Bosnian Vet Accuses Hillary of Valor Theft

A veteran of Bosnia who was at the event in Tuzla where Hillary Clinton falsely claimed to have landed under sniper fire is accusing the Senator of theft of valor.  As General Walter L. Stewart Jr. of the Pennsylvania National Guard said earlier today on a conference call, soldiers who actually have been in war zones and performed under fire deeply despise those who falsely claim such valor.  They feel this way because it attempts to cheapen or make less, their real and actual valor.

The General pointed out "this wasn't an emergency resupply mission to the Alamo.  If there had been any danger that mission wouldn't have landed." 

Common sense tells us the First Lady and Chelsea would never have been put in harms way by our military.  Hillary's tale of bravery and valor, because it was false, is finding resentment among those who actually did serve and Tammi K. (nee Jann) Hertherington who was at Tuzla when Senator Clinton landed is one.  Here is her story.

Dear Sir,

 
I feel compelled to write to you in regards to Senator Clinton’s remarks regarding her visit to Bosnia.

 
I was present at the base in question when the First Lady visited and am intimately familiar with the situation on the ground at the time. It strikes me as beyond misstatement or clarity of memory for Senator Clinton to suggest that this visit in any way compares with the reality of those of us serving in theater experienced or presented a threat to her or her daughter.

 
As a service person in the US Army, I was deployed to Bosnia immediately after the Peace Accord was signed and served there for eleven months in 1996. I was there at Tuzla Air base when the First Lady visited, and there was no sniper fire or anyone running under cover.  I saw both the First Lady and her daughter in our headquarters building (we called it the 'White House'). When I saw them in the lobby of our Headquarters neither her or her daughter had on the "Flak" vests which even we were required to wear at all times when not inside a building.

 
It was my fortune to be working in the Headquarter building as a Communications Specialist, and while I did go out to the ZOS (Zone of Separation) once and lived under "Full battle rattle" rules, I would never in any way compare my experience with those who daily risked their lives. That was the M.P.'s who went on daily missions trying to round up weapons and militant individuals who opposed the Peace Accord and the contract workers who aided the Multi-National forces in trying to rebuild the infrastructure (bridges, communication, water) that had been blown up. If, as I believe, it is improper for me to compare my involvement with those who took the bulk of the real risks it is even more improper for any visiting dignitary to compare their own for any reason, let alone for personal gain.

 
I am quite angry that what I and my fellow soldiers worked to achieve should be used as a playing card to build up a political nominee and tear down another.  This is not what those of us who actually risked our lives were working for, we were trying to maintain a Peace Keeping mission in a country that had  been ravaged by ethnic cleansing.  To trivialize the atrocities suffered by the real people I met in that country for political gain is beyond my ability to comprehend.  I met mothers who had lost their children and children who had lost their parents. The sheer leap of credibility that the First Lady would have brought her daughter into an active war zone is an insult to the people there who suffered more than real risk, they suffered real loss.

 
I did have contact with some of the general population on a daily basis. Many came to work for the Military in custodial capacities. Many carried all that they possessed in plastic bags every day. They brought their own food and cooked daily on little burner plates. I was constantly amazed at how upbeat and optimistic some of the people were in spite of things. It still is hard for me to think of Srebenica and all of the women who lost husbands, sons, and fathers because of religion and nationalistic fervor.

 
My father still works as a Civil Servant at WOMAK on Ft. Bragg, NC and a couple of years ago he met a Bosnian woman and her daughter, who had lived through the worst of it. They got to talking and found out that I had been over there and told him to tell me 'thank you' for what we had done. It still humbles me and chokes me up a little to know that even after all of these years there is appreciation for our past efforts.

 
I was simply a soldier doing my job in Bosnia and I believe in what we accomplished there.  I do not either want to make of my service more than it was nor to denigrate those who served with me and those who lived through more than any of us.  It seems to me that if I simply stand by while others “spin” their involvement for their own personal or political ambitions that I would be contributing to the slander of my fellows in arms and the people we were working to help in Bosnia, so I offer you my personal experience of the reality of the situation. 

