 04. I don't want that deserter back in there for 4 more years. He has damaged america enough. You have a problem with Kerry? He was in Vietnam when all your chickenhawks were back here playing Jody. Bendell, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Thomas Jacobs <tjac1200@yahoo.com>
Denver, CO USA - Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 14:48:22 (EDT)

I got your letter via E via 10 other people. THANK YOU! Kerry is a disgrace to the uniform which I wore proudly in 'Nam.
Aubrey "Butch" Wright <cap3w@gsinet.net>
Weare, NH USA - Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 12:08:08 (EDT)

On May 4, 1970, four students were killed at the hands of the National Guard during a protest against the Vietnam War at Kent State University. They were participating in a demonstration to end that war. What is commonly seen now as a tragic assault on the Vietnamese people, was widely accepted at the time as a just war. We must learn from our mistakes and insure that the voices of dissent are no longer repressed. Former Senator William Fullbright succinctly expressed the type of leadership we need: "The age of warrior kings and of warrior presidents has passed. The nuclear age calls for a different kind of leadership....a leadership of intellect, judgment, tolerance and rationality, a leadership committed to human values, to world peace, and to the improvement of the human condition. The attributes upon which we must draw are the human attributes of compassion and common sense, of intellect and creative imagination, and of empathy and understanding between cultures." This why need to get Bush out!
James Kurrus
Tx USA - Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 09:19:23 (EDT)

Don, like my husband Don, have been in Vietnam. He has the same things to say that you do about the jungles, fighting, etc. And also to come home with "murderers, baby killers, etc. It is a shame and a disgrace that the men who had gone to fight and subject themselves to death each day had to come back to a country that you all were fighting for, to hear all the deroggatory remarks that was said. It seems that people in the USA did not even appreciate you all for fighting in a war that was political, not for any other reason. May God bless you in all your endeavors to open people's eyes to the many sides of War and how the USA feel about their men. Not all of USA, but a big majority of them. Then when you came back, the VA nor anyone else want's to help you. It is truly a shame. Keep up the good work about informing people about the truth!! Thanks
Della Yerby <dyerby@msn.com>
Enterprise, MS USA - Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 23:17:32 (EDT)

Don - your on many of our area Vet's reading list. We have appreciated your articles. Hope your wife's recovery goes well. God Bless. William (Bill Smith) Retired Air Force Major (former Staff Sgt) 22.5 years, 1966-1988 [Another Veteran Not Fonda Kerry]
William (Bill) Smith <bsmith@agora-assoc.com>
Mountain Home, AR USA - Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 16:16:33 (EDT)

Service # US55707260
Eugene A. Raffin <atbird1963@wideopenwest.com>
Rochester Hills, MI USA - Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 12:20:34 (EDT)

I'm an air force vet and with you all the way! The truth about Kerry must be publicized! I just can't visualize that dweeb as our CinC!
Greg Magnan <WMDmedic7@hotmail.com>
Chula Vista, CA USA - Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 12:18:53 (EDT)

Thanks for the push. Kerry's so called "Band of Brothers" are probably his rich foreign wife's brothers or the Heinz 57 Variety. Have no respect for John Fonda Kerry and the rest of their group. Retired SGM 1983, 22.5 years Army. Nam 70-71.
Bob <bertlor@verizon.net>
Leesburg, VA USA - Friday, April 09, 2004 at 14:13:45 (EDT)

Currently serving in Iraq MWCS 28 taking over for the 82nd Airborne.
LCpl O'Brien Eric R
USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 19:21:16 (EDT)

Sir, Ma'am, the more that I read in your guestbook entries from Vietnam veterans and their family members, the more I am blown away by the outpouring of healing words being created among you all. It is as if a parched land has received fresh rain, and the seeds laying dormant in the once-hardened ground are breaking through the hard crust of their imprisonment and soaking in the fresh, nurturing air. Sir, it is so humbling to realize -- even a little bit as an outsider -- how much you Vietnam Vets have gone through mostly as individuals, often alone in your pain. I am so sorry that my generation helped perpetuate that by accepting what we heard without really caring enough to research and understand. Kerry wasn't alone in his betrayal of you. I had my part as well, fearing Vietnam Vets like some people fear those racially different from themselves. I apologize for accepting the stereotype for most of my life and perhaps missing out on some wonderful interactions over the years had I not been so prejudiced. Thank you for helping me see this. Thank you for your service to this country. Thank you for making the necessary stand now to correct the wrongs. And truly, Sir, from the depths of my heart and soul: Welcome home.
Lori Hoeck <hoeck@wildmail.com>
Pueblo West, CO USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 17:12:03 (EDT)

Don, keep up the fire, you are doing superb job on Hanoi John, Tobin, A503, A504, B55, 5th SFGA, 69-70
Jack Tobin <jntobin@aol.com>
Charlotte, NC USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 15:36:31 (EDT)

Brilliant poetry. Absolutely. One can simply see from your writings, you're not full of uncontrolled hatred, but concerned about spreading TRUTH and protecting this great country that was so wisely founded on the word of our God. Thank you for presenting the facts (and proof of, as well). God bless and God Bless America! Martha :)
Martha Ott <martha.ott@varian.com>
Gordonsville, VA USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 15:28:01 (EDT)

To: All Who Share Don Bendell's Philosophy of Life ~~~ From: A lucky guy who discovered his books on 03.19.04 ~~~ If you want to "take a break" from the trash in our movies, the boredom of most of our TV's cloned programming, slanted major network news coverage and the Liberal Bias splashed across the bulk of our newspapers, read the stuff penned by this author. After initially being drawn to this web site by an email containing Mr. Bendell's comments about Kerry, I explored same and decided to acquire & read one of his books. Instantly, I realized I'd found a man who wrote in a fashion that was somewhere in between those of Louis L'Amour and William W. Johnstone (whose hundreds of titles I had already read and retained). So...I ordered all 23 of them! And, while reading the first 4, I've not been the least bit disappointed. In fact, I'm thrilled! "Chief of Scouts"; "Horse Soldiers"; "Colt"; and "Coyote Run" all feature the exploits of the legendary Chief of Scouts, Chris Colt, and several other colorful characters. They are afire with excitement, adventure and authentic historical detail while charged with the courage and determination of the men and women who put down roots in the untamed American West. The absense of filthy language, explicit sexual scenes, disrespect for womanhood and ones elders is most refreshing. Yet the "word pictures" this author paints for the reader are brimming with clarity and exquisite detail. I was shocked that the used book prices were rediculously low for his books which were easily found at Amazon.com, so I quickly ordered them all before others discovered them and drove up their prices. If you are interested, you'd better do the same without delay. Hopefully, Mr. Bendell will soon find the time to publish more of his terrific novels, the new ones will get the attention they deserve, readership will motivate the publishers to slap some new jackets on the out-of-print titles and promote the heck out of each re-release. Our nation needs a good dose of the values inherent in the writings of this author more today than ever before!
Jack Muellerleile <sitepro1@comcast.net>
Cypress, CA USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 15:17:29 (EDT)

