Kevin Hermening, a Republican running for the House in Wisconsin Republican, knows the brutality of the Iranian regime better than most.
In 1979, 66 Americans were taken hostage. Hermening, who was a young Marine at the time, and 51 others were held captive by the Islamic Republic for the entire duration of the conflict, 444 days.
The New York Post notes, “Hermening was in solitary confinement for 43 days, held in a 5×10 room, handcuffed and blindfolded at first.”
“They kept me separated because there was a long period of time where they didn’t believe that I was, ‘only a Marine security guard,’ ” he said.
One friend held captive saw his weight drop from 350 pounds to just 150 pounds during the ordeal. Another captive, Col. Charles Scott, “had three of his teeth busted off with rubber hoses during his interrogations.”
Despite his experience, Hermening has hope for Iran’s future as its regime leaders have come under attack.
“Just like it was a great day for me when I was ultimately freed along with my colleagues, I think it’ll be a great day some day … that the Iranian people are able to pursue their version of a liberal democracy, or at least moving in that direction.”
Hermening shared his support of American efforts in Iran on social media noting, “As a veteran, I know the weight of sending Americans into harm’s way.”
“Military action is never something we should take lightly. It requires clarity, purpose and steady leadership.”
“I support President Trump’s decision to act to protect American lives and confront a regime that has targeted Americans, armed our enemies, and destabilized the entire region for more than four decades.”
“Most of all today, I’m thinking about the men and women in uniform carrying out this mission. I’m grateful for their
courage, and I’m praying for their safety and safe return. Freedom is precious. I’ve learned that personally. And it is
always worth defending.”
The post WI Congressional Candidate Kevin Hermening Understands Iran’s Brutality Better than Most: Spent 444 Days as a Hostage in 1979 appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.