Releasing the charges
December 21st, 2006 by Jaclyn Sharratt
For the rest of my family’s life, December 21st will always be remembered as the day my brother was charged with three counts of murder. We found out at 7:30 am, and our reaction was a mix a shock and sadness. Up until this point, we all still had faith that nothing would come from this situation. My brother was called in to work at the gym to assist with a class while my mom, dad, and I headed to the media center on base to face the media and public release of the charges.
We knew the charges, but we were not prepared for what we would be encountering outside of the conference area. What started as an organized interviewing process quickly transformed into a chaotic rush of questioning by a slew of reporters and photographers that merged into one big blur. Although it was intimidating, and we all felt unprepared, my family held strong for my brother. Throughout our time at the media center we had Marine escorts to assist my family. These men helped not only to direct us, but whenever I felt lost or worried I would look up and see them, tentatively watching us, with a comforting smile that could be seen in their eyes.
After an hour of rapid fire Q & A, we were escorted into the building. We were sent to the front of the room, set up with television cameras, laptops, cell phones, and photographers positioned at every turn. Since we knew the charges prior to this press conference, it was not as hard to hear what was being said by Col. Navarre. Our final task of the day was to issue a statement following the charges. Afterward, we met with a few of the military attorneys, two of which will be assigned to my brother’s case. They were all impressed with our lawyer for sending us to the press conference, seeing we were the only family members who attended the event. Now we are back at the hotel, exhausted from our day, worried about my brother, and hopeful that we will walk away from all this one day with smiles on our faces. We still have faith.
Janelle Watts Says
I too have faith that eventually this wrong will be righted. Last night I watched Anderson Cooper 360 about 4th CEB Marines ambushed near Hadithah. While watching I was again reminded that insurgents hide among innocent Iraqis and even act as normal citizens during the day only to come out at night with their weapons and bombs. It seems every news report from the area says that very same thing.
I do not pretend to know exactly what happened in Hadithah on 19 November, but I do know that these 3/1 Marines are good men who were doing their jobs as we Americans have asked them to do.
Keep the faith that they will all be found as they are - good men, following the rules of engagement.
Jan 3rd, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Pamela Dustin Says
I also have the faith that this will be resolved and our boys will be okay.
I feel that you have to be in a situation to fully understand what is going on. I don’t believe that many have experienced what these young heros have experienced. There is no possible way to understand what goes on in a place like that. We all know that the “bad guys” hide behind their women and children. That would make them real cowards.
I also know in my heart that these young heros have done nothing wrong! They did their job as they were taught to do. It is a shame that politicians, magazines and un-American type of people us something like this to make money, spread rumors, and try to further their careers. I am ashamed of each and every one of them. I will never buy or suscribe to anything that has to do with Time or Vanity Fair. I will never vote for anyone who does not believe in our Marines!
Just keep the faith and things will work out. It has too because this is so wrong!
Jan 5th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Pattie Baker Says
Just want you to know that you are not alone…you were not alone that day either…as part of your Marine Family we are ALL facing this…and i am ashamed of America for even presuing this Bull…please keep hanging tuff and hollering out for your Brother…We love you so much.
Jan 5th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Laura Says
I just wanted to let your entire family know that you have many people behind you that believe in Justin and his fellow Marines. We not only believe, we stand beside you and keep the faith! The Hell of War should not continue at home for these Heroes. You are in our hearts and prayers. They fought for us, we’ll fight for them.
Jan 8th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Denise Lewis Says
Justin and the others are our heroes! It is an outrage what is happening to them. I hope that someone will come to their senses. I don’t know who needs to..Is it NCIS, is it the 3/1 Command structure, is it higher up? This is so wrong. We will never know how many soldiers and Marines have died because, knowing they could be prosecuted, they have taken three extra seconds to contemplate the choice to shoot. My family stands with yours, praying daily for Justin and all the others. I hope that before this even goes to trial, the charges are dropped and they are exonerated.
Please tell Justin and the others that we are behind them.
Jan 11th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Pete Felix Says
I’m pulling and praying for your whole family. My best wishes are with you.
Feb 2nd, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Torina McMullin Says
The Hell this family is being put through is unjust and unamerican. I cannot comprehend the idea that our young men and women put their lives on the line for this country and of those lessfortunate than us americans and can still be subject to these outrageous charges. Defending the lives of their brothers is their job. To think any of our sons or daughters could face the same persecution for doing their job is infuriating. They giving their all for the freedoms of other countries while our officials turn their backs on our warriors. No Way will we stand for this. There are too many of us military families that understand the call that these Marines answered when they took the oath “to protect and defend.” We understand the sacrifices our men have made and are making. We will stand Semper Fi in prayer and support for our Heros knowing in our hearts the bravery that has made this counry the Land of the Free. God bless these men and protect them and set them free from these wrongful charges to live the lives that they genuinely deserve.
Jun 1st, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Suzanne Says
What can we do to help? Please, if you could, post your answer on your blog so we can all lend a hand somehow. Thanks.
Jul 21st, 2007 at 3:06 am