 
To verify my story I have included a copy of an commendation I received for service in the Bosnian theater during that period. It would be my honor to provide you more of my perspective if it would serve to deliver the truth to the American people.

 
Best Regards,

 

Tammi K  Hetherington (nee Jann)

(formerly)

SPC

141 Signal Battalion, 22^nd Signal Brigade, 1^st Armored Division, US Army

Task Force Eagle

Update:  General Walter Stewart sent me this statement to clarify his role in Europe and his feelings about the race.

Dear Mr. Morgan,

 

Thank you for providing a forum that is generating such meaningful discussion on the topic of Senator Clinton’s “valor theft.” I am particularly impressed with the letter sent to you by Bosnia veteran, Tammi K. Hetherington, a former specialist with the 22^nd Signal Brigade, 1^st Armored Division, United States Army. I commend Tammi for her service to the nation – service that continues in her courageous willingness to speak truth to power. I commanded thousands of fine soldiers during my almost four decades of active and reserve service, and I would have been honored to have had Tammi among them.

 

Before I go on, I want to correct misreporting about my service as a Guardsman and as an Army major general in Europe. I was never “leader” or “commander” of the Pennsylvania National Guard because that authority belongs to the Adjutant General. I did hold the same military rank as an adjutant general – major general – but did so as commander, 28^th Infantry Division, and as the deputy commander of the State Area Readiness Command (figure that one out). In Europe, my service was at Headquarters, United States European Command (HQUSEUCOM), not at the Army command (USAREUR). EUCOM is the superior headquarters and USAREUR reported to us.

 

I know this minutia seems irrelevant, but in the military accurate representation of titles and performance are at the core of ethics. This is why fabrication of service or battle credentials – what we call “valor theft” - is so offensive to service members and veterans (or should be). Be you soldier or civilian, if you didn’t “earn it” in service to your country, for shame that you might be wearing it or talking about it - and it is equally shameful for those who have served with honor to defend the dishonor of others. Valor theft degrades every service member and veteran, and, as a point of honor, I call on the former admirals, generals, and service veterans who are publicly in support of Senator Clinton to renounce that support. Continue it, and her dishonor is your dishonor.

 

I proudly acknowledge that I changed voter registration so I could vote for Senator Obama in Pennsylvania’s presidential primary. With 4000 dead in the supra-strategic national tragedy that is Iraq I could not but do otherwise. As a leader of soldiers I had one rule for advocating others to higher rank: would I want that person commanding my children in combat. For me, Senator Obama - a rational thinker not dumbed-down by “years in Washington” - is the person for elevation to commander-in-chief. And as to Senator Clinton, were she a sergeant seeking promotion, her known fabrication of battle facts would disqualify her. I have been under fire many times, so much so that the incidents run together, but you can bet I remember the first time.

 

And let me put to rest the security situation at the Tuzla Airport during the March 1996 FLOTUS (first lady of the United States) visit. In the video clip, as she bends to caress the small girl, movement among those behind her reveals a stocky officer wearing four stars on a fatigue cap. I am certain that officer is Admiral “Snuffy” Smith, the senior commander of forces in the Bosnia operation. But Admiral Smith or no, top ranking officers in a war zone don’t wear soft caps unless the security situation warrants it.

 

Senator Clinton’s recollection of being under fire at Tuzla is an unarguable fabrication – a reprehensible act of valor theft, no ifs, ands, or buts.

 

Sincerely,

 

Major General (Retired) Walter L. Stewart, Jr.

Former commander, 28^th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard

Former Director for Reserve Affairs (ECRA), HQUSEUCOM, Stuttgart, Germany

 

Ps. Tammi, this one is for you, and for all those who served with you.

Update II:  Tammi did an interview with her local CBS affiliate you can watch here.

Comments

[Scott Wahlstrom]

The truth is powerful.

