FreeRepublic Exclusive: LTC Allen West personally confirms 'no prosecution advisement' from Iraq.

LTC Allen West from Tikrit | December 10, 2003 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

Upon hearing the preliminary news from Fox about LTC West and the disposition of his case last night (12/9/03) at about 11:15 PM mountain time, and the interview with his lawyer on O'Reilley, I fired an email off to the LTC for confirmation. I got a reply back from Iraq early this morning (12/10/03) confirming it. I am posting that email exchange:

Here is what I asked him in my email.

---

Al,

We just got preliminary word on Fox from Atlanta (and I'm in Idaho so I am using FR to scour the net) that there will be no prosecution.

Apparently O'Reilley interviewed one of your lawyers and indicated:

"Col West's attorney was interviewed tonight. The attorney said that the investigating officer would recommend that there not be a court martial but that he might be reprimanded. Likely half of his salary for two months and that he would not lose his pension."

Is this accurate? If so, God bless you man...you should be promoted in my opinion, but this has got to be good news...sane news. Sounds like they, albeit belatedly. This should never have gone as far as it did and I only hope it has not effected the moral and willingness for other CO's to do what must be done over there.

Sincerely,

Jeff Head

---

That email was sent at about 11 PM or a little after last night. This morning at 05:30 AM I Had the following reply from LTC Allen West himself. Here it is:

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Jeff,

Yes Jeff, that is pretty much it. My attorney contacted me by e-mail last night with the news. Furhterance of my career is not possible because of being relieved of command, death kiss!

I am thankful to God and looking forward to coming home and getting on with my life. Now it is just a matter of going before my CO and receiving the punishment, no problem. Stay in touch and I may be on a flight home within the week.

God Bless,

Al

---

I am glad that this good man, who understood the likely impact of his actions, but was willing to take them in that time-critical combat situation he faced in order to better accomplish his mission and minimize casualties to his troopers, and who in fact reported himself...I am thankful to God in Heaven that he will receive his full retirement and come away from this as honorably as he went into it.

We need more good men like LTC Allen West.

While I do not agree with the overall circumstances in this case, our military justice system has worked as the LLTC felt and hoped it should have and I am content in that. I am sorry LTC West had to go to such lengths to make it work, particularly in these circumstances we face as a nation. I will be writing my congressional representatives about it at length in the hopes that some adjustments, particularly in attitude, can be forthcoming.

---

Typo in link in reply #1, mod updated per request.

Thought everyone would like to know the latest from LTC West himself.

For those following and documenting this story, here are the earlier two threads I have posted on this topic here on FR.

Colonel West...you've got my back any time

LTC West responds to FR artcile

Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

If the CO takes the recommendation coming out of the article 32, he will get both. It is what he expected when he reported his actions and what he has fought hard to obtain.

As for me, I agree with your other sentiments and wish he could stay in and hope that there are more like him at that level and above...and more coming up through the ranks.

[Jeff Head]

BUMP back.

[Calpernia]

Just need the dates. National and Legion are all ready and waiting!

[Jeff Head]

Dave, I just wrote an opinion peace and got it emailed to West, which the LTC responded to. All I have done since is to continue to comment on it and posted the exchanges between myself and the LTC.

In my own estimation he is a good man of faith, commitment, courage and integrity. Even if we lose him in the armed services, we will gain him in the community in which he resides and I believe ultimately we will not lose in the exchange.

[TEXOKIE]

GOD IS GOOD!! Thank you so much for the report, Jeff Head!

This thread is now a Prayer Warrior Field Trip destination. In a special project for the past month, ending today, December 10, we have pledged extra devotions for certain short term issues which became known to us a month ago. Among them was the travesty of the prospect of charging LTC West for the method in which he obtained information to save his troops' lives. We rejoice that the Lord God has intervened in this situation and that this fine officer shall be able to continue his career.

We thank LTC West for his exemplary service.


For those who may wish to join with other FReepers in standing with our troops on the spiritual lines of this war are welcome to come by our Troop Prayer Threads. For a special prayer offered for LTC West, go to post 76 on the most recent thread:

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/1031704/posts?page=75

[Poohbah]

It has nothing to do with not wanting to engage it.

Then cowboy up and engage the question, Jeff.

Enemy collborators were arrested based on the information West obtained...there's is no speculation in that.

Actually, there is plenty of speculation. We haven't heard squat about these people who were arrested. For all we know, they were turned loose after the charges were found to be BS.

Attacks stopped in the area...there's no speculation in that.

Thank you for demonstrating the ergo hoc, propter hoc fallacy. Chronology != causality.

The fact that the collaborators were arrested and attacks ceased lends very strong credence to the LTC's story, which was surtely all considered in the article 32.

Either that, or West's opponents were smarter than West.

Jeff, having seen how you think, I can tell you two thing: A guerrilla leader with any sense of duplicity would play you like Itzhak Pearlman playing a Stradivarius. After a few months of your "leadership," you'll be wondering why everyone in the whole damn town wants you dead.

