I do appreciate what every veteran (hero or just plain g.i) has done. My dad and granddad were decorated.
It's just really hard to consider someone who has failed to support our men and women in combat right this second, a hero. He should understand, better than the majority, that it's about carrying out orders and accomplishing the mission. Kerry voted FOR the war with Iraq, citing the plight of all the oppressed Iraquis as well as the U.S. residents at risk of Saddams holy war against all things American. He was right then but to change his tune for purely political reasons----that's despicable and cowardly.
So,no, hero isn't the first word I'd associate with him.