WEST HAS FAILED TO SUPPORT “ONE OF HIS OWN”
Dear Editor:
The following letter was sent to Rep. Allen West, freshman member of the House of Representatives from Florida’s 22nd District:
May 15, 2011
Honorable Allen B. West
[addresses redacted]
Sir,
I want to congratulate you on the introduction of H.R. 1246 that passed 393 to 0 cutting unnecessary spending in the military. That is the kind of action everyone should expect from their elected officials. Many are now, and have been, encouraging you to become a candidate for President and you certainly would be an answer to many prayers including my own.
I am sorry I have to express my disappointment in the efforts you have made so far regarding one of your own, Lt. Col. Terry Lakin. Today I read a disturbing article that he was escorted by two military police and a higher ranking officer through the Reagan airport lobby, in full public view on his way to prison at Fort Leavenworth after being convicted in a sham Court-Martial where he was not given the right to defend himself. I guess it wasn’t enough to eliminate his career, stripping him of his rank and all military benefits, but the Army chose to publically embarrass him as well. Can anyone with a half once of intelligence believe a decorated officer who honored his oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States would be considered a flight risk or a danger to society? His oath meant more to him than his career and freedom and he exhibited the integrity lacking in those who took the same oath.
The Army still has not prosecuted Major Hassan, the Ft. Hood killer. Can you tell me how they can persecute a decorated officer for asking that his Commander in Chief verify his questionable legal right to be his commander (you know that following ILLEGAL orders is no defense as proved at the Nuremberg Trials); and not conclude the issue of a Muslim Terrorist in their ranks? One ignored by the Army who subsequently slaughtered many innocent soldiers. Where are the Courts-Martial for the responsible commanders? Why does the Army not prosecute those officers who should have known? Does it sound like the Military is playing fast and loose with the rights of our soldiers? You have now been given, by the voters of your District, the position few ever get; a position where you can fight for the rights of those not given their rights under the Constitution, even those who seem to have no rights, except as afforded in the UCMJ, those in the military. You sir, were afforded the opportunity to pay a $5000 fine and retire with full benefits when you used questionable tactics your superiors did not agree with. You know what an Article 32 investigation entails and the resultant Article 15 you were given instead of Court Martial. Why have you not asked the Pentagon for explanations? Is it because you may have been being groomed for the General Staff having attended the war college? That is, until you fired your weapon near that sorry Iraqi police officer’s head that was killing your men, so much for the backing of your superiors.
In your bio it is said that you are the son of a WWII Army veteran, the brother of a Vietnam Marine veteran, the uncle of a current Army combat veteran, and as a 22 year combat veteran of the United States Army, where you say “I will always keep my fellow brothers and sisters in arms in mind each and every day I serve on Capitol Hill”, and “…the commitment to protect the people of the United States is still my mission.” Is it still your mission to protect those like LTC Lakin, railroaded by the Army, or was that campaign rhetoric?
You recently honored Frank Buckles, the last living WWI veteran who died at 110 years of age. My father, had he lived such a long life would have been 113, served in France during WWI, and one of my Uncles served in the Marine Corps during WWII retiring as Sergeant Major. I am also a former Marine and served about the time you were born (FYI: was on the USS Enterprise, 1st Marine Squadron to do so, at the same time as John McCain during the Cuban Crisis). I noticed that you spent some time, about 3 years, with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune. You of all Army officers, active or former, know the Marines spirit-de-corps. I pray you are able to demonstrate it by challenging those you now have the responsibility to hold accountable as a member of the very important Armed Services Committee. I pray this letter is one of many you will receive requesting action in this matter. The conviction of LTC Terry Lakin must be overturned and those who abused their position of authority prosecuted.
Should you decide to run for national office and you demonstrate the duty you now hold of protecting those abused by the military whether they are your constituent or not I will be pleased to support you in that effort.
Semper Fi
Lloyd Carter
Sent: via Fax to all addresses above to circumvent the security delays of the USPS in hopes that it meets with your eyes. This is also copied to the editor of the Post and Email, Sharon Rondeau at http://www.thepostemail.com who has documentation concerning Lt. Col. Terry Lakin.
© 2011, The Post & Email.
http://www.thepostemail.com/2011/05/22/why-has-rep-allen-west-been-silent-about-lt-col-terry-lakin/
∆∆
| 
