U.S. Marine Corps

LtCol Chessani's BOI Begins - Marine Veterans Watch in Dismay

nobody@vox.com(Humbled Infidel) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:51:15 -0800

LtCol Chessani’s Board of Inquiry Begins ─ Battle-Hardened Marine Veterans View Proceedings With Dismay

December 04, 2009

ANN ARBOR, MI – On Wednesday, December 2nd, in a military courtroom at Camp Pendleton, California, the government began its case against an American warrior. They know this is their last chance to disgrace and destroy the 22 - year career of Marine LtCol Jeffrey Chessani, and it’s evident they are pulling out all the stops.

Many of the spectators in the small courtroom were battle-hardened Marine veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Some were veterans of the Korean Chosin Reservoir battle, considered the most violent small unit fighting in the history of American warfare. All the veterans looked on in disbelief as government lawyers ridiculed a loyal combat officer. The consensus among these battle-hardened veterans ─ they never would have won their battles had their officers been subjected to the same kind of treatment as LtCol Chessani.

LtCol Chessani had served 3 tours of duty in Iraq and was considered one of America’s most effective combat commanders. Chessani, a deeply religious man who read his Bible every morning and evening while in Iraq, stoically listened to the government lawyer’s demeaning remarks, while his wife, pregnant with their seventh child, sat behind him reading her Bible.

Richard Thompson, President of the Thomas More Law Center commented: “What has happened to LtCol Chessani is a good argument to get rid of lawyers in the combat arms. Combat troops don’t need pencil pushers second guessing commanders and troops in the field, long after an event, in their air-condition offices. The fact that this hearing is even taking place does a grave injustice, not only to Chessani and his family, but to America. LtCol Chessani should be leading his troops, not defending himself in a courtroom.”

LtCol Paul Atterbury, the government prosecutor (called “Recorders” at a Board of Inquiry) presented the opening statement for the government, claiming there was no firefight. He claimed that the Marines faced a phantom menace, and LtCol Chessani did not properly investigate and report the overreaction of his Marines.

LtCol Jon Shelburne, one of Chessani’s defense lawyers, countered that Marines were ambushed in this daylong battle and were engaged in a protracted pitched fight against well-armed insurgents. LtCol Shelburne further stated that LtCol Chessani reported all he knew of the battle, as he knew it, up the chain of command.

The differences between the Board of Inquiry and the previous court martial quickly became evident. Col Kurt Brubaker, USMC, the legal advisor to the Board of Inquiry, is tasked with ruling on all objections. Even though photographs of dead Iraqis would not have been allowed into evidence at the previous criminal trial because they were unduly prejudicial and had little relevance, particularly since LtCol Chessani never saw them, the legal advisor will allow the government to show them to the hearing panel because the rules of evidence to not apply.

Moreover, defense attempts to disqualify Brig. Gen. Lewis Craparotta, the President and senior member of the Board, who during pre-hearing questioning expressed a personal view that investigating every civilian death is the right approach because “that’s the way to protect Marines, ” also failed. Defense attorney LtCol Shelburne had challenged the fact that he was sitting on the Board of Inquiry with a pre-existing opinion of what to do in a similar situation as LtCol Chessani. The Board’s legal advisor rehabilitated Craparotta by personally questioning him to show he could set aside his opinion, and then ruled he could stay on the panel.

The legal advisor, however, did prevent the introduction of the former Article 32 hearing report on the grounds that its conclusions went to the ultimate issue that the board members were required to decide independently.

A Board of Inquiry is an administrative board where the rules of evidence do not apply. Evidence that would likely be thrown out in a criminal proceeding may be considered by the Board. The government’s burden of proof is lessened. Rather than having to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the government only has to prove “misconduct” by a preponderance of evidence.

If the Board finds “misconduct, ” then they will further determine whether LtCol Chessani should be forced to retire or not. If the Board determines LtCol Chessani should retire, then the Board must then make a recommendation to the Secretary of the Navy as to whether he should retire as a Lieutenant Colonel, or as a Major—a decision that could cost this Marine and his family over four hundred thousand dollars in pay and benefits according to an expert retained by the defense.

