If he served at any time during that entire era he is considered a "Vietnam War era veteran," like my brothers, neither of whom served in 'Nam. I am a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary based on my one brother's service (he was stationed in SK). The other served in the National Guard stateside for six years. It's possible that the media did not refer correctly to Mr. Phillips' service by including "era" in the descriptor.
Either way, the OP is just a typical Reichwinger's attempt to discredit the victim of a dishonorable attack by one of his ilk.
Let me quote you again, you dumb bitch. Here's who said the kids attacked. You, you fucking idiot!