Thank you for clarifying some things I had read. I hope President Bush is re-elected. The thought of John Kerry (or anyone like him) heading our country, is pretty frightening.
Jennifer Barnett
Ventura, CA USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 14:43:54 (EDT)

Hello, GOD bless you & all others who have and continue to serve our country. Who are we with out you. Recently I received this e-mail from my future father-in-law: What evidence does Bush (or anybody else) have that God gives him guidance: History is crowded with those who claim to have a their own personal link to God. If one exams the lives of Saints and Jesus himself what do they have in common. There are more actions that demonstrate God's will then proselytization and preaching about God's will. It is my considered opinion that the more an individual invokes the name of God to support his positions and to justify his actions the less likely it is that he (or she) has an understanding of "God's Will." The government is a poor place to impose religious convictions because one man's righteous truth is another's heresy. For the most part we can all agree that: We should help the poor and less fortunate Practice tolerance and love for all If those who refer to themselves as Christian Fundamentalist are concerned about abortion there are many effective ways to cut down on the number of abortions. Just to name a few: Longer School Days (studies show the majority of adolescent pregnancies occur in the afternoon after school) Support for government supported childcare (fees charged on based on income) Support for birth control information and availability for all (I know no parent want to believe that their child needs birth control, but it is a huge gamble to assume that the child is always going to say no). Universal Medical Care for children with regular wellness exams (if all children had good medical care and regularly visited a doctor who was trained to identify all childhood issues, many of the issues that cause children to become sexually active at a young age could be addressed i.e. child abuse, mental health issues etc). Of course it is easy to argue for the passage of laws that prohibit behaviors, but that course of action does not have a history of success. I offer the laws against gambling, the Volstead Act that started prohibition http://65.23.136.214/publications/brochures/prohibition.shtml the war on drugs, and the anti abortion laws that existed prior to 1972 as examples of laws that failed. Estimates of the annual number of illegal abortions in the 1950’s and 1960’s range from 200,000 to 1.2 million. (C. Tietze and S.K. Henshaw, Induced Abortion: A World Review, 1986. New York: AGI, 1986.) In 1969, one year before New York State legalized abortion, complications from abortions accounted for 23 percent of all pregnancy-related admissions to municipal hospitals in New York City.(Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, Legalized Abortion and the Public Health. Washington, DC: National Academy of Sciences, 1975.) So back to the orignal question, Why would a practicing Christian vote against Bush? I cannot do better than a Christian Conservative by the name of Michael Peirce read his article here: http://www.lewrockwell.com/peirce/peirce72.html I hope some of these other snippets of Information/Quotes/Opinions below might help as well. From an article by Anna Quindlan of Newsweek: "The connection between politics and religion for me lies in the motto of Cornelia Connelly, the Philadelphia wife and mother who founded the order of nuns by whom I was lucky enough to be educated. Actions, not words. Touch the sick, the poor, the children, the powerless, as Christ did, and never mind quoting Leviticus." Read the whole article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4408614/ On most matters, Lorence Wenke is a staunch conservative. The 58-year-old state representative from Richland Township opposes abortion and gun control. He backs small government and tax cuts. A member of a fundamentalist church, he includes a verse of Scripture on his business card and participates in a Bible-study group for state legislators. One would be hard-pressed to find a more unlikely advocate for gay rights. Read the whole article here: http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1078163468305920.xml A quote from Jeremiah 22 22:13 Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbors work for nothing, and does not give them their wages; 22:14 who says, "I will build myself a spacious house with large upper rooms," and who cuts out windows for it, paneling it with cedar, and painting it with vermilion. 22:15 Are you a king because you compete in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. 22:16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? says the Lord. 22:17 But your eyes and heart are only on your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence From an Editorial in the Houston Chronicle: Many Christians worship with quiet dignity, unwilling to join battle with strident evangelists who preach a single path to salvation. These silent faithful recognize that there are innumerable paths to God and that God might be called by many names. By definition, this gentle army goes largely unnoticed. Thomas Jefferson, when asked if he was a Christian, responded, "It is in our lives, and not from our words, that our religion must be read." St. Francis of Assisi told his brothers, "Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words." But the time has come to break silence and give Jesus back his good name, to free the master-philosopher from the strictures of literal and limiting Bible readings and apply his life-altering view to the unique challenges of the 21st century. Read the whole editorial here: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/outlook/2425575 Hope this helps \ \ ||| / / [-Õ¿Õ-] {{{-}}} Jayde Donnelly I.T. Coordinator Air Line Pilots Association 7900 International Drive Suite 850 Bloomington MN 55425 I have to say I quickly lost interest. " Give me something to hold on to!" I immediatly began my search for a reply. About an hour into my search, I stumbled across your first letter that lead me to your web site. When I read your first letter, I cried. I can not tell you how thankful I am, that not only did you serve your country then, but that you continue to serve your country today by speaking out! I am a young american, and I, like most, are oblivious to what you and your fellow comrads experienced and continue to experience today. Sadly enough, we, the people, haven't a clue what goes on in war or politics. We rely on the "news" and what they tell us to be true. After reading your letters I said to myself "Now that's something I can hold onto to!" "That's real" I was equally touched from the letter you received that gave you the confirmation you needed when you began to question yourself, if it's worth it. Thank you for your hard work and dedication into researching the FACTS, thank you for your insight and awareness. I am linking your website to everyone I know, and like a virus, I hope it spreads.
Tracie <Traciekel@aol.com>
Laurens, sc USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 11:01:56 (EDT)

Keep up the good work.
Clayton E Bickford <bickfordc@sbcglobal.net>
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, April 08, 2004 at 08:59:30 (EDT)

Keep writting.I was very thankful for our comander in cheif on 9/11. The thought of Gore in that position was terrifing. Kerry if possible, God help us is worse.I send your articles to all my rvn contacts. Thank You for continuing to serve.
John Masterson <dmaste01@hotmail.com>
Phoenix, az USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 21:02:50 (EDT)