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been defending LtCol Chessani at no charge. The Law Center’s attorneys, Robert Muise and Brian Rooney, both former Marine officers, have teamed up with the detailed military attorneys, LtCol Jon Shelburne, USMC, and Capt Jeffrey King, USMC.

The dismissed criminal charges against LtCol Chessani were triggered by a heart-pounding house-to-house, room-by-room combat action taken by four Marines in his battalion after being ambushed by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005. Along with several insurgents, 15 civilians also died in this day long fight. The civilian casualties were tragic, but not uncommon in Iraq where insurgents would use them as shields.

The “misconduct” allegations against LtCol Chessani are based on the following: failing to properly report and investigate the November 19, 2005 incident. However, the indisputable evidence shows that LtCol Chessani immediately reported the deaths of the 15 civilian Iraqis to his superiors.

Not one of his Marine superiors hearing of the civilian deaths ─ including top generals ─ considered it unusual. Not one ordered a further investigation. Instead, they commended him for a job well done. In fact, LtCol Chessani’s immediate superior told him that no investigation was needed because it was a bona fide combat action—which was consistent with the orders in effect at the time: no investigation of civilian deaths related to combat action. That order was changed in April, 2006, well after the Haditha incident.

LtCol Chessani’s commanding general, Major General Huck, reported up the chain of command, “I support our account and do not see the necessity for further investigation.” This same commanding General was allowed to retire without going to a Board of Inquiry, and he was allowed to retire as a Major General.

Consequently, not one of LtCol Chessani’s superiors faced, nor will they ever face, a court-martial or a Board of Inquiry for their actions in relation to November 19, 2005.
Of the eight Marines initially charged in the incident, six Marines, including Chessani, had criminal charges dismissed and one was acquitted. Only one Marine still faces criminal charges.

Live testimony at the Board of Inquiry will begin on December 7, 2009.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

Link to Board of Inquiry Order
http://www.thomasmore.org/downloads/sb_thomasmore/ChessaniBOIAugust2009.pdf

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LtCol Jeffrey Chessani Board of Inquiry Starts Tomorrow

nobody@vox.com(Humbled Infidel) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:34:32 -0800

LtCol Jeffrey Chessani Board of Inquiry Starts Tomorrow

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

ANN ARBOR, MI – Four years after the so-called “Haditha Massacre, ” a massacre the government now knows never happened, the final chapter in the tragic persecution of LtCol Jeffrey Chessani, USMC, will begin when he faces a Board of Inquiry (BOI) starting on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 9 AM in a military courtroom located at the Marine base at Camp Pendleton, California.

LtCol Chessani served his nation for over 20 years, including three combat tours in Iraq as well as duty in the first Persian Gulf war. He is one of America’s finest combat commanders. His official fitness report, which covered the date of the Haditha incident, characterized him as a superb leader who demonstrated moral courage with unlimited potential and value to the Marine Corps.

You can still make a special tax-deductible year-end donation to help with LtCol Chessani’s defense.

The three-person Board of Inquiry consists of a one-star general and two colonels, all of whom were selected by the Convening Authority, Marine LtGen George Flynn. The three officers will determine whether LtCol Chessani engaged in any “misconduct” related to the Haditha incident.

The misconduct charges against LtCol Chessani stem from a fierce house-to-house, room-by-room combat action taken by four Marines in his battalion after being ambushed by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005. Along with several insurgents, 15 civilians also died.

LtCol Chessani is the highest ranking officer targeted by the investigation of the Haditha incident that was conducted by over 65 NCIS agents (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) ─ the largest investigation in that agency’s history ─ with the expenditure of millions of taxpayer dollars.

Nonetheless, government prosecutors lost at every stage of the criminal process. Even though the government decided give up on a criminal prosecution of LtCol Chessani, as the last chance to punish him, it ordered a Board of Inquiry to determine whether he was guilty of misconduct.

