Posted on 01/01/2008 8:07:57 AM PST by RedRover
Springboro High School graduate and Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Grayson will face a court-martial on charges related to the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha in 2005, the Marine Corps announced Monday.
Grayson, 26, will stand trial on charges of making false official statements, obstruction of justice and attempting to fraudulently obtain his discharge last summer.
Grayson was not present during the Nov. 19, 2005 incident in which four Marines allegedly killed 24 Iraqi citizens with grenades and gunfire after a roadside bomb hit a Marine convoy, killing the driver and wounding two other Marines.
Grayson, an intelligence officer, is accused of botching the investigation and ordering the destruction of photographs connected to the case.
The 1999 Springboro graduate and Panthers running back could not be reached for comment, nor could his attorney, San Diego-based Joseph Casas.
In a December 2006 interview, Grayson told the Dayton Daily News he was "sad, taken aback and definitely surprised by the allegations."
David Allender, founder of the Web site DefendOurMarines.com, called the case against Grayson and others "an absolute sham."
"(Grayson) was an officer who had no contact with the accused enlisted men, who was never at the scene, whose work led to the capture of those responsible for the (roadside bomb), and who had nothing to 'cover up,' " Allender said.
Grayson previously had been recommended for the Bronze Star medal because of his actions on the day of the killings, his attorney said last year.
Casas said the nomination praised Grayson for learning of two other roadside bombs from Iraqis he questioned after the attacks. He was also cited for obtaining information that led to the capture of two men who detonated the bomb that sparked the violence.
Four enlisted Marines were initially charged with murder in the case and four officers were charged with failing to investigate the deaths. Charges against several of the men have been dropped and none will face murder charges.
BTTT!! These Marines need to be properly reimbursed for all their pain and suffering at the hands of Murtha/Pelosi/Reid.
post #62.
Here is a note from the site...
A Few Words From Susan Grayson, Lt. Grayson's Wife
I am very proud of my husband for standing tall and for not sacrificing his honor just to expedite this painful process. We know we did the right thing by choosing to fight these charges and not compromise by taking the deal the government offered. Andrews family knows that he is an honorable man and an exceptional Marine officer and we pray that the legal proceedings will be carried out justly. We know that, given a fair trial, the truth will be uncovered and his innocence will be proven.
I would like to say Thank You on behalf of Andrew, myself and our families as we are grateful for the support weve received from Americans all across the country. The words of encouragement and the monetary support for our rising legal expenses have given us the ability to fight this case with all of our strength. The government has dozens of attorneys with seemingly unlimited funding to bring the case against Andrew. In return, the government gave Andrew one military attorney, Major William Santmyer, to defend himself.
Andrew's Homecoming with wife and mom...
This, too, gives the appearance of unlawful command influence.
We'll also be contacting Representative David Boehner.
Perhaps InnocentMarine could become a rallying point for these kinds of efforts? Seems it might be an ideal place for supporters to get information. I'm not actually sure who Lt Grayson's representive is presently.
Naturally, any congressman could take an interest but local interest is best.
Thanks for the info and link to the new site. I’ve modified my letter to be sent to Congressman Boehner as his family’s rep. I think it’s John Boehner, not David Boehner?
D’oh! Yes, it’s John Boehner.
I will be contacting Rep. John Boehner, my Rep. Randy Forbes and ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, Duncan Hunter...for starters.
While I agree inundating Lt Grayson's rep is a great idea, I do feel that bombarding any and/or all the members of the HASC would not be a bad idea.
BTTT
Thanks for the link to the new site, I’ll be contacting some Reps also.
Thanks for the ping to this thread. I don’t have anything useful to add beyond my increasing outrage, but I’ve read all the posts and found some new things I didn’t know before.
I was saddened to see that a USMC Lieutenant General has apparently signed off for this to go ahead. I won’t attempt to speculate about his reasons for doing so, which may conceivably have been honorable, but it’s a sad business. I thought that most of the responsible parties were in JAG and perhaps further up in the Pentagon.
To Red Rover and all at Free Republic:
A little over a year ago our daughter, Susan, married a fine young man named Andrew Grayson. We have needed the absolute joy we experienced at their wedding to sustain us through some very dark days. Andrew and Susan are two of the finest people that God has ever created our admiration for them grows each day as does the pain in our hearts as we watch these two fine young people struggle with a situation that can only be described as horrendous.
For over a year I have been comforted and encouraged by your insight and kindness. I have never met any of you in person, and yet each day, and often many times throughout the day, I seek out your words on Free Republic. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and support. I have often sent your messages of support on to them, and please know that they are much appreciated.
I am pleased that there is now a website that you may go to and send messages directly to them. It is: www.innocentmarine.com.
I think the name very much says it all.
Thank you again for your kindness and support, and may God’s blessings be with you all in this New Year.
Thanks, Mom.
We’re praying and working.
If God is for us, who can be against us!
Welcome to Free Republic, ASGmom. Thank you for posting and the information, please keep us all informed whenever you feel like posting.
God bless Andrew, Susan and the whole family.
My son played football against this Marine in high school. The guy was on a good team.
Too bad his current Team is infested with gutless JAGS, or Commissars as some in the Marines call them.
By the way, see post 73 above from Lt Grayson's mother-in-law. There is now a website, InnocentMarine.com, where people can send messages of support to Lt Grayson.
Glad you’re here, ASGmom, and thanks for the link to 1st Lt. Grayson’s website. May God’s blessings be with you and your family, as well.
I missed this ping. I will catch up on the contacting the Rep. info.
See? You want Rehab and I am here.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.