David Sharrett Sr. seeks answers years after son's death in Iraq
March 2, 2012
By Kimberly Suiters
For four years, Dave Sharrett, Sr. has been trying to find out exactly how his son died.
But it wasn't just the conclusion that his son, Pfc. David Sharrett, was killed by friendly fire in Iraq in 2008. What was worse was the devastating reality that no one would be held accountable.
"Our son, our family gave up blood and treasure for his country, and we were treated like this by the very institution our son served," Dave Sr. said.
Four years ago, Pfc. Sharrett died after a firefight in Iraq. He was shot during the chaos by his own lieutenant, an investigation revealed. It's what his father saw in a video two years later, though, that shook him to the core.
In the video, Sharrett says that he could see his son struggling to live while an Apache helicopter flies away.
"I said, 'Did you see that?'" he said. "He left a man behind. His commanders knew he did that."
read more here
Friday, March 2, 2012
Corporal Adam M. Byler's heart tugging letter of thanks to all who cared
To whom it may concern,
I want to personally thank you for the extremely generous donation to the Adalynn Byler Memorial Fund. The fund was actually started by David Haynes and fellow Marines here at my unit. All the donations were put to use in helping out in the funeral services, getting my family through times of no income and other financial burdens. I would have sent out more personalized thank you letters, but the way the Navy Federal Credit Union was taking in donations, there was only letters with no return addresses. The support I received from fellow Marines, sailors, soldiers and civilians, past or present, friends and family has been unimaginable, and the only reason I am doing as good as I am today.
When we were at the hospital after the incident, the nurses in the ICU could not believe how many people showed up to see my daughter Adalynn. I would say somewhere between 200 and 300 range. We even had a large group "camped out" in the waiting area and took turns making runs for energy drinks and coffee. I always knew that the brotherhood was strong,,,but nothing to the degree that I have seen these past months. I never imagined when I was first told about the fund, that people I never met would have even heard about the fund. From myself, my wife and son thank you again for the donation.
As an update for me and my family.
I am currently on Active Orders at the 6MTBN CO A 4MLG, Orlando FL and working with the Active Duty Marines. Trying to do my part and help with the training on drill weekends, funerals for veterans and anywhere else I am needed. For the most part they are keeping me as busy as possible, and it has been a great way for myself to get my mind off of the situation. Out unit has another deployment coming up late this year, so I am trying to bring the knowledge I have from the previous deployment and either deploy with them or just provide the knowledge so they can continue with the mission.
I also have received a lot of help from the Veterans Affairs as far as getting counseling sessions. My wife is currently trying to get back into school for the fall and change her major to social work at University of Central Florida, she feels that with our unfortunate situation she can try and help others out and that social work would be the best route and my son is going to be starting Pre K next year. he is a normal three year old and is full of energy and keeps us busy. He was too young to understand exactly was going on. The one thing that everyone was afraid of was that this experience would put a strain on our family, but somehow it has made us stronger as a family and has made us live life to the fullest. Nothing can explain how eternally grateful we are to everyone who has helped out in our time of need.
Semper Fi
Corporal Adam M. Byler USMC
also on this
Dec 17, 2011
Adalynn Byler was pronounced on Monday evening and was on support in order to allow organ transplant teams to be set up. Her family was very generous in allowing other families to have their prayers/wishes/dreams answered. There are three lives whose futures changed on Tuesday by the forward and outward thinking of the Byler family.
Bill would push states to help jobless veterans
Bill would push states to help jobless veterans
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 1, 2012
An Ohio congressman believes he has a way to expand job opportunities for separating service members: Link federal funding to a requirement that states have licensing and professional certification rules that recognize the value of military training.
Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, an Army National Guard lieutenant colonel with 26 years of service, gives credit for the idea to veterans who met with him last fall to discuss the high unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
His bill, HR 4115, is fairly simple: As a condition of receiving employment and training funds from the Labor Department for veterans programs, a state would have to consider granting state licenses and certificates based on military training and experience. This is not a guarantee for a credential, only a requirement that the value of training be taken into account.
read more here
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Mar 1, 2012
An Ohio congressman believes he has a way to expand job opportunities for separating service members: Link federal funding to a requirement that states have licensing and professional certification rules that recognize the value of military training.
Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, an Army National Guard lieutenant colonel with 26 years of service, gives credit for the idea to veterans who met with him last fall to discuss the high unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
His bill, HR 4115, is fairly simple: As a condition of receiving employment and training funds from the Labor Department for veterans programs, a state would have to consider granting state licenses and certificates based on military training and experience. This is not a guarantee for a credential, only a requirement that the value of training be taken into account.
read more here
German Pay Phones Anger Troops, $51 for 2 minute call!
$51 for 2 Minutes: German Pay Phones Anger Troops
By JAMES DAO
Published: March 1, 2012
When Specialist Reynald Matias was heading to Afghanistan with his Army unit late last year, their chartered flight stopped to refuel at Leipzig-Halle Airport in Germany. During a brief layover, he called his wife in Tacoma, Wash., using his debit card on a pay phone in the terminal’s troops-only transit lounge.
“What are they charging you?” his wife, Crystal, asked when he reached her. He did not know, so she told him to hang up. A few days later she got the answer: $51 for what she estimated was a two-minute call.
“Military pay isn’t up there,” she said. “It really hurt us.”
For many American troops passing through Leipzig to the war zones, the steep cost of a quick call home from pay phones has been a source of growing indignation. The Pentagon estimates that about two dozen commercial charters carrying American forces stop at the Leipzig airport each week.
read more here
By JAMES DAO
Published: March 1, 2012
When Specialist Reynald Matias was heading to Afghanistan with his Army unit late last year, their chartered flight stopped to refuel at Leipzig-Halle Airport in Germany. During a brief layover, he called his wife in Tacoma, Wash., using his debit card on a pay phone in the terminal’s troops-only transit lounge.
“What are they charging you?” his wife, Crystal, asked when he reached her. He did not know, so she told him to hang up. A few days later she got the answer: $51 for what she estimated was a two-minute call.
“Military pay isn’t up there,” she said. “It really hurt us.”
For many American troops passing through Leipzig to the war zones, the steep cost of a quick call home from pay phones has been a source of growing indignation. The Pentagon estimates that about two dozen commercial charters carrying American forces stop at the Leipzig airport each week.
read more here
The Newsboys impromptu concert at Camp Pendleton
The Newsboys stop by HMMT-164 at Camp Pendleton for a meet and greet. They were in town for a concert at Calvary Chapel Oceanside.
Make A Way For The King
Make A Way For The King
Marine Cpl. Kyle Thompson receives Bronze Star for heroism in Afghanistan
La Pine Marine gets Bronze Star for Afghan heroism
Written by
The Associated Press
LA PINE — A U.S. Marine corporal from La Pine who lost his left eye in an explosion while fighting in Afghanistan was awarded a Bronze Star for Valor last week.
Kyle Thompson, 25, of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., earned the medal for what the military deemed "courageous actions" during two firefights in which his patrol was ambushed and he led his troops to safety.
Both incidents occurred in Afghanistan's dangerous Helmand province, and each one happened before Thompson was injured by the improvised explosive device that ultimately ended his military career.
He received a Purple Heart after that injury. He also received a Purple Heart for an earlier incident involving an IED that struck his armored vehicle.
read more here
Written by
The Associated Press
LA PINE — A U.S. Marine corporal from La Pine who lost his left eye in an explosion while fighting in Afghanistan was awarded a Bronze Star for Valor last week.
Kyle Thompson, 25, of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., earned the medal for what the military deemed "courageous actions" during two firefights in which his patrol was ambushed and he led his troops to safety.
Both incidents occurred in Afghanistan's dangerous Helmand province, and each one happened before Thompson was injured by the improvised explosive device that ultimately ended his military career.
