Posted on 12/12/2007 2:55:43 PM PST by RedRover
Sgt. Evan Vela, of the 501st Infantry Regiment, sits tonight in a military prison in Kuwait. Confined since July 1, Vela is one of three Army snipers charged with murder for an incident near Iskandariyah, Iraq.
Two squadmates involved in the incident, Sgt. Hensley and Spc. Sandoval, were exonerated of murder charges in courts martial this past fall.
As a soldier, Sgt. Vela was pushed beyond the limits of human endurance, going days without sleep in pursuit of our enemy in Iraq. While in confinement, Vela was diagnosed with moderate to severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Despite this diagnosis by a military psychiatrist, the government has been unwilling to allow the sergeant the treatment he needs before he stands trial.
Now the government has a chance to make amends.
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. As forensic psychiatrist for the defense, she has coordinated for Sgt. Vela to be received at Walter Reed to be treated for his PTSD and tested and evaluated for possible Traumatic Brain Injury.
Chances seem slim that the government will grant the request. 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. The government has also been unwilling to move his trial (which may take place in February) to the States despite the near-impossible financial burden a trial overseas has placed on Sgt. Vela's family.
It’s unclear why the government is going out of its way to see Sgt Vela convicted of a crime he likely never committed. Perhaps there’s pressure to show the Iraqi government that the United States punishes its own.
As a supporter of the troops and their mission in Iraq, I have a suggestion for our government. Give Iraqi leaders a tour of Walter Reed. Take a line from a Spielberg movie and tell them, “Earn this.” And, for God’s sake, allow Sgt Vela to get the treatment he deserves
For more information, read the appeal from the parents of Sgt. Vela.
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.
Why do they treat our troops this way?
READ LATER
Sounds a lot like the case of Harry Morant.
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
Excellent column!
ping
>> 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.
"Well, Peter, this is what comes from empire building..."
:-(
All I see is one side of the story.
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....
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
>>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?
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.
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.
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