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A military burial for homeless Vietnam vet

lohud.com — The local Marine Corps League takes the motto "No man left behind" very seriously. When it came to light that a homeless man who died in the woods was a Marine who served in Vietnam, they pulled together to give him a full military funeral.

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  • LewP, on 07/08/2008, -4/+162I realize people are trying to honor this man, but it's a shame more attention wasn't given to him while he was alive. Such a sad story that affects a larger amount of society than I believe it realizes.
    • ColonelTribune, on 07/08/2008, -0/+37Agreed. But I wouldn't want to take away from the fact that his fellow Marines performed a good, honorable deed.
      • AmyVernon, on 07/08/2008, -0/+25You both make excellent points. Part of the problem is that he'd kind of fallen away from his family and the county veterans service folks (who are very involved) didn't even know about him. Which is, indeed, a damn shame.
    • WantToPlay, on 07/08/2008, -0/+11Very true, my friend.
    • Nosty, on 07/08/2008, -0/+23The percentage of homeless people that are veterans is pretty absurd. I don't have any actual numbers, and I don't recall what I read the last time I looked into it. Only my reaction being "Jesus christ, that's terrible."
      • SQLDigger, on 07/08/2008, -1/+6A more telling statistic would be what pct. of veterans are homeless people versus the general populace. I'd be curious to find out.
      • auntvonna, on 07/09/2008, -0/+10I lived in South Florida and there was a HUGE population of homeless Vets living in Pompano Beach (mostly Vietnam vets), I'm talking 100's. It was eye opening and mortifying! How sad that our country could let this happen to our service men and women.

        That being said, I do offer my heartfelt thanks for the Marine Corps for giving this man an honorable burial. He deserves it.
      • jboitnott, on 07/09/2008, -0/+6It all comes back to what LewP said at the start. We need to take actual care of people who need it while they are alive. (not shun them because they are homeless.)
      • AchaIemoipas, on 07/09/2008, -0/+4It's 25%.

        A quarter of homeless people in America are vets.
        http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-11-07-hom ...

        "But similar to the general population of homeless adult males, about 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness and (with considerable overlap) slightly more than 70% suffer from alcohol or other drug abuse problems."
        http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=1
    • winnestow, on 07/09/2008, -11/+3this is how mccain suffered as a POW american hero. this is how obama treats his people:

      http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2008/07/let-me-pu ...
    • g4howie, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2I am sure that you have been in his place, and can relate to him. Way to go there champ!


    • xero69, on 07/09/2008, -0/+1Sounds like he was reclusive since he lived in the woods for 15 years. I don't think he wanted any attention while he was alive. Whether that was caused by a mental illness or a general dislike for society we will never know. Either way this man served his country and he is absolutely entitled to a proper military funeral. As for me just burn my body and put what is left of me in a coffee can.
  • Lucas123, on 07/08/2008, -3/+91You must volunteer to join the Marines, and can't be drafted into the Corps. This guy served his country and, while I don't know his circumstances, I'm sad to hear he lived homeless after Vietnam. I wish this country would do more for its veterans, particularly those who've suffered the horrors of war.
    • PhilLesh69, on 07/09/2008, -1/+6You are wrong. Once you are selected for the draft, you can either be selected or can volunteer to join the marine corps. That's not to say that they don't pick the best inductees, but to say that you cannot be drafted and end up in the marines is just wrong.

      From http://www.historicalsociety.com/vietnam.html :

      Joseph John Meyer, Jr.
      The son of Joseph J. and Jean V. Meyer, he was born in Somerset, Pennsylvania but grew up in Mechanicsburg. Drafted into the Marine Corps on 7 December 1968, he took his recruit training at Parris Island South Carolina and began his tour in Vietnam 11 June 1969. Part of the Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, he was killed in action on 4 July 1969 during his first military operation. He was 20.

      As far as this country doing more for its veterans, nobody should argue against anything but the most funding and the best programs for anyone who has been on a battlefield. Makes me wonder why a former POW voted against such legislation. We can spend a trillion dollars going to war (which is not just burned money, it goes into the pockets of campaign contributing arms producers) yet we cannot spend a billion or two putting anyone who's been shot at for this country through a decent college, or ensuring they get the best treatment for any problems that result from their time on the battlefield. But hey, that's just me, I figure if people can profit from war, then why should the people who conduct that war suffer, and not get at least some of the crumbs.
      • zeromous, on 07/09/2008, -2/+1There was a draft in 1969, numbnuts.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/10/2008, -0/+1why do the Fox News viewers always call people "numbnuts", is it because they have numb nuts? It that a form of projection?

