More About Allege And Former Green Baret

[WateringHole]

On the thread "Vietnam Vet Battling House Woes", is a story that was clipped from the Times Union Newspaper about a dude by the name of Benny Ortega who claims he was a Green Baret in Vietnam and performed many courageous acts that won him a few medals and today is in bad shape physically and can barely support himself and his wife.
I emailed Joe Sluska with Albany Housing Coalition which happen to be helping out Ortega telling him Ortega's "war stories" sounds like he got them stright out of a Hollywood War Movie.
Sluska emailed back and this is what he had to say about Ortega.

Hello Al,

A lot of us are questioning the story that appeared in the Times Union about Benny. The details reported there came as news to us and afer talking to Benny about the article, it's not clear from Benny what the truth of the matter is.
We are currently offering our assistance to the family at this point simply based on their circumstance and need and the fact that he is a Veteran-not on his purported military record.

Joe Sluska
Albany Housing Coalition Inc
Web:www.ahcvets.org

[Packo]

Al,

Thanks for this......certainly sounds more and more like we suspected. I love what Joe said, "....after talking to Benny about the article, it's not clear from Benny what the truth of the matter is." I think it was clear to most of us from the begining. I like that Joe bothered to write you back.

We will be probably coming through the Gulf Coast of Mississippi on our way to San Antone in January. We thought about spending a night and a little money to help out. Will any casino's and motels be in operation in Gulfport/Biloxi by then?

Pack

[WateringHole]

Packy

I emailed Joe Sluska back at told him I appreciate him returning my email and letting us know Benny's war stories got his attention also when it showed up in the newspaper


There's many motels and hotels along the Gulf Coast area that re-open. Best to call in advance to make sure if the sevices they provided before Katrina is available today, like swimming pools restaurant, room service, etc. I was told the Beau Rivage in Biloxi and The Grand Casino in Gulfport are both open, and I know if they are, thay'll have the whole nine yards to go along with your stay.

Al

[Packo]

Thanks Al....will be looking forward to it!

I think guys like Joe will help anyone and that's really commendable. Guys like Benny will take anything they can get then blame it on the fictional war they fought in instead of his own failure. It's a common theme in this country anymore.

Thanks again for the energy!

Pack

[b3196]

Thanks for digging into it deeper Al....And for your reward, you are formally invited to the annual Prayer breakfast/revival meeting/midget toss held every April in Georgia. For further info regarding this blessed event, check out the East coast campout 2004, 2005, 2006. Sid (Pho127) will be posting the date and time as it gets closer.....ALL PATRIOT FILES VETS ARE INVITED
Bob K

[Packo]

And....it ain't that far from Mississippi!

Pack