Below are chronological updates to the situation beginning with the latest occurrences. 

January 31st -  Latest Update

Nothing to report at the moment but I am a bit out of touch in the system.  I did note that Bob McCarty at www.bobmccarty.com who authored the book on my son Three Days in August at www.threedaysinaugst.com has had his website break all records for hit during this month.

I am currently hospitalized and once released will provide another update.  I do have, however, a fantastic wifi in this hospital that makes my high-speed Brighthouse system look like the tortoise and the hair.  Think I'll move permanently to this hospital room.

January 29th -  Update

Thanks to Beverly Perlson,  Jeannie Morris and Bob McCarty there is some exciting news posted on www.threedaysinaugust.com regarding actions to get Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich and John Brunner, Senatorial candidate from Missouri, to help in our fight for Kelly.  Rather than repeat it here, please go to the website.

I would like to ask everyone to write or email members of the Armed Services Committee and ask them to initiate an investigation into the conviction of Kelly and for them to order a new trial.  Below is contact information.  About 35 members were sent a copy of Three Days In August without response.  Let's tell these people who supposedly work to support our military to do something about this conviction.  Simply click on their name to to to their website for contact info.  Maybe we can find someone with the "things" to step forward and do something without worrying about their political ambitions.  Someone who truly cares about America's heroes.

January 26th -  Update

After my last Post, which kinda had me reaching bottom alongside my son in our belief that no good news would ever present itself, out pops a number of events that has cheered our hopes and hearts.

First of all, the American Legion and a writer for their blog "The Burn Pit" found at  http://editor.legionemail.com/vo/?FileID=196015f7-20c7-4832-ae17-8f02a7fe8256&m=d2fc39ce-c3fd-4781-95e7-16501bbe9335&MailID=22657999  included in their latest edition a 1700 word article about Kelly and his situation.  It has since been mailed to American Legion Online subscribers around the world.  This all came about because of Bob McCarty at www.bobmccarty.com who wrote the best selling book Three Days in August which can be found at www.threedaysinaugust.com.  Thank you Bob for continuing to stick by our side.  And, my thanks to MOTHAX at The Burn Pit for having the backbone to step up and report truth and facts.

Secondly, Mr. McCarty was informed by John Vandiver, a reporter for Stars and Stripes, that a story he had written and sent to his editor for approval would probably be printed, albeit reduced in nature.  That reduction in nature is unknown, nor is the content, but we hope it will be a favorable to help our cause to correct this injustice.

Third, four people came forward to send donations to help our son through the Paypal button placed at various locations on this website.  In the interest of privacy I will not repeat their full  names here but I know that God has blessed our family in having you in our hearts and financially helping my son who is preparing to file bankruptcy in the near future.  He struggles to even put food on the table, buy gas for the decade old truck with 200k or so on the speedometer, or purchase personal items such as clothing and shoes.  Every donation, no matter the amount, is a blessing.  To those four Angels of Mercy, again thank you so much. Particularly Jean and Bev who continually help us.   If anyone else wishes to help, I have placed a Paypal donate button above, which is completely secure for your transaction.  In turn, I transfer the money to my account and then to my son's bank account.  A process that takes about a week but maintains security and privacy for all.

Fourth, and I will use her name here, we have received tremendous support for a long time from Beverly Perlson, founder and head of the Band of Mothers http://thebandofmothers.com/.  Recently she has been contacting organizational leaders around the country seeking help in our cause to end the injustice of my son.  She is a tremendous person and I am so proud to have met her. 

Fifth, Kelly recently talked to the lawyer we have retained for his upcoming appeal and he told Kelly he was confident we would be successful.  Do not know when this will occur but I expect it to be sometime this year.

Finally, to the new people coming to this website I ask you to read the story of injustice that convicted an American war hero from charges presented without a shred of evidence and many, many instances of occurrences that should have led to the charges being dropped.  I ask you to help us by contacting your congressman, newspapers, radio and tv stations, and any person with the guts to step forward and attack this injustice in order to clear my son.  Thank you for your support.

January 24th -  Update

I am obviously concerned about my son, particularly in the fact he cut off contact with his Mother and emailed him that point.  I understand he is sitting back assessing where to go now, what to do and what the future holds, but I believed he need to stay with family and friends who are there to support him.  I expect that some of you who are friends have also been cut off and I offer my apology but hope you understand he needs time to deal with his situation that must seem impossible to him.  As example,  I received an email in response to my concern he was not discussing it with his mother and here is a partial portion of that email received about two weeks ago:

"I haven't called anyone. I trying to deal with all that is going on. I am trying to figure out what life holds for me in the future now. I am trying to find my way. I have let so many people down and I have no direction now. I am trying to find hope and a reason. If and when I find it I will let everyone know. My birthday has passed and a new year is begun in sadness. I don't want my negativity to bring those down around me, or bring those down who have supported me. I have no home, no job, no future. I am in debt to my eyeballs, and have lost my wife and family. I am 39 y/o, my father, mother and friends are all burdened financially, and emotionally supporting me. Half my life is gone, and I am starting as an infant. I go to work to fulfill my promise to you. Aside from that I do nothing. I am searching my soul, and asking for guidance and a miracle. I haven't received either. I am doing my best to try and wake each day with hope. It is a daily struggle. My children are loosing their mother at a crucial time and fear that once they find out about the divorce, mom gone and dad not their lives will forever be scared. I know it to be true. I am on the brink of bankruptcy and divorce, and my appeals possibly being denied. I don't believe I will have the support that I have had once people know (my wife) has left me. I cannot live forever here in a trailer or on a farm, and no other women would date a convicted rapist. So I have know idea what my direction is. I am truly sorry for the pain being felt. Not my intent but I have no energy for arguing, or false hope.   I am sorry."

Obviously we are concerned and can only sit back while he works things out.  I have told him the future is still there, as we are in the family.  There is still the possibility of a successful appeal after the "system" realizes they convicted an innocent soldier.  A conviction without any evidence whatsoever and with so many discrepancies it is nearly a laughable conviction. 

I have nearly run out of resources to use to get help.  I've sent letters to Congressional leaders all the way up to the President.  I have contacted every single Commanding general up through the head of the Army.  I have contacted every senior enlisted person up through the Sgt Major of the Army.  I have contacted hundreds and hundreds of radio stations and television stations asking for help.  No response.  I have contacted every major news organization without response.  I have contacted every major talk show idol without a response.  Cowards.  All afraid to take a factual look at what occurred during this injustice and all afraid to touch upon a sensitive subject for risk of career, money or bending of their weak backbones.

I have pleaded and begged for God's help.  I do so every night.

Somewhere out there is someone who will step up and do something.  I will not give up and I WILL continue to write and email people around the country.  Thanks to Bob McCarty and his book Three Days in August we are getting some response.  At the moment the American Legion has picked up the story and if you go to www.legion.org and look for the Burnpit article on Kelly you can see their opinion.   You can also find it at http://burnpit.us/2012/01/three-days-august-how-special-forces-medic-was-railroaded-german-protection-laws.  Additionally, we have a tentative offer to return to a radio station on the 28th for another interview.  I will post info on it by Friday evening as to when and where you can hear the podcast on the net.  Bob has championed our cause and there is no way our family can every thank him.  He truly has backbone.  His website for the book is www.threedaysinaugust.com and his personal website is www.bobmccarty.com .

