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Obviously it is your choice what to say and what not to say, but I'd encourage you to keep talking and keep correcting misunderstandings and errors. Given time, it works. The alternative is that honest misunderstandings and negligent errors combine to form a consensus view in the media which may be very difficult or impossible to counteract.

I agree, darrell. One part of SSGt Bales story that has not been refuted, explained, or investigated is the story of owing the 1.5 Mil to the elderly couple. It does not make sense. Someone who knows how to investigate these claims could help set the story straight. After this story was put out there, I noticed commentoers opinions on siites outside FR changed signficantly. Go figure. That story did a lot to undermine his character with the public.

So far I can't find enough info, or the info provided is questionable, to know how to make sense of it. The arbitration for actual and punitive damages refers to a Michael Patterson and Michael Patterson Inc. This is what I've found on that company: Disciplinary Actions for November and this press release referring to that action. NASD Regulation Inc. Disciplines Two Ohio Companies I don't think, but don't know, if this action has anything to do with what Bales was accused of and found liable for in arbitration. I can't find the info the press keeps publishing.

Anyone know how to investigatge the claim against Bales?

I don’t know how to investigate it other than to dig into it, girlene. I do know that buried at the end of on article castigating Bales was a little line about “7 other individuals and companies” being accused of this same crime.

My antennae went up at that info. My sense is that Bales was part of a company that had bad financial methods.

You really have to wonder how a relatively smart person gives one man 1.5 million dollars on a wish and a prayer, and it gets pocketed by that one man. Then you learn that, no, it was 7 different individuals and companies.

Something smells.

BTW, in the army a staff sergeant is abbreviated SSG. That’s different than the Marines. It’s no biggie. Just thought you’d want to know.

That one I have zero facts on, but I do have a lot of unanswered questions:

1) What was the amount of money? I’ve heard everywhere from $800,000 to $1.5 million. Not a good start.

2) If there was a legal order to pay back the money, what judge did it come from?

3) Was there no follow-up by said legal entity on the status of the payback?

4) Why did the supposed victim not say anything about this until now? If it was a legal directive, and he hasn’t seen a dime from Bales, then you’d think he’d have been making a stink about it for quite some time.

5) Bales left that job and joined the Army over 10 years ago. Again, why is this guy just now getting worked up? Why, if Bales was at fault and liable for those losses, did no one seem to be able to find him in the Army? People think they can hide in the Army, but it’s probably the worst place to go. Your name, picture, and fingerprints are VERY easily found.

Bales avoided this for 10 years by being in the Army? I don’t think so.