We were not a cliché; we were serving our country. We were then instructed to pray. All veterans were assumed Christian that night.

Fortunately, a retired general and both our local representatives were there, and all spoke knowledgeably of the issues at hand. In the following days, we contacted some of the principles of S2V with some concerns. We were assured that they were aware of the need to include younger veterans and would do so. Good.

The responder, the secretary-treasurer of S2V stated “I am a three-tour veteran of the Vietnam war.” Better!

Unfortunately, this and all further emails concluded with a request for our giving referrals to his business and not as representing S2V.

We introduced ourselves to him on Memorial Day. The fact is, he is not a “three-tour veteran of the Vietnam War.” He was never even in that country. Vietnam veterans are too often insulted by such a claims. Be proud of what one did do.

Claims like this happen often. In this case, however, it will cause our exclusion from any involvement with S2V. We will not be the only ones. We’d hope in the future, S2V will check facts and not allow false claims of service and furthering of personal business interests or holding the fact finding meeting at a board members’ place of business to interfere with the stated mission of helping veterans.

Lynn Witt USMC, Ret., Anita Cohen USAF Ret.

Durango