Those who know Mark Siljander best, say they know better than to believe he was involved in raising funds for terrorists.

The former Republican Congressman for Southwestern Michigan was indicted for conspiracy and money laundering this week.

Siljander has been living in Virginia for nearly two decades where he runs his own public relations firm.

The Dudd family of Portage has known Siljander for nearly 40-years. The Dudd’s worked on Siljander’s campaigns for Congress back in the early 80’s.

“His parents passed away,” said David Dudd, “my father and mother served as surrogate parents.”

David Dudd says he worked hand in hand with Siljander during his Congressional campaigns in the early 80’s, driving him from one end of Michigan’s fourth district, to the other.

“There would be no chance of him being involved in anything that would be unethical or unpatriotic to the country,” said Dudd.

That includes allegedly raising funds for terrorist activities.
“He has a daughter that serves in the military she's been in the middle east, I mean it’s just crazy.”

Siljander last visited the Dudd family in September.

The Dudd’s also received a letter from Siljander around Christmas. The letter indicated that Siljander “never felt better about the way” things were going in his life.

“If you know anything about him,” said Dudd, “he is the ultimate patriot.”

Siljander was dedicated to bringing peace to the Middle East.

He has a book coming out soon about bridging the gap between Christians and Muslims.