Des Moines Register
On the road to Ottumwa, Ia. — Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who kicked off an Iowa bus tour last week alongside a Marine veteran from his state, paid tribute to a deceased Iowan and Navy Seal during a stop here this morning.
The mention came during a string of slams on the federal government that has become common for Perry.
“Our Constitution clearly enumerates some powers for the federal government, and one of them is a standing military. And God bless ‘em, we get that right,” he said.
Then Perry paused, pulling up one of his sleeves to reveal a bracelet that reads: KIA 8-6-11 Remember J. T.
In a moment that veered from his standard stump speech, Perry seemed to struggle for words:
“I wear a – I wear a little band, matter of fact one of your Iowans, who was killed on the sixth day of August this last year, who was one of those Navy SEALS that went down in a helicopter, Jon Tumilson, to remind me about my duty to make sure those young men and women have the support they need as they serve on active duty.”
Tumilson, a Rockford native, was one of 30 Americans killed last summer under attack from enemy forces in Afghanistan. His funeral in Rockford became well-known when moving images of his dog lying on the floor near Tumilson’s coffin went viral.
Perry met with Tumilson’s parents when they rode on his bus for a stretch last Sunday in Charles City. That’s when he received the bracelet, Perry’s campaign said.
Perry faced a firestorm of criticism for a recent television ad in which he questions gays serving openly in the military. Daniel Moran, the Marine Captain from Texas who toured with Perry last week, said that Perry holds a deep respect for service members, often making personal calls to his state’s veterans.
“A lot of people don’t realize,” he said. “He doesn’t advertise it. And I admire that.”
Wild Thing’s comment………
There is such a great feeling if we had a Veteran that supported our troops and other Veterans as President. I pray that happens and that it will be Rick Perry in the WH and CIC.
Perry is the last one of those candidates who needs to wear a bracelet to remind himself of his duty towards our military personnel. He’s worn the Uniform…he’s been there…he served. Maybe he needs to give his bracelet to Michelle Bachmann who proposed cutting VA benefits.
Romney and Gingrich are both Vietnam era draft dodgers. I would hate to see either as CinC. Especially the amoral totally self serving Gingrich. He would talk the tough talk as president but would then send better men than himself off to back up his bluster.
Bob, good idea!!!!
Tom, I feel the same way.