Lawyers from the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, teamed up with detailed military defense attorneys LtCol Jon Shelburne, USMC, and Capt Jeffrey King, USMC to defend LtCol Chessani throughout the criminal process. The Law Center attorneys assigned to the case are Robert Muise and Brian Rooney, both former Marine officers.

Because a Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing, the normal rules of evidence do not apply. The Board can consider material without the benefit of a cross examination; they can consider the tainted record of the Article 32 Hearing over the objections of LtCol Chessani’s defense team; LtCol Chessani cannot subpoena witnesses—he can only request them; and the government need only prove misconduct by a preponderance of the evidence (50.1%) rather than beyond a reasonable doubt as required in a criminal proceeding.

On December 2, 2009, both sides will make opening statements and provide Board members with documentary material they want the Board to review. It is anticipated the Board will receive thousands of pages of material. In order to have an opportunity to review all the submitted material, the Board will adjourn until December 7th.

Beginning on December 7th, the government, and then LtCol Chessani, through their respective attorneys, will present live witness testimony. There could be as many as 40 witnesses called to testify. This portion of the BOI should last through the entire week and perhaps longer. After all evidence and testimony have been presented, both sides will make closing arguments.

The Board members will then deliberate and render their decision as to whether or not they find misconduct. If the board finds no misconduct, the case will finally be closed.

However, if the board finds misconduct they will then make a recommendation as to whether LtCol Chessani should be allowed to retire at his present rank or reduced to major. This is only a recommendation. The final decision as to retirement grade rests with the Secretary of the Navy.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “I’m outraged at the obvious double standard the government used as it gave Army Major Nidal Hasson every benefit of the doubt because of political correctness. Yet, it they had no problem in persecuting this loyal Marine officer because he refused to throw his men under the bus to appease an anti-war politician and the Iraqi government. Any finding of misconduct handed down by the Board of inquiry would be a miscarriage of justice because LtCol Chessani did nothing wrong.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

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US NEWS & WORLD REPORT Poll: Should Conservative Christians Renounce Carrie Prejean's Lewd Pursuits

nobody@vox.com(Carrie) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:40:01 -0800

US News & World Report

God & Country

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Poll: Should Conservative Christians Renounce Carrie Prejean's Lewd Pursuits?

November 17, 2009 02:08 PM ET
By Dan Gilgoff, God & Country

The conservative Christian groups that embraced Carrie Prejean over her public stand against gay marriage at this year's Miss USA pageant would presumably be appalled by revelations that she participated in racy photo shoots and made obscene videotapes for her boyfriend.

Should those groups be expected to renounce Prejean's erotic endeavors?

Should Christian groups that embraced Carrie Prejean for her stance on marriage renounce her appearances in racy photos and obscene videotapes?

Yes No

Vote and view results here.

Carrie Prejean

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Carrie Prejean falls short as being the new Queen of the Conservative Victim Whine

nobody@vox.com(Carrie) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:38:56 -0800

Carrie Prejean

Some conservative ideologues play the Victim Card like a master Tex Hold Em player reads their opponents' cards in Vegas and tosses out a Joker. Sarah Palin has mastered the art of "the liberal is attacking poor little ME!"

Conservatives use this technique more as a rallying cry to their base. A way to squeeze money out of the fringes and make themselves a hero to their cause. Carrie Prejean has been trying to do just that, but her efforts are really weak.

The playbook is pretty standard. Say something racist, misogynist or homophobic which the public doesn't like and claim that you're just voicing your views and the dirty hippie liberals want to silence you from speaking your mind. It doesn't hurt to have the looks Carrie does, but it appears like she'll need some extra media training in the Conservative Whiner schtick.

She's trying to be the new star on the far right conservative circuit, but she's had a very controversial start to her run at it.

As you know, she was running for the Miss USA title, got asked about gay marriage, said she was against it and then got into a very public fight with Perez Hilton over it. She was immediately embraced by the religious right, and as she was acting as Miss California started to film commercials against gay marriage. This is a violation of her contract as Miss California, because you cannot take positions on religion and politics, but she does what most conservatives do, she played by her own rules.

