Outrageous cruelty: Soldier denied PTSD treatment while awaiting day in court [Sgt. Evan Vela]

Defend Our Troops ^ | December 10, 2007 | David Allender

[RedRover]

Sgt Evan Vela smiles, with both thumbs up, in a photograph of his unit in Iraq.

[RedRover]

Sgt. Evan Vela will not get the defense he deserves without help from people like you. Please go to this website to lend a hand.

For more information, read the appeal from the parents of Sgt. Vela.

[cowboyway]

And, for God’s sake, allow Sgt Vela to get the treatment he deserves

At least as good as the terrorist get at Gitmo.

Why, if he was a muzzie terrorist, the damn libs would be marching in the street, demanding that he receive top quality care, respectfully treated and provided with a free attorney.

[driftdiver]

Why do they treat our troops this way?

[RedRover]

[Dubya]

READ LATER

[DuncanWaring]

...So far, authorities have stacked the deck against Sgt. Vela--as only the government can. His government-appointed military counsel was ineffective, and had the sergeant sign a waiver of his right to a judicial investigation (known as an Article 32 hearing). Additionally, exculpatory witnesses have been blocked from testifying on Sgt Vela’s behalf.

Sounds a lot like the case of Harry Morant.

[cowboyway]

Why do they treat our troops this way?

And why do they treat the muzzies that way? The left wing nuts despise the military and glamorize and idolize the muzzies. The inmates are running the asylum and it's gonna be worse by an order of magnitude if they win the White House.

If I was in charge of the muzzies at Gitmo, they'd only get medical attention if they collapsed, their tribunals would be scheduled for the day after their reunion with Mohammad, and they'd only get one meal per day........to be served immediately following their daily water boarding

[Lancey Howard]

Excellent column!

[Dark Wing]

ping

[Gene Eric]

>> At least as good as the terrorist get at Gitmo.

I had similar thoughts. Something sounds very wrong with the treatment of Evan. You know, members of Congress will get all hot under the collar when it involves the tender care of our enemy but not when it involves the basic rights of the men that serve at their request.

[Gondring]

Sounds a lot like the case of Harry Morant.

"Well, Peter, this is what comes from empire building..."

:-(

[verity]

All I see is one side of the story.

[Girlene]

Dr. Rosemary Carr-Malone has petitioned authorities to transfer Sgt. Vela to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr Carr-Malone is Assistant Director of the Mental Health Directorate at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Transfer him now. What's the point in keeping him in Kuwait? The UCMJ still has the opportunity to proceed with their trial, regardless. Give this soldier the treatment he deserves.

[4woodenboats]

Looks like you uncovered the NCIS handbook;

There was apparently no attempt to conduct any form of forensic examination of the bodies of the alleged victims, and all the so-called evidence about the killings was verbal testimony, collected long after the events. The vast bulk of this testimony was uncorroborated or hearsay evidence obtained during the preceding Court of Enquiry, much of it apparently gathered from disaffected former Carbineers who, if Witton is to be believed, harboured considerable animosity towards Morant and Handcock....

[okiejack]

Just off the top of my head I’d say this guy is innocent
I’d have to know more to make an informed guess.

But I think it’s a shame and a crime the VA is withholding money owed to this American soldier. If, of course, it’s true

[gondramB]

>>Despite this diagnosis by a military psychiatrist, the government has been unwilling to allow the sergeant the treatment he needs before he stands trial.<<

Do we know what kind of treatment they are talking about?

[jazusamo]

Good piece, Red. There’s no excuse that I can see for not getting him back here so he can be treated and any trial could and should take place here. His treatment is outrageous, IMO.

[Girlene]

All I see is one side of the story.

Fine. But what is wrong with bringing this soldier home to the US to get PTSD treatment while he awaits his trial? Why does he need to be held in Kuwait and tried in Baghdad for something as serious as murder. Why can't that be continued here, stateside?

[RedRover]

There isn't another side to the story at this point. Sgt Vela has been diagnosied with moderate to severe PTSD. He's been in pre-trial confinement since July 1. Those are facts.

If the government denies the request, the reasons would be their side of the story. If they give any reasons, that is. Chances are they'll just say no.

If you're interested in the charges, and the background on the case, there's info HERE.