Letter from Rick Noriega on Military Records Request

February 15, 2008

Mr. Hans Klingler
Republican Party of Texas
900 Congress Avenue, Suite 300
Austin, TX 78701

Dear Mr. Klingler:

This letter addresses your February 5 request asking me to supply you with a copy of my military records.

I welcome honest scrutiny of every aspect of my service. It's been my privilege to serve our nation for nearly 27 years in places like Afghanistan, and on the Texas border, and I fully intend to release my military records, subject to security review and updating of my most recent training and commendations, to the public. As I am currently serving as the Commander of the 1-141 Infantry, 36th Infantry Division and potentially subject to redeployment, I am not going to allow my family, my soldiers or my country to be put at risk as a result of your political games. You are welcome to view my military records at the same time as the citizens of Texas.

In addition, however, I am concerned that your intentions in this matter are not honorable. In the past, some Republicans have conducted dishonest and disreputable attacks on veterans. The most obvious example is the shameful 2002 assault on Senator Max Cleland of Georgia, a triple-amputee Vietnam veteran who was smeared with the accusation of being in league with Osama bin Laden.

These attacks on individuals who have put their bodies and lives on the line for their country are an outrage to all veterans, and they have to stop.

My record of service includes not only my years in the National Guard and Reserves, but also legislating to aid members of the Texas National Guard and all Texas veterans. Among my legislative accomplishments are obtaining health services for Veterans, including a screening for metal traces after exposure to munitions, educational benefits for those who have served Texas and our nation, and spearheading legislation to create a database of medical, social and economic resources for military personnel seeking benefits they have been promised by the government. I also am proud to have authored and supported free hunting/fishing licenses for all Texas guardsman and active duty personnel.

I look forward to discussing with Senator Cornyn why he twice rejected responsible troop deployment limits, twice voted against increased funding for veteran health care, voted against funding for armored vehicles, against increased funding for TRICARE but for allowing TRICARE fees to triple, and against protecting soldiers' civilian salaries while they're serving in Iraq. This is the conversation that we should be having.

Sincerely,

Lt. Col. Rick Noriega

Cc: Senator John Cornyn

Click here to read the military records request letter from Texas Republican Party (PDF)