Thank you for your straight forward comments regarding Sen. John Kerry. I was an infantry office in Vietnam, wounded in action and evacuated out to the World and eventually honorably discharged. I will never give support to someone like Sen Kerry and the flip-flop positions he takes regarding present and former military personnel and the role they now play or have played in America's past. God Bless and keep the information coming.
Dick Gray <dick@x-techinc.com>
Laguna Hills, CA USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 15:25:56 (EDT)

Thank you! Without people like yourselves we would never get the truth from the media.God Bless you both and please keep up the good work.
Brian Hiebert <winds2@prodigy.net>
Ringwood, N.J. USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 15:08:35 (EDT)

Thanks Bro. I am Vietnam also 69-70 Hambuger Hill. I am so strong against that trader and all his Cummies buddy. He and Max Cleland call them self Band of Brother. Cleland was not hurt in combat. They are more like Band of BUBBAS. Keep up good work. God bless you. Glenn Scarborough
Glenn C Scarborough <GScarbo388@aol.com>
Hull,, Ga, USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 13:02:06 (EDT)

Loved your editorial, most recent, on Kerry. I pray you are right, and there is a big enough voting block to do some real damage this year. For the sake of my sad and distracted country , I pray you are right on.
Jim Shockley <cwbuff150@aol.com>
Clinton Crs., NY USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 12:25:45 (EDT)

Amen bro! Keep up the good fight to bring out the truth and mobilize us vets (and everybody else) against the misguided and mistaken ideas (or lack thereof) of this appeasing piece of Play Doh. Trice 'Nam 67-68 (during Tet).
Trice Lawrence <trice@hal-pc.org>
Houston, TX United States - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 11:56:13 (EDT)

Just received a copy of your email about Sen. Kerry. THANK YOU FOR YOUR OUTSPOKEN TRUTHS AS YOU KNOW THEM. I will forward it to all on my email list. I am a Grandmother of 5 and though I did not serve my country directly, I have a special place in my heart for veterans. Congratulations and God Bless You. glenna
G K Jones <gkjones47@yahoo.com>
Houston, TX USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 11:32:00 (EDT)

Thank you sir for your stright forward approach to telling the world about John Kerry. I am not here to make comments about him, as I feel his voting record and past protests with Hanoi Jane should be proof enough to anyone that has questions. John Kerry is not good for America, and he will not be getting the vote of anyone in my family this next election. I am forwarding you editorials to a few people I know, as I think they have every right to see what has transpired in the past. Your research has given the heads up. Keep up the good work and if you are ever up our way, stop by for supper, I'll throw some steaks on the grill!! Best wishes and God bless . . . Neal
Neal H. Heupel <nealjen@msn.com>
Laramie, WY USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 17:23:28 (EDT)

Thanks for your work
Mike O'Donnell <mikeo@gv.net>
Penn, Valley USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 16:16:05 (EDT)

Let the truth be heard. Let us speak it. Not all medals were earned in combat or in harm's way. Some were self-written and selp-serving. Others truly earned their medals in the selfless service. I served to promote freedom, not to enhance my own image. Let the truth be known. Mr. Bush is a leader, a patriotic public servant. Mr. kerry is a man of privilege, not a man of the people...or of the veterans! Mr. kerry, let the truth be known, OPEN your military records to the public.
Jim LEE <LEEFAM@OPEN.ORG>
SALEM, OR USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 14:36:29 (EDT)

KERRY'S SOULMATE JANE FONDA gets feedback from a Vietnam Vet...read on: The Owner is a Hero - Only in America FM 100.7 (A local radio station) was doing one of their "Is anyone listening" bits this morning. This first one was, "Ever have a celebrity pull the 'Do you know who I am' routine?" A woman called in and said that a few years back, while visiting her cattle rancher uncle in Billings, MT., they had occasion to go to dinner at a restaurant that does not take reservations. The wait was about 45 minutes. Lots of other rancher types and their spouses were already waiting. In come Ted Turner and Jane Fonda. They want a table. The hostess says they'll have to wait about 45 minutes. Jane Fonda asks the hostess if she knows who she is. "Yes, but you'll still have to wait 45 minutes." Then Jane says, "Is the manager in?" The manager comes out and says, "May I help you?" Do you know who I am?" ask both Jane and Ted. "Yes, but these folks have all been waiting already and I can't put you ahead of them." Then Ted asks to speak to the owner. The owner comes out. Jane again asks, "Do you know who I am?" The owner says, "Yes, I do. Do you know who I am? I am the owner of this restaurant and a Vietnam Veteran. Not only will you not get a table ahead of all of my friends and neighbors here, but you also will not be eating in my restaurant tonight or any other night. Good bye." Only in America, what a great country! To all who received this email: This is a true story and the name of the steak house is Sir Scott's Oasis Steakhouse, 204 W Main, MANHATTAN, MT 59741 (406) 284-6929 The story left out one important part. The owner of the restaurant told Ted Turner that he was a Vietnam Vet and that he (Ted) would be welcome in his restaurant but Ted would have to get that bitch traitor out of his establishment because he would not serve her under any circumstances. I live part of the year in West Yellowstone, MT and eat from time to time at the Oasis. Best New Year's Wishes to all of you, Mike Letson. Keep passing this on. We never forget the unprosecuted traitor! And let's not forget what "our gal" Hillary said to the troops in Iraq!!! "This war has no support from the American public" !!!!! Sir Scott's Oasis Steakhouse 204 W Main MANHATTAN, MT 59741 (406) 284-6929 _____________________________________________________________________________
BROJAK <sitepro1@comcast.net>
Newport Beach, CA USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 12:48:53 (EDT)

great job am joining a republican club and passing your site info along to them. they love it. keep on keepin on stu
stuart cox <stuart6@verizon.net>
riverview, florida USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 11:46:13 (EDT)

Thanks for helping set the record straight on John Kerry. I served in the USAF during the Viet Nam conflict, in the 6908th Security Squadron and the 6990th Security Group. It saddens me to know that not only did America lose the propaganda and disinformation war during that conflict, but far worse, countless Americans didn't seem to realize that the propaganda war was even being waged by the Communists. John Kerry helped the Communists win that war. As an American, he should have known better. As an officer, he should have done better. As a brother in arms, he should have stood better by his fellow soldiers. Shame on him! Kudos to you for speaking the truth. regards, Dave Ryan
Dave Ryan <davidryan505@comcast.net>
Pottstown, PA USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 11:45:25 (EDT)

