Derrell Douglas Gardner Jr - Page 4

Richard · 07-13-2009, 09:49

I just responded to these two points made by Vote2009:

Quote:

What is the big deal about his military record? He served honorably...

You cannot say that he "served honorably" until you see his DD-214 or Discharge Certificate - and the fact he was discharged much sooner than a normal term of enlistment adds to the uncertainty among those of us who know of such things.

Quote:

Let us all withhold judgment and not assume DG is lying about being in the Special Forces. Clearly from the article above he spent some time in the Special Forces.

Attending SF Training does not equate to having "spent some time in the Special Forces" - time in SF starts once you complete the training, are awarded an SF identifier, and are then assigned as an SF qualified soldier to an SF unit. Mr Gardner is well aware of this, and his skillful waffling of that fact in the wording he used for his web-site bio is an indication of his true character.

Is Vote2009 a relative of Mr Gardener?

Richard's $.02

**Team Sergeant** · 07-13-2009, 10:04

If I had to guess I'm betting Derrell Gardner has been doing a lot of "explaining" over the weekend.

We only saw what he posted on his website, I wonder what he's been telling his friends and family for the last 20 years concerning his "Special Forces" career.

I wonder if he'll pull the "Atlantic City mayor" excuse and go into "rehab".

**The Reaper** · 07-13-2009, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Is Vote2009 a relative of Mr Gardener?

Richard's $.02

Could be Mr. Gardner himself, for all we know.

TR

**Team Sergeant** · 07-13-2009, 13:23

tenctsmin,

You seem to be reading both websites so I will entertain your questions here.

Yes, we knew about Derrell Gardner well before the Ft Myers News-Press news story and were in the process of ascertaining his Special Forces background. We were the ones that contacted the Ft Myers News-Press concerning Derrell Gardner's Special Forces claims. So no, there's no conspiracy story there.

In my opinion this story is over unless Derrell Gardner has something to say. The US military will only release so much information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Derrell Gardner knows the truth and we're fairly certain we do to as only a few factors will get an individual tossed out of the military before their military obligation is complete. (In this "age of transparency" it's amazing how many public figures choose to not allow access to their records.)

Unlike the Ft Myers News-Press comments section we do not allow just anyone to comment on Special Forces & Green Beret fakes, frauds, liars, imposters, phonies etc The individuals posting the comments on our board are all real Special Forces soldiers (Green Berets), Colonels, Lt Colonels, Majors, Command Sergeants Major, Master Sergeants, Sergeant First Class etc. retired and active duty. We have no issue with what Derrell Gardner's political views are, we are infuriated by the fact he is using our reputation for personal gain.

Derrell Gardner has been contacted for his side of the story and he has refused to answer. I have actually never heard of anyone referring a news reporter "to his attorney" when asked about their Special Forces background. I'm positive a real Special Forces soldier (aka "Green Beret") running for public office would be happy to allow a news reporter full access to their military record and or background.

While you cannot post on this specific thread feel free to ask us questions. We can be contacted at:
DEADDROP (at) ProfessionalSoldiers.com

Team Sergeant

Richard · 07-13-2009, 16:31

This statement is on the bottom of his web-site - no blaming the IT guy or any campaign staff for any misunderstandings about how he wanted it to imply that he was SF.

Quote:

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Derrell Gardner for Mayor, City of Fort Myers

Richard's $.02

BoMcCormick · 07-13-2009, 16:58

Seems the supporters of Mr Garden think that everyone who is making negative statements about him is either a candidate for the office or working for someones political campaign.

I posted this in the Fort Myers NewPress blogs a few moments ago and I will follow through with my statement. Our club has a very high reputation in this county and the Southwest coast of Florida.
That icon you see to the left is on our backs when we ride and all the VFWs, AMERICAN LEGIONS, and
Veterans groups know who we are and what our club is about. We are a 501(c)(19) Veterans Orgainization and our primary purpose is to help our orphaned children, their families, our wounded and our disabled. If Mr Gardner thinks that he will get away with his "little lie" he will be sadly mistaken.

