Article 32
June 3rd, 2007 by Jaclyn Sharratt
Plane tickets are scheduled, hotels are booked. We are t-minus nine days until the start of Justin’s Article 32, set to begin on Monday, June 11th. With this being the second time we have had dates for the trial it is hard to truly believe it will happen until my parents arrive at Camp Pendleton. I am still up in the air if I can attend due to work obligations (I will not even get into that ordeal). In all honesty, I do not know how I am expected to sit back and wait to hear daily updates from my family and continue to go on like one of the most pertinent events of my life is not occurring in another world on the west coast. Some parts of life just do not make sense…. a lesson learned since March 2006, when we first heard of this scenario, not believing anything would ever pan out.
Another ironic twist is the feelings we all have about his Article 32. It has been a time we have anxiously awaited since this situation charged full force into our lives. It also involves more time waiting, more time holding our breath. Basically, at an Article 32 a military judge will hear each attorney’s side of the case… witnesses, evidence, etc. It will last from 5 to 9 days. After the judge hears both sides he will construct a report to give to General Mattis regarding his opinion on whether the case merits a hearing. If he thinks there is enough evidence my brother will be sent to a Court Martial hearing, where our attorneys will be defending my brother from spending his life in prison. One person, this judge, will determine the fate of my brother, our family, our lives.
I haven’t seen Justin since February. I have no idea if he is still smiling. Words and phone conversations only reveal so much. It is difficult not to worry every day. Matt and I took a few days over Memorial Day weekend to visit Moms and Dad in Pennsylvania. Trying to avoid the topic of my brother was like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. Overall we all did have a great time, and nothing feels better than being home. I am hoping we will all be together in July for Moms birthday. Hopefully Justin will be able to make the trip home. Hopefully we will know the verdict of the Article 32. And maybe, just maybe, we will be celebrating him being exonerated, and getting out of the Marine Corps as scheduled on July 28, 2007, leaving all this behind us forever.
denise lewis Says
We are praying with you and standing with you. This is unbelievable and I cannot imagine what you and your parents are going through, let alone Justin. Please relay to him how many of us stand behind him and know that this is one of the biggest travisties of justice! I have emailed Justins video to everyone I know and asked them to please forward it to everyone they know. Many people shake their head in disbelief at the insanity of the charges. We pray that justice will prevail and send Justin home with the heroes welcome he deserves.
Jun 4th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Jane Says
Continued prayers for Justin and your family. I am keeping the faith that all will be exonerated.
Jun 8th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
David Allender Says
Prayers up for all the Sharratts. Justice will be done, and Justin will come home.
Jun 10th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
betsy kallop Says
We have been right with you the whole way. Trust me when I say that my husband is doing all he can to try to help. Will is back in Iraq and sends his best wishes to you and your family. This will all be over soon and the evildoers will be busted. Betsy K
Jun 15th, 2007 at 12:10 am
Freedom Fighter Says
justice will be served…the evidence is there.
Jun 15th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Mary Scheetz Says
Just wanted you to know that the Scheetz Klan is continuing to keep the faith that our dear Justin will be exonerated. PFC Scheetz has talked to Justin often in the last weeks. Soon the anxiety of all this will be over. Justice for Justin! Mary
Jun 16th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Ami Says
I will support you all the way. Just have faith and let God do his job.
Jun 28th, 2007 at 4:54 am
Peter Says
I just read that the LTC Ware has some serious doubts about the validity of the prosecutions case. I will say my prayers that he follows through on that.
As a former Enlisted Marine, A former Army officer, and the husband of a 100% disabled Iraq vet, it shames me that our Government and people like Murtha are doing this.
We send our husbands, wives, sons, and daughters to war and we abondon them when we should stand by them in their hour of need. I cannot apologize enough.
On a good note, A friend of mine has an MP son guarding yours. They believe!!
Semper Fidelis
Jul 6th, 2007 at 6:22 am