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Congratulations, RR

I have sent the following letter to Congressman Michael Turner (Republican), who is Lt Grayson's congressman. Rep. Turner is on the HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE.

I recommend we flood his office with similar requests, given this very supportive report in the Dayton Daily News. Rep Turner's info is: Dayton Office 120 West Third Street, Suite. 305 Dayton, Ohio 45402 Phone: (937) 225-2843 Fax: (937) 225-2752

email contact point is: http://www.house.gov/miketurner/IMA/contact.shtml

Dear Congressman Turner:
It has come to my attention that the Dayton Daily News published a story yesterday about one of 3rd District's military heroes who is apparently being persecuted by the US Marine Corps for politically correct reasons.
The story follows. I request that you initiate a Congressional Investigation of this demoralizing situation and protect Lieutenant Andrew Grayson, your constituent, from those who would injure him for no honorable reason. I especially request that you look into charges of apparent unlawful command influence on this entire situation.
STORY from Dayton Daily News: (found at http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/12/31/ddn010108grayson.html)
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.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

I just sent the Lt Grayson, Dayton Daily News article to local Radio talk show personality Willie Cunningham of WLW 700, Cincinnati.

The radio station covers our area here in SW Ohio, and Willie is a daily host. He also regularly appears on Hannity and Colmes, and he recently received a once-a-week national late night radio talk slot.

Excellent idea, xzins. After perusing various threads (and stealing liberally from various posts), I came up with this letter to Rep. Michael Turner:

Representative Michael Turner Dayton Office 120 West Third Street Suite 305 Dayton, Ohio 45402

Dear Congressman Turner:

I am writing this letter due to my concern in the case against a constituent of yours, 1st Lt. Andrew Grayson, The 1st Lt. has just received news that he will face a court-martial on charges related to the deaths of 24 Iraqis in Haditha in 2005. Grayson will stand trial on charges of making false official statements, obstruction of justice and attempting to fraudulently obtain his discharge last summer.

1st Lt. Grayson had previously been recommended for the Bronze Star medal because of his actions on the day of the killings, according to his attorney, Joseph Casas. His attorney 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.

Three months ago government prosecutors offered to exonerate Grayson of all charges in return for admitting he lied to investigators. He refused to sell out his integrity. Now prosecutors have tacked on additional charges to include “attempting to falsely obtain a discharge” which was issued to him by the Marine Corps in error earlier in 2007. This latest charge appears to be a desperate attempt by the government to win their case at any cost.

I have included a copy of a tribute by his uncle which eloquently speaks to this young Marine’s character. I ask that you review 1st Lt. Grayson’s case and provide any aid within your means as his Congressman. The Haditha Marines have received national and worldwide scrutiny over the last two years. This Marine, who has served two combat tours in Iraq, deserves our support in fighting for his honor.

Enclosure A tribute to First Lieutenant Andrew Grayson [from a Haditha Marine Uncle]

Lt Grayson's congressman. Rep. Turner is on the HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE.

Great idea! What about the other members of the House Armed Services Committee?

My Congressman is also a member and is certainly accustomed to hearing from me. ;*)