I can only ask you once again to write your congressman.  Write your news agencies and news idols.  Help us help our son.  Help us make the truth be told.  If you can send money to help our son, please do it because it is so much needed. 

In the meantime, we will keep fighting.

December 23rd -   Update

Kelly arrived in Colorado to be with his family on Christmas after a brutal and lengthy flight delayed along the way by weather.  His Parole Officer only allowed a 10 day visit, of which 2 will be spent traveling because of her refusal to give him a 20 day visit that would have allowed us to book a flight in an optimum period.  As it was, we were forced to have him travel at peak travel times thereby tripling the cost and causing loss of days because there simply were very few available flights.  May she have a Merry Christmas.

Anyway, he finally arrived and we talked to him last night.  He was cooking a special dinner for the family (he loves cooking) when I called.  He and the children are spending today at a local homeless shelter where they are bringing food and the children's old toys and stuffed animals that they have outgrew. 

I celebrated my birthday this week by being quite ill and will be seeing physician in a few hours with the extreme possibility of being hospitalized over Christmas.  So, I was kinda sitting here in total misery last night.  This was compounded by the fact that Kelly and his family had very little money for Christmas and the flight costs pretty much wiped us out.  Then, Angels arrived with two emails from Bev and Jeannie who donated a substantial amount of money to Kelly's family for Christmas.  Thanks to them, the family will have a much better Christmas this year.  We are truly blessed to be associated with these Angels of Mercy.

I received a response to a letter I sent to the Commander, U.S. Army, asking for an investigation into this unbelievable conviction a copy of the letter is below.  I also wrote the Sgt Major of the Army and thought that at least a courtesy letter between an active duty E-9 and a retired E-9 would occur and never received a response.  B*lls?  We'll see.  Note the General simply provides facts of the case known by all.  Except for the lies, lack of evidence, ignored testimonies, conviction observed in the trial that were based solely on the verbal testimony of one person, etc., etc.  At least the General responded and I will give him credit for stepping up.  Hopefully the Appellate Review will speed up and give us the chance to prove the innocence of Kelly.

I have once again placed the donate button below, which is totally secure, for Kelly and his family.  I transfer it directly to my bank account, then transfer it directly into Kelly's wife's bank account.  Usually takes about 5 days to get it done.  I pay the Paypal fee for the donations and the only ones received were the two from the Angels mentioned above.  I received a nice email from Kelly's wife regarding the donations mentioned above where she was extremely happy about having some money to buy the children presents and simply have a normal Xmas under the circumstances.  Kelly will be leaving on the 2nd as directed by his overseer.

Bob McCarty keeps plowing on trying to raise interest in his book that details the travesty of a Special Forces hero convicted without a shred evidence with unbelievable things surrounding the case that fully warranted dismissal of charges.  You can order the book, Three Days in August, on Amazon.  Go to his website at www.threedaysinaugust.com for more information, reviews and latest updates. 

Well off to the Doctor's office.  Merry Christmas to all.  Here is the General's response that is almost verbatim for every response I have received from our military and congressional leaders.  In fact, I have included a letter I received from my own Congressman, who I frequently meet at various veterans functions here in central Florida such as Operation Welcome Home in which I am a Board Member.  You can see my website for that program at www.operationwelcomehomeveterans.org.

December 14th -  Update

If you read the story currently found on the net about the Pearl Harbor Survivors who were humiliated during their trip to Hawaii by a television crew I think we'd all agree it is sad how some of our veterans are treated.  As a Vietnam vet I have stories about how I was treated upon return but, unfortunately,  this forum is not about it.   It does, however, pose the question of whether our country cares about our veterans and their sacrifices?  In particular is the lack of concern about the many incarcerated, convicted veterans whose lives were ruined despite proper military justice procedure or evidence of a crime?  As in the case of my son.

The sacrifice of our veterans is truly amazing.   I recently interviewed a WWII former POW and the stories of his imprisonment were simply unbelievable.  You can read it at http://www.veteranspage.com/vfw4252/vfwmain.htm in one of my veterans newspapers.  This hero, for example, responded to my question of whether there was anything good to say about his time in the POW camp which occurred during the dead of winter in Germany.  He replied that the hot tea provided to them in the morning was probably the best thing he could remember from his 7 months as a prisoner.  You and I may think that drinking a hot cup of tea on a cold morning would be, in fact, a good thing to remember.  However, his reason for remembering it was that he and the fellow prisoners, most without shoes and adequate clothing, could soak their frozen feet in the hot tea. 

That is sacrifice and that is why we need to fight for our veterans.  Whether it is benefits, or freedom from those imprisoned from military injustice, we MUST continue our fight.  And, we will for my son.

We have tried to get a news article in a major media outlet that may start a congressional investigation in the fiasco that convicted my son.  Nobody has the "things" to step forward in a difficult subject and address the injustice.  But, we keep trying to get someone to do something.  John Vandiver of Stars and Stripes http://www.stripes.com/reporters/john-vandiver has contacted us many times about doing a story.  I understand he has written the story, submitted it to his boss for approval, weeks ago, and we still have not seen anything.  I hope it is not another case of not having the "things" to save a hero and his family.  Granted, it is a difficult subject but not one that should cause the destruction of an entire family because of lack of "things".

Kelly applied to his Parole Officer for a visit period to see his family and wife over the holidays.  That period of time, however, was reduced in half because the Parole Office believed his offense did not warrant a visit of the duration requested despite the fact she was told Kelly would be spending the last couple weeks with this wife before she deployed to the war in Afghanistan in February.  I do hope the Parole Officer has a "wonderful" holiday.  As a result of this we had a very difficult time in getting him a flight to Colorado because he would have to leave just before Xmas and return immediately after News Years.  Kelly has no money for it and, frankly, I do not either.  So, I cashed in my credit card accumulated points to pay for the $687 roundtrip airfare.  I have been saving up those points for 5 years years to fly my wife back to Germany when her very elderly mother passes.   Kelly still does not have enough money for travel and other expenses.  I am also concerned that the family does not have money for Xmas for the children and we are a little hurting ourselves this holiday.  If you would like to help you can donate on the Paypal button below.  I will transfer those donations directly into his wife's bank account.  Thank you for helping them. 

Finally, I would like to say something about Bob McCarty of www.bobmccarty.com who wrote the book "Three Days in August" about Kelly.   There are no adequate words to use regarding his support.  I am truly amazed by his care, not only for my son, but for all veterans.  As is his concern for our country.  He is a patriot, a warm hearted person and someone who makes our great country what it is.  Please read his updates on Kelly at http://threedaysinaugust.com/ and I hope you purchased the book to learn the truth of the injustice that has destroyed our family. 

Thank you, Bob, for becoming one of our family.  You are loved by all of us.

My wife and I will spending a very quiet Christmas without very many plans.  I have a number of upcoming things to do that will take up a lot of that time.  Two funerals for military veterans, three ceremonies to welcome home returning veterans from the war, etc., where my wife helps with the activities.  We had hoped this Christmas would have been one of joy because someone, somewhere had the "things" to step forward and help our son.  But, another year passes without much progress.  Hope is still there and we have not given up the fight.  If you can do anything, please help.  Write your congressman, your local newspaper, or do anything you can to direct public attention to this injustice.

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  To those who helped us this year, may God continue to bless you.

Here is the donate button if you wish to help Kelly and his family this Christmas.

November 30th -  Update

I hope everyone had a great and peaceful Thanksgiving.  Ours was quiet and we prayed for our son and his family.