        Sadly, I think they actually will reproduce. They are just confusing numb nuts with the white noise they hear in their heads.
    • use2bacanadian, on 07/11/2008, -0/+0The Marines drafted people during the viet nam war. So did all of the other military services. I even know a fghter pilot who was pre law before being drafted and was picked out of a crowd of slectees to go to fighter pilot school
  • louiebaur, on 07/08/2008, -2/+51Yea this country needs to do alot more for its vets I am one of them!
    • mrbradg, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2I'm a Vet too. Served in Iraq during the first part of the war. Have never been so disappointed and letdown with the type of care I have received. And I'm not disabled or anything. I can't imagine what it's like for them. Such a sad day we live in regarding our Vets. This must change.
  • industryfinest, on 07/08/2008, -0/+59A very sad issue, but very Honorable deed from fellow Marines.
  • akittenone, on 07/08/2008, -2/+55Its a shame that he was only remembered in his death and not his life
  • madwaxer, on 07/08/2008, -2/+25hope they also take the time to find ways to help re-integrate current army men.
    • wilcocola, on 07/09/2008, -8/+5Army does not equal marines, nor is army men the correct term to use when describing a man in the army. A soldier is somebody in the army, a marine is somebody in the marines. Never, EVER mix them up.
      • danibobanny, on 07/09/2008, -1/+7You could always take the comment as it was meant and NEVER EVER get your panties in a twist again.
      • betweenthebars, on 07/09/2008, -0/+1dick.
      • Pittance, on 07/09/2008, -1/+2Shaddup wilco. No one cares that your under-funded, over-zealous, half-crazed bunch of gung-ho super-killers are being referred to incorrectly.

        Note: I respect the marines, but the ones like you are ***** pathetic.
    • Ubergoober3, on 07/09/2008, -1/+6He was a marine, different from army
  • roastedbagel, on 07/08/2008, -4/+40Semper Fi

    /never served, but utmost respect for those who have
  • WantToPlay, on 07/08/2008, -3/+70It is such a shame how America treated the Military men when they returned from the Vietnam War. My Uncle David was one of those men. He returned home to a thankless country. The rest of his life, he was haunted by the memories of the horrible situations his was in over there. He saw his friends be killed and he needed to kill to survive. Upon his return, he much needed mental help, he was having nightmares all the time. He would wake up believing he was still at war and would act out those situations at home. His marriage suffered and eventually ended. Unfortunately, my Uncle David killed himself last year. He never did get the help he so desperately needed. He just couldn't handle it anymore. It's been a very hard year for my mother and our family. We lost a son, brother, father, uncle, and a friend.
    In his honor, we did contact the local Military department for his funeral. He was honored with a full Military funeral and laid to rest in the Military cemetery in Michigan. It was a beautiful ceremony.

