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The War Profiteers - War Crimes,
Kidnappings, Torture and Big Money |
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September 26th, 2006 - Families of
Two Soldiers Accused of Murdering Detainees Meet |
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Families of Two Soldiers Accused
of Murdering Iraqi Detainees Meet in Sweetwater By Robin Murdoch WBIR.com September 26, 2006 They spent time together in
Sweetwater on Tuesday. In all, four soldiers from
the 101st Airborne Division face charges stemming from the May 9th incident
about 60 miles north of Baghdad. Military prosecutors say the
Iraqis were deliberately freed and encouraged to flee before being shot as
part of a premeditated plan. Now, the families of two of
those soldiers have become close friends and they are hoping it won't stop
there. While many soldiers from
East Tennessee are getting happy homecomings with loved ones in very public
places, others are getting reunited in military jails. "Raymond is my hero.
Every time I talk to him I tell him he is my hero. Raymond is an American
hero with these other soldiers and are being accused of something they
haven't done," says Ronald Bentley, Girouard's Grandfather Staff Sergeant Raymond
Girouard just received a visit from his family at a naval base in South
Carolina. While Private First Class
Corey Clagett, who's being held in Fort Knox, Kentucky is still waiting for
his. "He's standing behind
the rules of engagement. The way all soldiers are taught. He did what he did
in a war time situation. It's unbelievable," says John Dianiska,
Clagett's father. Clagett, Girouard and the
other two soldiers could face the death penalty if convicted of murdering the
Iraqi detainees. His dog tags give Clagett's
mom hope and strength. Melanie Dianiska, Clagett's
mother says, "I feel like its the only contact I have. If I touch them.
If I see his name, he is right here. I won't stop till he is free. I
won't." It's a trying time both of
their families are getting through together. The gathering in Sweetwater
is just the beginning. The Dianiskas add,
"These people are so wonderful and gracious to open their home to us. I
am so thankful we are brought together. I told them when we get our boy's
cleared it's not gonna end here. I have a new family. It's wonderful." Clagett's parents made the
stop in Sweetwater on their way to Fort Knox where they'll see their son on
Tuesday night. They hope the families of
the rest of the accused soldiers will also get in touch with them so they can
all raise awareness to situation. Girouard's family says they
should know later this week whether Raymond will be able to stay at home
until his trial. No trial dates have been set
yet. External link:
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=38187 |