Posted on 05/21/2007 8:29:56 PM PDT by RedRover
Back in January when we first started banging the drum for the Haditha Marine defense funds, I promised updates on progress. Jazusamo and I are not directly involved with any of the funds, but since we’re suggesting that people make donations, it’s only right to do so.
I'm delighted to announce that, to date, thousands have been dispersed by the Marine Iraq Legal Defense Fund, Inc.
Thousands more have been received by the individual funds established for the Haditha Marines.
But by far, the greatest amount of donations have come from one general fund: the Military Combat Defense Fund . That fund has dispersed $55,000 to LCpl. Stephen Tatum, LCpl. Justin Sharratt, Sgt. Frank Wuterich, Lt. Andrew Grayson, and to Staff Sergeant Lawrence Hutchins (of the Pendleton 8).
The president of the Military Combat Defense Fund is Mark O'Reilly, (K 3/1, USMC, Vietnam). The treasurer is Patrick Barnes (7th Engineers, USMC, Vietnam Purple Heart). Pat’s son, by the way, just finished his third tour in Iraq. The fund has raised money through events such as an upcoming Defenders Motorcycle Run.
I’d like to share with everyone these words from two Haditha Marine families:
To All:
A million thanks to everyone who has donated funds for the legal defense of our son Frank. We have received donations from people and organizations throughout the USA. Every penny donated goes directly to his defense fund. The cost of his defense is a tremendous burden for my son and his family. Your help has made this burden a bit more bearable. My husband and I and our entire family thank you from the bottom of hearts.
God Bless All of You,
David & Rosemarie Wuterich
_______________________
The Sharratt Family would like to express our sincere and unending gratitude for your direct assistance with the fight to keep our hero, Lance Corporal Justin Louis Sharratt, free. It absolutely touches us all, and there are no words to thank you all adequately.
The funds you donated to Justin’s defense fund will go directly to defer our family’s legal representation costs. As you can imagine, this is a small battle within itself. Because of your help, you are making a significant impact on both the financial and morale side of our family’s case. By taking the time to read our Web site, find the information, and donate to Justin’s cause is going above and beyond. We have been grateful for prayers and kind words; your contribution is taking that nicety a step further.
Please continue to follow our hero’s story, and do not forget about him. Thank you for your support, thoughts, prayers, and help. This type of selfless act reminds us of how many good people are out there, on our side.
Thank you and God bless,
The Sharratt Family
Darryl, Theresa, Jaclyn, and Lance Corporal Justin Sharratt
And thanks from me, too.
God Bless all these Marines and their families.
My pleasure, smooth! And all those links actually work!
In your opinion which the best fund if someone wants to send a donation to?
Great and I hope more cash starts rolling in for the Haditha Marines.
Nice story to end my day:)
Awww Red, you are truly one of the greatest! Thank you so much for doing this for our Haditha Marines, and our son! You have given so much of your time, energy, and talent to our Marines. You are a blessing to all of us...
In the past, I liked giving to the individual funds because it’s very clean and direct. But I’m really impressed with the work that the Military Combat Defense Fund is doing.
So I guess I’d say this. If you’re looking for your dollar to do the most good, for the greatest number of servicemen, I’d give to the Military Combat Defense Fund.
Your son went and joined the Marines.
Anything I do isn't enough to fully express my appreciation for Justin's service, and to his comrades.
Semper gratus.
Thank you very much Red Rover.
A thought. Many people over the past few years have sent packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The price of filling up on of those small USPO parcels and the postage could be equated into a few gifts donated to these organizations. My nephew is now safely in the states. I shall take my own advice on this issue.
An excellent thought, Unc. Justice for the Marines will echo throughout the armed forces.
Here’s hoping the funds continue to come in!
A “million” thanks to you for posting this thread. You’ve really gone “beyond the call” for all of the Haditha Marines including our son Frank. We cannot put into words how much we appreciate your conviction that our Marines are innocent. The donations to their funds certainly help to make a great financial burden a little less ominous!
Well said!
Thanks, pink. Any chance you could help spread this story around a little?
You bet!
Consider it done!
Not sure how I managed replying to myself? See post 19..
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