Posted on 02/12/2007 4:36:44 PM PST by darrylsharratt
I am the father of L/Cpl Justin Sharratt. On August16th, 2003 the dreams of a little boy became reality. My son Justin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school graduation. Since the age of six, Justin dreamed of a military career. The combat boots, camouflage fatigues and helmet he wore as a child would soon become his uniform of the day as a United States Marine. To serve and protect the United States of America from all enemies both domestic and foreign; a duty he did not take lightly.
Justin’s first combat tour of duty was the city of Fallujah, Iraq. It was here, in the heat of the Iraqi desert, a boy became a man. Sharratt, Stone, Mitchell, Stevens and Wolf soon became ‘brothers by different mothers.’ In a battle known as “Hell House” they fought toe to toe with Iraqi insurgents bent on the destruction of U. S. Marines. They formed a bond forged in the furnace of combat; a bond that will last a lifetime. Semper Fidelis.
Upon his return from Iraq Justin joined us while on leave. He was transformed into the man all fathers dream and hope they will be. While on leave, Justin broke his ankle and was put on medical leave. It was at this time I realized what it meant to him to be an infantry rifleman, a grunt. He stared me in the eyes and said “Dad, all I want to do is get my ankle healed. I have to return to Iraq with 3-1 Kilo Company. The guys are counting on me to cover their six and I will never let them down.” Discussion ended—my son the warrior.
The city of Haditha, Iraq was the destination of 3-1 Kilo Company on Justin’s second deployment. Known to be a hot bed of Iraqi insurgency, the Marines of 3-1 Kilo Company could only envision what to expect. Seasoned from their tour in Fallujah, most of the Marines were on their second Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment, many their third. They were experienced combat veterans, drilled on the Rules of Engagement yet sensitive to their alien environment and the Iraqi populace.
On November 19, 2005, a convoy of four Marine humvees was ambushed on a city street in Haditha. A massive IED explosion ripped the fourth humvee in the column apart. One Marine was killed and two were seriously wounded. 3rd platoon, 3-1 Kilo Company, my son’s unit, was now in a firefight for their lives. There was no time for rage or revenge. Justin needed to apply his Marine Corps training and experience to preserve the lives of his fellow Marines. All the Marines in 3rd platoon responded in like manner- to preserve the lives of fellow Marines. Reinforcements were called in and an ambulance was needed to attend the wounded. Marines were positioned to defend their precarious position and a comm link was established to FOB Sparta. All done in the best of Marine Corps tradition and training while taking enemy fire.
In the aftermath of this engagement, 24 Iraqis were killed. A U.S. Congressman has called these Marines murderers. Time magazine has enlisted the propaganda of foreign journalists to sell its political agenda. Iraqi civilians have been schooled in making false statements. An Iraqi girl missed a day of school because she was afraid the bomb blast would injure her. Interesting reading, but I truly believe the American people can see through this barrage of media conjecture. I ask you not to prejudge my son, not to prejudge these Marines. They have served this country with honor, truth and diligence. I say unto you. the Few, the Proud, the Marines………..
War is a tragic thing. The enemy we are fighting has had centuries to prepare. They wear no uniforms, fight by no Rules of Engagement or follow the Geneva Convention. Using civilians as human shields is a common practice and their hatred for non-Islamic cultures is endemic.
The United States government has taken 12 months and spent millions of dollars and countless man-hours investigating the Haditha engagement. On December 21st, 2006, four NCOs and four officers were charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. My son, LCpl Justin Sharratt faces three counts of unpremeditated murder. This is not the forum to discuss these charges but my son stands strong in the fact he followed the Rules of Engagement, protected his fellow Marines and did nothing wrong. All of these men are innocent of these charges. In the aftermath of 9-11, these men have risen to honorably serve their country. Some have given a lifetime of dedicated service, others were just beginning. They have demonstrated to the world there is “No better friend, No worse enemy” than a U.S. Marine.
For now, the handshakes will be tighter, the hugs will be longer and the tears sliding down my face are not a sign of weakness- they affirm a father’s love for his Marine son.
Darryl Sharratt Canonsburg, Pa.
www.justinsharratt.com
Darryl, I only wish to see your son vindicated and set free. You have no problem with me "pre-judging" except in the knowledge our Marines did what they were trained and commissioned to do, and they did it well. They are being treated shamefully and appallingly.