JOHN KERRY'S COMBAT MEDALS?? The controversy continues...see what NEWSMAX is reporting: From: NewsMax.com To: washdoc@msn.com Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 9:19 AM Subject: B.G. Burkett: Navy Commanders to Cast Doubt on Kerry's War Record ~~~ Several Navy officers who supervised Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry when he commanded a swift boat in Vietnam are preparing to publicly question his war record - including the circumstances under which he was awarded three Purple Hearts - a noted Vietnam War historian revealed on Sunday. Burkett, whose 1999 book, "Stolen Valor," is considered to be the definitive history of falsified Vietnam War claims, told WABC Radio's Steve Malzberg that Kerry's former commanders would allege that the top Democrat's Purple Hearts were awarded for "self-reported injuries that were virtually nonexistent." "He never got a day of treatment, he never spent a day in a medical facility," Burkett said. "These were all self-reported wounds, which you're going to hear from some swift boat guys in the future as to the nature of those wounds." Burkett said he had personally spoken to the Navy commanders who were preparing to go public about Kerry's decorations. "You're going to get quite a showing [of those speaking out]," Burkett told Malzberg. "I don't know [the number] yet. They're trying to get it to be unanimous of every swift boat guy who ever served." As to the timetable for the upcoming revelations, Burkett said that Kerry's superior officers "were still discussing that." "You've got some major rallys being planned against John Kerry by Vietnam veterans on the mall, at the convention - this type of thing," he said. "And we're going to make America aware of John Kerry's military record." Get Steve Malzberg's exclusive NewsMax.com column emailed directly to you at www.newsmax.com/malzberg
BROJAK <sitepro1@comcast.net>
Cypress, CA USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 09:49:46 (EDT)

I agree with you. GOD BLESS
david walker
madison, al USA - Tuesday, April 06, 2004 at 07:23:59 (EDT)

Last summer I was with my father who served in Viet Nam in 1969. We went to a linoleum store and the subject of the war came up. I mentioned to the clerck that my dad was a veit nam vet. He thanked my father, my dad stunned us by thanking him because NO ONE HAD EVER DONE it before. How sad, I cried,33 years and only one thank you.My dad is in Cambodia right now protecting our embassy. Thanks again dad!
sheri peery/ army brat <peeryclan@msn.com>
hendersonville, nc USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 22:22:50 (EDT)

Service with USMC 1960-64. Did not serve in VietNam. My brother, who is buried at MCB Camp Lejuene NC, spent two tours there while serving a total of 19 years in the Corps. First, I'd like to thank you for your service to this country and Welcome Home. I have not forgotten the tumult in this nation from 1965 to '74. The anti-war folks actions made me wonder why any of us ever served to defend their likes. But we did, and we do today, in spite of their misguided ideologies. Thanks for shining the light on the issue of John Kerry's actions after returning stateside. I am puzzled at the quickness that some excuse his actions after his service simply due to their perception that he is a "Decorated American War Hero". I'm sorry, but Tim McVeigh was also a "Decorated American War Hero". As a career firefighter (30 yrs)it was one of my tasks to assist in the recovery of 36 of the victims of McVeigh's protests against his government. Although the approach that Kerry and the VVAW might have been different in the "execution", the motives were no different as I see it. This is America, and for a little while longer we have the right to peaceably petition our government for redress. But the route the Kerry and VVAW and McVeigh chose were a stark departure from that which most honorable vets chose. Some say those deeds were in the "past' and have no relevance to "today". To that I say horsefeathers. Jesus clearly states that "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit" Mt 7:18 and "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them" Mt 7:20. I will let that small part of scripture do my speaking relative to the character of Mr. Kerry. Semper Fi! and God Bless America.
Ronald D. Hamric <ronrae@cybertrails.com>
Pine, AZ USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 18:58:41 (EDT)

Don, I am new to your web site and just recently received your letters to Kerry via email. I served during the Viet Nam war, but in a "Rear" condition as an Air Force Mechanic in the Philippines 67-68 (for 18 months) and 2 tours back to back in Northern Thailand 69-71. I have also served as a Local VFW commander for 2 years. It is unfortunate the general public does not understand the loyalty and dedication soldiers have to their fellow comrades in arms, to their familes, and to America. Regardless of the type of sacrifice made, some much more than others, most go about their life quietly until some idiot such as Kerry has to venture onto the scene and boast about his service while slandering others. This is the dude the dems want for President. Get a clue dummies!
Bruce Moore <bruce-moore@charter.net>
Fort Worth, TX USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 18:00:01 (EDT)

Hey Don, Just read one of your articles about that jerk Kerry, and I just wanted to say, RIGHT ON. I have been a member of the Republican party for many years, and was in the US Army from 1969 to 1971. Keep up the good work.
Mike <bigmikewis@aol.com>
Pewaukee, WI USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 17:45:05 (EDT)

Love your Kerry article. Right On! Get rid of the blue print on your home page....I can't read it. PDH LTCOL USMCR(Ret)
Philip Harman <pharman@cfl.rr.com>
Port Orange, FL USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 11:29:08 (EDT)

Tsgt in Ohio ANG, 4 years active duty..17 years into a proud career...thank you for your editorials.
William Snow <dsnoman68@msn.com>
Amelia, Oh. USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 10:36:41 (EDT)

vet of sipan
george daly
USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 10:24:19 (EDT)

God bless you, your family, the USA and the "work you do". As a retired USAF officer I'm proud to stand tall with you. I'm the instigator of bumper stickers "A Vet NOT Fonda Kerry" here in Austin. I'll put some in the mail for you free. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Kent Lattig
Kent Lattig <klattig@msn.com>
Austin, TX USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 10:10:04 (EDT)

All I can say is that I am SO PROUD of YOU! I too have my deep scars left from Vietnam, and when I hear people, like Kerry, and other liberals talk down my VETS I feel my blood start to boil. I was only a kid when the conflict began and all through my high school years it raged on. I lost family, friends, and my fiance over there and I refuse to let people like Kerry disgrace their memories! I am proud of those, all of them, who fought and chose not to run like a coward. I know personally, that for most of them, they did not even consider running as a choice. They were either drafted or they enlisted, but they went, and many did not come home. None of us even considered running, or entertained that thought for a minute. It was a duty and obligation to go, maybe not something we wanted, but those young men I knew went and they went proudly to serve. They truly are and were America's finest! God bless them all! And God bless you too, Sir! You and your lovely wife will remain in my prayers always, and they don't call me the prayer warrior for nothin'! Keep up the good work and getting the truth out for all to hear. Thank you! Thank you so much for what you did and what you continue to do. Peace to you, PrairWarur
Jill Cruzan <prairwarur@ilovejesus.net>
Noblesville, In USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 07:21:13 (EDT)

