Defend John Hatley

Items written by John Hatley

*****************************************************************************************

*****************************************************************************************

[Written by John Hatley, while incarcerated at the military prison, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.  Dated 15 October 2009.]

This letter is intended for “you”……for visitors of this website and supporters.

All,

     First and foremost, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported myself, Joey and Mike throughout this ordeal.  I wish I could express into words my heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous display of support we’ve received.  From the beginning, all of our families and friends have been phenomenal. 

     Regardless of the situation in which we currently find ourselves, we are and will forever remain professional non-commissioned officers.  I can assure you that we will continue to conduct ourselves accordingly.

     I consider myself fortunate to have been afforded the distinct honor of having served with men who consistently resonated courage, honor and selfless service.  To the men whom I’ve fought beside, these few words have an entirely new meaning.  We have lost so many things while being forged through the crucible of combat.  Some have lost an innocence they weren’t aware they had.  Some have lost pieces of themselves and we’ve all lost friends who possessed an indomitable spirit that can never be replaced.  They will however, be forever present in those of us left behind.  They will continue to live their lives through us.

     I still remain in close contact with so many of my men.  I am continually amazed by the tales of their heroics and resilience through the adversities they’ve experienced.  I assure you I have a wealth of fond memories to reflect on that accompany me during my stay here.  They often bring a smile to my face.

     As most of you know, I have been blessed with a wonderful and courageous wife that most warriors, to include myself, suffer in comparison to.  She has been my rock and unfaltering icon of hope and support.  Words can’t adequately convey the tremendous achievements she has made in petitioning for our release.  She has never stopped believing in me and she will forever have my utmost love, respect, gratitude and adoration.

     I would like to thank everyone for their support in the pursuit of our release.  My men and I are not criminals.  I feel we are confined as a result of an unpopular war in attempt to appease foreign governments, driven by political motivation.  We have made sacrifices for our country and would gladly have given our lives in her defense.  We love the very idea of what our country represents.  I believe it is a shame to deny us the very freedoms that we’ve fought so unselfishly to protect.

     I am proud of the 19-1/2 years I have served my country.  I just turned 41.  I’ve dedicated half my life to the defense of our great nation and continue to remain faithful.  It is my hope that my men and I will soon be rejoined with our beloved families.  I assure you we have earned this right to be with our families.  Please assist us in ensuring justice prevails.

     I respectfully request your support and assistance in reversing this injustice.  Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.  Please keep my soldiers, my son and all of our military service men and women in your prayers.

~Band of Brothers~

John E. Hatley

*****************************************************************************************

*****************************************************************************************

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The writing below is a copy of what John read aloud at the trial.  His jury consisted of 4 senior Non Commissioned Officers and 4 senior Officers.  They were peers, but were NOT combat peers.  2 of the senior officers were in the “dental field”, by the way…..

Sirs and CSMs,

        My wife read something to me last week that kind of stuck with me.  Stand up to be seen, speak up to be heard, and sit down to be appreciated.  Initially, I wasn’t planning on making a statement, but after hearing everything over the past few days, I believe it’s time for me to speak up.

        I’ve loved and defended my soldiers and country for half my life, the only way I know how, with all my heart and with all my soul.

        I don’t believe there’s a more honorable profession in the world than to be a soldier serving your country as I have been for six months shy of 20 years.  Over the past 15 months, it would have probably been easy to grow bitter at what my family and my boys have had to deal with.  To have your honor and courage questioned by so many people that have never had theirs tested.  I’m sure you can imagine the stress that this can bring.  But life is too short and we understand more than most the importance of our profession.  I love the military and despite everything that has transpired, my wife and I still encouraged our son to enlist.  He enlisted in the Marines 9 months ago and we couldn’t be more proud.  He is already a Lance Corporal.  My wife Kim, is a veteran and served 6 years in the Army.

        I’ve had the honor to serve with some of the best men America has to offer.  I am humbled that so many of them have come here to testify or taken the time to write statements for you about me.

  Alpha 1-18 was one of the closest units I’ve ever been in, from the soldiers in the units and the families.  I don’t know if it’s possible to get too close to your soldiers.  My soldiers were like my sons and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to take care of them and protect them.  I may have spent more time out on patrol than normal, but I believe soldiers need to see their leaders facing the same dangers as they do.  None of my soldiers would dispute the fact that whenever I was on a mission with them, I’d be the first one in the door.  Or the first one to check out a possible IED, VBIED, or for any secondary devices before I’d allow them out of the vehicle.  I honestly believe that there’s no doubt in my soldier’s minds that I would sacrifice my live to save anyone of them.

        As soldiers, we have to subject ourselves to things most people can’t fathom.  We’ve stood out on the hot streets while we policed up the pieces of our soldiers, friends, and brothers.  Just to collect ourselves to go back and do it again a few hours later.  Whenever you go into combat, it’s sometimes easier to just except the fact that you’re going to die because you figure it can’t get any worse than that.

        I’m not perfect and never claimed to be.  I’m just an ordinary NCO that was afforded the opportunity to lead a company of heroes to defend our country and to protect innocent civilians in a place where we were virtually the only thing standing between those who wanted to harm us  and genocide of those we were ordered to protect.

        When we first took over our sector in Iraq, between our company, the platoon of Air Force MPs, and the Iraq police, we were policing up around 50 Extra Judicial Killings a week.  Within four months, we reduced attacks on coalition forces and civilians by 40%.  That was with 1/6^th of the force that was there before. 

Without attempting to sound arrogant, I can honestly say that we accomplished this beyond anyone’s expectations. I accredit all this to the intestinal fortitude that my soldiers displayed daily.  I told my guys time and time again that 90% of the people in Iraq are good people and just want to get on with their lives, but it’s that 10% that we’re responsible for dealing with.

I deeply regret how my soldiers and their families have been affected by everything that has happened and my heart goes out to them.

I respect your findings in this case and understand your decision.  I also understand that as leaders, we often have to make decision that we would rather not.  It is my hope that you take into consideration my 20 years of service and the love I have for my soldiers.

I have to say, that despite all of this, I would like to respectfully request that you allow me the opportunity to serve the last 6 months to complete my 20 years, after my confinement is completed.

*****************************************************************************************

*****************************************************************************************