{Most recent letters added at top}

Bruce, an old-time friend of mine from Vietnam Veterans for a Just Peace (1971), is a good example of how Jewish Americans have fought for America throughout its history, and he is proud of it. What he said to you about other Jews being pro-Vietnam is not surprising to those of us who were there (I was a journalist there in the Fall of 1970). I met a Jewish soldier deep in the Mekong Delta (Bac Lieu), as well as an American Medical Association volunteer, Dr. Smilkstein, who was working
there for six months.

Others were POWs in Hanoi and one was an air ace. None flaunted their Jewishness. To the enemy they were just Americans. I've known Steve Sherman since last July's "Viet Myths Conference" and didn't know he was Jewish. It didn't seem to matter who was what, politically, religiously,
or otherwise. Vietnam was the common bond and not only included servicemen and women, but also civilians who were there is a number of capacities.

A number of friends of mine from high school also served in Vietnam - Cherry, Granick, etc. So did several members of my present synagogue, Agudas Achim Congregration, Alexandria, Va. - Frommer, Kaufman (WW2 & VN), Kasse, Schiffer (WW2 & VN), etc. Many others served in WW2
(including the Battle of the Bulge, at least 4 that we know of), Korea, Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including my son, SPC Joshua Friedman, 299th Army Engineers (Res) Multi-Role Bridge, out of Ft. Belvoir, VA.

The reason I mention this is that Jews have served America since the Revolutionary War, with pride and distinction. Regardless of politics, Jews have risen up to defend their homeland whenever the call came. For those interested in history, Jews also fought in the Battle of 1814, especially in New Orleans, the Civil War, and the Spanish American War (one of TR's Roughriders was Jewish).

And now with the Swift Boat Veterans arising this year to challenge John Kerry's Vietnam credentials, it was only logical that a number of Jewish Americans were involved in the effort, Bruce Kesler being one of the most effective with Steve Sherman, myself, and others helping out where
we could. It was done to help our country - period!

So there are now new "bands of brothers" - Swifties, Special Forces, POWS and many civilians and military retirees - who helped out in thiseffort to tell the truth. But there was something else in the back ofeach veterans' mind, as well as in the support of us civilians, and that was to reclaim the honor of the Vietnam veteran and their service. This was an issue that reached far beyond politics. It was a fight for the soul of America and a chance to give the Vietnam veteran a long-delayed
"homecoming."

So to all those guys who joined in the fight, John O'Neill, Jerry Corsi, Scott Swett, Bruce Kesler, Steve Sherman, Lonnie, Del, Larry, Big Jim, Bill, Charlie and others, "WELCOME HOME."

[PS: I'm a DOJ contract employee and have been for 14 years but I'm treated like one of the regular employees, and loving it).
—Max Friedman, Washington D.C.

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