Dear Mr. Bendell: It's getting on to 40+ years since my service in the USAF. Thank you for your service and God Bless You for putting up the site. My trials from Vietnam began after I was separated from the service. Insults from people who had never served, lost job opportunities because of the wonderfully dismissive attitudes of those who were proud to be cowardly protestors. Now we are about to engage the real enemy once again - those who encouraged Americans to become traitors and established cowardice as a virtue. I never thought we could find someone even worse than Bill Clinton to seek the presidency. I was wrong. While Clinton never served and was proud of it, Kerry served with dishonor and shame and is proud of it. It's time for us to engage the enemy once again and defeat him.
Frank Ernest <fjernest@thepoint.net>
Clarksville, IN United States - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 05:14:56 (EDT)

Keep up the good work.
Paul Sanders, USA, Ret <pauls09165@hotmail.com>
APO, AE USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 02:17:41 (EDT)

Great info on Kerry. Passed your site on to my friends. Served 1964-1966 VA-122. Home base, Lemoore, Calif.
Bill Pastino <pastcat2@verizon.net>
Bridgeport, PA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 00:27:18 (EDT)

Keep up the good work against kerry. (Small k on purpose) USAF Major Retired F-4G Wild Weasel Instructor Pilot
Tom "GummiBear" Gummo <t.gummo@verizon.net>
Apple Valley, CA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 00:23:15 (EDT)

Great info on Kerry. Passed your site on to my friends. Served 1964-1966 VA-122. Home base, Lemoore, Calif.
Bill Pastino <pastcat2@verizon.net>
Bridgeport, PA USA - Monday, April 05, 2004 at 00:18:51 (EDT)

Hi, just stumbled on to your site by way of an email I received concerning "Hanoi John" and I like what I see! Keep on keeping on!!
CMSgt James D. Duke, Ret. <JDuke32291@aol.com>
Rome, Ga USA - Sunday, April 04, 2004 at 21:58:19 (EDT)

Sir: I thank my Lord for your strong moral convictions and the work that you are doing. I only pray that the major media "gate keepers" will give you the opportunity to tell the world the truth. I will never forget having youngsters throwing trash at us and calling us "baby-killers". It is something that I have repressed since 1968 but now has been reopened. I served with the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army Reserve and was a volunteer with the IDF during the Yom Kippur War. Currently my "baby" daughter, Jessica, is stationed at FOB Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq. The pain and anger that I feel is not so much a personal thing but a pain for our country which, since the end of WWII, seems to have lost so much of its resolve, courage and moral bearing. I cannot believe that when we are involved in a world wide life or death struggle against Islamists for all the marbles that people are so worried about their standard of living that they would vote for a canidate that has pledged to apologize to our enemies and abandon our allies (again) in the name of world harmony and political correctness. This is tragic to consider. I have read all three of your articles to date and forwarded them to friends and family state-side and in Iraq. The articles are excellent and I would love to see them appear in the New York and Los Angeles Times just for starters. Semper Fi, W. "Doc" Cooper
Wallace L. Cooper <doc007@verizon.net>
Sunland, CA USA - Sunday, April 04, 2004 at 21:29:21 (EDT)

I enjoy and look forward to your commentaries.
Fred Wacksman <fwacksman@cinci.rr.com>
Cincinnati, OH United States - Sunday, April 04, 2004 at 16:00:38 (EDT)

I too am a "lifer" serving in country from May 1968-1969. Before that I flew as a LoadMaster from Travis to In country from 1964-1972. I beleive in your writings and those who don't beleive in our country & Mil don't belong.... Kerry fits that roll and doesn't deserve respect. He's a flip-flop and a taker not a giver and a kept guy. He has fed at the trough all his life till the garbage has no place to go. Keep up the good work, we are out here waiting!!
Robert Cooper <coop32@jps.net>
Vacaville, CA USA - Sunday, April 04, 2004 at 14:02:06 (EDT)

Good Morning, I am a Viet Nam Vet and I think John Kerry has a terrible record on veteran affairs. He has repeatedly slapped us in the face. He certainly has the right but I don't have to like it or vote for him either. Thanks Gary Rickett
Gary Rickett <Garkinfl@AOL.Com>
Deland, Fl USA - Sunday, April 04, 2004 at 10:42:35 (EDT)

Don, thank you for your service to our nation and the editorials you have written regarding the truth about John Kerry. The mainstream media are certainly not doing it. I also saw you on the Fox News Channel this past week and I hope you will make as many appearances as you can. You did a great job. Even though we have never served, we admire and support our military and do whatever we can to support them. When I heard President Bush say "one person can't do everything, but everyone can do something", I started contributing to funds to help our troops, such as the fund to send air conditioners to Iraq last summer. You know, it wasn't much, but it was something that made me feel like I was doing my part to support our troops noble mission. God bless you and your wife. Let's all work hard to make sure that the likes of John Kerry NEVER becomes Commander in Chief.
Debby Henderson <n4692u@aol.com>
Pittsburg, Tx USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 22:46:41 (EST)

I read your letter and am passing it on to my friends, both prior military, retired military and friends and family. I am a 20 year retired Marine. Hats off to your service to our country and your proactive approach to to shed light on Senator Kerry. One of these days we may hear more about Senator Kerry's service trials and tribulations. Semper Fi Trent
Trent Shirey <Shirey04@aol.com>
Canfield, Ohio USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 21:10:51 (EST)

Keep up the good work
Parker St Clair <parkerstclair@yahoo.com>
Richardson, TX USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 21:04:15 (EST)

very good .i justy read your peace on john keyyr. i agree 100%with you . i dont want him to be my preasent eather. you should e-mail our chief to let him know he is not fighting this alone.god bless you,
bmb1939 <bmb1939us@yahoo.com>
mo USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 20:01:30 (EST)

Thank you for your comments. Kerry is in the same category as his friend Jane Fonda...disgusting.
Leo Chiantelli <keybandon@earthlink.net>
Bandon, OR USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 16:27:05 (EST)

