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To
whom it may concern:
I was surprised last
summer when General Mattis told me that he was familiar with me
because he had read emails and articles that I had written on the
Internet.
During a hearing
last November, I was surprised that LtCol Sean Sullivan, a Marine
Corps prosecutor, questioned Major Jeffrey Dinsmore concerning
my motorcycle campaign
in defense of the Marines facing courts martial
for doing their job in Iraq.
It is interesting
that, when you stand for right, word gets around.
I wrote an article
early last year concerning a Marine identified only as a Marine
Intelligence Officer. At the time, he had information that would
totally exonerate the Haditha Marines. My article showed concern for
this officer's safety as he prepared to depart for Iraq on his
second tour.
Here is an excerpt:
I am very
worried that this Marine may be in extreme danger. After an
extended interview, the Intelligence Officer was ushered off to
Iraq for his second tour. The importance of his testimony in the alleged
"Haditha Massacre" case makes
him an extremely prime target for friendly and hostile activity.
This man has
stepped up and put his life and career on the line for his troops.
I hope ‘true U.S. Marines’ in Iraq surround him and watch his
back, so that he will be able to return to testify on behalf of
the accused Haditha Marines.
I was truly
concerned for this officer because:
1. What I know
about "friendly fire" incidents in Vietnam, years ago.
2. Having talked
to prosecutors and finding some to have their own agendas, that
didn't necessarily include ethics.
3. This
Intelligence Officer was my son.
In December of 2006,
just before Christmas, then Captain Jeff called me to let me know
that charges were made against Marines of the 3/1. We talked for
quite a while first counting the cost to him and his career when,
not if, but when he stood up with documented facts of what he knew.
We discussed a strategy for the best defense of his comrades with
the information that he had. I held a Secret Clearance throughout my
career in the Navy and of course knew what not to ask, as he also
being the professional, knew what he couldn't share, and didn't.
We have gone through
this nightmare for the 3/1 from the beginning, together. In 1993 he
sent me a poem that in essence summed up our relationship as a
father and son. It declared that he would defend his father to the
gallows and more. My defense of him would at least equal that
scenario.
That said, this
brings us to the reason that I am writing this letter to all.
It was reported to
me by multiple sources, who were standing in the hallway
leading to the hearing room in the LCpl Tatum proceedings, that
while my son, Major Jeffrey Dinsmore, was testifying, Major Daren
Erickson, a prosecutor, yelled at his team, “We have to get this
guy, we have got to get him, we will get him."
It's not difficult
to find a record of the ethics, honesty, kindness, intelligence or
Marine Corps professionalism of Major Jeff Dinsmore. Just pick up
articles and recorded facts through a search engine anywhere for the
last two years as he defended his fellow Marines.
Understand, Major
Erickson, or anyone who seeks to "get Major Dinsmore," you will not
succeed in your unethical, un-Marine Corps ways.
At Major Dinsmore's
deposition last year, prosecutor LtCol Paul Atterberry approached me
and said, "Oh, Mr. Dinsmore, it is so good of you to lend moral
support to your son."
My response was,
"I'm not here for moral support Sir, I'm here to watch his back,
somewhere some Marines missed the training on Semper Fi, always
faithful, sir!"
To whom this may
concern, make no mistake, I am watching his back, and "getting Major
Dinsmore," will not happen on my watch! I take threats very
seriously.
Don Dinsmore
Dad, U.S. Navy, Retired
________________________________________________________
Note:
Don Dinsmore is a friend and contributor to this website. For more
information, see the story of his
ride from Seattle to San Diego and the
rally at Camp Pendleton. |