Sunday, December 26, 2010

Army Officer Convicted of Murder of Known Enemy In War Zone!?!

Posted by Bob McCarty Dec 26th 2010 at 12:59 pm in Justice/Legal, Soldiers

On July 31, 2008, Army Ranger 1st Lt. Michael Behenna was charged with the premeditated murder of Ali Mansur, a known Al-Qaeda agent operating near Albu Toma, an area north of Baghdad. Seven months later, the leader of the 18-member Delta Company, 5th platoon of the Army 101st Airborne Infantry Division was convicted of unpremeditated murder and sentenced to 25 years confinement at Fort Leavenworth. Though his sentence has been reduced to 15 years, Behenna remains behind bars for a killing that should have been deemed self-defense. Stories about Michael have been featured on this site several times. Today, I share the latest update from Michael’s parents, Scott and Vicki Behenna:



To the thousands of Michael Supporters,

God bless each of you. We have been in this fight together for the past two years and your encouragement and support has been the driving force behind all we have been able to accomplish. Last year, the Clemency Board gave Michael a reduction of 5 years off his 20 year sentence. On December 2nd we again pleaded Michael’s case before the Army Clemency Board. We pointed out to them that Michael’s sentence was 50% larger than the highest sentence given to any soldier convicted of unpremeditated murder in a combat zone. We also addressed Michael’s unblemished record in prison for the past two years, his many accomplishments while incarcerated, and his unblemished civilian record. We stressed that he was not a threat to anyone and offered many letters of reference including those from the Governor of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Attorney General, Law Enforcement Agency Heads, and all of the supporters who took the time to write letters of support for Michael. In addition, the entire Oklahoma Congressional Delegation offered their support for Michael’s clemency. We also had three letters of immediate employment for Michael upon his release. After our arguments to the Clemency Board, the Board had no additional uncompleted factors for Michael, and the Chairman of the Clemency Board stated that Michael had “turned the corner.” Unfortunately, on December 22nd, Michael was notified that all of our efforts fell on deaf ears and he was denied even ONE day of clemency by the Clemency Board and the Secretary of the Army John McHugh. We have no idea why they denied Michael’s clemency request and can only surmise that the Secretary of the Army desires Michael to spend a substantial amount of time in prison.

Michael’s Appeal Hearing before the Army Appeal Court took place on December 9th in Washington, DC and was well attended by Michael’s family and a courtroom full of supporters who drove many hours to attend the hearing. In the Appeal’s Hearing the Army seemed to be taking a new position on the facts of the case. During Michael’s trial in February 2009 the crux of the entire case revolved around whether Ali Mansur was sitting and executed or standing and reaching for Michael’s gun. The Army prosecutor’s theory was that Michael executed Mansur while Mansur sat on a rock in a culvert. Michael’s testimony was that he was questioning Mansur in the culvert when Mansur stood up and lunged for his weapon. The Army prosecutors claimed Michael’s testimony was “impossible” and “self-serving” despite all the forensic evidence supporting Michael’s version (including their own expert witness who they sent home rather than have testify.) During the appeal’s hearing the Army seemed to back away from its original theory stating that even if Mansur was standing and reaching for Michael’s weapon Michael would still be guilty of murder because he lost his right to defend himself by pointing a loaded gun at Mansur. Telling a soldier that they lost their right to defend themselves in a war zone….against a known terrorist… is just plain crazy talk by people who have never been in harm’s way. It reinforces the point made by a newly elected Congressman who said that soldiers have to watch their back against JAG officers even more than an enemy that is trying to kill them. But the most disappointing thing we learned at the hearing was that a decision on Michael’s appeal could take as long as 15 months.

I promise you as we have promised Michael: we will never cease fighting for Michael’s freedom no matter how high or how hard the climb. When we spoke to Michael this week he wanted us to wish each of you a blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; and to let you know his spirit is as strong as ever because of all YOUR support – for that, we Thank You!

We appreciate the many letters to Michael inspiring him to fight through this ordeal. We encourage you to continue to write to him with your kind words of support (his prison address can be found on the website, DefendMichael.com.) Also please continue to write to your Congressmen and Senators to ensure that they are aware of your feelings about our government treating its enemies better than we treat our bravest heroes.

Here are some articles by two writers who attended the Appellate Hearing:

DianaWest.net

NewsOK.com

Peace to you and your families,

Scott & Vicki Behenna

www.DefendMichael.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!