[Philip C. Jann]

I have just finished reading Ms. Hetheringtons letter about her service in Iraq. BRAVO!!! Ms. Hetherington is my oldest daughter and she is my hero. My wife and I raised our children to be independent,strong of character, and to stand up for themselves and those who can't. While in Bosnia, Tammi experiences were many, some of which she chooses not to talk about. However her statements about me are true and factcual. I have spent the last 30+ years as a part of military medicine, as both active duty and civilian. And yes, I did encounter a young Bosnian woman and her mother, Their message was simple:"Tell your daughhter Thank You for what she and her fellow soldiers did. It made a difference in our lives"!

I have written this comment only to support and validate my daughters statements. You go girl!!!!!!

Respectfully,
Philip C Jann

[Kirk Wentzel]

Hmm just like Hillary was always against NAFTA even though her records show she was in meetings pushing for it.

All these lies (sorry but I call it the way I see it) make her an untrustworthy person.

My thanks to Ms. Hetherington for having the courage to come forward. Although being a former Army SPC, her courage shouldn't surpise anyone.

Mr. Jann...you have every reason to be proud.

[Army Vet]

I applaud the courage it took Tammi to share this, and KUDOS to John Morgan for publishing this. . . I am sure that HRC is going to throw the kitchen sink at this blog now!

Get ready for your servers to get bombarded . .. GREAT SCOOP!

Army Vet

[Fai in Buffalo]

Tammi,
I admire and respect you for speaking out so honestly and in such a compelling manner regarding this issue. Only someone who has served can truly convey the impact of Senator Clinton's blantant LIE. Thank you for your willingness to share your sentiments.

[John Morgan]

The credit for this story goes to others. I was approached with Tammi's story and immediately grasped its importance. Credit also goes to the Obama campaign Pennsylvania media conference call yesterday when Gen. Stewart made his comments which proved very relevant to this story. His statements provide the background and context to her letter. Kudos to all those who contributed to this important article, I simply wrote it.

[Kiku]

Hillary claims to be ready to be Commander in Chief, yet she doesn't even have enough respect for the troops to restrain herself from lying for personal gain, claiming false valor. To make it even worse, she laughs while she's doing it.

Here's a story of what it was really like in Tazlo:

http://hillsbosnia.blogspot.com/2008/03/sniper-attacks-are-not-funny.html

Shame on you, Hillary!

[Chris Blask]

Tammi,

You have my greatest respect. I'm more likely to vote for you than anyone who would take anything away from the work you and your comrades did.

Mrs. Jann, you obviously did a good job raising your daughter and you have every right to be proud.

-deepest regards

-chris blask

[Chris Blask]

"Mr. Jann" (sorry, I type too fast... ;~)

[Emmavoberry]

Thank you Tammy. Again, you serve America.

Emma

[Josselyn]

Thank you so much, Tammi, for speaking up. It is beyond touching to be reminded of all our troops did - and continue to do - for both their own nation as well as those in need around the world. It is a level of insult that Senator Clinton's, let's say, "distortions" had not occurred to me previously. It's one thing for her to lie about her involvement with NAFTA [and contacting Canada prior to Ohio] and so many other things, but this is of caliber beyond forgiveness. Thank you for your innate bravery and eloquence.

[Philip Jann]

I must correct a previous statement about Tammi Hetherington. I alluded to her service in Iraq. That was in error. Tammi has never been in Iraq. I had intended to say "Bosnia". Thank you for allowing me to make that correction

Philip C. Jann

[Cheryl Kopec]

Thanks for sharing this story, Tammi. As an Iraq war veteran, 2003-2004, I share your resentment of those who try to use our sacrifice for their own political advancement, just like when GWB characterized our combat service as "romantic." Is America ready for an HONEST president?

~~Cheryl in Tacoma

[Chris Blask]

Mr. Jann, after what you and your family have done (and continue to do) *you* deserve the right to make mistakes all day long. You can call me a lemur and it wouldn't bother me a bit. ;~)

[jorge999]

I guess truth can hurt you worse in an election than about

anything that can happen to you. --Will Rogers

[Robyn]

Hillary lied repeatedly about Bosnia. She claims this vague "35 years" of experience, so why does she have to lie about her lack of foreign policy experience. She lacks in character and morals. I am sorry, but the tide has changed in this country. We would like a President who will be honest about our challenges ahead, with integrity and trustworthiness. Obama is the only person that fits the bill.