In the middle of it all, topless pictures were released about her, which is no biggie, except when you want to be a leading figure in the morally superior evangelical set. Donald Trump came to her rescue and didn't fire her for breach of contract when she failed to show up for scheduled events. A firestorm erupted between the pageant people in California and Prejean, and it so infuriated Shanna Moakler she resigned.

She was finally fired by "The Donald" while she was doing a radio interview because she failed to live up to the terms of her contract.

You can see why Sarah Palin is her hero. They both love to quit. Then she brought a lawsuit against the pageant.

Now the fun really begins because she made a sex tape for her boyfriend and TMZ reported that it was this tape that got her to back down and the suit was settled.

In the above video, Hannity tries to whitewash it for her, first saying that the ex betrayed her, at which Prejean naturally smiles and says, "Yes, he did. I loved him." Her book is called "Still Standing," which is of course an attack on the media, and her thesis is that everybody wanted her to not express her views. And that, as you can see by this, video is a joke. She has never been silenced at all. She's on every TV show possible.

Her ex told TMZ that Carrie tried to get him to lie about her age so she could say it was a youthful mistake to appease the right wing Christians.

Listen, Carrie, nobody cares about your sex tape (except in a voyeuristic way) or the money you spent on fixing up your body to win beauty contests, or how many nekked pictures you took, because it's your life. Bravo, I say! Will there be Late Night on Cinemax?

She has to concentrate on her religious base because that's where her money is going to come from. If she cons them into thinking she's another "conservative victim," she'll succeed mightly in that arena.

Watching her on Larry King was also pretty funny. Larry King is the King of the softball interviews, and she picks his show to try and pull the old, "Storm off the set routine," but can't even find her microphone to rip off herself. King was trying to find out why she settled her court case -- because as we know, it looks like the sex tape made her capitulate.

In the above video, we have her then trying to pull what appears to be a preplanned stunt on Larry King for more attention.

If it wasn't planned, then, well... she's just nuts.

Source: Crooks and Liars

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Try not to miss these short films..

nobody@vox.com(EagleII) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:19:02 -0800




	Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure. Abraham Lincoln's famous statement is the reason that Great Americans was founded one year ago on Veterans Day. But we also need to listen and learn from those who have risked their lives to defend our nation. They are messengers of truths about courage, freedom, and sacrifice that are essential to our survival. The voices in these videos have something to teach all of us. Matt Daniels Creator & Executive Producer Medal of Honor - Portraits of Valor: The Medal of Honor was created to give expression to Lincoln's words about heroism. Not surprisingly, those who have received the Medal of Honor talk about freedom as something precious. Their stories remind us that the lessons of freedom need to be relearned by every generation. Wisdom from a Wounded Warrior: Army Staff Sergeant Jessica Clements has more wisdom than most people many times her age. She earned it by recovering from combat injuries in Iraq that gave her a 2% survival rate. She says that her suffering taught her to love our country and to value the sacrifices of all those who came before her. American Warriors Come Home: Men and women who are parents, spouses, sons and daughters leave their families behind when they volunteer to defend our freedoms. Listen to their voices as they return home to their families and you'll understand why they deserve to be honored as Great Americans.


	Join our Community on Facebook Great Americans visitors can view videos featuring everyday American heroes submitted by military personnel, military support organizations, veteran's groups, law enforcement, fire and rescue and NASA. Visitors are invited to join in the Great Americans movement and upload videos, comment and discuss content, or visit an online memorial to American heroes in uniform who have been wounded or lost their lives in the line of duty. Great Americans - 301 Maple Avenue W - Suite 320 - Vienna, VA 22180

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Action from the Miramar Airshow 2009

nobody@vox.com(defence-guy) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:02:45 -0800

There is a superb HD video available on YouTube from the Miramar Airshow featuring the Blue Angels performing some spectacular manouvers - well worth a watch!