He received a Purple Heart after that injury. He also received a Purple Heart for an earlier incident involving an IED that struck his armored vehicle.
read more here
Marine Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach murder focus of Investigation Discovery show
Lauterbach case is focus of cable channel debut
March 1, 2012
Staff Report
The Maria Lauterbach murder case will be the focus of the debut episode of a show premiering Saturday on the Investigation Discovery channel.
“In 2007, (Cesar) Laurean’s perverse indulgences take a violent turn when he is accused of rape.
To save his reputation and his military career, he plots to silence his accuser for good, leading to the brutal murder of Lauterbach and her unborn child,” according to press material for the show, “Deadly Sins” in the episode “Carnal Appetite.”
read more here
March 1, 2012
Staff Report
The Maria Lauterbach murder case will be the focus of the debut episode of a show premiering Saturday on the Investigation Discovery channel.
“In 2007, (Cesar) Laurean’s perverse indulgences take a violent turn when he is accused of rape.
To save his reputation and his military career, he plots to silence his accuser for good, leading to the brutal murder of Lauterbach and her unborn child,” according to press material for the show, “Deadly Sins” in the episode “Carnal Appetite.”
read more here
Video of Sgt. Rafael Peralta pulling grenade under his body being reviewed for Medal of Honor
Calif. lawmakers say fallen Marine deserved military’s highest honor for valor
By Associated Press, Published: March 1
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter said his office sent a formal request from the area’s congressional delegation to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus urging him to reconsider Sgt. Rafael Peralta for the Medal of Honor in a last-ditch effort before the deadline ends. Four other San Diego-area representatives and California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer also signed the letter.
After a scientific panel examined the forensic evidence at the time, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates decided to award Peralta the Navy Cross instead of the Medal of Honor based on the conclusion that the Marine who suffered a head wound was not conscious when his body smothered a grenade in Iraq in 2004, saving other Marines.
Hunter spokesman Joe Kasper said the congressman has obtained a video of the battle action and a newly released report by a forensic pathologist that proves Peralta was conscious and intentionally pulled the grenade under his body.
read more here
By Associated Press, Published: March 1
SAN DIEGO — Federal lawmakers announced Thursday they have obtained information previously unavailable to military investigators that proves the Navy should not have disqualified a San Diego Marine from being posthumously awarded America’s highest military honor.(U.S. Marines, File/Associated Press) - FILE - This undated photo released by the U.S. Marines, shows Sgt. Rafael Peralta, 25. Federal lawmakers announced Thursday March 1, 2012, they have obtained evidence previously unavailable to military investigators that proves the Navy should not have disqualified Peralta, a San Diego Marine from being posthumously awarded America’s highest military honor.
U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter said his office sent a formal request from the area’s congressional delegation to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus urging him to reconsider Sgt. Rafael Peralta for the Medal of Honor in a last-ditch effort before the deadline ends. Four other San Diego-area representatives and California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer also signed the letter.
After a scientific panel examined the forensic evidence at the time, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates decided to award Peralta the Navy Cross instead of the Medal of Honor based on the conclusion that the Marine who suffered a head wound was not conscious when his body smothered a grenade in Iraq in 2004, saving other Marines.
Hunter spokesman Joe Kasper said the congressman has obtained a video of the battle action and a newly released report by a forensic pathologist that proves Peralta was conscious and intentionally pulled the grenade under his body.
read more here
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Sheriff talks about friend's suicide and PTSD
Sheriff Whitcomb Talks About Former Sheriff John
5:12 PM, Mar 1, 2012
Written by
Scott Brown
LITTLE VALLEY, N.Y. - For the past two and a half years, Cattaraugus County Sheriff Tim Whitcomb has tried to answer a question that has no real answer: how do you make sense of something that was so senseless?
Former Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John was Tim Whitcomb's mentor, and a lot more.
Sheriff Tim Whitcomb: "Dennis was one of my best friends. He was a role model for me as a young officer, he was my first or second line supervisor from 1996 until his death. In my opinion he was a great dad, he was a youth coach, he was an officer who saw things in black and white. If something was wrong it was wrong and it needed to be set right. He was a great man. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him."