Kelly is currently visiting his family, granted a 10 day leave by his P.O. to go to Colorado.  Thanks to those of you helped them financially make this possible.

I've had a long week of activity and am a little under the weather too.  As a board member for Operation Welcome Home I, along with our organization, welcomed home a troop from Iraq.  You can see slideshows at www.operationwelcomehomeveterans.org.   We also did a special surprise welcome home for his grandfather who fought in WWII.  It was very heartwarming.

Most of the week I've spent on the computer trying to meet the deadlines of my two veterans newspapers.  Today, I spent the major portion of my morning visiting a veterans homeless shelter for a story early next year.  It was totally sobering to see those who served this country in uniform sit in poverty without jobs, income, etc., etc.  To help them somewhat, I am building a computer tonight they can use to fill out resumes, search the net, etc., to find jobs which are scarce here in a very high unemployment area.  I listened to their stories and pretty much left there about as depressed as a person can be.  Tonight I attended a fundraiser for Operation Welcome Home and told them about what I had observed.  Many of the people there were fairly affluent and I hope some good will come to the shelters in our area.

We are still waiting on a possible news story on Kelly that would generate large media interest.  Unfortunately, one appears to be falling through.  I know who it is and I hope that person reads my rambling here.  According to Bob McCarty's website at www.threedaysinagust.com the reporter does not believe the story was "in her realm".  Does this mean someone's realm chooses to ignore  injustice that is destroying an entire family?  I could not live my life in that manner.  I just have no words to express here regarding my feelings about a "realm".  I do, however, have feelings for honor.  Honor to those who heroically served our country.  Honor to my fellow citizens.  Honor to myself.

So we wait for a final decision on that person's story and another one by a reporter.  Hopefully honor will prevail.

I'll close with an interesting story about something that happened to me two weeks ago.  It may seem farfetched but I swear to you that it is true and witnessed by others. 

As a Chaplain for our VFW Post  I perform funeral services for our military personnel and  I am careful to not use God's name in vain.  Kinda goes along with the job.  However, I did use it in one instance recently.

I was playing golf and I always walk the course rather than ride in a cart.  It is getting difficult because I have torn cartridges in my knee and have to play with a brace.  On this particular day it was hot here in Florida, very hot, and I had forgotten to bring my cooler usually strapped to my pull cart filled with cold beverages and water.  Then, I discovered the water jugs on the course had not been filled that morning.  So, as I hobbled along and dying of thirst in the sun I grumbled and grumbled.  Finally, about 2 and 1/2 hours into the round of walking the course, I turned to the two players driving alongside me in their cart and said, "God, I wish I had a cold beer".  Probably should not have done that but under the circumstances I was really suffering.

Well, I walked no more than another 100 feet and I saw a can laying on the edge of the fairway and I went to pick it up because I hate when people drop trash on our golf course.  Lo and behold it was an unopened can of beer.  I turned to the two guys and said, "Can you believe this?  I think God has sent me a beer!"  They responded, "Yeah but is it cold?"  And I replied, "Of course it is.  Do you think God would send me a warm beer?"

They asked whether I would drink it and I said that of course I would drink a beer sent in this fashion to me and I did so.  Of course, realistically I knew a player in front of us had probably dropped the beer from their cart.  But, you have to admit it was pretty ironic.

When we finished our round of golf and gathered in the clubhouse for the 19th hole festivities I looked for the owner of the beer so I could reimburse him.  The brand was a premium one, and we cheap people who play our league drink cheap beer.  As I asked around for ownership, one player said the new guy with us that day drank that particular brand of premium beer and pointed him out.  I approached him and asked if he had lost a beer.  He was unsure because he'd carried a cooler full on his cart, but I assumed it had to be him because of the brand and told him I would pay for it.  I did, then asked for his first name.

He replied, "Moses".

Absolute true story.  I know it must seem terrible to say it, but I believe in my heart that HE heard my discomfort and answered.

I only hope, for the ten thousandth time or more, that HE will answer our prayers and have someone with the enough fortitude and honor, somewhere in this country, step forward and write a story, or call someone, or do something to get attention to the injustice of my son and his family and begin and investigation.  

God I pray to you again.

November 11th -  Update

Bob McCarty's book on Kelly continues to draw interest.  Barely three weeks after it’s release, Three Days In August: A U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier’s Fight for Military Justice.  The Kindle version now ranks in the #9 position and the paperback in the #12 spot among Amazon.com’s best-selling new and future releases in the “law” category.  Reviews are extremely favorable and I hope it rises to #1.  Perhaps somewhere in this country a congressional leader will read it and have the guts to step forward and order and investigation.

I received some very nice comments from people around the world about Veterans Day and I think you so much for them.  Kelly also sent out an email to those who served and it said:

November 4th - Update

A busy week after Bob McCarty's book was released.  You can read excerpts and order it at www.threedaysinaugust.com.

I began a new task of emailing every talk show radio station and every major television station in the United States about Kelly's predicament.  I also emailed every leading talk show host in America.  I suggested they contact Bob McCarty for an interview to discuss his book and its' subject matter.  This project took many, many hours and emails.  I received only one response from an anchor in Omaha, Nebraska, who refused to help us.  I understand, however, from Bob McCarty's comments at www.threedaysinagust.com that he has been contacted by some stations.  Hopefully, some positive results will occur.  I ask that you send emails to some of the talk show personalities.  Perhaps an influx of messages would help generate some activity.  Thank you.

Kelly's wife has deployed to the field for one month.  Thankfully, her sister flew in to take care of the children. 

His wife finally was granted access to the rest of her OWN MONEY in her USAA accounts.  Thank you USAA for taking care of our soldiers.   Right.

I have received so many emails and comments lately from people who care and people who are upset at what has happened to our son and his family.  To each of you, thank you so much.  You cannot believe what it means to us to receive those supportive comments.

A busy week for me with the emails of course.  Also conducted two funeral services for veterans, sold poppies at Walmart for two days and attended some Operation Welcome Home functions as we prepare for an influx of troops returning from the war in Iraq.  And, an MRI says I have two torn cartilages in my knee.  Ah, the good life.

October 27th - Update

It was suggested I contact The Rutherford Institute, a non-profit conservative legal organization dedicated to the defense of civil, especially religious, liberties and human rights, and ask for their assistance with Kelly's situation.  I did so, providing details of what occurred, and they seemed to be quite interested.  After a few back and forth emails a strange question was posed.  I was asked for the specific  location of Kelly in Virginia and shortly thereafter I received an email stating in part, " Our legal staff has reviewed the information that you gave us, and unfortunately we will not be able to provide your son with any legal assistance. The Rutherford Institute is contacted by thousands of individuals each year who are in need of legal assistance. Because of our limited resources, we are only able to provide such assistance for a small percentage of these individuals."  I must assume they do not have any gas for travel but I was more than willing to buy them a couple tanks.  Hell, I'd even go get them.   I find it ironic their website's three leading headlines are about a 14 year old boy suspended for throwing a spit wad in school.  I guess their supposed defense is tailored to spit wad importance and not the innocence of an American citizen and soldier.

There is a video put on line by Bob McCarty regarding Kelly that you can view at http://bobmccarty.com/2011/10/26/a-soldiers-story-told-in-three-and-a-half-minutes/.

We received our copies of Kelly's book yesterday and they looked great.  I have the evening planned for reading.  You can order your copy at www.threedaysinaugust.com.