Just where else do you want to go with it Pooh?

Answer my question, Jeff. What's next?

As to what happens when the guy doesn't talk after West's firing the gun...since West has indicated that he had no intention of hurting the man...it proabbly ends there.

OK. Suppose, next time, it does end there, and the prisoner doesn't talk.

Later, there is an ambush, and American troops are killed.

Will we hear ol' Jeff Head complaining that the prisoner should've been "coerced" more, say with a kneecapping? And, when a kneecapping doesn't produce results, what next?

But information was given and it did pan out, so that's where in fact it ended.

One more time: the information led to arrests. Whether said arrests were of real, no-foolin' militants is another question which has not been answered.

So, your case is as speculative as mine is.

With that...what next? When does it get turned off? Does it ever get turned off? Will Jeff Head ever engage the question, or will he continue to retreat into mind-numbing sophistry?

[Jeff Head]

I believe Archy here on FR is looking at something along these lines on his return.

Bob J, any interest in FRN official support if it is not already? Archy?

[colorado tanker]

Oh, I suspect there are lots of us who want to hear his thoughts about what is happening in Iraq.

[Calpernia]

Yes he is. And when we get some dates, Texas Vets will be there too.

[JudyB1938]

COOL! I am so happy to hear that.

It brings tears to my eyes to see the wonderful people of this wonderful country stand up for a true American hero!

[Bob J]

My suggestion is to send a note to Diotima or Nick Danger. They are the Chairperson and Executive Director of the FRN and can present a proposal to the Board and Exec Team.

[Badray]

Great news, Jeff. Thanks for the ping.

I can't help but compare and him and x42. What a stunning contrast!

x42 violates the law and the rules - even those that he signed - for his own gratification, gets caught and still denies that he did anything, let alone anything wrong. Then fights for his political life and is then hailed as a hero for getting oral sex in the Oval Office.

LTC West - Violated the rules of conduct, but did it for the safety of the men in his command. Then he reports himself to his commanding officer expecting to be held to account for it. He is threatened with a court martial and possible prison time. Fortunately, common sense prevailed and this courageous man will not be prosecuted, but his career is still over.

We definitely have elevated the wrong men to the highest offices while denigrating good men like Col West.

I wish the LTC all the best. I sure hope that a man of his integrity will still be able to find a job befitting him.

[Jeff Head]

There is no mind numbing sophistry, except perhaps to you. (If so, and if there are others...I apologize)

I answered your question. What if? Answer...it ends there according to West's own statements that he had no intention of harming the prisoner.

You didn't like the answer. You apparently want me to answer it as you judge my "way of thinking"...which I believe is just Bravo Sierra bating which I will not engage in.

Nothing spophisticated about that.

I have stated my opinon on the matter ad infinitum on these threads for all to see...I have also indicated that I am glad for this outcome, even if it is not what I consider to be the best.

Apparently you are not. You'll have to come to grips with that yourself. In the mean time, I am going to focuson welcoming this gfine soldier home from conbat.

[Jeff Head]

Please see post 187 on this thread. I believe Archy is working on a welcome home for LTC West...would FRN be interested in being involved? Archy?

[editor-surveyor]

" suppose the next mock execution doesn't get the suspect to talk. What happens next?"

Then one would see that either he has no info, or he is sufficiently hardened that such tactics will not avail. A commander of Col. West's caliber would surely be able to discern that, don't you think?

[Jeff Head]

Well, his career in the military is over. If the CO takes the article 32 recommendation, and it is likely that he will, he will be retiring with a full 20 years service, full retirement and honorably.

We can all be grateful for that answer to prayer. I believe, even though I regret losing a man like this in our military, that the good Lord will guide and direct him in his future activities and that we will not suffer for the exchange.

[maui_hawaii]

bump!

[Jeff Head]

My gosh Badray...that is a great contrast! Very well stated!

We definitely have elevated the wrong men to the highest offices while denigrating good men like Col West.

Agreed 100%.

[Calpernia]

The serial bully:

is a convincing, practised liar and when called to account, will make up anything spontaneously to fit their needs at that moment

has a Jekyll and Hyde nature - is vile, vicious and vindictive in private, but innocent and charming in front of witnesses; no-one can (or wants to) believe this individual has a vindictive nature - only the current target of the serial bully's aggression sees both sides; whilst the Jekyll side is described as "charming" and convincing enough to deceive personnel, management and a tribunal, the Hyde side is frequently described as "evil"; Hyde is the real person, Jekyll is an act

excels at deception and should never be underestimated in their capacity to deceive

uses excessive charm and is always plausible and convincing when peers, superiors or others are present (charm can be used to deceive as well as to cover for lack of empathy)

is glib, shallow and superficial with plenty of fine words and lots of form - but there's no substance

