FROM TR WALLACE, AUTHOR OF SHADOW WAR

I just read the article about you on Floyd Brown's site.  I was very impressed, I must note.  I am not in your district or you could count on my vote.  As it happens I am a writer living outside the U.S. at the moment, but like you, a patriot and veteran.  And as such I too am deeply concerned over the current leadership, and their socialist agenda.  

I am also deeply concerned over the threat of terrorism - a recurring them in my writing. Shadow War by TR Wallace, my pen name, speaks for itself as to my thoughts on how to combat those who would attack us from outside our borders.  

But what of the socialist terrorists in power today, including the CIC?  I, like you, swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemIES foregn and domestic.  Are not these socialists the domestic enemy when they attack the Constitution, our military, and lead the country into their warped form of communism?

Good luck in your run for office, sir.  America needs men like you now more than ever.  Men who know what the true cost of freedom can be.  

T.R. Wallace

From SGT. David B, USMC/ Firefighter/ emt

I am not sure if Ilario himself is going to recieve this, or a moderator, I just wanted to say that I am so pleased and excited for him. I served as one of his Marines in his platoon during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and I can think of NO BETTER FRIEND to make the a run for congress. 

We DO need to recognize China as a potential threat, we DO need to recognize Iran as a potential threat.   The mere fact that they are arming themselves with NUCLEAR capabilites as we sit idly by completely astounds me! Why do you think they need nukes? Do you think they are just going to sit on them?

I sit back and remember how we as Americans felt during 9/11, and unfortunately, just as I feared then, it seems the want for justice against those that would do us harm has become a trend that is fading fast.   Thankfully, not everyone chooses to turn a cheek to the issues that affect us Americans.

In serving with LT (I call him LT, he keeps telling me to call him Ilario, but he was and ALWAYS will be my LT!), I was simply astounded with his level of commitment, not only to us, but to his country as a whole.  This is a man that WILL not quit.  Dishonesty, a trait COMMON amongst politicians, is a trait that will never exist in Ilario.  When he gives his word, it's his bond and those who know him know that he will KEEP it!   He is not a man that will promise one thing, and then later on, say he tried his best to complete it but simply couldn't.  He IS the man who will deliver on everything he says.

We as  Americans are pissed! Flat out! NOBODY is happy with the state of American affairs nowadays. We have suffered through this recession while those responsible for it were given "second chances". I work as a fireman in the capitol region, and barely recieve enough money to make a living,  and instead of being offered the chance to break in a little overtime, I instead have to focus on possible impending layoffs. Yes, I said layoffs, the same individuals who day in and day are called upon anytime the public faces disaster are being PUNISHED by goverments that would rather rob the organizations that protect the people they serve, then suffer a MINOR salary deduction?

Isn't that the point of Goverment service? Isn't a politicians job to be leader and LEAD by example during trying times? I can tell you right now that Ilario Pantano is an individual who would not only agree with that statement, but would also COMMIT to that statement! Why is it that my Fire brethren are losing jobs while *OTHER* Goverment employees are living in multi-million dollar houses with salaries that rival that of the president? I can tell you again that Ilario Pantano will not stand for THAT either.

You know, it was always a dream of mine to one day own my own business that I could manage on the side. Unfortunately, that will never happen with the current state of affairs. I don't understand why I can go and serve my country, fight in a war, come home, (and for those who know me, they know I have NEVER EVER asked for anything in return, the mere fact that I was given the oppurtunity to serve as a United States Marine during our country's time of crisis was reward enough) to an environment where I have to wonder every day if I am going to even HAVE a job tommorow, and my wife, who has already been laid off DIRECTLY DUE to the current shift in leadership, cannot find a job to save her life!  I guess that's our current leadership's way of thanking us for a job well done.

There is hope though, in seeing people like Ilario Pantano making sacrificies to place himself in a position where he can make the changes we so desperately need!   The need to focus on JOBS! JOBS is what is going to build this economy back up! JOBS AND JOBS ALONE! Ilario understands this! I am so happy for him and I cannot WAIT for the day that I get to call him up and congratulate him.  Because THAT will be the day true "change" comes to our leadership!   Change from a man who TRULY understands us!   Who understands what it means to serve his country, both in foreign lands (U.S.M.C.) and domestic (Deputy sheriff)

Go, LT, Go!   Just dont stick any chemlights on your tie!  And no flashbanging debates!

-Sgt David B, U.S.M.C/Northern Capitol Region Firefighter/EMT

From Bill Klotz, FBI

There are those in the electorate who see others do things they could or would never do. My impression is that Iliario saw and did all the things because he was and is a believer.....in the Country, the Constitution, and truly KNOWS what sacrifice means!!  I saw him undergo Law Enforcement training in North Carolina,  as difficult as the transition from Military Training to Civilian  Training can demand.  He impressed me as what every Law Enforcement Agency hopes to get when they employ those like him!! Loyalty, Commitment, Dedication , and Willingness to Serve are traits that I, personally, most admire. He brings to the table an un-biased respect for the rights and responsibilities of what citizenship means.  He could have felt abandoned and resentful for the likes of JOHN MURTHA but he did not cave. I WILL VOTE FOR HIM AND ENCOURAGE ALL TO READ HIS BOOK!!

