Dan reported for duty upon graduating college in 1972 and was medically deferred
AUSTIN – David Dewhurst has sunk to a new low in his failing campaign for Lt. Governor by attacking Dan’s patriotism through his newest mouthpiece, Jerry Patterson.
This morning, Jerry Patterson attacked Dan Patrick by rehashing old claims that gained him a last place finish in the first round of the primary. Lacking any creditable information, Patterson suggests that Dan Patrick dodged the draft during the Vietnam War.
“My family has a long tradition of military service, and I have always admired my father for his service in the United State Marine Corp,” said Dan Patrick. “I was ready to serve my country.”
In 1972, after being drafted, Dan reported for a physical examination to Fort Holabird in Baltimore, Maryland. Dan was quickly determined medically ineligible to serve due to childhood injuries. Dan had broken his right leg twice due to a bone cyst and doctors thought it might cause him to lose the limb. He also had suffered a serious knee injury while playing high school sports. These injuries prevented him from being accepted into the service and he received a medical deferment.
Despite not being able to serve in the military, Dan Patrick has worked hard to pass legislation that cuts property taxes for disabled veterans and protects their survivors from property tax increases. Dan has also pushed to deploy Strike Force teams to assist in administering backlogged VA claims. His strong stand for service men and women has earned him the invitation to speak to the Texas VFW convention twice as a State Senator.
“While I greatly appreciate the military service of both David Dewhurst and Jerry Patterson, the fact that they would attempt to smear me, and question my patriotism, is reprehensible. These men have no honor; they know no shame.
“This arrogant and false attack from David Dewhurst is lower than his attack on me for raising money for Be An Angel,” said Dan Patrick. “David Dewhurst is clearly willing to use and destroy whomever and whatever it takes to hold onto his powerful office,” said Dan Patrick.
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