Instead of the American Dream, the Church Should be Living God's Dream

"...many of us are realizing that Jesus has different priorities. Instead of congratulating us on our self-fulfillment, he confronts us with our inability to accomplish anything of value apart from God. Instead of wanting us to be recognized by others, he beckons us to die to ourselves and seek above all the glory of God.
In my own faith family, the Church at Brook Hills, we have tried to get out from under the American Dream mindset and start living and serving differently."

Read this article about a church who is truly getting the vision for what the church should REALLY be about.

Thursday, December 23, 2010




Listen to Israel Wayne talk about Psalm 1 in regards to educating our children. All Christians parents should hear this and take it to heart. Go this blog and find more Scripture referring to educating our children. God has a plan we really must take it to heart and follow the wisdom that He has given to us in His Word.

Merry Christmas!




Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Letter From Jesus About Christmas

(Thank you, Patrice Lewis for sharing this letter on your blog.)

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just get along and love one another.

Now, having said that, let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a “holiday” tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks was. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember…

I love you.

- Jesus

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Thank You, Ralph

So, what do you think of my new blog banner?
I think it looks AWESOME!!!
I have my wonderful husband, Ralph to thank for it.
He is my creative computer guy.

Congress Overturns Military Ban of Gays Serving Openly

Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people."

WASHINGTON -- In a landmark vote, the Senate on Saturday ended the Clinton-era ban on gays serving openly in the military, marking a major triumph for President Obama, liberals and the gay community.

The final vote to end the Pentagon's 1993 "don't ask, don't tell" policy was 65-31, drawing support from eight Republicans.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/12/17/senate-faces-historic-vote-military-gay-ban/#ixzz18WphiKRl

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Women in Combat...it is finally here!

"The civil law, as well as nature herself, has always recognized a wide difference in the respective spheres and destinies of man and woman. Man is, or should be, woman’s protector and defender. (Bradwell v. Illinois, U.S. Supreme Court, 1873)
The Air Force Times, in reporting on the story, explained:
The Defense Department should eliminate restrictions on women serving in combat units and end all ‘gender restrictive policies,’ according to a blue-ribbon panel created by Congress. The move would end the military’s long tradition of all-male combat units and open up career fields like infantry and armor to ‘qualified women.’ . . .

What is being proposed by the Military Leadership Diversity Commission is reprehensible to God’s moral order. It is horrendous, and it must be opposed."

To read this entire article by Doug Phillips, go to Vision Forum.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Do You Desire To Adopt a Baby?


"Interested in adopting a baby? Frustrated with the adoption system, Tammi went to the local abortion clinic on LATE abortion day. She introduced herself to all aborting moms; and offered to adopt their babies. The very first time she went, God gave her a baby! She was holding her son Kyle in her arms at home two months later. Why don't you try it? (I received this suggestion from my friends the Seppi's)

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Ear Trainers

When do you think you should start training your children to listen? When should they start hearing about God? When should they be a part of family devotions? You might be surprised at what Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies has to say about this. It is a marvelous article. Here is an excerpt from it
"We must train our children to hear and obey us so they can hear and obey the Word of God. We must train our children not just to hear words, but to get into the habit of listening with their heart and inner ears.

Not only do we train them to have obedient and prompt ears, but we train them how to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks through the hearing of the Word of God. Timothy came to faith by listening to the Scriptures as a child. 2 Timothy 3:15 says, "From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." We don't wait until our children are older to read them the Word of God. We start from when they are babies. The little babe nursing at the breast can hear the God's words at Family Devotions every evening and morning. The little toddler rocking on his mother's or father's knee at Family Devotions is being prepared for salvation as he listens to living words of God."

To read the article in its entirety go to Above Rubies.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Glorying In Our Shame

"Things that used to be shameful are now glorious. Pick something that would have been shocking during Laura Ingalls Wilder's day and see how tame and commonplace, even lauded, it is now. Out of wedlock births? Abortion? An entitlement mentality? A victimhood status? Foul language? Serial marriage? You name it and we're glorifying it. No longer are these "lifestyle choices" something to be embarrassed about. Instead, they are actively embraced and celebrated. Wheee."
Read this entire awesome article by Patrice Lewis over at WND.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Ten Things to Do on Christmas Morning: When all the Gifts are for Him

by Ann Voskamp on December 3, 2010 in Christmas Change

So for over ten years now, we have nothing under the Christmas tree here, and I tell that crazy story and people have to ask and it’s a good question:
So if you don’t exchange gifts, what do you do then on Christmas morning?


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To read this entire article go to ChristmasChange.com