Last night at a local veteran's post we welcomed home a soldier just returning from his second tour in Iraq with a gift basket filled with goodies from local businesses, private citizens and veterans organizations.  We also honored his spouse for her dedication, support and service.  I was struck by the fact we should be doing this for Kelly, not fighting to save his life and that of his family.  The young soldier last night reminded me so much of Kelly and, though I have now done it many times as we honor every military person returning from the war that resides in our county, my welcome home speech was difficult to complete to say the least.  It gave me an added feeling of helplessness that I cannot do something, or get someone, to correct this injustice.  But, we will keep fighting and will not give up.

If you would like to see the website I write for our Operation Welcome Home program go to www.operationwelcomehomeveterans.org and the latest edition of one of my veterans newspapers was just posted at www.veteransgrapevine.com

Bob McCarty appeared on radio station KLPW All Talk Radio this morning and said it went very good.  Hopefully somebody out there will call someone in Congress and get us some help.  Meanwhile, we press onward.

October 23rd - Update

On October 27th at 9:15am Bob McCarty, author of Three Days In August, will be interviewed about Kelly on 1220 All talk Radio.  You can listen in at http://lightningstream.surfernetwork.com/Media/player/view/klpw_sl4.asp?StreamingServerName=nick11a&call=klpw.

It has been a busy week.  I had three funeral services to conduct for veterans and a local memorial dedication to attend.   I joined Bob McCarty on Common Sense Radio on the 20th at http://radio.securenetsystems.net/radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=DBSRADIO for a talk show discussion about Kelly and the new book.  On the 21st I again joined Bob on another show hosted by Andrea Shea King.  Kelly also joined the discussion.  You can listen to the rebroadcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/askshow/2011/10/22/the-andrea-shea-king-show.

I would like to thank the radio hosts and Bob McCarty for their support.  I would also like to thank the Band of Mothers and private individuals who have contacted me regarding Kelly's demise.  To those who have sent money to help his wife and children, thank you so much for caring.  To my neighbor who called in to one show, thank you for being our neighbor and friend.  We love you all.

So far, I've seen no result of our activity.  Hopefully, somewhere a congressman or someone with influence to one will realize Kelly's situation must be looked into.

You can donate securely below.  All funds will be sent to Kelly's wife to be used for child care, food, mortgage payments, and the like.  Thank you for helping them.

October 20th - Update

Note the date change for the radio interview of Bob McCarty and I.  It is the 21st at 9:15pm.  Link is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/askshow/2011/10/15/the-andrea-shea-king-show

I am sitting here waiting on another broadcast interview of Bob McCarty on Coalition Radio at http://radio.securenetsystems.net/radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=DBSRADIO. It is scheduled for 10am CST not EST as first reported.  Tune in if you can.

October 17th - Update

The adage "when it rains it pours" seems to be surfacing.  Today, my best friend of nearly 2 decades was found dead in his home.  He was a retired military veteran and suffered horribly from Agent Orange poisoning after service in Vietnam.  He volunteered for many, many years as the Quartermaster in our local VFW Post and always was stellar in his job.   I spent part of the day with a family member helping with funeral arrangements, financial situations, etc.  I will be doing the funeral service later in the week at Bushnell National Cemetery and it will be one of my more difficult ones to perform.  I'll miss you ol' buddy.   May God welcome you with open arms.

Number of things happening with Kelly too.  First of all, many thanks to the Angels from The Band of Mothers and some other organizations that are banding together to support Kelly's effort for truth and justice.  I was giving up hope that there were still people out there who cared and would step forward to help Kelly and his family.  Thanks to those Angels, I have received the first donations in a many months to help Kelly's family, who desperately need monetary support.  Thank you Angels!!!  I do not put names up here because I do not want you to be subject to scammers, but you know who you are.  God does too.  The money will be used by Kelly's wife to help with the bills, buy food for the children, pay daycare needed when she is on duty, etc.

If you would like to help please use the very secure Paypal button below.  In turn, I transfer the money to Kelly's wife checking account from mine.  It provides protection to her account by not having to give it out.   Again, too many scammers.  Paypal does charge a fee, but I pay it and there is no fee charge for you.

As mentioned previously, the E-book of Three Days in August has been issued.  You can order it by going to www.threedaysinaugust.com.  You can also order the upcoming paperback version from Amazon's Create Space website at https://www.createspace.com/3701913

You can read an interesting post and comments concerning Kelly at http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2793744/posts and at http://bigpeace.com/bmccarty/2011/10/17/green-beret-continues-fight-beyond-prison-walls/

On Oct 20th at 10am Bob will be interviewed about Kelly on Common Sense Talk Radio.  You can listen in at http://radio.securenetsystems.net/radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=DBSRADIO.

We have some upcoming media events with Bob McCarty of www.bobmccarty.com, who is author of Three Days in August.  on Oct 21st at 9pm he and I will be on the Andrea Shea King radio show.  You can listen in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/askshow/2011/10/15/the-andrea-shea-king-show.

On October 27th at 9:15am Bob will be interviewed about Kelly on 1220 All talk Radio.  You can listen in at http://lightningstream.surfernetwork.com/Media/player/view/klpw_sl4.asp?StreamingServerName=nick11a&call=klpw.

I would like to personally thank each of these media stars and their Station Managers for stepping forward and allowing us to speak about Kelly's injustice.  Of course, Bob, I thank you too.  Please tune in to the shows and call in with your comments. 

I am providing below an open letter from Kelly addressed to you:

Ladies and Gentlemen, 15 OCT 2011

It seems strange that I am finally addressing what is going on with my family, and in my life. Throughout this whole ordeal, I have tried to protect my friends and family from the stigma associated with my trial and conviction. I have in no way been disloyal to the Army or my Regiment. I have not been outspoken about the mishandlings of my trial. And I will not begin today.

I am writing now because a book is being published with detailed information regarding my case. While still in prison, a manifesto of the book was written. After my parole, I gave the author my first ever interview with strict guidelines that the official trial transcript be included so readers would be fully informed about the events that had transpired. I wanted the book to tell the whole truth. I have exposed my entire life in detail to allow the reader to make their own assessment

I am INNOCENT of the crimes for which I have been convicted and sentenced. I am guilty of betraying my wife and words can never express the sorrow I feel for what I have done to those that I love. I decidedly had a one night stand and thought getting caught would be the worst case scenario. At the time, I could never have imagined that the ripple effect from the stone I cast would touch so many people.

Throughout these past 2 years, the ripple hasn’t slowed. I am not referring to the loss of my career or my time spent in prison. Larger in scale are issues to include my parent’s daily struggles with finances and health during their golden years, my friends’ military careers being affected due to their support of me, and my children growing beyond what I ever knew of them. I yearn for the day that the ripple will stop negatively affecting those around me.

To date, my family and I have had a small group of reliable supporters; My mother, Father, Heidi, Spike, Credie, Darlene, Neil, Bob, Jim, Clay, Gerri, Feryat, Bojan and Michael. (There are more but they will remain anonymous per request.) Through it all, they have NEVER wavered. Many of these people have asked for your support in some form but until now, I personally have not; this was not because of my pride, it was because I was hopeless and lost. I have always prided myself on helping and giving to others and during this dark time, I have been fortunate enough to call certain people brothers, sisters and mothers, for the support they have given to my family. Unfortunately, there have also been many people making judgments based solely on hearsay and those who think ‘this is not directly affecting my life so why get involved?’ The book coming out will address the hearsay and I hope after reading it, you will see the injustices and be motivated to speak out against them.

