•  Campaign Videos (November 2011) « RickPerry.org, Inc.
  

Marcus Luttrell: My name is Marcus Luttrell. I grew up in East Texas, fifth generation. I joined the military in March of '98.

Through my time in the military, I've fought on two battlefronts. I've been in Afghanistan and Iraq multiple times.

Back in 2005 in Afghanistan I was part of a four-man special reconnaissance team. We were sent in to capture or kill a high-ranking individual in Bin Laden's army.

I guess a day and a half into the operation we got overrun by some Taliban Al-Qaeda militia. A firefight ensued. At the end of the day, I lost three of my teammates.

And then we actually had a rescue helicopter come in to try to get us out of there, and it was shot down by an RPG, killing 16 more of my teammates.

It was a substantial loss for the SEAL teams, and for the military as a whole actually. Nineteen Special Forces operators lost their life that day.

God granted me life on that day and got me out of there. I can't tell you why or how I was lucky enough to get out of there.

TEXT: In 2007, Marcus was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in 2005 facing Taliban fighters during his mission.

My support for Governor Rick Perry for president goes back a long way.

I call him for fatherly advice and just day-to-day life questions.

He is one of the most honorable men I have ever met.

I don't get into politics. I'm a soldier. With that being said though, as far as character and honor and commitment, and all those words that most people use for a punchline, he lives that stuff.

It's those characteristics in a man that, and especially in him, that I think embody what the President of the United States should be.

Voice: Welcome a true American patriot, the Honorable Governor Rick Perry.

        TEXT: Our mission is clear

Perry: We have the best fighting force in the world.

We have a generation of heroes that love this nation, who are willing to sacrifice all ...

        TEXT: Our message is simple

... so that many may be free.

The men and women of the United States military are the greatest ambassadors of freedom this world has ever seen.

And I pray that God continues to bless you ...

        TEXT: To secure the future of the American Dream

... and through you, He continues to bless this great country that we love.

       TEXT: As Americans we have a lot to be thankful for, especially for our brave military men and women

God bless you, and God bless the United States of America."

Marcus Luttrell: I'm a pretty good judge of character, and I love him to death. I think he's a great man. I think he'd be a great president.

        TEXT: Happy Thanksgiving

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Notes: The press release provides this context:

The Perry campaign today released a new video featuring former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who describes his harrowing escape from the heavy fire of Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces in Afghanistan in 2005. The patriotic video message gives thanks for the veterans and active duty military men and women who have served heroically in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts.

Luttrell also discusses his view of Rick Perry. "He's one of the most honorable men I've ever met. As far as character and honor and commitment and all those words that most people use as a punch line, he lives that stuff. It's those characteristics in a man, and especially in him, that I think embody what the president of the United States should be."

Perry is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having flown C-130 tactical airlift from 1972 to 1977.

Copyright © 2011 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action.