kendall - Why not put that point to those who command the U.S. Armed Forces - I do not think that they would support your viewpoint, irrespective of how dearly you appear to adhere to it.

GregF,

You are the one that is talking crap. If, as you say, he was:

"...AWOL from the guard long enough to qualify as a deserter."

How is it that not one single one of his commanding officers ever reported his absense? Could it possibly be that they knew of it and had granted the required permission for it?