I heard you on the radio yesterday, because of a link that FReeper 'freema' provided to me. You are a wonderful, wonderful Dad. And, oh, welcome to Free Republic.
My thoughts and prayers are for you, your family and especialy your son and his comprades. I've post the following a few times when I hear of a serviceman's suffering. Of course the suffering is usually caused by where they are serving under hars conditions or the enemy. It is a disgrace that your son's suffering is due to his own country's actions. I pray that the truth will come out in quick order, and that your son will be a better person for having survived it.
The following was originally printed in a daily devotional that my Mom gave to my Dad as he was shipped off on a minesweeper to the Pacific in WW II. The book is called “Strength for Service to God and Country”. This devotional was for SEPTEMBER 11.
CHOSEN TO SUFFER
“They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” (Acts 5:41).
All of us are called upon to suffer in one way or another. Much of our suffering goes to waste because it is not geared up with an all-compelling purpose. A great cause, such as liberty, chooses men who are big enough to suffer, men who “can take it.” It chooses men who have the stuff in them to endure hardships; who can laugh at privations; who are willing to give up privileges, comforts, and ease. It chooses men like the apostles who, after being treated in a most shameful way and cruelly flogged, came from that experience rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ.
Great causes have a way of choosing men who are worthy to suffer. And it is through men that suffer that great causes come to victory. The highest blessings that we enjoy today came in this way. Christ on the cross, Washington at Valley Forge, Lincoln baited by newspapers and even by his cabinet members, and a few among many who were chosen to suffer for great purposes and were found worthy – bringing victory to the cause that chose them.
In these days, the great cause of liberty is again choosing men to suffer for its sake. Shall we who are chosen be found worthy?
Prayer:
Our Father, we are being called upon to suffer for the sake of all men everywhere. The great cause of liberty, with all that it means, is calling for men who are worthy. Wilt Thou make us worthy in every way. Keep the high purpose of freedom upper-most in our hearts, and cleanse us from all selfishness. Dedicate us anew to the high cause of world brotherhood, and give us the victory of an enduring peace. And so shall our suffering be not in vain. In the Spirit of Christ we pray. Amen
Sir,I believe you as well as others here on this forum. May God bless you and your brave son. He is and always will be a hero. Thank you for posting this.
Hi Darryl, this is a link to the Free Republic Canteen where we support our troops..If you would like to get on the ping list just let Kathy know
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1783752/posts
We are praying for your son and all of those involved in this mess. What the media and some in Congress has done to discredit these warriors is a shame.
Please post your replies to darrylsharratt
Please know that I am praying. May God provide the defense for these brave men. I pray He opens the eyes of those who stand in judgment, and allow them to see the truth.
Blessings,
trussell
If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.
I join in prayer for your son and family!
Praying for your whole family,
Especially for Justin and all of his fellow marines.
God bless you all.
Thankyou for sharing Justin's story. Thankyou, also, to Justin and the other Marines for their honorable service to this country.
BTTT
It is an honor for me to be amongst you all.
May God bless your son. My husband and I stand with him 100%.
LOL
Love that poster!
How are you and yours?
My son, LCpl Justin Sharratt faces three counts of unpremeditated murder.
Ok, this really steams me. There are a lot of things about this that steam me and I can't think straight, but this really takes the cake. HOW IN GOD'S NAME CAN ONE BE TRIED FOR .... MURDER IN A WAR?
Another one: why are so many people willing to believe the terrorists and their supporters - MSM - and their propaganda over a military person who has sworn an oath and are trying to help? People should know that most of the MSM are people you would see in an antiwar protest holding a sign made and paid for by ANSWER.ORG a communist funded organization. If they don't, then they've had their head in the sand way too long.
Oh, and another thing....did anyone arrest and convict those who have deliberately (you know, like premeditated by setting IEDs) set out to kill the American and Iraqi person(s)?
Ok, see, I told you I get steamed about this crap! (getting off my soapbox and returning to the regular program)
You and yours will have an avalanche of support in this forum as there is belief in prayer and the possibilities.
God's blessings.
They are all in our prayers. God bless them for their service. I'm sorry your family has to endure this.
I have, Thanks.
Please know that Justin and all of your family will be in our prayers until this nightmare is over. We are honored that you are here on FR and the father of such a brave young man. We are in total support of our service men and the duty they have been called to.
In Texas, a hug speaks a thousand words. Please give him one for us......
"TT", Beth & Nana
God bless your brave son and your family.
Prayers up-
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