Posted on 06/30/2006 4:35:00 AM PDT by rvanluvender
The Warrior Fund
http://www.warrior-fund.org
With the recent news regarding the incident in Haditha, and Hamdania Iraq, a group of former and retired Marines decided to take action to ensure that our military men are treated like American citizens and considered innocent until proven guilty.
We have formed the "Warrior Fund" as a designated mission of United American Patriots (an IRS 501 ( c ) 3 organization) which is run by Major Bill Donahue USMC (RET). Our goal is to raise funds to defray legal fees incurred by members of our armed forces as a direct result of their service in combat. At this time our board of directors consist of me, Captain Don Greenlaw USMC (RET) and Frank Albano. Certified Public Accountant William H. Porterfield is our treasurer and he will handle the accounting issues of the Warrior Fund.
They fought for us, now we shall fight for them.
Please take the time to visit our website and review our bylaws, biographies of the Board members and the petition for assistance which must be completed prior to any funds being disbursed.
Even though charges were formally filed, in the Hamdania case, an Article 32 investigation will now begin. It is imperative that the public is made aware that the filing of charges in no way indicates that these men are guilty, rather there remains the belief that all men are innocent until proven guilty, which is a pillar of the American system of justice and a core principle of the Warrior Fund.
The fact that any service member can be accused of a "war crime" by a questionable source (We do not intend to disrespect the Iraqis that brought charges, only to illustrate that we have no idea who they are, or their level of integrity), and these allegations are taken seriously speaks volumes about our American system of justice and our belief in the rule of law. However attempts by the media and a certain irresponsible member of congress to proclaim the guilt of these Marines without having seen a final report from the investigators is sickening.
In closing, if you believe that these men deserve to be treated the same as an average American citizen, please take the time to make a charitable contribution which you may deduct from your income taxes. Any amount you can spare will directly benefit these fine American warriors. In addition to financial support we also need assistance in spreading the word about the fund. Donations may be made online through paypal, or mailed to the address on http://warrior-fund.org
Very Respectfully,
Rick Van Luvender President The Warrior Fund http://www.warrior-fund.org
P.S. We would also like to invite all American's who claim to "hate the war but support the troops" to prove themselves by donating to the Warrior Fund, which is a direct method to show that they do indeed support our troops and their claims are not merely the empty rhetoric it appears to be.
Highly recommend everyone at least take a peek and if like myself, you believe that our troops need all the support they can get, then perhaps you will consider doing what you can to help.
I especially recommend all vets to take an opportunity to do our share. Those of us who have been around for a while and served years ago, have a chance to give aid and comfort to our brothers and sisters in a way, which was not available to us--and wish it had been.
For those who are interested in dontating to LCPL Rob Pennington, his family has set up DefendRob.com They have posted his story; photos of Rob & the family; contact email to his father Terry; and info for donating by credit card or check.
I do not know of sites set up by other families but I'm sure those who are able will create them. If anyone hears of these I would greatly appreciate a ping or link so they can be added to my site.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT BUSH
GOD BLESS AMERICA
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