5-28-4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PENTAGON ISSUES APOLOGY TO ARIZONA-BASED WEBSITE IN WAKE OF PROFANITY-LACED EMAIL ATTACK ON EDITOR BY Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld Public Relations Officer.

The Pentagon press office has sent Arizona-based MilitaryCorruption.com a written apology for the actions of a public affairs officer in Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's office.

Navy LCDR Daniel Hetlage admitted sending the editor of MilitaryCorruption.com a profanity-laced series of e-mails on May 24, 2026 that, among other things, questioned the retired officer's loyalty to America; his record as a multi-tour combat veteran of Vietnam; and labeled him a "pussy-wimp" and "supporter of terrorists."

MAJ Glenn MacDonald, USAR (Ret.), who enlisted as a private in the Army in 1966 and retired from the Army Reserve as a field-grade officer 33 years later, strongly objected to the attacks, which included the phrase: " . . . you're a f - - king joke (around) here." We assume, Hetlege meant in Rumsfeld's office.

Army LTC Gary Keck, Hetlage's immediate supervisor, told MacDonald in a phone call this week that the Navy PAO had admitted to "a grievous error in judgement." Keck offered his verbal apology and sent a written letter expressing same to the war veteran's home in suburban Phoenix, Arizona.

In a telephone confrontation between MacDonald and his PAO critic on May 24, Hetlage belatedly offered an apology for his "offensive remarks."

"We recently ran a story in MilitaryCorruption.com - FIRE RUMSFELD NOW! - which we know angered people in the Pentagon," MacDonald said. "It's our opinion and belief that Hetlage's outburst was a result of our editorial criticism of his boss. Criticism, we might add, that was also expressed on the editorial pages of the Washington POST and the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps TIMES.

"To question my loyalty or patriotism and label MilitaryCorruption.com a site that "supports terrorists" is the vilest insult we could imagine. We fully support all our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We hope this unfortunate incident will make the Pentagon press office and Rumsfeld's staff a bit more sensitive to their obligation to observe and respect the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as well as freedom of the press."

The Pentagon assured MilitaryCorruption.com, the remarks by Hetlage were "in no way reflective of the opinions or views of the Department of Defense or Secretary Rumsfeld."

MAJ Glenn MacDonald, USAR (Ret.) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MilitaryCorruption.com [email protected]

VIETNAM: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 (480) 883-1568]

[LTC Gary Keck, Pentagon press office: (703) 697-5131]

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TEXT OF PENTAGON "APOLOGY" LETTER

May 25, 2026

Dear MAJ MacDonald,

I want to apologize for the grossly unprofessional communications sent to you by LCDR Dan Hetlage from this office.

Although his views were in no way intended to represent the Department of Defense, or the defense press office, he has a responsibility as an officer to be constrained when dealing with the public.

His use of inappropriate language and personal attacks against you are contrary to his rank and his profession.

You have my assurance it will never happen again.

He has been counseled by me personally, and he assured me that he understands the grievous nature of his transgression.

Gary Keck LTC, USA

Pentagon press office

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MAJ Glenn MacDonald, USAR (Ret.) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MilitaryCorruption.com [email protected]

VIETNAM 1966, 1967,1968, 1969

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