‘Allen West saved my life’ says former Army sergeant in new TV ad
by George Bennett | July 25th, 2012U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens, has released his third campaign ad, a 60-second spot in which former Sgt. Robert Delgado recounts then-Lt. Col. West giving up his body armor to protect Delgado in Iraq.
Delgado, whose wife was 8 months pregnant at the time, was hit by enemy fire and says his life was spared because of West’s body armor. Delgado also recounted the story in an ad two years ago when West ran for Congress.
West faces an Aug. 14 GOP primary challenge from Martin County Sheriff Robert Crowder. But this ad is likely aimed at building good will for West before the fall campaign, when Democrats and outside groups are likely to unleash a barrage of negative attacks.
Read the text after the jump…
Text of new TV ad for U.S. Rep. Allen West:
My name is Robert Delgado, former Sergeant of the United States Army. I wanted to serve my country. I wanted to be something better than what I was.
When we got our orders to go to Iraq, my wife was eight months pregnant. So it was a little nerve-wracking not knowing, you know, well, will I get to see my unborn child?
My commander was Lieutenant Colonel Allen West. He said, “I’m gonna make sure that you come home to your wife and your newborn baby.”
Before we went into Iraq, he gave me his body armor. And we were driving with night vision goggles on. Well, this car came flying by and an AK-47 just starts firing. I got shot.
If I hadn’t had that body armor though, I don’t think I’d really be here, because where it hit was where my lung was.
Lieutenant Colonel Allen West saved my life.
It was just the greatest feeling in the world to hold my son for that first time.
Colonel West gave me his body armor. Because of that, I’m here today.
And I think people need to understand that Allen West is a true patriot. He’s a man that loves his country.
July 25th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Yadda, yadda, yadda. Its nice to know that West gave up his taxpayer paid for body armor but how does this relate to West being a good Congressman? I am still waiting for a response from West regarding my many emails to him. He promises an eventual response (his office is so busy but he will get back to you) in his automatic response emails but NEVER delivers one. As a taxpayer and a constituent, I deserve a response. As far as I am concerned West is a liar! Nothing more, nothing less. Good luck to the people in district 18 if they elect this loud mouth, do nothing, sorry example of a Congressman. I hope Crowder wins!
July 25th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
I heard AllenWest unnecessarily put his soldiers lives in danger on countless occasions. His actions that got him kicked out of the military obviously put countless other soldiers lives in danger by defying military codes of conduct in the eyes of our allies and the enemy.
The Army did not think he was a hero.
July 26th, 2012 at 7:01 am
While Patrick Murphy was being charged with drunk and disorderly with a fraudulent ID in South Beach, Allen West was in Irag protecting freedom and saving lives. We are fortunate to have such a man represent us in Congress.
July 26th, 2012 at 7:48 am
Congressman Allen West is a true American hero. He continues to serve all Americans – steadfast & loyal. Go West!
July 26th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
“if it’s about the lives of my soldiers at stake, I’d go through hell with a gasoline can.” LTC (R) Allen West.
This is VERY MUCH being a Congressman, it’s called character. There is a lack of good left in the Halls of Congress and America is currently in a current “crisis” with not enough men/women like Allen West. He has the knowledge and the heart, all of which matters when making a decision on who I would want to represent me and my feelings, beliefs and values.
July 28th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
This is quite the endorsement. A Sergeant somehow doesn’t have body armor and the LtCol (who I assume was his Battalion Commander) gives his up. So you have the man in charge with no protection and the Sgt who didn’t have the initiative or ability to get his own. I’m not sure which of the two had worse judgement.