I am, by legal definition, a veteran. The legal definition is anyone who served in the military and who was discharged by any condition other than dishonorable. That describes me, but I never made it. What I mean by that is simply this: back in 1999, I joined the Army and left for BCT in April. But I didn’t make it.
I shouldn’t have been allowed to join. Technically, I was guilty of fraudulent enlistment, but I still got an uncharacterized discharge, or an Entry Level Separation.
So what did I do that was so fraudulent? At my recruiters’ behest, I dishonestly answered a question that stated that I don’t have a heart condition. I did and still do. It’s simply a heart murmur, but it’s enough to keep one out of the military.
A lot of people join the military and then instantly regret it, lying to get out. I lied to get in.
While at Fort Benning, at the Reception Battalion, I passed out while doing the qualifying mile run. I was forced against my will to go to the battalion doctor. He found my heart murmur and, when he read my paperwork, became enraged because I answered dishonestly.
Long story short, they sent for my medical records and when they found out the truth, I was sent home. This took about a month and during that time, I served as a Bravo Company Orderly. I was basically an administrative assistant, working from 0500 to 2100 every day except Sunday, which was a liberty day.
They could have really screwed me over because I lied, but they did not. And I’m thankful for that. I guess it was because I was dishonest, but I was trying to do the right thing as opposed to the cowards who lie to shirk their responsibilities and to get out as opposed to staying in.
Here’s the the thing: at least I tried. I signed the same blank check that everyone else did. I knew that I might one day be called upon to put my life on the line. My Military Occupational Specialty was 74B, which at the time was an Information Systems Analyst. I had a bright military future ahead of me, but it was all taken away by my heart condition.
I have no regrets. Yes, I lied, but I did so for a good cause. I wanted to serve my country. I was robbed of that chance.
Some my question my honesty as a mayoral candidate. If I lied to get into the military, what else will I lie about? That’s what my opponents (none of whom even tried to serve our country) and critics will ask. All I can say is that I made a bad judgement call. Yes, my intent was honorable, but I still lied. I admit that.
I learned a lot from that experience and I believe that I am a trustworthy and honest candidate. I will always be honest with Albany and its citizens.
Though I have spoken ill of the military and its troops in the past out of anger for being rejected, I have nothing but respect for those who made it through and who continue to serve today, knowing that they might pay the ultimate price. I definitely respect those who did serve, especially those who laid down their lives.