Marty Heldt -- American hero breaks AWOL story

[grasswire]

It took an Iowa farmer to break the AWOL story in 2000. And now, today, his name has made The Washington Post. Congratulations to citizen-researcher Martin Heldt!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/administration/whbriefing/

"Among them are the works of two amateur researchers, Marty Heldt, an Iowa farmer who obtained some of Bush's military records through the Freedom of Information Act requests, and Robert A. Rogers, a retired Air National Guard pilot."

Be sure to read that page for a full rundown of media coverage of AWOL.

[papau]

1. Martin was there in 1999 and 2000 on the old CNN board

God - it was hard to get the media to pay attention back then - it was like they were bought and owned by Bush and the GOP.

[Judi Lynn]

10. Martin Heldt seemed "godlike" to posters and lurkers on that board

He is one man who REALLY stuck his neck out, time after time. He didn't give up, even though he seemed to be the voice crying in the wilderness on this issue.

Now THAT'S an American! Hope he has a very long, healthy, accident-free life.

[Catherine Vincent]

49. You know I think I remember that name from the CNN boards.

Now that you mention it. I was there too. Were you there?

[Stephanie]

2. Fantastic! Marty is an inspiration.

Here is his original article, published Sep 27 2000:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.tompaine.com/feature.cfm/ID/3671

FINALLY, THE TRUTH ABOUT BUSH'S MILITARY SERVICE RECORD
George W.'s Missing Year

Marty Heldt is a farmer. He told us, "I spent 17 years as a brakeman before moving back to the farm. That job had some long layovers that gave me a lot of time to read and to educate myself." He lives in Clinton, Iowa.

Nearly two hundred manila-wrapped pages of George Walker Bush's service records came to me like some sort of giant banana stuffed into my mailbox.

I had been seeking more information about his military record to find out what he did during what I think of as his "missing year," when he failed to show up for duty as a member of the Air National Guard, as the Boston Globe first reported.

The initial page I examined is a chronological listing of Bush's service record. This document charts active duty days served from the time of his enlistment. His first year, a period of extensive training, young Bush is credited with serving 226 days. In his second year in the Guard, Bush is shown to have logged a total of 313 days. After Bush got his wings in June 1970 until May 1971, he is credited with a total of 46 days of active duty. From May 1971 to May 1972, he logged 22 days of active duty.

Then something happened. From May 1, 1972 until April 30, 1973 -- a period of twelve months -- there are no days shown, though Bush should have logged at least thirty-six days service (a weekend per month in addition to two weeks at camp).

<The documents are available at: http://users.cis.net/coldfeet/document.htm >

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Judi Lynn]

11. Thank you, Stephanie! You've done everyone a favor.

Excellent group of documents. :hi:

[CatWoman]

17. what do you expect from a man from

Clinton, Iowa??

;-)

[Stephanie]

3. By the way, what is an amateur researcher?

Is there a type of bar exam or something that professional researchers have to pass?

[ET Awful]

5. An amateur doesn't get paid to do the research. . .

[Stephanie]

8. I understand

I just think it's unnecessarily patronizing.

[Jackpine Radical]

37. Pythagoras. Darwin. Newton. Kepler. Einstein (in his Patent Office days).

All amateurs.

[aquart]

6. Nobody paid him to do it.

I remember him from Salon's Table Talk.

Was it 201 documents dumped on him by the FOIA in response to his request? He read the Boston Globe story and wrote for the documents. Then he sat, learning the abbreviations and procedures, talking to Guard vets who knew how things were done, how records were kept. Reminds me a lot of Bev Harris and BBV.

[aquart]

7. Know what I also remember?

I remember Frank Bruni, the NYT reporter assigned to the Bush campaign, being asked why he didn't cover the AWOL story and his response that it didn't have legs.

I guess they grew in the meantime.

[davsand]

12. I first encountered Marty there too.

Martin was the one to dig into it at first, from what I recall. He really is an amazing guy.

There were a handful of others there who also did some research--and I've wondered where they ended up--especially in light of how many of the BFE irritants tend to die so unexpectedly...

I hope to hell he keeps close to home and has lots of company in the upcoming months--he's one of my heroes.