I have remained quiet for a long time but today I am standing here before god and everyone acknowledging my faults, and making a promise to NEVER again betray my wife or bring shame upon our military or country. Today I ask for your help. I ask that you support this book. I ask and plead with you to stand by me in this fight. Every voice is more important than you will ever know. I have attached links below I hope each and everyone of you will do your best to support them. Either with sending it to our community, or to future supporters . Anything you do I am grateful beyond words.

I love our country. I love the Army. But mistakes have been made and not just by me. I hope what you read angers you. I hope it inspires you.

I hope the truth will finally set me free…

Sincerely,

Kelly A. Stewart
De Oppressor Liber

Again thanks to you who have stepped forward.  Please, please help us free this innocent soldier from injustice.  Help us return him to his wife and children without oppression.  Get the word out.  Contact your congressman, local news outlets and anyone else who can bring this travesty to light.  And, if you are able to do so, donate to help his family.  Thank you so much. 

Though I have more to write tonight, I must close.  Early tomorrow I have to conduct a military service funeral for a hero of WWII who served on board the Navy's Intrepid Aircraft Carrier, which is now a national landmark.  We are losing so many of our WWII people now and I ask one final thing.  When you are in a Walmart or Kmart or restaurant or any place where you see a veteran with a hat or shirt displaying the fact he or she is a war veteran, go up to them and thank them.  Thank them for providing us our freedoms.  They are heroes all.

October 16th - Update

Just a quick update.  I have been on this keyboard for 21 of the last 26 hours.

The e-book of Three Days in August is now available.  Go to the website www.threedaysinaugust.com to order a copy.  Paperback version is coming shortly.

I have "met" through email these past twenty something hours some great people who are coming on board to help us.  I'll post more stuff about them tomorrow after some rest but wanted to get some info out about the e-book.  As you read it, look for truth and facts.  Truth and facts.  It is a nasty scenario, very graphic, but I beg you to look at truth and facts.  And, most importantly, evidence.

Till tomorrow night.

October 14th - Update

And so it begins.  The next fight to save Kelly Stewart.  If you have not visited www.threedaysinaugust.com, I suggest you do so immediately.  I also suggest you prepare to buy the book on the 19th and learn about truth, justice and injustice.  Those of you who have contributed financially and morally in the past thank you.  I ask that you once again step forward and help us fight for the truth.  Those of you who have not done so, buy the book.  Learn the truth.  Learn the injustice.  Then, join forces to clear the atrocity from Kelly Stewart.

Things are coming, some may be enormous involving major news media personalities, as we begin the new war to free Kelly Stewart.  Then again, it may not.  I have been promised so much in the past by newspaper reporters and other media personnel, most of whom who have no guts to report the truth.  With the help of Bob McCarty, who has the guts, at www.bobmccarty.com and hopefully others with  power of pen, voice and media we will be successful.  Tune in here and www.threedaysinaugust.com for the latest updates.  THE BOOK ARRIVES THE 19th!!!

Now to a separate subject - USAA.  Known around the world as a financial guru in the military world.  Except in our family's world.  Kelly's wife informed me today that she STILL had not received her personal money from frozen checking and savings account after having all accounts, including insurances, cancelled because apparently Kelly does not meet their standards.  Standards that we cannot find published in contracts, websites or other written matter provided to us by USAA.  Who makes such a decision?  Only God can judge and I doubt he works at USAA.  Now a family suffers because of their action that I cannot explain no justify.  No money for the children.  No money for food.  No money for household expenses.  No money for gas to get to work.  No money for the babysitter so his wife could get to work.  But do they care???

After not getting any help, whatsoever, his wife finally was contact later today (ironically during a call when we were discussing her situation) and the USAA rep informed her they had "kindly" released 1/2 of her money.  Note it is HER  money.  Not THEIRS.  HERS!!!  Meanwhile she struggles with setting up new home insurance, car insurances, new banking accounts, changing allotments, etc., etc., etc.  You should be able to understand those difficulties.  Yet, does USAA care about an active duty soldier and her family?  A soldier who will deploy once again in a few months for a tour in Afghanistan while her children will be cared for by a sister because Kelly cannot live in Colorado?  Do their executive staff, composed of many retired senior military officers, actually care?  You decide.  I have decided and responded with the following email today (corrected for spelling and curse words:

That's it for now.  You decide.  And buy the book.  Then come fight with us.

October 9th - Update

Talked to Kelly's wife and older daughter today and they seem to be finally getting settled in at their new assignment in Colorado Springs.  Though his wife did not say anything, I could tell she was worried about their money starting next month.  This month was a little easier because she received her travel pay, according to her, but I would think you have to have travel bills to get money back.  So, no gain there.  Anything you can do to help her and the family would be appreciated.

USAA.  Some people know it is a insurance/banking company.  I have another adjective for them, but do not like to put profanity in my website.  Kelly and his family use USAA for banking, home insurance, car insurance, etc., and have done so for years.  Suddenly, they received a letter informing them all accounts were being closed because Kelly did not "meet their standards".  Realize, if you will, nowhere in their account paperwork or on the USAA website can I find any statement defining or spelling out "standards" for having accounts with the.  You can imagine the turmoil this placed his family in when not having access to bank accounts, no home insurance, no car insurance, having direct pay deposit, allotments, etc. using USAA accounts.

I found the email of the CEO of USAA and other high mucky muck managers in their company.   Actually I did not find it, as a programmer I figured they used common email accounts using their names separated by .'s (dots) which worked.   My email read:

Sir:

My son, Kelly A. Stewart, is a former military career soldier and his wife, Freija, is a current career military soldier. They have for some years now banked with USAA, used your automobile insurance and most recently home insurance. Other members of our family which are primarily retired military personnel also use USAA for various areas.

My son was convicted of a crime that we are appealing through the military justice system, one that was such a travesty a book is forthcoming from someone we've never met that will detail the entire event. Additionally, a major newspaper is currently preparing an article about this travesty of justice.

My son's wife recently returned from overseas and found a letter from USAA canceling all the aforementioned accounts because my son "does not meet your standards." This has caused considerable financial situations for his active duty wife and children.

I am a retired military person myself and current author of 2 veterans newspapers and webmaster for multiple veterans related websites.

You can be assured that USAA's lack of consideration and impact upon a suffering family will be duly noted through my media and my media's contacts. Soldiers and spouse organizations need to be aware of USAA's lack of "we're there for you" attitude and I will highly recommend they use other, more reputable and caring companies.

I sent that to josue.robles@usaa.com.  That is Josue Robles, President and CEO of USAA.  He is a retired Army Major General.   Also sent it to John Abizaid at john.abizaid@usaa.com who is on USAA's Board of Directors. He is the former Army Middle East Commander who President Bush "replaced" in 2007 and then he retired.  USAA then picked him up.  Nothing like getting "replaced" and being hired to an executive position to a company that uses mottos such as "We know what it is like to serve", "We will always be there" and "Cares for the community" .   Oh, really???????????

Ironically, about a month earlier than this fiasco faced by Kelly's family I was thinking of changing my automobile insurance companies to save some money and went online for quotes.  I received one from USAA, GEICO (my current one) and 21st Century Insurance.  Guess who was the highest and in fact about 20% higher than the lowest one???   Yeah, they care.

