David Hemler. Photo from Special Investigations, US Air ForceU.S. Deserter In Sweden Steps Forward After 28 Years -- Reuters
A U.S. Air Force deserter who has lived secretly in Sweden since 1984 has revealed his identity and contacted his family in the United States who were overwhelmed to hear he was still alive, a Swedish newspaper reported at the weekend.
Dagens Nyheter said David Hemler had deserted aged 21 while serving at a U.S. Air Force base in Germany, after getting involved with a pacifist church and becoming disillusioned with the policies of former President Ronald Reagan.
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My Comment: While reading this story I was telling myself .... after living for 28 years under an assume name .... aside from a file in the U.S. Air Force .... who would really care. But I also know that in the mind of a military deserter .... they will always be afraid. (I know someone who deserted the Soviet Army right after the Second World War .... is still alive in Canada .... and is still fearful of returning back to Russia for a visit even though he is 90 years old and the war ended 67 years ago).
But what irked me about this article was the last sentence ....
.... "My dream scenario is that the responsible authorities realize I have already been punished quite severely for my actions ... I have been living 28 years in lies," Hemler said.
In short .... he is the victim even though it was his decision to desert.
Sheeeesssshhhhhh ....
The ones who have really suffered are the family members who were abandoned by him with no news or information.
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