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The War Profiteers - War Crimes,
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January 27th,
2007 - Sweetwater Residents Rally to Raise Funds for Hometown Soldier |
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Sweetwater Residents Rally
to Raise Funds for Hometown Soldier Accused of Murder By Sonu Wasu Wate 6 News January 27, 2007 Sweetwater - The Sweetwater
community is rallying behind a hometown soldier to bring him back home from
jail. US Army Staff Sergeant
Raymond Girouard and three other soldiers are accused of killing Iraqi
civilians while on duty. Now, three of those soldiers
have plead guilty to the court martial, but Girouard is refusing to bow down,
saying he is innocent. Sweetwater residents held a
hometown rally to raise money to hire a civilian attorney for Girouard's
defense. Family members say it will
cost $25,000. Right now they're about $15,000 short of that goal. Girouard is a highly
decorated elite Army Ranger who's served two tours of duty in Iraq. Friends
describe him as a patriotic man with integrity. Girouard's family is
sticking to the story that Girouard was ordered by his superiors to command
his men to set the Iraqi prisoners free, when the prisoners started attacking
the men, they shot back in self defense. Community members are
strongly supporting Girouard, but feel torn between their love for the
country and their faith in his innocence. Bonnie Cleveland, a long
time family friend says Girouard joined the Army to make a difference. "The way he's being
treated is just horrible, it's beyond my understanding how his own side, the
American military and the Government can treat him this way." Three other soldiers who
were also court martialed on the same charges have decided to accept a plea
agreement with the Government. Corey Clagett, William
Hunsaker, and Juston Graber all pleaded guilty in exchange for lighter
sentences. Graber will spend 9 months
in prison. Clagett and Hunsaker have been sentenced to 18 years, but could be
up for parole after 5 years. Girouard was also offered a
plea deal but he refuses to accept it, saying he is innocent. His sister Joy
Oakes says they will not succumb to any pressure. "They're not going to
break us down. We are strong, standing by Ray. He's standing strong, I
support him 100%. He's not going to take a plea to something he did not
do." Family members are hoping
adding a civilian attorney to the strong defense team they have will help
Girouard's case. The deadline to raise funds
to get the attorney is March 1st. Monroe County's American
Legion Post 106 is accepting donations. Those interested in contributing to
Girouards legal expenses can write to: American Legion Post 106, C/O Joe
Tolson, P.O. Box 256, Sweetwater, TN 37874. The memo on your check should
read SSG Ray Girouard Legal Expenses. Girouard's trial is expected
to begin on March 13th in Fort Campbell. The public is allowed to sit in
court. Girouard's fate will lie in the hands of 5 superior officers, that is
similar to a Grand Jury. If convicted, Girouard could
be sent to prison for life without the possibility of parole. External link: http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=5999539 |