This is my post in the blog:

I am not a candidate for anything in the political area and I can see clear through Mr. Gardner.
I posted his military record.
NOTE..Mr Gardner was only able to reach the pay rating of E-3..PFC and in his website Bio he states very clearly that he served in the US Army and in Special Forces for 6 years. Sounds like a Beetle Baily to me for you old timers who recognize the cartoon. 6 years of service as a qualifed SF Tabber
would have netted him at least Sergeant's stripes or a Specialist 5th Class ranking and that would be if he didn't screw up and was just cruising through life and taking his promotions as they came with time in rank and service. This guy is a phony, wannabee, trying to be something he is wasn't and is not now nor every will be, ,yes and a liar, and if he were an honorable man he would withdraw from the race. If he chooses not to do so then I will personally make sure that every Veterans Organization in Lee County is aware of Mr. Gardner's lack of integrity!

7/13/2009 6:50:07 PM

Richard · 07-13-2009, 17:04

Quote:

If he chooses not to do so then I will personally make sure that every Veterans Organization in Lee County is aware of Mr. Gardner's lack of integrity!

KA - effin' - POW!

Richard's $.02

**Pete** · 07-14-2009, 04:39

From the Opinion page of their paper.

"Self-inflicted political pain"

http://www.news-press.com/article/20...2/1015/opinion

You would think that politicians would have learned by now not to make false academic or military claims in their campaigns.

They are too easy to detect, and look horrible when they are exposed.

Derrell Gardner, a candidate for Fort Myers mayor, claims to have been a Green Beret. But Army records indicate he did not complete Special Forces training.

If all the people who say they were Green Berets actually were, they'd be common as crows. But they aren't, and the fakery really angers the genuine ones.

Gardner also would have been wiser saying upfront that he had been convicted of battery in 2001 and given a year's probation in an ongoing dispute with his wife.

Claiming to be what you weren't and hoping people don't find out about a criminal record is a foolish strategy.

Former Cape Coral Councilman Mickey Rosado's downfall began with the exposure of a campaign lie that he had a bachelor's degree in management and marketing he didn't have. He was fined $500 under a state statute outlawing false academic claims.

After being suspended from the council in 2007, Rosado pleaded guilty to attempting to act as a real estate broker without a license.

Keith Richter, a candidate for House District 72, was embarrassed by the revelation that the master's degree he claimed was from a degree mill in England. His status as an adjunct faculty member at Hodges University was lowered to "teaching assistant."

In 2008 Richter was easily defeated in the Republican primary by incumbent Rep. Paige Kreegel.

Here's an easy rule to live by: Don't lie about your credentials.

SF_BHT · 07-14-2009, 06:52

Update

To date none of my e-mails to the Mr Gardner or his campaign have been returned. I wonder if he is ever going to answer anyone or just hid and hope that this Possible Lie goes away.

I have tried calling the published number on his web site and no one answers.. OK I only tried 3 times but come on.....

Has any one else received any replies to their e-mails?

BoMcCormick · 07-14-2009, 08:21

No hiding anymore...
I just put out a letter to all hands about Mr. Gardner.
This includes everyone on the club's mailing list plus every bike club in this area and also sent it out to a number of organizations and asked that they pass it on as well.

Mr. Gardner is just one of a majority of politicians who think they are above the law, the morals, standards and ethics of a nation that was based on
the natural laws of humanity. They have no respect for any of us or themselves.

It's about damn time that we start "Throwing out the Trash!" I'll start right here in Fort Myers.

I hope you gents don't mind if I copy and paste this to NewsPress' blog..
I will wait for comment before I do..

**Team Sergeant** · 07-14-2009, 09:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoMcCormick

No hiding anymore...
I just put out a letter to all hands about Mr. Gardner.
This includes everyone on the club's mailing list plus every bike club in this area and also sent it out to a number of organizations and asked that they pass it on as well.