Anyway, in response to my emails I received an automated reply indicating they would get back to me.  A couple days later, indeed, I received a call from an assistant to the CEO, or somebody down in the cafeteria.  Couldn't really tell who it was to be honest.  I explained what they had done, the impact upon a family and how degrading it was to Kelly's active duty spouse.  Plus, we were in appeal stage of the conviction and they were jumping the gun.  Also, I pounded on the fact they have no printed "standards" that would allow them to take such action.

"We'll get back to you."  Time goes by and a couple days later I received a call informing me they would not discuss it with me because I do not have power of attorney for their accounts or to represent them in this matter.  I replied that I had power of the pen and internet with my websites and I WOULD ensure the world knows about their idiotic action.  Plus, with the forthcoming book possibly resulting in media contacting me, I would make DAMN sure (oops a curse word) the world learned about USAA's "standards.".

That was the end of our conversation and never heard from them again.  I understand they called Kelly who was obviously upset.  They said they would contact Freija to discuss the matter.  They never did so and who would expect these "caring folks" to do so.

Just another horrible action directed to my son's family.  I never knew I could hate people this bad.  Uncaring, inconsiderate and they are, in my opinion, wasting Earth's oxygen supply. 

Meanwhile, Freija is opening new accounts and trying to get their home insurance, car insurances, etc., squared away. 

Unbelievable.

I encourage you to send a "caring" email to the General's addresses above.  Send love for their caring.

All for now.  Going out to the window to scream, "I'm mad as hell......"

(Book coming the 19th.  Get your copy).

October 1st  Update

Kelly continues working for my brother in Virginia.  His family now resides in Colorado Springs at his wife's new assignment.  We have received notice from Bob McCarty at www.bobmccarty.com that his book "Three Days in August" about Kelly will be published on October 19th.  You can learn more details at his new website http://threedaysinaugust.com.   I can't thank Bob enough for what he is doing by stepping forward with this book.  Though he has never met Kelly or anyone in our family he has nearly become a family member from his support.  I hope that when the book is published (it will be on the shelves and downloadable as an E-book), you will purchase a copy to personally learn about the terrible facts of Kelly's injustice.   As soon as it is released I will post links to it here.

I've also been contacted by a renown reporter for a major newspaper about possibly doing a story on Kelly.  Though this has occurred in the past but they always seem to disappear without doing the story, I believe this gentleman is sincere and very interested in telling the truth about what has occurred.

Though it is difficult not to do so because we have experienced so much these past two years, I learned that some readers were upset because I commented here on specific health issues and other matters regarding myself and my wife.  When making those comments, I was only trying to show just how much pain and suffering had occurred throughout our family because of this injustice.  I have removed those comments and apologize if they offended anyone.   I have now posted things here for two years, covering many subjects, but the main purpose continues.  Freeing my son from the chains of military justice that failed.

We are still in limbo on our appeal to Washington.  A slow process in the military justice system that must be dealt with.

Will post more as it occurs.

September 9th - Update

Kelly returned to Virginia from Colorado after assisting his family in their move from Germany.  He is back to work for my brother.

We are reviewing the forthcoming book by Bob McCarty at www.bobmccarty.com about Kelly and I am anxiously awaiting its' publication and hope that someone will read it with some authority and step forward to help my son and his family.

September 1st - Update

A few things to report.

The Virginia probation office granted permission for Kelly to travel to Colorado to assist his family upon their return from Germany.  He is there now and will return around the 5th.  I know it is a tough time for them, particularly financially, and when he must go back to Virginia it will be really difficult to leave his wife and children until next August.

Bob McCarty and www.bobmccarty.com called today and informed me he was sending a draft of his 330 page book on Kelly.  Once Kelly has reviewed the draft, it will be off to print.  Hopefully, it will generate some public interest in this travesty of justice.  Hopefully, some of these clowns calling themselves military officers who have been in this decision process will find themselves facing the injustice of the military justice system.

More when I learn more.

July 20th - Update

Some bad news.  Kelly applied through the Probation Office to transfer to Colorado next month to be with his family, he was turned down.  It appears that the State of Colorado has a law preventing anyone on probation with the charges Kelly has to be transferred to their State when the person has not admitted guilt.  Kelly was truly upset, as he should be.  This would require him to remain in Virginia until his probation ends in August of 2012, or admit guilt to go next month.  Of course, he is torn apart by this.  I talked to him about it and he knows it would be idiotic to admit guilt to something he did not do.  Plus it would kill any chance of  having an appeal, which should occur sometime at the end of next year we hope.  Simply one more terrible thing to happen to his family.  I bought him a computer while up there last time and he is able to use Skype to see the family, but it is probably making it harder for him to see them and not be able to be there.

Kelly continues to work for my brother in Virginia and my brother's wife said he was a Godsend in helping with their business and things around the farm.  Kelly is a very hard worker and I am sure he has done some pretty remarkable things there.  We had intended to go up and visit but after having to contribute to his family needs and money needed by Kelly for some personal things, we cannot afford to do so.  Hopefully we will be able to get up there before winter sets in.

Bob McCarty is working on the book about Kelly and, in fact, left his huge website to do the work.  You can read about it at http://bobmccarty.com/2011/06/20/bob-mccarty-on-hiatus-to-finish-writing-book/.  He also wrote a nice article about Kelly and me at http://bobmccarty.com/2011/06/29/green-berets-dad-so-in-tune-with-the-military/.

All for now.  Will post more when we get more.  Again, Kelly needs financial support and if you can help please send it to the address in the posting below.  Thanks.

June 28th - Update

Kelly remains in Virginia residing at my brother's farm in our camper while employed there.  Doing good, but financially struggling because he is making little money and working less than full time.  I have been sending every penny we have in support of them, but it has not been enough.  We have been notified by Kelly's lawyer that paperwork must be filed by July 10th for his appeal.  Kelly is reviewing the 67 page brief before submission.

Kelly's wife is rotating to the U.S. very shortly and will be headed to Fort Carson.  We are working on particulars of getting them together there.  Simple things like auto shipment, pet shipment, air transport, etc., etc., are a major headache and everyone is working on the problems as best as possible.  Costs are going to be really, really high (in addition to the thousands needed to continue hiring the lawyer for his appeal).  Not much sleep on anyone's part right now and anything that anyone can do I ask you to send what you can directly to Kelly, or through the donate button below where I will transfer it to his bank account.  His address is:

Or:

As soon as we here anything further, it will be posted here.  I hope you who were and are friends of my son will step forward and help him and his family during this transition.  Thank you.

May 28th - Update

Have not updated much lately because not a lot to report.  Kelly continues to work hard at my brother's business, though not making much money.  He is anxiously awaiting the return of his family from their assignment in Europe.  Meanwhile, he met a young man who is an Operation Iraqi Freedom vet that works for my brother, too, and they have bonded and spend a lot of time together I understand.  A small river runs through my brother's farm and they have been canoeing, etc.  He seems comfortable as you can be living in our camper and did some much needed repairs on it for sitting so long.  I expect him to move whenever his family returns to their new U.S. assignment sometime in the next 90 days.

More when I have some news.

April 21st -  Update

It would be possible to end this running comment now that Kelly has been freed.  Freed, however, is a terrible misnomer for his situation as he struggles to regain some form of normal life.  On the horizon, too, is our chance to file for an appeal.  This probably will not occur for another 18 months or so.  Therefore, I will continue with the comments here and provide various statuses.