2009 MCAS Miramar Air Show - US Navy Blue Angels

Thanks to flightstory.net for pointing us in the right direction.

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RUN FOR THE WARRIORS~Sunday, November 8th~Lindenhurst NY

nobody@vox.com(LongIslandGirl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:33:02 -0700

RUN FOR THE WARRIORS™

Sgt Eric Horton, USA displays his tenacious spirit in the 2008 race

Sunday, November 8, 2009 - 9:30am

Leftnav_01

New Location: Town Hall
Town of Babylon
200 East Sunrise Highway
Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Please join us on November 8th at 9:30 a.m. for the 2nd Annual Long Island Run for the Warriors™ sponsored by Local 338. The 1st annual run was such a success that this year it has been expanded, shutting down streets and doubling the distance. With the help of the Town of Babylon, there are three race venues this year: 10k, 5k, and 1 mi fun run/walk. Come run through the street of Babylon (literally!) and support your wounded service members, their families, and the families of the fallen!

Another new feature this year is the First Responders Challenge!

FIRST RESPONDERS CHALLENGE:
We are calling on all fire, police, and other first responders to compete. Prizes will be given to the team that has raised the most donations and also, the team that recruits the highest number of participants. Start your team today… receive a $5 race registration discount for participating as part of a team.
First Responders! Race to support the cause!

TEAM CHALLENGE:
Team Challenge: Friends, co-workers, family members—want to start a competition to see who can get the most participants and raise the most money for Hope For The Warriors™ Sign up and create a team here

If you would to learn about sponsorship opportunities or need more information about this year's event, please contact: Jack Caffey, Jr. - (516) 852-2955

The mission of Hope for the Warriors™ is to enhance quality of life for US Service Members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope for the Warriors™ actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet, particularly with regard to the short and long-term care of the severely injured.

On their own, our service members and their families are awe inspiring in the face of their disabilities and hardships - courageous and resolute. However, it is with the support of a grateful nation that they remain unfaltering in their determination and find hope and purpose beyond recovery. As a united support network, all individuals, whether of great or small means, can find an opportunity to honor those who have willingly sacrificed to defend and protect our freedom. We invite you to take part in the inspirational lives of these young men and women and make it known that they never stand alone.

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Project Valour-IT ~ Support OUR Injured Troops in their Recovery!!! Go TEAM ARMY!

nobody@vox.com(LongIslandGirl) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:39:58 -0800

Project Valour-IT

(formerly Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops)
In memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss

www.deltabravosierra.us

It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl.
–Major Charles "Chuck" Ziegenfuss, on using a voice-controlled laptop

You can make a donation to Valour-IT through Paypal here.

Soldiers' Angels has been designated a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity by the IRS. Donations are tax-deductible and may be eligible for matching funds from donors' employers (ask your employer).Please include your name, address, phone number and email address with donations by mail. Send your donation by mail to: Soldiers' Angels
Project Valour-IT Fund, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104. Donors may choose to sponsor a wounded soldier currently on the laptop waiting list. All funds received go directly to our wounded troops; 100% of your donation to Project Valour-IT will be used to purchase laptops and other technology that will support recovery and provide independence and freedom to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.

www.deltabravosierra.us

Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Technology supplied includes:

Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.

Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).

Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.

The experience of Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, illustrates how important these laptops and other technologies can be to a wounded service member's recovery.

Blackfive is once again leading the ARMY team in a friendly competition among the military branches/milbloggers to raise funds for Project Valour IT -http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/10/valourit-fundraiser-on-the-way.html#comments

I have joined the Army team...

Team Leaders

Air Force - Mudville Gazette

Army - Blackfive

Marines - Villainous Company

Navy - USNI Blog

US Marines in South Helmand - June 18, 2008...Just posted this month

nobody@vox.com(American Infidel) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:50:42 -0700

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US Marine Corps - First to Fight

nobody@vox.com(American Infidel) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:43:40 -0700

HadesssLoakoon

US Marine Corps - First to Fight ...:FK-TK:...

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