    To my Uncle David,You will always and forever be my hero. We miss you oh so very much. R.I.P my dear......
    • AmyVernon, on 07/08/2008, -2/+15my condolences. thank you for sharing your story...
      • WantToPlay, on 07/09/2008, -2/+9Thank you... That means alot to me.
    • JoeVet, on 07/09/2008, -3/+13Your uncle deserved better. He gave way more then he was given by his country.
      • WantToPlay, on 07/09/2008, -1/+5Thank you. Yes, he did deserve more. But so did many of our Vietnam Vets. It's really sad that our country had to learn how to support our Military Troops from our past mistakes. The good thing is that their learning, but the pain and suffering still remains there for those Vets. There are so many of them out there that have just giving up. And unless they tell us their stories, we'll never know. Thank you for your support.
    • jaydoj, on 07/09/2008, -2/+8I've got tears in my eyes. I'm really sorry. Thanks to your Uncle David for serving. I don't support our war, but I support our boys (and girls) over there fighting.
      • WantToPlay, on 07/09/2008, -1/+4Thank you, it was hard to write. I couldn't even go into details of what that poor man has been through all his life. He was in such a regressive mental state, that even with help, I don't think he would have been able to make it. It's very sad.... Thank you for your support.
    • pookkake, on 07/09/2008, -11/+3How many kills did he get?
      • WantToPlay, on 07/09/2008, -1/+6NOW, why would you ask a question like that? How insensitive can 1 person be. Does it really make a difference what he had to do to stay alive during a thankless war? Didn't you even read my comment?
        But you know what, I'm not going to waste my precious time on you. It's people like you that.............. NEVER MIND...............
      • betweenthebars, on 07/09/2008, -1/+5dick 2x.
      • Blydchyld, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2Need to be drafted as gun fodder?
      • akamurph, on 07/09/2008, -0/+3I feel bad. I lol'ed.
      • pookkake, on 07/09/2008, -2/+2WantToPlay: You already did waste your "precious" time on me, retard.
        BTW, suicide was a bad move, now he has gone to hell. Probably nonstop vietnam for eternity.
      • WantToPlay, on 07/10/2008, -1/+1Your an *****!
        Oh, but that's right, you like assholes!!!
    • tburke261, on 07/09/2008, -2/+6My condolences as well.
      • WantToPlay, on 07/09/2008, -2/+2Thank you condolences. It's really nice that there are people like you, that take the time to feel for another person. Thank you for your support.
    • Pittance, on 07/09/2008, -1/+5At least in this series of war, the country is recognizing that we should respect the soldiers who fight regardless of opinion, and hate the politicians or decisions if we hate the war.
      • WantToPlay, on 07/09/2008, -2/+2We can only hope that every man and woman of ALL of the armed forces feel that love and respect from their country.
  • sogeshirts, on 07/08/2008, -0/+28At least some people were kind enough to give him a military burial. That is better treatment than many vets get. I agree that they deserve much much more.
  • CalgaryFreedom, on 07/08/2008, -0/+20There seems to be another issue here that I see - why was this vet living in the woods for 15 years? Was this his choice? Or the choice of society?
    • AmyVernon, on 07/09/2008, -0/+10a little of both, I suppose. He never really got the help he needed to reintegrate with society, and made the decision to live in the woods. One could argue whether he *really* made the decision or not, but I don't suppose we'll ever truly know the answer to that.
  • JerichoSam, on 07/08/2008, -1/+14This is a sad story, indeed.
  • KW223, on 07/09/2008, -1/+14This country needs to do much more for its veterans while they are still alive. It is touching that his Marine brothers have come together to give him a proper and dignified burial. May he rest in peace.
    • PhilLesh69, on 07/09/2008, -0/+4I agree that often our government ***** on veterans. I'm thinking about the Bonus Army protests.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonus_Army

      "The marchers were cleared and their camps were destroyed by the 12th Infantry Regiment from Fort Howard, Maryland, and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment under the command of Major George S. Patton from Fort Myer, Virginia, under the overall command of General Douglas MacArthur. Dwight D. Eisenhower, as a member of MacArthur's staff, had strong reservations about the operation. These events occured on the 28th of July 1932.

      The Posse Comitatus Act, prohibiting the U.S. military from being used for general law enforcement purposes in most instances, did not apply to Washington, D.C. because it is a jurisdiction under the direct governance of the U.S. Congress (United States Constitution, Article I. Section 8. Clause 17).

      Troops carrying rifles with fixed bayonets and equipped with adamsite gas "candles" were sent into the Bonus Army's camps. President Hoover did not want the army to march across the Anacostia River into the protesters' largest encampment, but Douglas MacArthur felt this was a communist attempt to overthrow the government. Hundreds of veterans were injured, several were killed, including William Hushka and Eric Carlson; a wife of a veteran miscarried, and other casualties were inflicted. The visual image of U.S. armed soldiers confronting poor veterans of the recent Great War set the stage for veteran relief and eventually the Veterans Administration."

      Unfortunately, wars are chosen by the wealthy elite, and they make enormous amounts of money supplying armies and navies to fight those wars, and they really don't want to share any of their profits with the people who actually fight those wars. To them, the "veterans" are just people from the masses, those "dirty, unwashed masses". Exploit them for profit, that's all they are worth to these folks.
  • niroj, on 07/09/2008, -15/+18" The local Marine Corps League takes the motto "No man left behind" very seriously"

    that's honorable taking care of his funeral. A guy lays down his life to protect his country and all they can do is give him a funeral.
    They should be treated like heroes when they come back not thrown out to be homeless.
    This is a disgrace no one should join an army that can't compensate for you willing to give your life to your country.
    If that's how it is

    ***** your country, protect and take care of you and your family.
    • Pittance, on 07/09/2008, -0/+4Most vets who wind up like that are mentally disturbed and choose not to stay and get help. It is sad and unfortunate and we cannot always help them in time. But you are a class-a dumb ***** who knows nothing about how the world works.
  • ericjohnson0, on 07/09/2008, -1/+19Thanks, Hewett. Thanks for your service to our country and to the cause of honorable peace. I'm sorry things didn't go so well for you after you retired.