The book on Kelly authored by Bob McCarty at Bob McCarty.com is being reviewed by Kelly and his legal counsel.  Anticipate publication sometime this year.

Kelly is doing pretty good and seems to enjoy the job my brother has provided.  It is an interesting company and the only one at the moment in central Virginia providing high-speed internet service.  The business is expanding every day as customers are added.  Their website is at http://www.stewartcomputerservices.com/ should you be interested.

The camper seems to be fitting Kelly well, except for not having any tv or internet.  He and my brother are working on those problems and hopefully they will be rectified shortly.  He received his first paycheck, which wasn't much, and my brother's mother-in-law (one of the kindest people you could ever meet) drove him into the big city of Lynchburg to buy some clothes, shoes and other necessities.  He didn't have much money but sounded like he was happy just to be able to walk around stores again.

April 14th - Update

Kelly is doing ok, working some very long hours.  Yesterday they went to work at 8am and returned home about 9:30pm after installing antenna systems and doing repairs after recent storms.  i talked to my sister-in-law and she said he is doing ok, but really quiet as he adjusts to the new life.

I know some of you are emailing and supporting Kelly and I thank you.  I am trying to stay out of a lot of the personal things now and let him adapt and take charge of his life.  He is doing good, considering the circumstances, and his initiative without the previous structured life will prevail.

Below is a photo of Kelly and my brother taken at the top of a 110 foot tower they climbed to install an antenna.  No chute either!

April 12th - Update

A quick update.

Kelly is getting settled in at my brother's farm and has started his new job installing wireless internet antennas as my brother expands his business in Central Virginia.  Plus, he has been doing some much needed repairs around the farm.  We tried to make him as comfortable as possible and provided anything he needed to get going.  He is still without internet service and tv service at the farm but they are working on those problems and should have something in the near future.  We purchased him an Iphone with internet service and he is able to use it when not at the farm.  Signal strength at the farm is atrocious at best.

You can email him at kelly.stewart82@yahoo.com. 

We satisfied most of his initial needs before departing, including what little money we could afford.  Basically, he needs money to help with buying food and personal items.  Eventually, he must register and put insurance on the truck my brother gave him and must come up with the money for that.  Anything you can do to help him will be appreciated.  I don't have the address at the moment but will post it here when I get out of the hospital.  You can still donate through the Paypal button found further down on this page and I will get the money to him.  My brother will pay him a very small salary, probably only at a fast food scale, but it is better than nothing.  His business really was not ready to take on another employee, but my brother is a true, blue person who cares about others.  I'll never be able to thank him for what he is doing.

April 5th and 6th - Update

It has been an interesting few days.  Very busy ones as we crossed the country and now have finally arrived in Virginia after driving over 3700 miles.  I have heavily invested in the oil cartel.

We arrived Saturday in Virginia and my wife and I are staying in our camper, which will be turned over to Kelly when we leave.  My brother's 5th wheel was going to be used but needs some work to be completely habitable after sitting for 5 or 6 years unattended.  Hate to give up my camper but it will make a good place to live for Kelly during the transition.

Transition is a pretty good word to describe what Kelly is experiencing.  Simply going to Walmart is a challenge because he cannot find anything (I have the same problem but mine is senior years) and I have to be patient as he searches for things.  Angel Kathie sent some money and Kelly was able to buy some good work boots, weather gear, socks, etc., for the job with my brother.  He will be out in the elements quite a bit installing wifi internet antennas around central Virginia.  Lot of climbing.  Also will be doing work at my brother's farm.  I have put some photos below of it.

His transition also includes mental health.  He has been so regimented these past months in prison that he is now struggling to return to normal activity.  He spoke about it to me on several occaisions and I know he is trying to deal with it.  He said, as example, that when out in the public he thinks people are staring at him because he is a convicted offender.  It'll take a while to adjust.

We had to go to the county Sheriff's office where Kelly was interviewed, fingerprinted, etc., by a State Police Officer Supervisor.  It went pretty good after Kelly explained what had happened to be convicted.  The Officer told Kelly that he had never, ever, seen a conviction of this sort without some type of evidence. 

At the time I am writing this, I have been sitting in the truck for quite a while in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Kelly is in the courthouse meeting with his Parole Officer for the first time.  Hopefully, it will go well.  She has went to to my brother's business before we arrived and interviewed my brother and he believes it went well there.

We had done quite a bit of shopping because Kelly really had little to begin his new life.  I bought food for several weeks until he can get some pocket money working for my brother, though he will probably only be paid around a fast food level employment level of salary.  My brother cannot afford to pay a lot.  But, it is a job.  We bought him all kinds of clothes and personal items.  I also bought him a phone and set him up with unlimited calling so that he can talk to his family.  We are trying to set up internet at the camper so he can use Skype video and see the children.  My brother needs to install wifi internet antenna there after having his other one down.  Kelly is going to help him with that as soon as we get time.  Weather here has been atrocious and my brother is up to his butt in work because of wind damage.  Kelly does have an email and can respond from his phone.  It is kelly.stewart82@yahoo.com.  He received his laptop from this wife but it is damaged.  One of my brother's tech guys is trying to repair it.  If not, I built a desktop from old parts that he can use once the wifi antenna is put up.

We will be pulling out of here Thursday early.  I have a major problem with my house and need to get home.  Plus I am scheduled for a heart procedure next Tuesday.  Was truly under the weather yesterday and need to get home while I can still drive.

We have talked somewhat about his experience in prison but he really hasn't opened up yet.  I could tell the treatment by some of the guards was pretty bad and I find that to be damned unacceptable when you consider they are military personnel.  Ironically, his biggest concern those last couple weeks was a problem with other inmates.  I remember that last year one inmate was down to a couple weeks before being let go from a long sentence and he was killed with a ballbat during a softball game.  Knowing that, I was really worried the past few weeks.

Thanks to the 5 people who responded to my request to send him an email.

Kelly received a draft of the book being written by Bob McCarty of bobmccarty.com.  He is reviewing it, as is Kelly's legal counsel.

Kelly has begun to do some work at the farm.  Yesterday he helped my brother repair a bucket truck needed for the business and he did some work on my truck which is staggering.  A/C went out on this trip, ABS system has failed, etc.  We will limp in.  We had a good laugh last night talking about age of vehicles. 

Kelly and my brother will sit down and discuss his employment sometime today.  Don't know what he will be paid but I will be sending most of it plus trying to send some money to his family.  His wife has done phenomenal in paying bills.  Since Kelly's incarceration she paid off nearly $8000 in some bills; however, still a long way to go.  Some months I know she struggles towards end of the month to buy food.  That is when I try to direct transfer some money to her account.  I guess my golden years are going to be reduced to aluminum years :).

Weather is miserable.  It snowed on our trip northward and nearly every day as we moved from place to place.  Here in Virginia we had one nice day (yesterday) and now the temperature dropped 30 degrees and it is raining like the dickens.  Yesterday Kelly was able to mess around with the 2 horses belonging to my brother.  One is very high spirited and cannot be rode without extreme care even though they spent a fortune having a specialist come in and try to train it.  My sister-in-law who actually attends to the horses is afraid to even get on it.  As you can see by the photos below it really liked Kelly who jumped on it bareback after only about 20 minutes of talking to it.  It was the most relaxed I've seen Kelly in a long, long time.

