Family Stands By a Marine Under Investigation

Washington Post ^ | November 22, 2006 | Josh White

[RedRover]

Darryl Sharratt often breaks into tears when trying to start sentences that include the word "Haditha."..."I love my son. He's my hero," Theresa Sharratt says calmly. "He's not what they're portraying him as. I can't believe that this is happening to us. To him."

The Sharratts have remained silent until now because they did not know what to say....They have privately fumed about politicians -- such as Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) -- who have publicly stated that their son was part of a brutal, vengeful slaughter. And they are livid that no one in the Marine Corps has stepped forward to defend their son.

"He's very confident he did nothing wrong, and we believe him," Theresa Sharratt said in a recent interview in the family home in Canonsburg, Pa., which is south of Pittsburgh. Her husband wiped his eyes and added: "He felt he was doing his job. And, now, the Marine Corps has betrayed these guys. All of them."

Marine Corps officials have declined to comment about the case, as a nine-month investigation rests in the hands of prosecutors who have not yet decided on charges.

In [an]...account, recently obtained by The Washington Post...Marines in the squad reported seeing, hearing and feeling gunshots flying over their heads in short bursts immediately before they entered the houses. The scenes inside, according to the account, were chaotic, as Marines threw fragmentation grenades and then fired shots through the dust and smoke.

One Marine...said that no one overreacted to the death of their friend, Cpl. Miguel "TJ" Terrazas, and that the troops focused on the mission. Answering written questions under the condition of anonymity, the Marine said no one seemed to be out for revenge. Instead, he said, the men wanted to make sure comrades came out from the ambush alive.

[RedRover]

On this holiday, I thought Freepers might like an update on what's happening with the Haditha Marines and their families. This is a choppy excerpt. I encourage you to read the whole article.

Also, I'm starting a Ping List for the Haditha case. Please let me know if you'd like to be on it.

Happy Thanksgiving! Please remember our brave heroes and their families in your prayers!

[RedRover]

Pinging you to this update about Haditha. If anyone wants to help me with the new Haditha ping list, say the word! Rumor has it that charges may be coming soon so this seems like a good time to start it up.

[the mo]

I'd like to be on this list RedRover!

It's hard finding any updated info on this...situation.

Thanks, Happy Thanksgiving!
mo

[RedRover]

You're in, mo!

I was feeling the same way, wondering what the heck was going on with this...situation (as you say). There's been nothing new since August. Then I saw a Time magazine piece on Nov. 14th that suggested things were about to happen. Fingers heavily crossed that the good guys will triumph and that Murtha will be in even deeper disgrace.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

Please also put me on your list -- I was also wondering what was happening, and praying for those guys not to lose heart. Also wrote at least one of my senators about them - I think it was Sessions -- it's been so long. I also might have written to Shelby but can't remember.

Would love to see some articles re: the very idea of the likes of Murtha going after our brave Marines. Disgusting.

I'm thinking that since we heard very little about this during the elections the DBM must know it's a crock.

[ASOC]

burp

err

I mean bump

[RedRover]

I'm with you. Next year, I think I'll only have one piece of pumpkin pie! ;)

[ASOC]

LOL

I'm still waiting for the main event, this is just the warm up round!

Still, prayers for all the families with loved ones away from home on this holiday, it can be lonely. I'm lucky to have a full house with more to come this evening...

[RedRover]

You're in, finch!

I thought this Post article was interesting partly because it signals that the DBM may still be in the mood to kick Murtha. I notice they've stopped calling him "a decorated Vietnam veteran" everytime they mention his name. Like you say, maybe they know something about the way this case will break.

[RedRover]

Sounds like you've got a livelier crowd than me. At the moment, every couch and chair in my house is taken by somebody who's snoring to beat the band. But you gave me an idea. Think maybe I'll sneak back to the kitchen and see if any of those dumplings are still left...

Happy Thanksgiving, FRiend, and to all our brave men and women far from home.

[fishergirl]

Please put me on your list. I have been praying for these soldiers and hadn't heard anything lately. Happy Thanksgiving to all our brave troops and their families!

[Marine_Uncle]

"Fingers heavily crossed that the good guys will triumph and that Murtha will be in even deeper disgrace."
Amen to that. I am hoping for the best outcome for these Marines, dispite all the negative reporting earlier on.

[RedRover]

You're in, girl! And thanks to your son for his service. Our beleagured nation is blessed that young men and women still see much that's worth defending.

[RedRover]

Hiya, unc! Hope your Thanksgiving has been a treat. And pass our thanks to the nephew, will you?

[Marine_Uncle]

Will do. It was great to see my nephew again. I mentioned to RaceBannon in another post, that my nephew has decided not to re-enlist for another four. He plans on finishing his current active then go to Iraq employed by a private firm as a security guard.
Either way it looks like he will return to the pit yet again. Hope your TK day was also a treat. Mine was, less the 120 mile round trip to my brothers house.

[RedRover]

Glad to hear the nephew is doing well. Hope his decision turns out to the best one he could make.

Speaking of Race, I should have pinged him to this thread! I had been bugging him and freema for news about the Haditha Marines.

[the mo]

Thanks RedRover, for putting the list together and for the add. I have started watching this closer the past week or so. My oldest son just signed his name to the papers, but doesn't leave for boot camp until next summer. Sigh....I hope this turns out the way it should. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!! <> mo

[Eagles6]

Sign me up RedRover.

"But Darryl Sharratt says America has already convicted his son and the other Marines, and he feels helpless, lost, as he awaits a decision on possible charges."

No, Mr. Sharrat, many of Americans haven't convicted your son, while quite a few don't care or make assumptions based on flawed reporting. Those who do know, such as many here on FR, believe that your son and his fellow Marines did nothing wrong.

[RedRover]

You're in, 6! Glad to have you aboard.

Your post prompts me to add:

If any Haditha Marine families see this thread, please know that you have many friends on Free Republic who stand with you.

[RedRover]

Cheers, mo! All the best to you and yours.