Exploiting the military as State of the Union props -- By J.D. Gordon, The Washington Times

Pols abandon patriotic photo ops when no longer helpful

It's amazing how some politicians are quick to support the troops in patriotic-themed photo ops, impassioned speeches and effusive press releases — only to forget about the very same people used as political props once they emerge as political rivals.

A case in point is Sen. Joe Manchin III, West Virginia Democrat, and Army Maj. Richard Ojeda, a decorated combat veteran and Mountain State war hero, together at the State of the Union in 2013.

Just one year ago, the two seemed like father and son as the senator hosted the major as his special guest. To the casual observer, a photo posted on Army.mil of Mr. Manchin in a crisp business suit and Maj. Ojeda in his camouflage Army combat uniform grinning broadly before an American flag, evokes memories of a deservedly proud Vice President Joe Biden with his Army officer son, Beau.

The senator lavished praise on the major at the time, proudly noting that "Major Ojeda is one of the most well-loved and active members of his community. He served this nation in uniform in both Iraq and Afghanistan and continues to serve through the organization he started, Logan Empowerment and Development.

His work and dedication to the Logan community is an inspiration to us all, and that is why I am so proud to invite Richard to represent West Virginia as my guest."

The major was grateful and returned the favor. In the story from March 5, he was quoted saying, "Senator Manchin has been watching what we've been doing and he's kept up on the things we have accomplished. It's an honor to be invited to something like this. It's something I would have never thought I would have ever got the opportunity to do."

Mr. Manchin honored Maj. Ojeda as a West Virginia "favorite son" and even though they aren't related by blood, all outward appearances suggested at least a mutual fan club, on the way to BFF ("best friends forever") status.

What just happened when Maj. Ojeda stepped up last week to challenge Rep. Nick J. Rahall II, West Virginia Democrat, in the party primary?

From Mr. Manchin's perspective, it's now apparently "Major who?"

According to a story published in Politico, a Capitol Hill publication, on Jan. 24, it seems Team Manchin and his staff have developed something resembling selective amnesia, claiming that the senator didn't know Maj. Ojeda before that night a year ago and hasn't talked to him since.

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