Posted on 07/04/2006 5:08:26 AM PDT by radar101
CAMP PENDLETON -- On the eve of Independence Day, a person close to one of one of eight servicemen charged with murdering an Iraqi civilian released a letter signed by the men, asking Americans to spend today honoring troops who are fighting overseas.
It was the first written communication that appeared to be signed by the men, who are being held in the Camp Pendleton brig on charges of murdering an Iraqi civilian in April and conspiring to cover up his death. Though no formal pleas have been made, family members and attorneys for the men have proclaimed their innocence.
The men face the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges.
The one-page, handwritten letter was given to The Californian on Monday evening. The apparent signatures of the eight men --- a sergeant, two corporals, three lance corporals, a private first class and a Navy hospitalman third class --- are scrawled between notebook paper lines.
The authenticity of the signatures could not be verified Monday, though two people close to the accused said their loved ones had signed the letter. At least one of the men's attorneys said he had not seen the note.
The message does not mention the men's case or discuss any details of their custody. Instead, it asks that supporters send their thoughts to troops.
"On this upcoming 4th of July weekend, we ask that your prayers are rooted solely to the men and woman (sic) fighting in Iraq," the letter reads. "Regardless of our current disposition, we stand here safe and sound."
The men charged are: Cpl. Trent D. Thomas, 24, Hospitalman 3rd Class Melson J. Bacos, 20, Pfc. John Jodka III, 20, of Encinitas, Cpl. Marshall L. Magincalda, 23, of Manteca, Calif., Lance Cpl. Tyler A. Jackson, 22, Lance Cpl. Jerry E. Shumate Jr., 21, and Lance Cpl. Robert B. Pennington, 21. All are from Pendleton's 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment's Kilo Company.
Though the men are being held alone in individual cells, it may have been possible for family members visiting the troops to pass a note around for the men to sign, said Camp Pendleton spokesman 1st Lt. Esteban Vickers.
"They couldn't write it together," said Vickers, who had not seen the note and could not confirm the signatures on it late Monday evening. "But family members are allowed to meet with them, and if the family did something like that, it's probably possible."
A family member of one of the defendants said she felt the letter was "really nice and sweet."
"They're all good guys, and they have such good hearts," the woman said.
The letter expresses thanks to supporters of the men.
"There are no words to describe our solemn thanks to all of our sincere supporters," the letter reads. "To know that there are people out there praying for us is a surreal feeling in which there is no comparison."
Vickers, the base spokesman, said he hoped the note had been shown to the men's lawyers before being released.
"I wouldn't want them to do anything that would jeopardize their case," he said.
Vickers said the letter shows that even though the men are locked up, they have continued to think like Marines.
"It shows that Marines, no matter what circumstances they find themselves in, are always thinking about their brothers and sisters who are out there fighting," he said. "It's kind of awe-inspiring, considering the situation that they're in."
After being read the text of the letter during a phone call Monday night, attorney David Brahms, the lawyer for Pennington, called the letter "defining."
"This is indicative of the spirit of the young men confined and awaiting military justice action," Brahms said. "This defines a group of youngsters who think about others and solidly, morally grounded."
Attorney Victor Kelley, who is representing Thomas, said he had no comment about the letter.
LETTER SIGNED BY JAILED MARINES
Dear Americans,
There are no words to describe our solemn thanks to all of our sincere supporters. To know that there are people out there praying for us is a surreal feeling in which there is no comparison. On this upcoming 4th of July weekend we ask that your prayers are rooted solely to the men and woman (sic) fighting in Iraq. Regardless of our current disposition, we stand here safe and sound. It's those men and women who are still making the ultimate sacrifice lying (sic) their lives down for the country. To those of you who have had loved ones who have made that sacrifice know that we feel your pain first hand and understand that though they may never come back, they will never be forgotten. Once again, thank you for your support, and God Bless America.
--Sgt. Hutchins, Cpl. Trent D. Thomas, Cpl. Marshall Magincalda, HM3 Melson Bacos, LCpl. Robert Pennington, LCpl. Tyler Jackson, Pfc. John Jodka and LCpl. Jerry Shumate Jr.
Yeah, that's not just a tagline, but an old-time slogan (at least unofficially) for the Navy and other services.
Maybe in the Navy, but in the Corps, it's the Mom. I have a necklace that says so ; )
I'm sure Mrs. jazusamo would agree with you but I would say it's the husband because I was only in the Reserve when she was still active Army. :-)
So you can say, without hesitation, you are in a class by yourself ; )
I'm busy scratching bug bites from our front yard fireworks-I hope yours was a happy one! and we'll hope those boys are enjoying their freedom soon.
ROTFLOL...I guess so. :-)
Had to work today. Gotta hit the sack. Closed the store tonight, and have to get up early for an early shift. But the spirit of what many of us hold dear was in my heart as I commented to customers what a great nation we live in and to consider thinking of our military serving in harms way. Had nothing but positive responses from the many people coming in Home Depot the past few days. Nighty nite.
Yepper!
That's wonderful! I've gotta hit it, too.
Thanks, RaceBannon
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.
Liberals and RINOs are a disgrace to our heritage with their misguided concern about our enemies while American heroes are treated like leftover garbage.
&&
Exactly!
Bump and thanks radar101!
Letter reportedly from accused servicemen expresses thanks(Camp Pendleton 8) ping!
I had heard that the shackles were removed. Is that not true?
SEE POST #6
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