Defend John Hatley

Welcome!
Feel free to scroll down this page and view a variety of photo’s of John in various stages of his life, to include some of his family photo’s. (Please be sure to have your volume raised so that you may hear the song, “Far Away” by Nickleback.)

[Note:  Video was created by Mrs. Carol Gowin, the proud wife of SFC Shane Gowin of 1-2 IN, 172nd BCT out of Schweinfurt, Germany.  She patiently and lovingly embraced the Hatley's situation and spent countless hours putting this video together.  Carol has also created other videos which are currently showcased on Kim Hatley's myspace page.  www.myspace.com/kim_sparkles ]

Kim’s Video

 

 

The trial was held on Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany from 13 April thru 16 April 2009.  MSG Hatley at that time, had served 19-1/2 years for the United States Army.  He was only 6 months away from retiring.

Ann & Daryl Hatley

John’s sisters

 

Ann & Darryl Hatley

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5 Comments »

5 Responses

1. on May 7, 2010 at 4:51 am | Reply Michael Rathbun

   I have known MSG John Hatley since the day I reported to my first duty assignment at Conn Barracks 1-18 Inf. I wasn’t in his company however my job was a trade that he loved to utilize Welding. Together we made a lot of outstanding things that assisted all the companies and other units minimized troops exposure to the battle field by using his combat experiences and my abilities to fabricate and design.
   He always helped every Soldier understand how to be successful and wise. He helped me and mentored me through every promotion board, the Audie Murphy Board and Weather or Not to become a Warrant Officer. He continued to build the men around him up. I will say there is no greater father figure or LEADER I have ever met in the military like him. He always displayed pride and honor in his family, and the U.S Army.
   This man is the greatest all around Leader I have ever met and I truly hope and wish that he be given back his life and let him go home to his family. This man has given up more time and effort into all Soldiers than any one I know. Release him and repay him with family time he has always answered the call of duty with superior results. GOD BLESS him and his Family.

   WO1 Michael Rathbun

   
   
2. on May 4, 2010 at 9:47 pm | Reply Coach Jeff Adams

   When you coach a kid in football you learn quickly about the character, intergrity, and all the qualities that make up an individual. John Hately was one of those kids back in Jr. High that made a coach feel good about the future of this country because he demonstated all the positive behaviors that made a coach feel proud of his profession. I find it simple unbeleivable that any military court would sentence this man to anything but graditude for his service to this country.Character does not change over time and my memory of John is one of the upmost, pure and simple.I would and could not dare say this about all that I coached, so do not take this blog lightly.To know that John has been sentenced like this makes me ill and makes me wonder where our priorities are in this country. War is war and conflict always has an ugly side to it, but our soldiers who put their lives on the line should not have to question that we support them in such chaos such as Iraq. We teach our kids to live by rules, regulations, and guildlines. In war there are no rules. What ever John did or did not do I know he made the best decisions one could make. God bless John and his family and I pray that somebody in authority wakes up to the bad decisions of this court and do the right thing toward John and his fellow soldiers.

   
   
3. on April 9, 2010 at 9:29 pm | Reply Jeremy Etienne

   I served with MSG. Hatley at Ft. Hood were we served with A 1/5 Cav. I just found out about this situation, this appalling nightmare. To say I don’t understand sums it up but fails to encompass it all. This man helped me become a man, he not only taught me how to be a good soldier but a decent human being. I have told my kids and family the stories of the great SSG. Hatley.

   There is no way to list all the enduring qualities that MSG. Hatley gave or showed me, however the one that stands out the most is the drive to never quit.

   Jeremy Etienne

   
   
4. on February 11, 2010 at 5:31 am | Reply Shanna Comparato

   John and Kim,

   Watching the video made me realize that you are one of my own…1st Infantry Division. My husband also deployed with them. This is so close to home for me and with tears in my eyes and heart, know that I love you both, support you both and pray that redemption will be swift for this travesty and injustice.

   
   
5. on November 12, 2009 at 7:43 pm | Reply Joesph Prince

   I can not believe how small 1sg used to be growing up… He used to be like the size I am now!