From the Obama campaign:

Barack Obama will be a President who is open and honest with the American people. Friday, Senator Obama returns to Pennsylvania to kick off a six-day “Road to Change” bus tour with events in Pittsburgh and Greensburg. At stops across the state, Senator Obama will continue to have a discussion with Pennsylvania voters about his vision to bring real change to Washington so we can finally make progress on issues we’ve been talking about for decades.

On the day after the twelve-year anniversary of Senator Clinton’s trip to Bosnia, Tammi Hetherington, an Army veteran who was stationed at Tuzla during the visit writes Pennsylvania Progressive’s John Morgan to express her outrage that Senator Clinton would denigrate those who actually risked their lives by exaggerating her experience in an attempt to “tear down” another Democrat (emphasis added):

I was present at the base in question when the First Lady visited and am intimately familiar with the situation on the ground at the time. It strikes me as beyond misstatement or clarity of memory for Senator Clinton to suggest that this visit in any way compares with the reality of those of us serving in theater experienced or presented a threat to her or her daughter…

As a service person in the US Army, I was deployed to Bosnia immediately after the Peace Accord was signed and served there for eleven months in 1996. I was there at Tuzla Air base when the First Lady visited, and there was no sniper fire or anyone running under cover. I saw both the First Lady and her daughter in our headquarters building (we called it the 'White House'). When I saw them in the lobby of our Headquarters neither her or her daughter had on the "Flak" vests which even we were required to wear at all times when not inside a building…

I am quite angry that what I and my fellow soldiers worked to achieve should be used as a playing card to build up a political nominee and tear down another. This is not what those of us who actually risked our lives were working for, we were trying to maintain a Peace Keeping mission in a country that had been ravaged by ethnic cleansing. To trivialize the atrocities suffered by the real people I met in that country for political gain is beyond my ability to comprehend.

The letter comes a day after Major General Walter Stewart (USAR Ret.) held a conference call with reporters to discuss the need for the Commander in Chief to be straightforward and honest with the American people. Morning Call’s Scott Kraus reports:

In a conference call with Pennsylvania reporters, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Walter L. Stewart Jr., who supervised reserve deployments in Europe at the time of Clinton's visit to Bosnia, said Clinton's false description of a harrowing trip to the region was an insult to soldiers on the ground…

''By claiming to have been under fire during the approach and on the apron of the airport, Mrs. Clinton -- she has no sense of what a statement like that does to soldiers -- really she is insulting the command in its entirety,'' Stewart, former deputy commander of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, said on the call, organized by the Obama campaign. ''She is saying we put her and her daughter into a situation of unacceptable risk.''

Krauss also notes that Senator Clinton found yet another excuse for “misspeaking” yesterday:

Clinton dismissed the ''sniper fire'' remarks as an honest mistake, and told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that she was ''sleep-deprived.''

''I did misspeak the other day,'' Clinton said in an interview Tuesday with Pittsburgh radio station KDKA. ''You know this has been a very long campaign.''…

In conference calls, Clinton advisers have brushed off questions about her account of the Bosnia visit, saying it was a one-time slip, and that the region itself was truly dangerous.

But as we noted in a memo yesterday, Senator Clinton has made the same exaggerated claims about her Bosnia visit at least three times in the past few months:

MARCH 17: Clinton, Speaking About Her Trip To Bosnia, Said “I Remember Landing Under Sniper Fire. There Was Supposed To Be Some Kind Of A Greeting Ceremony At The Airport, But Instead We Just Ran With Our Heads Down To Get Into Vehicles To Get To Our Base.”…

FEBRUARY 29: Clinton Said That The Welcoming Ceremony In Bosnia “Had To Be Moved Inside Because Of Sniper Fire.”…

DECEMBER 29: Clinton That When She Went To Bosnia, “We Landed In One Of Those Corkscrew Landings And Ran Out Because They Said There Might Be Sniper Fire.”