If you ever want someone in politics to listen to you.........HE'S THE MAN!!

 Bill Klotz, Retired F.B.I. Agent & Instructor, Basic Law Enforcement Training, N.C.

From Brent Graham, USMC

I first met Ilario when I became the First Sergeant for Company E, 2d Battalion, 2d Marines (2/2) in January 2004. We deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March of that year. Just a short time after arriving in Iraq, 2/2 was sent to Fallujah to assist in the initial cording off of that city. On several occasions, I personally witnessed (then) 2d Lt. Pantano and his platoon engage the enemy; every time, he was focused and poised under fire. To put it bluntly, Ilario was absolutely fearless, constantly looking to take the fight to the enemy.

Ilario personified the objectives of Marine Corps Leadership: 1. Mission Accomplishment, and 2. Troop welfare. Whenever he was assigned a mission, I knew he would not return without seeing it through to completion. Whether it was a patrol in the city of Al-Mahmudiyah or all out combat in Fallujah, Ilario looked at both in the same manner, never once allowing his men to think any patrol was "routine." Ilario always impressed upon his Marines to be ready for the worst, often times repeating General Mattis' quote: "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

Unfortunately, Ilario's command of 3rd platoon was cut short because of the false accusations of a young, disgruntled Sergeant. Even though he was moved to H&S Company to be a Watch Officer in the COC, Ilario was consistently upbeat, handling every scenario in a professional manner. Had I been placed in the same circumstances, it’s doubtful I would have portrayed the same attitude.

Not long ago I had the chance to talk to Ilario in VA. Regretfully, we were attending a funeral for one of my former Marines – Lance Corporal Christopher Johnson. This was a Marine who served in Ilario's platoon in Iraq. After Ilario was moved to H&S Company, Johnson was wounded and lost his right arm. (Upon our return home, Ilario stayed in constant contact with not only Johnson, but the majority of his old platoon.) Johnson died after falling off his boat while fishing in PA. As soon as Ilario got the news that Johnson was missing, he gathered up anyone he could and assisted in the search for his Marine. This is another quality Ilario possesses; he will never leave a fallen comrade behind.

In 2006 I retired as a First Sergeant, having spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. I would proudly serve with Ilario in any situation under any circumstance again. I can honestly say that the House of Representatives would be a better organization with the addition of Ilario to its ranks. That being said, I regret that the Marine Corps lost an Officer such as Ilario Pantano.

Good luck and God Speed Ilario!

Semper Fidelis!

Brent Graham

From Doc Gobles, USMC

Greetings my good friend. How are you?  Might I say I am not one bit surprised that you are running for Congress? You are a man of passion and bravery and that is what is needed for change.  I am motiviated for you and I know you will suceed.  How awesome. I look forward to hearing from you, Lt.

Take Care,

Doc Gobles

From Kevin Sanchez

Sir,

First, I am not one your constituents but I am excitedly following your website's Youtube postings of your progress on your "100 Days of Work."  I commend you for your efforts to take your lifelong commitment to God and country to the beltway.

A couple of weeks ago, a work colleague (he's a Capt. in the Marine Corps Reserves and a best friend of mine) gave me your book Warlord, No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy.  I had seen him lugging the book around the office and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  To be frank, If he was reading it, I wanted to read it.  A lance corporal insignia pinned to his bulletin board stands as a reminder of one of the Marines he led when he was an active duty officer...overlooked, ignored or just irrelevant to most people that frequent his office, but I have a brother who is a Marine officer and I have great respect for the Corps and the sacrifices of the men and women that make it the most powerful fighting contingency in the world.

About your book.  I've tried to use many of the principles you describe to help master the juggle between enlisting to serve my country in the US Marine Corps and starting my life with a special woman.  I was born, raised and educated in the great State of Georgia by my hard working, blue collar immigrant parents (my father is a retired police officer and Navy Vietnam Veteran.)  I can really appreciate the principles of Southern living you describe on your website, especially since I now find myself prosecuting thugs in New York City.  Although I have traversed the halls of Justice here in NYC in a prestigious district attorney's office, I have always had a desire to serve my country as a US Marine. As you describe in your book, there are a great number of things more important than ourselves, and I'm committed to assuring that this great country remains the beacon of freedom that welcomed my parents to its shores.  As a young, healthy and educated American, I wish I too could be jumping into the muddy waters of the crucible as selflessly as you did. 

Anyways, I really just wanted to send you an email thanking you and expressing my admiration for your service to our great country.  All the best in your campaign.

Godspeed.

Kevin S.
P.S. my sister's fiance just finished the fire academy in Atlanta and was an infantry Marine who fought in Fallujah...I'm sending him a copy of your book.