Mr. Gardner is just one of a majority of politicians who think they are above the law, the morals, standards and ethics of a nation that was based on
the natural laws of humanity. They have no respect for any of us or themselves.

It's about damn time that we start "Throwing out the Trash!" I'll start right here in Fort Myers.

I hope you gents don't mind if I copy and paste this to NewsPress' blog..
I will wait for comment before I do..

Bo you can copy and paste anything on this thread and send it to the world.

TS

**Team Sergeant** · 07-14-2009, 09:21

Fort Myers councilman Leonardo wants those with a criminal record kept from public office

Posted 7/13/2009 11:46 AM EDT on news-press.com Prod
Fort Myers City Councilman Thomas Leonardo did not like what he read about mayoral candidate Derrell Gardner in a story published Sunday in The News-Press. He fired off this e-mail to the mayor, city council, clerk and attorney saying he will write an ordinance to change the city charter so that nobody with a criminal record can run for elected office.

Here is the complete e-mail:

From: Thomas Leonardo
To: Marie Adams; Grant Alley
Cc: Margaret Fineberg; Mayor and City Council
Sent: Sun Jul 12 08:44:20 2009
Subject: CITY OF FORT MYERS WARD 6 INQUIRY
Dear Mister City Attorney and Madam City Clerk,

I read with dismay this morning's N-P article, Page B1, of the criminal background check that the newspaper ran on Mayoral candidate Derrell Gardner. The background check uncovered the fact that Mr. Gardiner (sic) was convicted of battery in 2001. The newspaper also discovered other questionable statements in Mr. Gardiner's (sic) assertion that he was a Green Beret. Since the latter issue is one of personal veracity, and not subject to City Charter, it cannot legally concern us as City Council. However, the former issue of conviction for battery raises the issue as to whether or not such a conviction disqualifies Mr. Gardiner (sic) as a candidate for Mayor. Please look into this legality as soon as possible, and advise myself and other members of City Council as to what our Charter states.

If our City Charter currently allows any person to run for city elective office with any kind of criminal conviction, I will bring forth an ordinance to change our Charter so that no one that has been convicted of a crime can run for elected office in the City of Fort Myers.

Thank you.
TCL

PS to City Council members: Please do not reply to this email. I have cc'd you FYI only. Thank you. TCL

-- Ryan Lengerich

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs....add0dad9628c62

BoMcCormick · 07-14-2009, 10:13

posted on the NewsPress watchblog site:

Thomas Leonardo:
Mr. Leonardo. Thanks for stepping up to the plate on the Gardner issue.
Although at this time Mr. Gardner has only had one conviction we are working to see if he can be prosecuted under the "Stolen Valor Act".
Claiming military service to this country that he did not have and can not substantiate maybe be punishable under Federal Law. We are going to pursue this and will keep the general public and especially our Veterans informed of the outcome.

Bo McCormick
National Treasurer/Founder
Special Forces Motorcycle Club, Inc.
A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization
A Non-profit corporation
www.specialforcesmc.org
7/14/2009 12:10 PM EDT on news-press.com Prod

longrange1947 · 07-14-2009, 10:32

I sent an email to the individual when TS first published and held off after the journalist was called in. Still no answer to my email sometime ago. I have some patience but am wondering when he will clear this up for me.

BoMcCormick · 07-14-2009, 12:22

I have talked to the local FBI investigator here in Fort Myers. She is checking to see if Mr. Gardner's false claims of military service can be prosecuted under the "Stolen Valor Act". She is to call me back. Anyone got any ties to the Regional Office?

Since I put out the last blog I have been getting a ton of email. Just to let you gentlemen know..it's all favorable..tell us to go get him. I also received a phone call from the News-Press' Ryan Lengerich and they are going to pursue the story further as well. If nothing else, we have made the world aware of posers and people like Derrell Gardner, Jr. I am going push for the City Councel to require proof of service for anyone who claims military service just like we do when someone applies for membership as veteran to our club or to the SFA. It is a shame that we can't assume that everyone is honest anymore.

Have a great day and be safe.
Bo