Blumenthal press conference features Vietnam veteran accused of embellishing his own record
Blogger Doug Ross and William Jacobson at Legal Insurrection think they’ve spotted a “poser” at the Blumenthal press conference. For those of you who are not familiar with the term, it applies to the thousands of people who claim either Vietnam war status or medals they did not earn.
The man in question is standing just behind Bluemnthal to the right (Blumenthal’s left). Ross writes:
This is William Joseph Trumpower (AKA Eliot Storm), a man listed on POW Network’s Phony Vets Database.
William Jacobson confirms it is Storm. Hmmm. If all of this pans out, it’s another blow to a guy who I think has blown up his career.
OK … I need my Veteran friends to do a search on this and let us know. Get back to me in the comments section.
UPDATE: God Bless Free Republic … it looks like they started the ball rolling on this one. Gateway is on this too … even worse, Blumenthal called the guy in to appear with him.
The New Haven Independent reported that Blumenthal called supporter Storm who helped him out today.
Elliott Storm is a Blumenthal supporter. The campaign called him and asked him to show up; he called up his friends in the “Vet Pack” to join him, friends who, like him, travel around the country talking about ex-soldiers who contend with post traumatic stress syndrome.
Oh brother. Blumenthal is done. It is time for this guy to resign. Not just from the race … from AG as well. Disgrace.
Update 2: OK … Trumpower did serve. Vietnam Vet … but the POW network data base reports he claims medals – Bronze Star with Valor device – he did not earn and a rank he did not reach. He claims 2nd Lt.
ACTUAL – National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart w/1*. Served 11 Oct 1968 to 30 Jan 1970 as a USMC rifleman (MOS 0311). Has enlisted service number (not officer’s). Most likely discharged an E-2 or E-3.
Here’s what I do not understand. Just like Blumenthal, he served and apparently with a distinguished record, combat action and Purple Heart. So why do these vets and service members feel the need to embellish the record? Their service alone stands on its own.
Update 3 (Steve): Jim asked me to step in and clarify the title.
10 Comments
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An exaggerated Marine being backed up by an exaggerated Marine. You couldn't make this stuff up.
The difference between fact and fiction is that fiction has to make sense.
Oh my goodness, the phony bullony vets are now coming out of the woodwork!
Anne, neither Blumenthal or Trumpower are "phony bullony (sic) vets". Both are veterans from the Vietnam era, who have been accused of embellishing their records.
These two Hacks are Bloviators, practicing Trumped up Blasphemy.
Blumenthal the Bloviator
(There are a plethora of articles praising Blumenthal's precision in his writings and speeches; he is, after all, the top law dog in CT.)
"That Dog Don't Hunt"
I am Not a supporter of Dick Blumenthal. However, after reflection I agree with Neil Cavuto. It is obvious Blumenthal embellished his service and the Vets who served in Vietnam deserve to feel betrayed by this. That reason alone might be enough for them to dislike Blumenthal. But, I personally, cannot claim this reason, for my not trusting him. My family and husband, particularly, did not have to face the terrors in Vietnam. I would have gladly driven them across the border, so that they did not have to be drafted.
I distrust Blumenthal because he has betrayed the Connecticut taxpayer. He sued everyone he could, just to make a name for himself. He destroyed businesses and contributed mightily to making Connecticut one of the most expensive states to live in. For all of us who still feel guilty for the horrendous homecoming the brave Vietnam combat veterans got, we thank you for your service. Welcome Home
I misplaced the words for my comment because I was not aware that any one would actually read them.
LOL!
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive……
These two clowns are an insult to the Corps! When on active duty, I used to joke about the Marines. Being a non combat Army vet, I still do today. In reality the Marines are some of the finest fighting men and women or nation has ever produced. These two are a discrace to the Corps and to those they served with.
Well, now that he won the nomination by acclamation after Merrick Alpert withdrew, it's time to sit on pins & needles til after the election. My prediction is that he will win, but not with my vote.
By the way, Jim…Blumenthal took the stage to Top Petty's "I Won't Back Down"….doesn't that just send a tingle down your leg? ugh.