Laura

[Aristus]

4. Stay out of small airplanes, Marty.

:scared:

The BFEE doesn't like to be exposed!

[NoKingGeorge]

9. Thank You Mr. Heldt

You may have had a pivotal role in saving many lives and recovering
America. Thank You for being a Patriot.

[demgrrrll]

13. He is the greatest, a tireless supporter of the truth. I am glad that

he is finally getting the recognition that he so truly
deserves.

[NashVegas]

14. And Russert the Stooge Gets it Wrong

Tim Russert told Matt Lauer that McAuliffe's attack was intended to "fire up the base" of Democratic voters, who feel the Democrats have been too passive. "What has happened this past week is very important, psychologically," Russert said.

No, asshole, it's intended to fire up you and your fellow lame enablers to do your freaking jobs.

[Jackpine Radical]

39. It's Russert's job to get it wrong.

The Russert Potato Head.

[grasswire]

15. some of us...

...who post here now were in that original small group at Table Talk. As Marty uncovered the story, we did everything we could to break it to the American people. Thousands of emails, faxes, phone calls, letters, and some personal visits to Congress were to no avail. We just could NOT get through the blackout on the story.

Finally, Senator Kerrey read the piece in the Boston Globe. Before that time, he said he had thought the whispered questions about Bush's duty only referred to Bush's assignment to a champagne unit. When he finally got the Globe article, he understood.

Even when Senator Bob Kerrey did hold a press conference on the Friday before the election to challenge Bush on his record, the news was obliterated before the evening news by the DUI story, broken by FOX's Carl Cameron. (And I'll always be convinced that Karl Rove saved the DUI story as a shield against something worse. It was better for George to be hit with that than the news that he had deserted his duty during wartime.)

This underlines the media filter. If only we had had Bev Harris then, or someone who understood how to break through.

It was a heartbreaking episode for all of us.

[RainDog]

16. omfreakin'gawd..did you see this one??

The most recent "Bushism" via Jacob Weisberg of Slate actually dates back to Jan. 13, when Bush met with Argentina's president, Nestor Kirchner, during the Summit of the Americas in Monterrery, Mexico.

According to the Argentinean newspaper, Clarin, Kirchner pointed out to Bush that all but one of the Argentine delegates to the summit were imprisoned during the military dictatorship.

Bush reportedly replied: "I was a prisoner too, but for bad reasons."

Clarin declared that the allusion was to an arrest for drunk driving.

After that meeting, by the way, a senior administration official described it to the press as: "a very good meeting, a very open meeting, a very frank meeting, in which both sides indicated that they share common values, they share common goals, and they're going to work together."

[grasswire]

18. wow...thanks for that tidbit.

Another lie exposed. I don't think this is for the DUI. There's something else out there.

[catzies]

40. I saw that too and wondered WTF he meant!

Also, if he said that in English it sounds a little patronizing, even though we all know he can't string two words together anyway.

I know they like to say he speaks Spanish and if that were in fact a translation his Spanish is as poor a his English.

But back to the point: just WTF did he mean? And how come the Argentinean delegates' imprisonment isn't as bad as his sleeping in a drunk tank? He sure seems to belittle their plight.

Raindog, :yourock:

[martinheldt]

19. Thanks!

You've all been too kind.

This fight isn't over.

There is much more coming on this story soon, say within the next six weeks.

Hang in there.

Thanks again,

Marty

[grasswire]

20. hoo marty!

So glad you stopped by!

You're my hero.

[Jackpine Radical]

38. Marty, you're a hero to more people than you will ever know.

And you have done your nation and the world an incredible and brave service. I salute you.

[RapidCreek]

21. wow is it really you?

Sir...my hat is off to you. You are a true American and a patriot.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

RC
USN Vet

[martinheldt]

22. Its me

Its me.

I use the same email I always have: [email protected]

Someone sent me a link and I had to thank yopu all for the kind words.

This is not really about me. This is about all of us who kept pushing this truth out of the big media shaddows and into the light.

We should all be proud.

[grasswire]

23. Marty...

...did you see the letter to the Washington Post that's posted on democrats.com? It's copied in a thread here. Worth checking out.