    The following is for you and all those like you who served with Honor.

    "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." George S. Patton
    http://thesaloon.net/blog/_archives/2008/7/1/37719 ...
    • Akaricloud, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2I personally think that quoting a military general does a fallen soldier a dishonour. Most of the time the General who makes those heart warming and inspiring speeches was behind some sand bags or a desk when the fighting and dieing was done, and the words themselves come from a speech writer who himself is only looking to inspire, rather then do the fallen a justice.

      Thats just me though.
      • Kormiku, on 07/09/2008, -1/+1Well the generals are very important, they cant be sent out for normal battle missions or they could be taken hostage and forced to give a lot of information, or killed, etc.
  • megapeg, on 07/09/2008, -25/+1Buried for already being done on The West Wing.
    • lhbaker, on 07/09/2008, -0/+10Buried for use of the word 'buried' in this particular context.
  • ChileanGoD, on 07/09/2008, -11/+6Empires have this tendency not to thank people... nor help them
    • crazy0, on 07/09/2008, -0/+0lol estos gringitos no le gustan la verdad
  • lhbaker, on 07/09/2008, -1/+9Veterans make up almost a quarter of the homeless population in the United States. There are going to have to be a LOT more of these kinds of funerals before we deserve to feel better about ourselves as a country.
  • PHiZ187, on 07/09/2008, -3/+28Cheaper to honor him in death than in life, apparently.
  • davidwasman, on 07/09/2008, -0/+20My Father, a Vietnam Veteran himself, is also a Marine and has taken part in many funerals like this, in the past.

    I may not always agree with Politicians and war, but I stand by every single member of the armed services. I am proud of them and weep for the sacrifices they have made.

    Just because I am a 'bleeding heart liberal' doesn't mean I forgot where some of our freedoms came from.

    OOOOOrraahh and Sempre Fi, Marines. Job well done.
    • lcarsdeveloper, on 07/09/2008, -0/+6Proof that unlike what certain politicians and the media say, you CAN be against the war and still support the troops. To me, the best way to support the troops in Iraq is to bring them home and look after them for the rest of their lives, it's what they deserve.
  • bacchante, on 07/09/2008, -15/+3The only thing the Marines take seriously is their commitment to believing that they are honorable and that they are protecting freedom, liberty, civilization anytime a tycoon asks them to shoot something. A marine is well trained to never doubt even when faced with poor treatment by their country when they come back and the same politicians who ordered them to war giving them jack ***** while consistently voting to raise their own salaries. Semper Fee Fi Fo Fum. But what do I care, the more Marine blood, the more my portfolio goes up. Thanks guys.
    • mrfunktastic, on 07/09/2008, -2/+7I dug you up, but it's not the fault of the victims of a system run by tycoons to keep a huge part of the populace deliberately undereducated so they have a serving force of shooters to protect their empire.

      {Edit - perhaps it is not a deliberate conspiracy to do this, but it sure works out conveniently, and when the people who hold the purse strings can all afford private school, why not let the masses be dumb and patriotic and want to get blown up for their "Commander in Chief".}

      Our service people do what they are told. It's the people at the top who use that for good or evil.

      Bush = extreme traitor to this country, he threw our kids at a situation that was only ever designed for profits and control of oil. May he burn in hell.
      • bacchante, on 07/09/2008, -0/+0I don't believe that conspiracy. The information is available. Mainstream media 99.9% of it out, but it is available. The entire record of mankind is rife with examples of people ignoring facts because it is more convenient not to do so.

        Sure, most US soldiers would press "Good" if presented with two buttons. However, in the real world, doing good is never that simple and often not something that will earn you praise by tycoons.
    • Akaricloud, on 07/09/2008, -0/+9Way to bring politics into something which was about an honorable deed.

