This is outstanding news, particularly in light of the fact that the Murtha worshipper Ray Mabus had to make the call.
That said, this nightmare doesn't end until Frank is completely exonerated.
Posted on 12/11/2009 7:09:41 PM PST by jazusamo
The highest-ranked Marine accused of bungling the military's response to the slayings of two dozen Iraqi civilians after a lethal 2005 roadside bombing displayed substandard performance, but he should not be demoted, a three-member Board of Inquiry ruled Friday.
The military board said it will recommend to the secretary of the Navy that Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, with 22 years of service and three tours of duty in Iraq, be allowed to retain his rank and not be demoted to major.
"It's been a long four years, but it hasn't been a miserable four years," Chessani told the North County Times after the decision was announced inside a Camp Pendleton courtroom. "A lot of good has come out of it, and I praise God and am thankful for all the people that have stood by us."
During the administrative hearing, which began Dec. 2, the board heard witnesses describe what happened in the city of Haditha, Iraq, on Nov. 19, 2005, and how Chessani responded to the civilian deaths.
The incident drew international condemnation and prompted a harsh critique of U.S. troop conduct in the Iraq war.
The Iraqis were slain by a Camp Pendleton squad as the troops hunted for the people responsible for the bombing that killed one Marine and injured two others. Chessani and his subordinates deemed the deaths regrettable, but the result of a legitimate combat action.
Prosecutors argued that Chessani was derelict by failing to accurately report the number of deaths and not ordering an investigation after learning several women and children were among the dead.
That failure resulted in a propaganda coup for the Iraqi insurgency, Lt. Col. Sean Sullivan argued in closing statements Friday morning.
(Excerpt) Read more at nctimes.com ...
Agreed.
Chessani should get the eff out as quickly and surely as possible.
What a sick disgrace our military command has become. Semper Fidelis, RIP.
I see things a bit differently, Padre. Col. Chesani has already suffered at the hands of these evil petty cowards. The life he would have made for himself is already denied him, it's just a question of whether they are through tormenting him, or want to extract another few ounces of flesh.
The SEALS turned down a captain's mast so they can take their case public via a court martial. For men like that, even NJP is the kiss of death for their careers. They're just determined to go down fighting, and show that set of cowards and perfumed princes what it's like to be in a real fight, even if it's in a courtroom.
Col. Chesani doesn't know me, but I know of him because he's the friend of a friend of mine. I hope he takes his enemies into the legal meatgrinder with him, just so the world can see that these weasels (apologies to four-legged weasels) are so worthless that they have no concept of courage, honor, or even common decency.
The Sec Nav allowed Chessani to retire at the rank of Lt. Col and today was his last day of active duty and he officially retires in Sept. If you can access the audio on Savage's web site I highly recommend it.
S/F,
S
Thanks for the ping!
Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for this update. I wish Lt. Col. Chessani and his family the best!
Badabing, badaping. Hallelujah, and PRAISE THE LORD and pass that ammunition.
Sounds like good news.But it’s still likely that the Colonel’s career is basically over.I’m sure that if he were to request permission to retire it would be quickly approved.
It was just announced LtCol Chessani will be retiring. Ping to post #83.
True enough.But an Article 15 involves loss of some pay..extra duty...loss of rank...confinement to quarters..and *no* jail time.A Court Martial,of course,can involve jail time...loss of *lots* of pay...and a less-than-honorable discharge.
This is outstanding news, particularly in light of the fact that the Murtha worshipper Ray Mabus had to make the call.
That said, this nightmare doesn't end until Frank is completely exonerated.
.
Thanks for the ping, jaz!
Mark Walker had full access to families and documents and completely posted the govt’s story line on Hamdania.
Walker is useless.
Best that could be hoped for I guess, he kept his stripes, his retirement and his honor among those who bothered to research what happened.
Mark Walker is still hung up on the fantasy that the 24 killed were all civilians.
Chessani was substandard because he didn’t accurately report?
BS....the time lag between the questions on his actions and the actual Haditha encounter was months. These guys weren’t worried one whit until Time published its jihadist inspired hit piece.
The Marines had showered glowing praise on Chessani and his whole chain of command. The Marines followed everything with their eye in the sky. The Marines received Chessani’s reports. And the Marines did not have the same rules at the time as they did subsequently. (An ex-post facto prosecution, actually)
I’m glad it’s over for LtCol Chessani, but it’s sad because he was effective and he was innocent.
Thanks for the ping, jaz. The Marines lost a fine leader. Good luck to Lt Col Chessani in his future endeavors. Only one left, now. Hopefully it won’t be long until SSgt Wuterich, also, can move on from this ordeal.
For those who haven’t heard - Frank’s court martial begins on Sept. 13, 2010 at Camp Pendleton. Please keep all of us in your prayers.
Thanks for the info, Semper Fi Mom, and absolutely will do.
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