Yesterday, Senator Clinton vowed that the race for the Democratic nomination would continue for the next three months. Given that Senator Obama has won the most states and the most votes and holds a nearly insurmountable lead in pledged delegates, observers of the process are now beginning to wonder what that would look like. The New York Times’ David Brooks writes:

For three more months (maybe more!) the campaign will proceed along in its Verdun-like pattern. There will be a steady rifle fire of character assassination from the underlings, interrupted by the occasional firestorm of artillery when the contest touches upon race, gender or patriotism. The policy debates between the two have been long exhausted, so the only way to get the public really engaged is by poking some raw national wound…

For three more months, Clinton is likely to hurt Obama even more against McCain, without hurting him against herself. And all this is happening so she can preserve that 5 percent chance. When you step back and think about it, she is amazing. She possesses the audacity of hopelessness.

And yesterday, Brooks’ prediction that Senator Clinton would try to divide the party and the country proved accurate. She chose to play politics with an issue that Senator Obama has addressed in a deeply honest and personal way while her campaign joined Republicans in smearing a decorated General and former Air Force Chief of Staff.

She also continued to demonstrate her do-or-say-anything to get elected strategy by suggesting that she might go after pledged delegates. In an interview with TIME’s Mark Halperin, she said:

As you know so well, Mark, every delegate with very few exceptions is free to make up his or her mind however they choose. We talk a lot about so-called pledged delegates, but every delegate is expected to exercise independent judgment.

But the specter of three months of Senator Clinton’s divisive, stop-at-nothing tactics seem to have party leaders beginning to worry. MSNBC’s First Read reports:

There seems to be a want by the Democratic Party to establish a critical mass and get this over with. See Maria Cantwell, Phil Bredesen and Harry Reid. Cantwell yesterday implied the winner of the pledged delegates would have the strongest claim to the nomination when the primaries are finished. Meanwhile, check out Bredesen’s “hell to pay” comment and Reid tersely saying the nomination WILL be wrapped up before convention.

[Army Vet]

Can the last person please provide a link to the Obama Press Release?

Thanks!
:o)

[Lynda W. from New Orleans]

Thank you for your courage, Tammi.

[Kiku]

Obama press release:

http://hillsbosnia.blogspot.com/2008/03/obama-press-release.html

[John Morgan]

I posted that from their daily email. There's no link.

[Kiku]

Tammi, you are a model! I'm proud to have you represent us. I stand by our troops more than ever. Thank you!

[John From Cape Cod, Ma.]

Thank-You for providing this story so the voters can better decide
whom to vote for on Apr 22.
You are a credit to your profession, a profession who it seems of late, chooses sound bits out of context and unresearched material
in the rush to create "splashy" headlines.

Thank-you SPC Hetherington both for your service to our country and for your honest report of the "on the ground" facts.

John Schlegel HM2/HS2 USN/USCG 1978-1988

[tyler]

Nice thread John. And Tammi's email speaks volumes. As does her dad's.

What I think is being missed is that Hillary is so used to having her words never being examined and her lies going un-researched...like how she said she was named after Sir Edmund Hillary.

But what she hasnt grasped yet, or maybe now she does, is that the press likes Barrack more than her so SHE now gets the media anal probe on her 'embellishments'. Since he is more to the left than her, he gets the pass...

Not to fear, once either one of them is selected to lead the democratic party, the press will again point both barrels at mccain and Hillary (assuming she somehow pulls this one off) can go back to lying with impunity.

Pilfered FBI files? ignored. Cattlegate? Ignored. Firing the white house travel office on phony charges? ignored. Missing billing records that show up two years later? Ignored. All this will be hers again if she can out muscle Barrack.

Momentum back to Barrack after a brief "wright" turn towards Hillary.

have a great day :)

[Jonathan Kamens]

Clinton really needs to bow out of the race, for the good of the party and the good of the country. That's the only way she's going to be able to save her reputation. See http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/jonathankamens/gGBSSC