      You honestly disgust me bacchante. When the time comes, and sure it might not be today, or tomorrow or even for another 100 years. But when the time DOES come that you need an armed soldier to protect you and your freedoms or liberties, I hope you trail off that crap in their face.
      • bacchante, on 07/09/2008, -0/+0At least you admit that none of the what marines are DOING now in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere else qualifies as protecting my freedoms or liberties.
    • jaydoj, on 07/09/2008, -0/+4I wonder if bacchante has the balls to say that to a few marines, directly to their faces.
      • bacchante, on 07/09/2008, -0/+0Why would I tell something to a bunch of trained killers that they don't want to hear? Oh right, because then that would prove something.
      • crazy0, on 07/09/2008, -1/+0I actually have so stfu
    • DogHumpsMonkey, on 07/09/2008, -0/+3And despite your condescending scorn, we would stand before you, to the last man, to protect your rights and not let you come to harm. No need to thank us, it's part of the job.
      • crazy0, on 07/09/2008, -1/+0lol what rights....stop spouting this zombie drone speak, seriously, if you guys were really about protecting rights then we wouldnt be in the mess we are now, here at home and worldwide....stop with tthe buzzwords and slogans please
      • DogHumpsMonkey, on 07/09/2008, -0/+1yeah I'm the one with the drone speak. Listen to the same old tired ***** you spew. Let me tell you *****, I came here from a country where my "rights" included getting a rock bounced of my head by a soldier while I walked to school for no other reason than my religion. Where it was considered acceptable to deny someone lodging or employment or medical attention for the same. You, you pretentious little *****, get to piss and moan that you don't have rights precisely because you do, because men more far more character than yourself are willing to swear an oath to put themselves in harms way to ensure it. So yeah, we get it. You're hip and edgy with sharp cynical opinions and would never dream of giving up your life for something greater than your own lowly life. Your my hero. *****
    • crazy0, on 07/09/2008, -1/+0well said sir, fack all the ones who are digging you down, deep down inside they know you are right
  • securitymonkey, on 07/09/2008, -0/+10Time to guard heaven's gates, Marine.

    Semper Fi.
    • crazy0, on 07/09/2008, -4/+0lol you honestly think marines go to heaven??? probably guarding white jesus heaven
  • JoeVet, on 07/09/2008, -1/+11Vietnam......what a waste of life that was and continues to be. God bless those that served and came home to to an unforgiving country. Thank goodnes we now know it is our executive branch who is to blame for pointless war and not those who fight. Come home safe guys and girls.
  • Johnagain, on 07/09/2008, -1/+13I live in the Great State of Washington. The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs will provide assistance to any Veteran, all he has to do is ask. They also provide a counselor to help them navigate the government paperwork and such. No Veteran need ever sleep outside in my state unless he wants to. Please contact the department of veterans affairs in your state and find out if they have a similar program. If you find a homeless veteran, you can give him bus fare and directions to the Department of veterans, or give him a ride there if you feel comfortable doing so. Introduce them to a veterans counselor, and they will take it from there. Many older veterans don't know that this sort of service is available to them. This is a small thing to do, but it can be huge for the hero that stood up to defend our country.

    God Bless America, and all who defend her.
    • Akaricloud, on 07/09/2008, -2/+4But is it too little too late? Where was the help 30 years ago when an entire nation turned their backs on the vets? After 30 years of living on the streets and in a society which doesn't care, most vets I am willing to bet simply don't want the help of a backstabbing government and society.


      Thats just my take on it though.
  • luke374, on 07/09/2008, -4/+18But Bill O'Reilly said that homeless vets are a myth?!
  • fox1324, on 07/09/2008, -1/+8thats good of them to give him a funeral.. but wouldnt putting a roof over his head have been more helpful?? you know, while he was alive...
  • kendrah, on 07/09/2008, -2/+3I remember when West Wing had an episode about this same incident. It was a really good episode too.
    • intelligen, on 07/09/2008, -0/+3The West Wing had been out for a while, but as many rave reviews as it had, I just couldn't bring myself to watch it...until I was flipping through channels one night and saw the episode you're talking about. After that, I never missed an episode.
    • lcarsdeveloper, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2I never watched it until someone I work with said I'd like it, I've watched series 1 all the way through (including the episode you mentioned) and it's a brilliant series. I have series 2 on the way, I can't wait!
      I wish Toby Ziegler really worked in the White House. President Bartlett 2012!
  • Aeroboy, on 07/09/2008, -0/+7Once a Marine, always a Marine.
  • ninesky01, on 07/09/2008, -1/+4PEACE so that this never happens again
  • NanoStuff, on 07/09/2008, -2/+3So the american motto is "if you're going to reward them, waiting until they're dead"
    • Hubbell, on 07/12/2008, -1/+0Yeah and if you're going to stand up for their right to live do it while they're still a fetus. It's messed up isn't it? It's shallow, empty and hollow.
  • ChinezePanda, on 07/09/2008, -2/+6Thats *****.