[loudsue]

24. Woo-hoo Marty!!!

:yourock: Good for you, my man!!! :yourock:

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get copies of the FOIA papers to the Kerry, Clark, Dean and Edwards campaigns!!

You are AWESOME!!!!

Thanks for coming by!

O8) May you live long and in total safety!!! O8)

:kick::kick::kick::kick::kick::kick:

On edit: Please also send a copy to Chris Matthews!!

[imax2268]

25. create a website

and post them for everyone to see...!!!

or is there on already...?

[grasswire]

26. they're already on the web site

http://users.cis.net/coldfeet/document.htm

[BeFree]

27. Thank you, Sir

America is indebted to you.

The example you have set --working at getting this truth out -- is inspirational.

If I may ask, could you give us a run-down of how you managed to stay with it for so long? It may prove to be educational for some of us working on other issues.

Again, thanks for all you've done.

[martinheldt]

29. In for the long haul

>If I may ask, could you give us a run-down of how you managed to stay with it for so long? It may prove to be educational for some of us working on other issues.

Its been easy because we've always known we have the facts on our side.

Look at the sorry excuses still coming from the White House -- all they have is Bush not remembering what he did or where he did it.

If he was going to drills he would have released his pay records.

But he hasn't released his pay records because it will show he had long periods when he wasn't paid a cent.

[davsand]

31. Marty, so GOOD to see you here!

I've though of you so often in the last couple years, I'm delighted to see you here and to know you are well!

I went to Salon TT during the campaign season, and I was totally intimidated by the quality of posts and the level of research that the guys like you were doing over there. I was also supremely grateful at how nice you and several others were to me--a rank newby with a bunch of questions.

I can truthfully say that you played a huge role in turning me on to the possibilities that online political boards had for dissemination of information. Thank you.

Pax to you, and I am so very proud of you as well as grateful to have seen your hard work finally get some attention.

Laura

[TacticalPeek]

46. They will not release the unit records either (AL).

Because it would show a string of Morning Reports, Reports of Changes, and Monthly Rosters and his name not on a single one.

Bwaahahaha!

[cmd]

51. Thank you, martinheldt

It's an honor to have you here.

[JNelson6563]

55. haha I love it! Like father like son!

Drawing a blank was Poppy's specialty! Perhaps it's genetic? ;-)

Good to see you here. Thanks for all you've done and continue to do. :hi:

Julie

[Mari333]

33. Thank you sir for your patriotism.

again, thank you. from the bottom of my heart.

[Merlin]

34. Thanks for your hard work and persistence.

As a Vietnam combat vet and a veteran of the even harsher research wars in the JFK assassination, I salute you for what you've been able to accomplish.

The "penalty" and "grounded" docs could be very damaging to the boy king.

[Beetwasher]

32. You're An American Hero!

And now a DU'er! A most hearty welcome!!

[oneighty]

36. Interesting research you have done.

Welcome to Democratic Underground

180

[newyawker99]

41. Hi martinheldt!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

43. Mate, you're an absolute star! nt

[TacticalPeek]

45. Marty, you the man. Oorah!

Army, US 69-71

Beaucoup thanks!

[never cry wolf]

48. Thanks so much Marty

I was not really on line much before a couple of years ago and frankly have never heard your name until the most recent flap, thanks to Mr. Jennings, but from what I have read you ARE a hero, and I think you deeply.

Keep up the great work and welcome to DU!!

Stick around, it's a GREAT place.

:hi:

[Nlighten1]

53. Welcome to DU Marty!

[BurtWorm]

54. Martin Heldt! It's an honor to share this board with you!

I agree with my fellow DUers who have called you a hero, and I'd add, you're a great patriot as well. Besh wishes and welcome!

[LibertyorDeath]

28. Man this is sweet pResident "AWOL." has some splanin to do!

[slappypan]

30. so glad to see his research finally validated

I am also grateful to Michael Moore for playing "bad cop" and raising the issue in the media. And does anyone think we would be discussing this if Gen. Clark was not in the race?