Got these in the body of an email this week and have no way to verify them all but what if they are accurrate? I'm not sure the photo images (aerials of Kerry's mansions) will transfer via pasting them into these comments, but the captions under each will surely "give you the picture". 'The Real Rich'........... John Kerry John Kerry, man of the common folk.... he understands your pain, really... trust him - oh yeah, right. The many homes of Democrat Presidential candiate, John F. Kerry: Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania (Assessed value: $3.7 million) Ketchum, Idaho ski getaway/vacation home (Assessed value: $4.916 million) Washington, D.C - Georgetown area (assessment: $4.7 million) Nantucket, Massachusetts waterfront retreat on Brant Point (Assessed value: $9.18 million) Boston, Massachusetts - Beacon Hill home (Assessed value: $6.9) oh, and he sold this estate in Italy to activist actor George Clooney, just before announcing his running for president. I guess he thought it might not sit well with the common man. ($7.8 million) Other foreign property ownership by John Kerry is unknown... because he denied repeated requests for this information. Class warfare is not right, but neither is being a hypocrite. This man wants to be our president, while claiming that he relates to Joe-6-pack and the common man. He wants to raise income taxes on the rich (wonder how he defines "rich"?). He wants to make it harder for you to get rich by raising taxes on your income! Talk about snobbery and protecting his "class."
SITEPRO
Newport Beach, CA USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 16:01:55 (EST)

Got an email containing what your comments about Kerry; visited your web site & liked what you had to say therein; retrieved "Chief of Scouts" from a used bookseller, then read it; liked your philosophy as portrayed in same; ordered 8 more of your books (now have all your Western titles) and am powering through them at this time; will probably acquire your Vietnam War titles plus "Tracker" after that. Please be encouraged to continue your writings as they reflect values sorely needed by too many of our young people today who have assumed a "victim mentality" with the steady encouragement of wrong-minded adults who have lost the values that made our country great. Your willingness to train our youngsters at your martial arts studios is admired by more than you realize. Please also continue to speak out on issues needing right-minded discourse. Thanks for all that you are doing and will continue to do henceforth. Your fan, Jack Muellerleile...a.k.a. BROJAK.
Jack Muellerleile <sitepro1@comcast.net>
Cypress, CA USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 15:40:20 (EST)

Artillery 1968-1969. Code name Fireball 51. I'm no hero; just a guy that did his duty. But, neither am I a turncoat traitor to my comrades in arms, and my country, like John Kerry. To all those who served with honor, well done, and thank you.
V. "Larry" Phillips <ftmarty@yahoo.com>
Idaho USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 11:26:16 (EST)

Just keep on spreading the truth, and may God bless you and your crusade!
Travis Lloyd
Fort Worth, TX USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 03:29:21 (EST)

Even though I have not served in either branches of our wonderful military. I have seen many vets who talk about the battlefields and lost friends. Also seeing what it has done to them, but there proud for what they done for this wonderful country of ours. I have three good friends in the Marines and Army one came back from Iraq to be stationed in Fort Carson and the other two were recently deployed to Iraq. I pray everyday for them and our troops. If Kerry get's into office I will denounce him as president. He does not deserve the right to run. Mr. Bendell may GOD BLESS YOU and your lovely wife especially our men and women in the armed forces.
Jim <Haystack77@hotmail.com>
Julesburg, CO USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 01:34:13 (EST)

Thank you for your service and for your research on Kerry. I concur with your comments and have serious reservations about his "heroic actions" in Nam. Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army Ret. 1st Aviation Brigade, Viet Nam, 1968
Jack D. Peavy <floridachopper@comcast.net>
Panama City Beach, FL USA - Saturday, April 03, 2004 at 00:50:58 (EST)

Hi Don, Although I never served in the branches that see the action I did put over 20 years and retired from the Army. I have the utmost respect for all the fighting forces and hope I live long enough to see them all come home again. If I don't then I wish them all the luck in the world. Neal Laur SFC , US Army (Ret)
Neal Laur <nekela@cortland.com>
Lacey, WA USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 23:32:50 (EST)

Please keep the real story coming. Thank You for standing up for all of us.
ADCS Jesse B Maddox USN Ret <Maddbert@highland.net>
Lancing, TN USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 18:04:55 (EST)

I want to publicly acknowledge that I respect and admire the patriotic contributions of a great Green Beret, Don Bendell, who blazed the trail, graduating from OCS while a teen ager and performing with distinction while serving in various SF units in Vietnam.
Don Devaney <ddevaney@hawaii.rr.com>
Aiea, HI USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 13:18:38 (EST)

Thank you so much for your effort in keeping Mr. Kerry away from 1600 Penn Ave.
Adrian Marrero <paramarr@juno.com>
Potomac, MD USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 12:35:28 (EST)

I am a disabled (80%) Marine Corp vet of the Vietnam war, India Company, 3rd BAT, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Div. I served in Vietnam during 1966. Within my company on one operation known as Hastings there was 1 CMH awared, 1 Navy Cross, many Silver and Bronze Stars for valdor, plus in excess of 80 Purple Hearts for "real wounds received", including over 30 KIA. All of this within a 3 day period. Neither Bush nor Kerry in my humble opinion have earned the right to serve this country as President. Today it's not about who is best qualified, or who has the best interest of this great country at heart, it's about who has the most money and who is "packaged" the best. It's about special interest groups and "do this for me and I will do this for you" regardless of whether or not it makes sense or whether or not it has the best interest of this country at the root cause of the action. All of the "bums" in DC need to be thrown out and we need to start fresh. This country has lost it's way and neither Kerry nor Bush are doing anything about it. For Kerry to preach his war service as making him the best candiate makes me want to puke! 3 Purple Hearts, Silver Star.......Ok Kerry release your combat records, release your medical records, lets take a look and lets compare them to say mine or any other vet who actually deserved the medals they got. Lets compare what you did to the guys on Hastings and Hill 362. You were born with a silver spoon, it got you your medals and it got you where you are today, nothing more, period! You have done nothing for the real "heros" of past wars, nothing except to dishonor the memories of brave men and women who gave their all for what they believed in. I won't debate the right or wrong of Vietnam, that is a very personal thing for all who served or for those who did not. We all did what we thought was the right thing to do. I will however debate your qualifications to be our President as I would our current sitting President. You guys in Washington continue to put the burden of this country squarly on those who can least afford to carry it, the sick, the old, the poor as well as our brightest and best young men and women, while you and all of your cronies sit in DC and debate yet never really do anything about the "REAL ISSUES" in this country. But why should you. You Kerry and all of your freiends are covered under a private medical plan, a private retirement plan, you vote your own salary increases, you use the tax payers money to travel whenever and wherever you like.........and the beat goes on! I have said my piece for now. Semper Fi
Tom Gainer <ttfns@aol.com>
Colorado Springs, CO USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 12:04:30 (EST)

