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September 14th, 2006 - Sweetwater
Soldier Charged with Premeditated Murders of Iraqis |
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Sweetwater Soldier Charged
with Premeditated Murders of Iraqis By Sonu Wasu WATE 6 News September 14. 2006 Sweetwater - A U.S. Army
Ranger from Sweetwater has been charged with pre-meditated murder for the
deaths of several Iraqi men. The charges stem from a raid
60 miles north of Baghdad in May. Staff Sgt. Raymond Girouard
and three other soldiers claim they were ordered to kill all military aged
men. But prosecutors for the U.S. Army claim these murders were deliberate. One army investigator wants
to seek the death penalty against the U.S. soldiers. Girouard was incarcerated in
a jail in Kuwait since June. Family members tell 6 News he was transferred to
a facility on the Naval Base in Charleston, S.C. last week. The community and family of
Girouard are standing firmly behind him in support. His grandfather, Ronald
Bentley, raised Girouard and his two sisters in Sweetwater, since their
mother died while they were young children. Girouard has told family
members he was simply following orders and was not at the scene when the men
were killed. "I don't even think
that he's guilty because I know the whole story from Raymond," Bentley
says. Joy Oakes, Girouard's
sister, says her brother is feeling betrayed by the military whom he was
faithful to and sacrificed so much for. "He said, Joy, I did
everything the way they told me to do it, and by the book and I believe
him." Oakes says her brother loved
his uniform and believed in the war. He had served with the military for five
years. This was his second term of service. Family members showed 6 News
the last letter Girouard sent home. In it, he writes: "One
day you're in charge of $1.2 million worth of military equipment, eight
soldiers, in a highly decorated unit with numerous awards, special skills,
badges, and ribbons. Receiving the best training the Army has to offer,
sacrifices too great to mention. Then, one day you're called a murderer,
stripped of your weapon, soldiers, and pride. To be told the last five years
of your life are worthless, then to be restrained by shackles, handcuffs and
chains. To be guarded everywhere you go 24/7." Despite his feelings of hurt
and betrayal, family members say Girouard still believes in the cause. If
acquitted, he plans to join the Marines and continue to serve his country. On Girouard's MySpace page,
there are dozens of messages of support. His supporters include music legend
Willie Nelson and ESPN Reporter Suzie Kolber, along with other country music
stars. Family members feel the
charges are politically motivated. Oakes says she feels the military is just
trying to show the Iraqi people they are standing up for them and protecting
their rights and freedom. But, Oakes feels this sends
the wrong message to American troops out in the field and their family.
"Your life is at risk 24/7 when you're over there. So are all these
young soldiers are having to think before they react." The community is standing
strongly behind the soldier. Many churches and businesses are selling bumper
stickers announcing their support. Community member Melody
Downs went to church with Girouard. She's known him since he was a little boy.
"I believe Ray is a hero. He's gone over there to fight for our country,
our freedom." Girouard graduated from
Sweetwater High School and was a member of the band. Friends say he was an
avid drummer and won a talent competition. He has a wife and child
living at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They were devastated to find out he would
be incarcerated in Charleston instead of Fort Knox. Family members are waiting
to get clearance to visit Girouard. Even his lawyer has not received clearance yet. The family will put in a
request to transfer Girouard to Fort Knox, which is much closer to home. Girouard also faces
attempted murder charges for allegedly threatening another U.S. soldier. Court documents state
Girouard threatened to find him and kill him if he told authorities about
their role in the murder. An Article 32 Hearing, which
is similar to a grand jury hearing, was held in August. In the 857 page
report, there are dozens of sworn statements from soldiers from Company C
claiming they were "ordered" to kill all Iraqi men of military age,
on that day. Girouard and three other
soldiers now face a court martial. If found guilty, they could spend the rest
of their lives in prison. External link:
http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=5410092&nav=0RYv |