But Dennis John was a man with demons inside of him. He committed suicide three summers ago.
read more here
5:12 PM, Mar 1, 2012
Written by
Scott Brown
LITTLE VALLEY, N.Y. - For the past two and a half years, Cattaraugus County Sheriff Tim Whitcomb has tried to answer a question that has no real answer: how do you make sense of something that was so senseless?
Former Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John was Tim Whitcomb's mentor, and a lot more.
Sheriff Tim Whitcomb: "Dennis was one of my best friends. He was a role model for me as a young officer, he was my first or second line supervisor from 1996 until his death. In my opinion he was a great dad, he was a youth coach, he was an officer who saw things in black and white. If something was wrong it was wrong and it needed to be set right. He was a great man. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him."
But Dennis John was a man with demons inside of him. He committed suicide three summers ago.
read more here
Vietnam veterans finally know rumor of drug experiments were true
Vets feel abandoned after secret drug experiments
By David S. Martin, CNN
updated 8:56 AM EST, Thu March 1, 2012
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Tim Josephs blames secret Army program for health issues, including Parkinson's disease
Facility tested potentially lethal gases, narcotics and LSD on animals and humans
Cold War research initially aimed to defend against Soviet chemical or biological attack
The VA has contacted and offered free medical evaluations to thousands of veterans
Programming note: Join CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta for more from his investigative report on U.S. soldiers used as drug test subjects. Watch "CNN Presents," this Sunday night at 8 and 11 ET/PT.
(CNN) -- The moment 18-year-old Army Pvt. Tim Josephs arrived at Edgewood Arsenal in 1968, he knew there was something different about the place.
"It just did not look like a military base, more like a hospital," recalled Josephs, a Pittsburgh native. Josephs had volunteered for a two-month assignment at Edgewood, in Maryland, lured by three-day weekends closer to home.
"It was like a plum assignment," Josephs said. "The idea was they would test new Army field jackets, clothing, weapons and things of that nature, but no mention of drugs or chemicals."
But when he went to fill out paperwork the morning after his arrival, the base personnel were wearing white lab coats, and Josephs said he had second thoughts. An officer took him aside.
"He said, 'You volunteered for this. You're going to do it. If you don't, you're going to jail.
You're going to Vietnam either way -- before or after,'" Josephs said recently.
From 1955 to 1975, military researchers at Edgewood were using not only animals but human subjects to test a witches' brew of drugs and chemicals. They ranged from potentially lethal nerve gases like VX and sarin to incapacitating agents like BZ.
read more here
By David S. Martin, CNN
updated 8:56 AM EST, Thu March 1, 2012
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Tim Josephs blames secret Army program for health issues, including Parkinson's disease
Facility tested potentially lethal gases, narcotics and LSD on animals and humans
Cold War research initially aimed to defend against Soviet chemical or biological attack
The VA has contacted and offered free medical evaluations to thousands of veterans
Programming note: Join CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta for more from his investigative report on U.S. soldiers used as drug test subjects. Watch "CNN Presents," this Sunday night at 8 and 11 ET/PT.
(CNN) -- The moment 18-year-old Army Pvt. Tim Josephs arrived at Edgewood Arsenal in 1968, he knew there was something different about the place.
"It just did not look like a military base, more like a hospital," recalled Josephs, a Pittsburgh native. Josephs had volunteered for a two-month assignment at Edgewood, in Maryland, lured by three-day weekends closer to home.
"It was like a plum assignment," Josephs said. "The idea was they would test new Army field jackets, clothing, weapons and things of that nature, but no mention of drugs or chemicals."
But when he went to fill out paperwork the morning after his arrival, the base personnel were wearing white lab coats, and Josephs said he had second thoughts. An officer took him aside.
"He said, 'You volunteered for this. You're going to do it. If you don't, you're going to jail.
You're going to Vietnam either way -- before or after,'" Josephs said recently.
From 1955 to 1975, military researchers at Edgewood were using not only animals but human subjects to test a witches' brew of drugs and chemicals. They ranged from potentially lethal nerve gases like VX and sarin to incapacitating agents like BZ.
read more here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)