Visit with Parole Officer went well and heading back to the farm. 

Enough for now.  My battery is dying on my laptop and I want to post this.  More later.

April 1st - Update

Free!

We picked up Kelly yesterday around 11am outside the Leavenworth Gate.  He looks pretty good but has lost a lot of weight, is extremely quiet and has serious dark circles around his eyes.

The last thing the government did prior to release was call him in and let him know he owed them $20,000 because he received a reenlistment bonus for 4 years and only completed 3 years.  They want it all back but hopefully he can get it prorated for the time he was in uniform.  Only more money.

He was taken in shackles to receive a new ID card with rank of E-1 on it.  He remains eligible while still in the appeal process which should happen sometime next year.  He will be off parole next August.  Hopefully there will be no problems that would violate the parole.  You never know.  One young man that served with him and one I had corresponded with (plus his mother) was paroled around November and a seemingly minor incident about 2 months later now finds him not only in jail for violation but possibly facing many more years of confinement.  It is not easy for these people once they get out.  I cannot imagine being brought out of that place and dumped on the street outside the gate without having family there for you.  But, I am sure it does happen a lot.  Plus the shock of reentering society is something that must be faced.  I watched Kelly closely as we headed to our current location in Kentucky and you could see him trying to identify with his surroundings after 18 months in a cell.  For example, after about 2 hours drive he had a splitting headache from the sunlight that he was not used to. 

I received a call from Bob McCarty at bobmccarty.com who is nearly finished with the book on Kelly and he had his first opportunity to speak directly to him.  He asked us to stop by on our way through St Louis but we could not do it due to time constraints.  I have to be sure Kelly is in Virginia within 72 hours or he will violate his probation, though we just found out that because it is a weekend we have until Monday morning for him to report into the Sheriff's office in Virginia.  I felt bad that we could not stop in and see Bob, but just wasn't enough time.  We are now in Kentucky at my brother's home and will pull out early tomorrow.  I will pull the camper that Kelly will be living in and my wife is driving with Kelly in the old truck my brother gave him.  We should with luck arrive in Virginia at my other brother's farm late Saturday night.

I gave Kelly money that the Angel Kathie sent and he was able to buy some needed personal items.  I took him to Walmart this morning to shop for clothes, socks, etc., and it was obvious he was lost.  Kinda like the kid in a candy store.  He only had box about 2x2 feet with his things in it when coming out of the hole.  Hardest part was convincing him to accept my money to buy whatever he needed because he is very, very reluctant to accept help and frequently states "thank you's and appreciations" for everything we are doing.  I told him I did not want to hear it anymore, as we are family and we take care of each other.  Afterwards we went to Cracker Barrel and he ate a huge breakfast alongside my brother and I.

We talked some about what had happened and I found some more details out that I will address here in a subsequent posting when I have time.  Simply unbelievable how he was screwed over and my anger is far too great to address it at the moment.

So, now, it is time to pack and move on.  2475 miles down and moving.  Will post something around Monday or Tuesday.

In the meantime, if possible, an email of encouragement would be nice if you have time.  He is pretty down in the dumps knowing the tough road ahead.  Email them to cornhusker69@yahoo.com.  T

March 27th - Update

A quick update.

We are in Nebraska at my daughter's home and will leave 4am Thursday morning for Leavenworth to pick up Kelly.  Fun trip up with problems with the old truck but we made it.  Every warning light that exists now flashing on the dash!  We are supposed to pick him up at the Park n Ride near the 7-11 where he will be dropped off my a grey van.  Sounds ominous and sad.

I talked with Kelly briefly today and for the last time at Leavenworth.   He is strangely sad these last few calls.  I believe the reality ha sat in about just how hard it will be for him in the future.  Especially still being separated from his family, though it will not be in a cell.  We discussed a wide range of problems and needs.  Telephone for example.  He has an old iphone that is broken and if I can get it repaired I will get him a wireless plan so he can call the family.  I built a computer from spare parts I had around the house and he will have a desktop that is usable for internet which he will need while working for my brother.  He was concerned about condition of the old truck my brother is giving him (179,000 miles) and I reassured him it would be ok for a while.  Didn't tell him my brother's wife tried to drive it this morning and the break line broke.  He is having it towed in tomorrow and repaired.

After picking up Kelly Thursday we go back to Kentucky to another brother's home where I deposited the camper before the 13 hour drive here.  Then, we will leave the next day for Virginia where Kelly will live and work with my other brother.  Kelly only has 72 hours to report in over there, or will violate probation.

We talked money and I tried to quiet his concerns.  Though I know my brother would be hard pressed to hire another employee at the moment, a fact I did not tell Kelly, I have set up a transfer capability from my checking account to my brother's business to pay as much of the salary as I can.  I am currently doing the same to send money to his family.  We did buy a few things for him today at good old Wally World so he could live in comfort in the camper.  It is a pretty nice camper for its' age and now that we have cancelled the summer vacation I have no use for it now. 

It was amazing how much gas cost coming up here.  My truck is a diesel and I think the cheapest price found was around $3.81.  We avoided campsite prices by living at Walmart parking lots on the way up.  So far we have been on the road for 1574 miles.  Gas Should be about $9.00 a gallon on the way home!  Thankfully, Kathie the Angel sent us some money to help with the gas.  She, Darlene, Heidi, and a few others have been our true Angels during this entire affair. 

Kelly's wife received orders for Fort Carson, Colorado and was very happy.  She has a strong support group there from their last joint assignment.  It still separates Kelly from them by a good distance and I hope somehow the situation can be rectified. 

We are still waiting on the book on Kelly authored by Bob McCarty of Bob McCarty.com.  The title of the book is now "Last Dance" and hopefully it will be out soon.  You can get status at http://bobmccarty.com/2010/12/22/wrongful-conviction-of-special-forces-soldier/#more-31046.  Perhaps by clicking on it and showing more people are interested it will help expedite the book and I ask you to go to his link.  Many times.   :)

All for now.  Will post something once I pick him up.

March 8th - Update

Sorry for delay in updates.  Things have been pretty busy.  Had a major forest fire at my home and nearly lost it.  Only because of some great firefighters did I keep it.  Gets kinda scary when helicopters with water buckets are hovering over your home.  Cleanup has been something else but pretty much back to normal, though some of my neighbors have some serious property issues. 

We will be leaving here on the 24th heading north to get Kelly, stopping in Nebraska to see my daughter and family.  We had planned a vacation in July and had, in fact, paid reservations at campgrounds but I had to call and get refunds to pay for our trip to Kelly.  So, we will try to plow through the snow after picking him up and heading over to Virginia to my brother's farm where Kelly will be working and living until we get things worked out.   We are stopping in Kentucky along the way to pick up an old used truck my other brother has donated, though I do not know how we will come up with the money for registration, license, insurance, etc.  But, God will guide us.

Kelly is is good spirits knowing the date fast approaches when he will get out of hell.  However, I do not think he has appreciated the fact yet what the next hell will be like.  We are doing everything we can to make it better, but some things we just cannot fix. 

We are still waiting on the next assignment for his family.  Hopefully something will come through shortly so that further plans can be made. 

My brother will be paying Kelly a small amount of hourly wage in addition to providing a 5th wheel to live in on his farm.  I intend to send money to help my brother with that salary because I know that he truly cannot afford another employee at the moment, but he is such a kind person and there is no way he would not step forward and help.