Appreciated your web site. You have quite a history. I also studied the martial arts in Wisconsin and Texas, one time under Master Tadashi Yamishita. Good for body and soul.
Mario DiMarcantonio <mario@ramaircraft.com>
Waco, Tx USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 10:44:47 (EST)

Great articles, he should be call Hanoi Kerry along with Jane. Keep up the great work. Check out www.firefightersforbush.com There is a large group of Fire Fighters active and retired that are out ragged that the International Assoc. of Fire Fighter's when out in support of such a traidor to this country.
Richard C. Motzer <d1motz@att.net>
Holmes Beach, Fl USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 07:28:15 (EST)

Well done! Continue the attack. You are on target! I am 5th generation military amd proud of it. Check out, " A Boy Lieutenant," by Ron Seagrave. It details my great grandfather's leadership during the civil war. I know you will enjoy it. Blessings and Peace to you as well, Col John Bowley, USAF
Colonel A. John Bowley, Jr., USAF <abowley@satx.rr.com>
San Antonio, , TX USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 07:15:29 (EST)

I took one free month of Taikwondo and loved it and I am 63 yrs old with M.S. as well and strangely my own mother was born in Akron Ohio as well.. and I HATE JFK CANNOT stand even looking at that ugly puss of his.. thank you for being you and WELCOME HOME AND FROM MY HEART THANK YOU.. Sincerely, Marsha Jean Ledeman
Marsha Jean Ledeman <powmiavets11@Juno.com >
Seattle , WA USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 03:37:21 (EST)

The rehashing of the Vietnam War by John Kerry as political fodder has brought a lot of Vietnam veterans out of the woodwork, and it has been very painful for many, especially the families whose loved ones never returned, considering how much damage John Kerry and the "Vietnam Veterans Against the War" did to slander the reputations of their loved ones with false allegations of atrocities. I firmly believe, having been there near the end of the war, we could have prevailed had public sentiment and resolve not been undermined by the anti-war effort. Even the enemy admitted later they were on the brink of collapse and surrender but were reinvigorated by the change in public attitude in America. I have been corresponding over the past few weeks with several of my comrades as well as members of the families of some of my comrades shot down over Laos in February 1973 on one of our EC-47s, callsign "Baron 52". The fate of at least 5 of the crewmembers is still not known. They were simply "written off" by the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA affairs under John Kerry's chairmanship. The shootdown was controversial enough to earn a spot on the TV program "Unsolved Mysteries". If any of the crew managed to bail out and were captured, the committee's conduct during the hearings sealed their fate never to be returned. Neither John Kerry nor GW Bush nor I, for that matter, had any say in whether we would be assigned duty in Vietnam unless we volunteered. Some of us did volunteer. Of course one could petition to spend a year in Paris studying French as John Forbes Kerry did, being rich and a prodigy of John F. Kennedy. If one received 3 Purple Hearts, he could ask to come home, even after just 3 or 4 months, and even if the wounds didn't cost him any downtime, as John Kerry did. The only ways to guarantee we would not be assigned to Vietnam would be to desert or dodge the draft, like Bill Clinton and many of the "Vietnam Veterans Against the War", or petition for status change to "Conscientious Objector" prior to receiving orders. During my 12 month tour (actually 366 days), more than half the pilots with whom I flew my 100+ missions in Vietnam were Reservists, like me, and Air Guardsmen. I wonder how many names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall are of National Guardsmen and Reservists. Prior to assignment to Vietnam, I flew missions throughout the USA and Canada in support of Air Guard units. Who knows, I may even have visited with GW Bush in the Day Room on one of my trips to the Alabama or Texas Guard units. I can't even remember who the Squadron Commander was, so please don't expect me to name everyone I ever served with. Their courage, professionalism, skill, and deportment were second to none. Are the "Happy Hooligans" still flying these days? The next time you fly on a commercial flight, chances are a Reservist or Guardsman will be at the controls. Being a wounded, decorated hero is not a license to return to the safety and comfort of the United States and promote the enemy's propaganda while your buddies are still on the battlefield or in the enemy's POW dungeons. Benedict Arnold was also a wounded "war hero" before he changed sides and gave aid and comfort to the enemy. Very little has been reported about the Vietnam War that provides a true insight into how American military members conducted themselves, especially during our off-duty time. We were, and are, a brotherhood of unique individuals, melded together in the crucible of war, and bonded by duty, honor, sacrifice, blood, and love of country. More so than through any other fraternity, the associations and friendships formed in the military are lifelong, and we mourn the loss of our comrades until we join them again someday in Heaven. Sadly, politicians and historians do not share our code of ethics. Many of us spent our free time helping the "God Squad" Chaplains work with local and foreign missionaries. My undergraduate degree is in physics, and we shared our expertise and taught skills to adults and children alike. We often worked with orphans and tried to share some semblance of family with them, being "Big Brothers" or substitute dads and telling them about our families waiting for us back home. We often entertained them with music and by reading stories to them. We even provided housing, food, clothing, and school money out of our own pockets for as many of the children as we could, and one boy even lived right in our hooch while he attended school downtown. We called him "Joey". My wife and I still have the audio tape of our three year old daughter reciting the 23rd Psalm from memory that she sent to me during that year. I still have an audio tape of religious songs several of us made during our free time. I missed the taping session because I was flying a mission the day they recorded it, but they made sure I got a copy. Ordinary airmen, marines, sailors, and soldiers, not "monsters created to kill wantonly" as the "Vietnam Veterans Against the War" tried to label us, were the driving force behind that effort. Many of the locals with whom we worked thanked us for our "sacrifice" and for spending time with them that we could have spent relaxing. We were humbled to be allowed to be able to minister to them, and it was great therapy for us as well as them. The thought of mistreating them in any way never crossed our minds. If anything, it buttressed our resolve to protect them and free them from the oppression of the Communists. Where were the correspondents to record this aspect of the history? The most common observation or concern we shared with each other was "those could be our own kids, and these could be our own towns someday". Our maids would even warn us not to go out on nights when rocket attacks were planned for our base. Some days they would simply leave early and tell us we ought to stay inside that night. They knew because some of their family members had been impressed into the forces launching the attacks with the demand either to launch mortars and rockets, or the Communists would kill their family members. Why didn't the historians report on that? One of my favorite missionaries, his wife, and his four year old son were the only survivors of a mission group slaughtered in Laos by the Pathet Lao. Why didn't historians and news correspondents report the atrocities committed by the Communists? Politicians, some even holding high office today and running for even higher office, met with the leaders of the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong and the Pathet Lao and the other Communist groups while helping to sell out the MIAs and POWs in the planning for the Paris Peace Accords. Some of them wanted us to sign the Peace Accords BEFORE we began negotiations to have our POWs returned. Although a few rare incidents are documented, and they were quickly dealt with, I never witnessed a single atrocity committed by an American, but I saw the results of the atrocities committed by the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese and the Khmer Rouge and the Pathet Lao. War hero Navy Lt. John F. Kerry had already returned to the safety and security of the USA to perjure himself before the U.S. Senate and slander us by the time I was flying missions over Cambodia. It sickened us to watch Communist gunners zero in on the huge Red Crosses painted on the Theater in downtown Phnom Penh, Cambodia, that was used as a hospital and orphanage. We felt helpless watching as they would let the supply convoys come within sight of the city and then sink them and blow them away as added sadistic torture to the starving and wounded expecting relief. I didn't have to see any movies about "The Killing Fields", I saw them firsthand from the air. Maybe Lt. Kerry left too soon to learn the truth about atrocities. Instead of speeding past and leveling innocent villages as he claimed he did, maybe he would have better served his country and the people of Southeast Asia by providing escort for these convoys. Just as surely as a poem I was driven to write tells my own story, the poem and the website where I placed it honor those who did not return. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." I hope you know me now. I am your son, your brother, your cousin, your nephew, your uncle, your father, your grandfather. I am no different from every American who ever served in Vietnam -- except one: John F. Kerry. May God Bless You, With Respects, I am Bruce Obermeyer, former Captain, USAF 361st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Vietnam veteran
Bruce Obermeyer <opaobie@opaobie.com>
USA - Friday, April 02, 2004 at 01:27:20 (EST)

