An article in Saturday’s Cortez Journal contained a number of what appear to be false assertions by a man who claims to be a military veteran.
The story about the annual Hunt for Heroes event featured a California man named Jason Truitt, who claimed to be a former U.S. Navy SEAL. Further, Truitt claimed that he served seven tours in Iraq and Afghanistan where he was wounded several times and also taken prisoner.
Readers from outside the area who are familiar with Truitt, contacted the Journal to report the assertions were complete fabrications.
Since military records are not readily available to the public or the press, there is no timely way to confirm Truitt’s military background or if he is a military veteran.
As part of the Journal’s efforts to correct the story, an edited version of the story was posted that eliminates all references to Truitt. If Truitt’s claims are proven to be true, the original story will be re-posted.
Most involved with the story believe that Truitt fabricated his military history.
Bob Luna, who has hosted the Hunt for Heroes event for the past five years, said he is not allowing this situation to slip past.
“Who would do this? We’re not letting this guy get away with this. We’re going for the gun, the money and pressing charges,” he said.
Luna said financial assistance was given to Truitt so he could make the trip. A new hunting rifle was also given to him as part of the program.
Marc Steinke, a representative for the National Rifle Association, said that there are a lot of people in shock, and there will be consequences.
“We’re getting it sorted out at NRA headquarters. It’s nobody’s fault but Truitt’s. There will be lawyers involved. Penalties will have to be paid,” he said.
See Thursday’s Journal for more on this story.
