You have nothing to apologize far. You are allowed to use the Pentagon as an example of conspiracy theories. You were NOT advocating the theory at all, just mentioning that folks do it all the time. It was just his was of reminding you he knew someone there as if we care.
So, I guess Lou thinks we can't mention WTC because LOTS of folks worked with people there. Or JFK because someone worked with the driver of the Lincoln. When does it stop?
Your post is spot on.
Anyone....I mean anyone has the right to discuss anything they want (within reason).
Being a paper pusher is not looked upon as "serving one's country".... and it sure as hell don't mean anything to someone that actually did get his hands dirty while doing so.
Then again, you have to remember that some have a great need to see themselves as being much more than they actually are or...ever was.
When it comes to such people, the lesser the person, the more out they are to do it.
Jeff