is possessed of an exceptional verbal facility and will outmanoeuvre most people in verbal interaction, especially at times of conflict

is often described as smooth, slippery, slimy, ingratiating, fawning, toadying, obsequious, sycophantic

relies on mimicry, repetition and regurgitation to convince others that he or she is both a "normal" human being and a tough dynamic manager, as in extolling the virtues of the latest management fads and pouring forth the accompanying jargon

is unusually skilled in being able to anticipate what people want to hear and then saying it plausibly

cannot be trusted or relied upon

fails to fulfil commitments

is emotionally retarded with an arrested level of emotional development; whilst language and intellect may appear to be that of an adult, the bully displays the emotional age of a five-year-old

is emotionally immature and emotionally untrustworthy

exhibits unusual and inappropriate attitudes to sexual matters, sexual behaviour and bodily functions; underneath the charming exterior there are often suspicions or hints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, perhaps also sexual dysfunction, sexual inadequacy, sexual violence or sexual abuse

in a relationship, is incapable of initiating or sustaining intimacy

holds deep prejudices (eg against the opposite gender, people of a different sexual orientation, other cultures and religious beliefs, foreigners, etc - prejudiced people are unvaryingly unimaginative) but goes to great lengths to keep this prejudicial aspect of their personality secret

is self-opinionated and displays arrogance, audacity, a superior sense of entitlement and sense of invulnerability and untouchability

has a deep-seated contempt of clients in contrast to his or her professed compassion

is a control freak and has a compulsive need to control everyone and everything you say, do, think and believe; for example, will launch an immediate personal attack attempting to restrict what you are permitted to say if you start talking knowledgeably about psychopathic personality or antisocial personality disorder in their presence - but aggressively maintains the right to talk (usually unknowledgeably) about anything they choose; serial bullies despise anyone who enables others to see through their deception and their mask of sanity

displays a compulsive need to criticise whilst simultaneously refusing to value, praise and acknowledge others, their achievements, or their existence

shows a lack of joined-up thinking with conversation that doesn't flow and arguments that don't hold water

flits from topic to topic so that you come away feeling you've never had a proper conversation

refuses to be specific and never gives a straight answer

is evasive and has a Houdini-like ability to escape accountability

undermines and destroys anyone who the bully perceives to be an adversary, a potential threat, or who can see through the bully's mask

is adept at creating conflict between those who would otherwise collate incriminating information about them
is quick to discredit and neutralise anyone who can talk knowledgeably about antisocial or sociopathic behaviours

may pursue a vindictive vendetta against anyone who dares to held them accountable, perhaps using others' resources and contemptuous of the damage caused to other people and organisations in pursuance of the vendetta

is also quick to belittle, undermine, denigrate and discredit anyone who calls, attempts to call, or might call the bully to account

is highly manipulative, especially of people's perceptions and emotions (eg guilt)

poisons peoples' minds by manipulating their perceptions

when called upon to share or address the needs and concerns of others, responds with impatience, irritability and aggression

is arrogant, haughty, high-handed, and a know-all

often has an overwhelming, unhealthy and narcissistic attention-seeking need to portray themselves as a wonderful, kind, caring and compassionate person, in contrast to their behaviour and treatment of others; the bully sees nothing wrong with their behaviour and chooses to remain oblivious to the discrepancy between how they like to be seen and how they are seen by others

is mean-spirited, officious, and often unbelievably petty

is mean, stingy, and financially untrustworthy

is greedy, selfish, a parasite and an emotional vampire

is always a taker and never a giver

is convinced of their superiority and has an overbearing belief in their qualities of leadership but cannot distinguish between leadership (maturity, decisiveness, assertiveness, co-operation, trust, integrity) and bullying (immaturity, impulsiveness, aggression, manipulation, distrust, deceitfulness)

often fraudulently claims qualifications, experience, titles, entitlements or affiliations which are ambiguous, misleading, or bogus

often misses the semantic meaning of language, misinterprets what is said, sometimes wrongly thinking that comments of a satirical, ironic or general negative nature apply to him or herself

knows the words but not the song

is constantly imposing on others a false reality made up of distortion and fabrication

sometimes displays a seemingly limitless demonic energy especially when engaged in attention-seeking activities or evasion of accountability and is often a committeeaholic or apparent workaholic

Responsibility

The serial bully appears to lack insight into his or her behaviour and seems to be oblivious to the crassness and inappropriateness thereof; however, it is more likely that the bully knows what they are doing but elects to switch off the moral and ethical considerations by which normal people are bound. If the bully knows what they are doing, they are responsible for their behaviour and thus liable for its consequences to other people. If the bully doesn't know what they are doing, they should be suspended from duty on the grounds of diminished responsibility and the provisions of the Mental Health Act should apply.

[Grampa Dave]

You and I know that when God closes one door for us, he opens another door. LtCol West will have several new doors ready to be opened by him.

Those new open doors will benefit him, his family and us as a nation.