Thank you for speaking out the truth about candidate Kerry. I pray the electorate will rise above petty politics and save our country from the embarrassment of a Kerry presidency.
Ralph Maddox
USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 23:22:14 (EST)

John Kerry is not my Idea of a Commander in Chief
Lawrence Brady 1SG , Army Ret. <lbrady01@san.rr.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 22:37:19 (EST)

Mr Bendell, I just read all three of your editorials about Senator John Kerry. As a military veteran of 16 years, and a Master Sergeant currently serving in the New York Air National Guard, I am outraged at his actions. I will do all in my power to ensure that these facts are known by all that will listen. Thank you, sir, for your service to our wonderful country. I think of people like you when it is my turn to fly across the "pond" to do my rotation in "the sandbox". I am honored to be fighting for YOUR freedom now. God bless you and your family.
Greg Baird <Ammo69@twcny.rr.com>
Constantia, NY USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 22:14:33 (EST)

I just wanted to let you know that I read your first article and was told by a friend about your site. I totally agree with what you've written in all three of your editorials. I am an ex-Navy guy and support Bush on what he's done to strengthen our military. Kerry has not said or done anything to support the military, just to support the people who joined for money for education. These folks don't care to be in the military, just use it for what they can gain, not for what they can do for their country. Please do what you can to get your facts (not opinions) out to the public. I'm doing what I can to circulate your editorials. Thank you for all you've done for this great country, and for all that I'm sure you will continue to do.
Mike Childress <Mike_Childress113@hotmail.com>
Plano, Tx USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 17:16:21 (EST)

Don,It is good to read truisms for once. I am a disabled Nam veteran. I served in 68-69 with the 187th asslt.heli.co in Tay Ninh, III corp. and I never saw anything like what "Hanoi John," claimed. We as Americans gave more in trying to help, but between the media and Fonda/Kerry, never received credit for any of that.Once, when bravery was a vitue, honor be given the soldier. Now, cowardness is exalted and praised.What has become of our beloved country?
James F.Albrigtsen <gypsy@surferz.net>
Palenville, NY USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 16:00:45 (EST)

Isn't there some way to force the release of the TRUTH about John Kerry's service record? I have read that he was awarded three Purple Hearts in a four month's period and NEVER missed a day of duty. Awesome IF true!
James F. White, Jr. M.D. <Dundoccin@aol.com>
Jarrettsville, MD USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 15:23:10 (EST)

Just read your comments on Hanoi John, fully behind all you say. Have fowarded to all my contacts, including all fellow vets I know. Thank you for putting it out there.
Dan Teague <dett@shawneelink.net>
Mt. Carmel, il USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 13:39:44 (EST)

I served 20 years in the USAF and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. I find John Kerry's post-war activities deplorable regardless of the justification of the war. It is also my opinion that he aided and abetted our enemy then and will do the same in our current war on Terrorism.
Jim O'Neal <joneal1936@aol.com>
Rockledge, FL USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 11:32:05 (EST)

The sad part about the truth in this country is that the liberals will still vote for Kerry and they do not care if he is a sorry liar.
Ron Giaimis <Rgiaimis@markofdistinction.com>
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 09:47:09 (EST)

I just wanted to give my personal thanks for all that you have done serving our country to keep it the "Land of the Free". I will continue to support our troops all over the world and vote only for those that are bright enough to understand that the fanatics that are hell bent on destroying everyone that do not follow their beliefs cannot and will not ever be reasoned with. God bless you and all our brave soldiers, past and present!
Cori Pohlmeier
IL USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 08:19:26 (EST)

From one veteran (25+years Air Force enlisted) to another, thank you for your service, and "Welcome Home." I agree. We never heard that when we returned. Keep up the good work.
Dave Stever <easyweaver@hotmail.com>
Montgomery, AL USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 06:21:37 (EST)

Don: Thank you for your immediate response reference the retired SgtMaj who attempted to brand you a phony. I enjoyed your web site and certainly respect your service to our nation. People like J F Kerry should not become the leader of the United States. God Bless America, Gene Carson
Gene Carson <ECarson106@aol.com>
Kaneohe, HI USA - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 02:56:58 (EST)

I was a doorgunner/medic with 1stCav229thAHB at Bearcat in 70/71.I sent many heros home, with wounds so severe that although it punched their ticket home, all they wanted was to get back to their unit and their "Brothers"! Kerry must be stopped! I feel so strongly about this, I offer an online store offering shirts and stuff that says I am a "Vietnam Veteran Against Kerry". Please tour my products, if you are a VVAK(Vietnam Veteran Against Kerry. Keep up the good work! Thanks, Doc.
David "Doc" Hyatt <Mathaniel@AOL.COM>
Phoenix, AZ 85033 - Thursday, April 01, 2004 at 00:16:37 (EST)