REPRESENTATIVE PAUL SCHMID – MASSACHUSETTS 8TH DISTRICT
ADDRESSES RED HERRING “VETERAN STATUS” QUESTION.
During this very contentious election cycle, national politics isn’t the only place to find red herrings, and fake news. After settling this matter ten years ago, Representative Schmid finds his integrity again called into question with inuendo, and a false allegation.
Representative Paul A. Schmid III, Democratic incumbent candidate for re-election to Massachusetts 8th District House of Representatives spoke with WSAR at length, regarding the recurring allegation that he is not a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp. He had with him his DD 214.
“This matter was raised ten years ago, by my then opponent, and it was settled then. Now here it is again.” Schmid said.
Schmid provided to WSAR, his original DD 214 Discharge Form, showing that he indeed is an honorably discharged United States Marine Corps Veteran. When asked why the document shows his discharge from active duty at the rank of PFC- E2, yet his Facebook page lists his rank as Sargeant, Schmid explained, that in 1964, he was honorably discharged from active duty with the rank, PFC – E2. He then remained a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves until 1970, where he attained the rank of Sargeant – E5. (Schmid also provided Reserve Retirement Credit Form 798a-DR confirming this.)
The allegation was raised in 2010, by his then opponent, David Dennis, which was answered by then Fall River Veterans’ Benefit Agent, Manuel DaPonte. On September 13, 2010 DaPonte wrote: “I have reviewed the DD 214 Discharge Form of Paul Schmid III, and I confirm that he was honorably discharged from Active Duty in the United States Marine Corps on October 2, 1964.” He goes on to say “I further confirm that after being discharged from full time active duty with the United States Marine Corps, Paul Schmid III became a member of the United States Marine Corps, Active Reserve, where he attained the rank of Sergeant.”
Schmid had this to say, “It’s unfortunate that yet again, I have to authenticate my service to this country in the United States Marine Corps, but I guess that’s where we’re at with political discourse which has reached a new low in divisive, vicious, and mean-spirited attacks on my reputation and my character. This type of attack and slander maligns not just me, but all Veterans. I am comforted by the fact that in my heart, my constituents know me, who I am, and where I stand. I proudly served my country and will always render the utmost support to the brave men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Services.”
