“We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam,” Mr. Blumenthal said
slight problem.. he never was in Vietnam
He obtained at least five military deferments from 1965 to 1970
He obtained at least five military deferments from 1965 to 1970
After graduating from Harvard in 1967, military records show, Mr. Blumenthal obtained another educational deferment and headed to Britain,
That summer, Mr. Blumenthal’s draft classification changed from 2-S, an educational deferment, to 2-A, an occupational deferment — a rare exemption from military serivce
at the end of that year, he became eligible for induction after he drew a low number in a draft lottery held on Dec. 1, 1969. His number was 152, and people with numbers as high as 195 could be drafted, according to the Selective Service.
Two months after the lottery, in February 1970, Mr. Blumenthal obtained a second occupational deferment,
In April 1970, Mr. Blumenthal secured a spot in the Marine Corps Reserve, which was regarded as a safe harbor for those who did not want to go to war.
as retired military, I can understand a person not wanting to go to war..
and doing everything they can to not serve.. it is an issue that crosses political lines.. our last VP and president used various legal options to get out of the war..
and I can even understand his wanting to stand by those in the service. and to do so is the right thing to do..
I can't understand the lie, and after hearing his 'excuse" I hope a few vets show him how it really felt to return from Vietnam..
add in..
Blumenthal is described prominently as having served as captain of the swim team at Harvard. Records at the college show that he was never on the team.