[Merlin]

35. THE DAMNING BUSH DOCUMENT.

(p.s. It starts w/para "j." Wonder what "a." thru "i." say?)

(http://users.cis.net/coldfeet/document.htm)

doc23.gif:



Transcription of doc23.gif
__________________________

j. "I have been counseled this date regarding the provisions of DOD Directive 1215.15, 23 February 1967. I understand that I may be ordered to active duty for a period not to exceed 24 months for unsatisfactory participation as presently defined in Chapter 41, AFM 35-3. Further, I understand that if I am unable to satisfactorily participate in the ANG, and have an unfulfilled military service obligation, that I may be discharged from the State ANG and assigned to the Obligated Reserve Section (ORS), AF Reserve, Denver, Colorado, and subject to active duty for a period not to exceed a total of 24 months considering all previous active duty and active duty for remaining tours."

k. "However, I also understand that the provisions for invoking the 45 day tour for a member who has a satisfactory attendance record but has failed to progress in specialty training will remain in effect. (Paragraph 41.7a, AFM 35-3.)"


{George Walker Bush}
(Signature of Enlistee)

George W. Bush
(Typed Name)


Witnessed By:
Willie B. Hooper, Jr., Capt, Asst Admin Officer
(Unit Commander or Authorized Representative)

[proud patriot]

42. wheeeeeeeeeeeeee !

:bounce:

[trumad]

44. Martin metions pay records and so does this guy

http://philcarter.blogspot.com/2004_02_01_philcarter_archive.html#107591570333210255

[maryallen]

47. Thanks, Marty. Job well done.

Read your stuff on Salon prior to election 2000 and am still following your research career. Understand you did a call-in radio show. Hope there will be many more to get this information out to mainstream America.

[buycitgo]

50. will somebody please WRITE this guy?

you can be sure he's getting inundated by the cavedwellers

here's what I wrote

Sir,

Finally, a single mainstream source that's not utterly dismissive of the idea, that "deserter, AWOL," or not (shades of "imminent threat" parsing, eh?), the important thing here is that, time after time, Bush took advantage of his connections.

Here's what I consider to be the sina qua non of this fiasco: the FACT that he refused to take his flight physical ("personal doctor not available!!!!"), and NEVER flew again.

This is the point that should be discussed, if you will, because there is NO wiggle room for him there. He NEVER flew again, despite the enormous amount of time and money we, the TAXpayers spent to train him?

You have the resources to find out what happened to people in circumstances not as rarified as "President" Bush's, as it regards the abrogation of their contracted-for obligations in the National Guard.

Please realize that they MUST explain this. It has NOTHING to do with being away from his post. He STOPPED flying and has NEVER, ever even been asked WHY!
Again, please use your good offices to address this most important aspect of the strange case of the missing service, missing records, missing physical.

I'm glad to see a real journalist has assumed this position, and isn't afraid (for now) to ask serious questions, without the dismissive attitude characterizing every major media outlet's response that I've seen so far.

thanks very much for your courage....and I don't use that phrase lightly...just wait and see what's in store for you.

highest regards

[Oilwellian]

52. Here's my letter

I read your White House briefing column covering the questions surrounding Bush's military record and would like to comment on one particular issue. Martin Heldt, the Iowa farmer who originally filed a FOI for Bush's records and subsequently received those records, has documented proof that Bush was grounded for not getting a physical. The standard response from his spokespeople when asked why Bush didn't get a physical has always been "his private physician was unavailable to give him one." What's odd about this answer is, a private physician NEVER provides physicals for military personnel. Bush's physical would have been done by a military physician.

So that fact leads to several questions. Why did Bush refuse a direct order to get a physical? Was there a hearing to determine his punishment? Is grounding an airman standard procedure for refusing a direct order and is remaining grounded the norm for the rest of his service?

It seems the media is so focused on the year in question, they are completely missing this glaring fact in what's left of Bush's record. Taxpayers paid a tremendous amount of money to train Bush to fly, and he did not live up to that promise of service when he signed on to defend this nation. THAT sir is a most important fact to know before going to the voting booths next November, and consider a leader who now expects that same commitment of service from those he sends off to war. It is my hope that the media agrees as well.

Sincerely,