    While he's alive everyone and his government practically told him to go ***** himself.

    But when he is dead... a full militar funeral? Is that supposed to make 35 years of neglect ok?

    This man died pissed, alone, and abandoned...

    Rest in peace whoever you were.
  • FyreDragon17, on 07/09/2008, -2/+3He needed help when he was alive...now dead, what good does a "full honors" military funeral do him? Not to be crude, but can his corpse say thank you?
  • JGUSMC7, on 07/09/2008, -0/+6"...If the Army and the Navy
    Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
    They will find the streets are guarded
    By United States Marines."

    Marine Corps Hymn.
  • soinie, on 07/09/2008, -1/+6Our country is run like any other money grubbing corporation without heart or compassion; if it doesn't work with the bottom line, get rid of it despite the years of service and dedication.
  • tufftugg, on 07/09/2008, -2/+3 Full Military Funeral?...Should they get any less?...'no man left behind,' and we take care of our own," -> glad the 'system' doesn't take care of me, suffering from a pseudo war in Vietnam, that was started by a lie (Americans do that), and die behind a 7-11. Oh yah, awesome organization there boys and girls.
  • crazy0, on 07/09/2008, -5/+1its pretty sickening how the lot of you have this crazy romanticized view of "marines" ...they are not going to heaven, they will not be guarding the streets, he's dead get over it, nothing but a sad little PR stunt...oh great they gave him a military burial big whoop....
    • use2bacanadian, on 07/11/2008, -0/+0Well guys like you will just never understand what it is like to be part of an elite warrior society - in fact - you sound like a Canadian!
  • habkb, on 07/09/2008, -3/+4So, now that he's dead, they start caring?
  • DiggCharles, on 07/09/2008, -1/+0A poster under the story claims the guy never went to 'Nam and was in the Marines for three years. In London we had an incident of a Gulf war vet shooting at passersby on the King's Road until police shot him dead. Turned out he never served in the Gulf, which punctured the "couldn't readjust" op-eds.



  • gordonrp, on 07/09/2008, -1/+2A comment from the article page:

    "Bobby Hewitt was in the Marines for 3+ years.He never left the states.He used to be employed at Lovett plant.His death or recent woes when he decided to go on the bum, had nothing whatsoever to do with the militaryTrue this is sad but,these groups should focus on helping legitimate combat vets who could use some help.The VA hospitals is good place to start. RIP Bobby"

    Not sure why he was homeless if he never went into combat.... or is this not true?
  • mobling, on 07/09/2008, -0/+3I have had to deal with the Veterans Administration for many years. I have been turned down for medical care over and over. It's all good however, because while the American Veteran suffers at their own governments hands, raises and bonuses are the order of the days for VA employees. been there, cried often
  • MilitaryVeteran, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2We Salute You!
  • averagejoesgym, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2I served in the Marines 9 years. I never did anything particularly heroic, but I know people that have. The Marine Corps League is a pretty poor bunch as far as organizatons go; but, they have a lot of heart. This is a real class act by them.
  • BotchaMcCoola, on 07/09/2008, -0/+2Was it a suicide? I've heard there have so far been about 100,000 suicides among returned Vietnam vets.
    • AmyVernon, on 07/10/2008, -0/+2it turns out he was murdered.. the medical examiner's office originally said it wasn't homicide, but an expert has since ruled otherwise.
  • RISwampyankee, on 07/10/2008, -0/+3It doesn't matter if he saw combat or not; he was a human being and a Marine and deserves a proper burial. I have to ask though: why does it fall to the Marine Corp League to ensure a proper burial for this poor soul? Shouldn't this be the reasonable expectation of any vet?

    Go easy, Bobby Hewitt. Semper Fi.
  • Hubbell, on 07/10/2008, -2/+0Yeah, really nice. He dies then they decide to help. It shows the feebleness of so called "patriots".
    Where were they when the guy was alive? I guess they are the same people that stand up for the rights of fetuses but then once you're born they call you a bastard or just forget about you completely. Nice. Real nice.
  • zeromous, on 07/10/2008, -0/+2I don't watch fox news. I'm not even American. I'm not even "conservative". Where I come from, numbnuts is a pretty good word for someone who quotes history out of context, Numbnuts.
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