sad wrote on Oct 20, 2006 2:44 PM:We send these guys over to a country where they're not welcome and have a huge chance of death, and we wonder why they commit crimes? The PTSD from Iraq is immense. I support our troops, but get them out of there!

The brother of P8 Marine Pennington wrote on Oct 20, 2006 2:54 PM:It's a sad day when a Marine turns on his fellow Marines. I read blog after blog from one of the fathers of the P8 about having a code of honor, being strong, standing by your brothers. I guess that was just empty talk. My brother did nothing wrong, and as abysmal as the conditions are that he has been placed in, he won't got weak-kneed just because the fight's hard. He will fight this to the end. My brother will fight for the truth and not the easy way out.

To Rob's Brother wrote on Oct 20, 2006 3:54 PM:Our thoughts and prayers are with the guys in the brig as well as all your families. We’ll be out at Camp Pendleton Saturday as usual to show our support for the P8 and all the Marines. Keep the faith!

bvv wrote on Oct 20, 2006 4:01 PM:To judge these houng men as if they were just a bunch of joy-ridding guys out on the town is beyond bad. I was just listening to an interview with a Congressional Medal of Honor recipent for the battle at Iwo Jima. In response to a question about the difference between the kind of battle they had then and what our Marines face today in Iraq ... he said there was no comparison. Today's Marine has it far worse because they don't know who the enemy is by sight, and will be held to a law-enforcement standard. This is on a par with what has happened to the two BP agents who shot a drug smuggler and didn't file a report. They faced 20 years and ONLY got 11 years for failing to report the incident.

John1 -to Brother of ... wrote on Oct 20, 2006 4:34 PM:It is ok, Brandon. You have to cast aside a weapon no longer useful. My son has done what he thought best for him. John1- Proud Dad of PFC John

Semper Fi wrote on Oct 20, 2006 7:08 PM:CNN ran a video yesterday of a enemy sniper killing one of our own Marines. Where is the outrage towards CNN and the enemy sniper? The outrage from the few anti-American, anti-troops people is deafening. The P.C. police got our guys to break...it says alot that they made it six months before the two would admit to the prosecutions story of what happened. Time and coercion will do wonders. War is ... and the Fog of War is a reality, our guys are doing their jobs and they deserve better than this.

Jon B. wrote on Oct 20, 2006 7:17 PM:Any Marine who compares Iraq to Iwo Jima is dishonoring sacred ground. Executing a prisoner is murder. Fighting a bloddy battle for a small island is completely different. No Marine would compare the two. I say BVV is jerking our chains by saying Iraq is worse than Iwo Jima. The number of protesters has dwindled ...

Another one sells his soul wrote on Oct 20, 2006 8:02 PM:This selfish act of self preservation is nothing less shameful. These two young men will have to live with these decisions for the rest of their prideless lives. The only thing worse than this situation becoming public knowledge, is how some slump their shoulders and point to the same people that would have risked their own lives to protect them in battle. I would love to witness how you monday morning quarterbacks would react in the situation. This enemy is not in uniform, can you identify them? These are the same people that smile and wave to you while knowing that you're driving into an ambush, I.E.D., etc. We ALL owe our boys a debt of gratitude, not a one way trip to the brig. H-O-N-O-R, the rats can't spell it, so I'm doing it for them

USMCDad wrote on Oct 20, 2006 8:18 PM:I feel sorry for this young man who found himself in a very difficult situation for a 19 yr old. I honor him for his courage now to do what he thinks is the right thing. Too bad the political "leaders" won't be held accountable for the grief they have caused so many people with their obstinate refusal to do the right thing. Semper Fi to PFC Jodka and his family.

umm... John B. wrote on Oct 20, 2006 8:22 PM:Iwo Jima sacred...then I guess you can call all them murders too... As I saw on the History channel last night. They SHOT every Japanese prisoner they took.

Seeking Truth wrote on Oct 20, 2006 8:36 PM: It is a sad day when those of us who seek justice for the murders of Iraqi civilians get called anti-American. Semper Fi is just angry that his little bubble of "Marines can do no wrong" has been popped. I'm not going to speculate on who's lying and who's telling the truth and what went down that night because I wasn't there. But to criticize the process and those who seek the truth is disgraceful and truly anti-American. For the few who commit such heinous crimes, the troops there are paying for it with increased hostility. The least we can do for the men and women stuck there is show the Iraqi people that we have a moral code to uphold while occupying their country.

John1 to Jon B wrote on Oct 20, 2006 8:43 PM:Perhaps the better question for BVV is what program was the Medal of Honor winner on? Since the veteran said it, let's all get a copy and watch.

JJ to John-1 wrote on Oct 20, 2006 9:16 PM:Best wishes from one military family to another. Please let your son know that this family understands his situation. Hold your head high PFC Jodka.

John1 to Another wrote on Oct 20, 2006 10:21 PM:My son did not sell his soul. He stood up like the Marine he is and made a decision. That decision was neither selfish nor prideless. He has more pride, and has braved greater danger than you and I ever will, sir.

John1 to JJ and USMCDad wrote on Oct 20, 2006 10:22 PM:Thanks for your kind wishes. We'll need all the positive thoughts we can get. Now it's the toughest time of all.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:10 AM:I read remarks made years ago by a Marine commander to young Marines 'about' Marines. Two phrases stand out to me today: 1."He or she will do damn near anything asked, under terrible conditions, with better results and fewer complaints than any civilized human being should have reason to expect." 2."That they will overcome any threat. If allowed to do so.".....The only thing he forgot to tell these young Marines was that when they needed their mentors, their leaders most, they wouldn't be there for them. And that the threat to overcome might come from their own leaders, who would not even 'allow' them the ability to try and overcome the threat. I am proud of John1, Proud Dad of Pfc. John. He has been through Hell, along with all of the 'accused' and their families. He's responded with dignity to posts from not just the good, but also the bad and a 'few' of the ugly. Everyone has choices to make in life. I have supported him and his son from the beginning and will do so to the end.

Phil wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:36 AM:Combat is a terrible thing to be in for anyone; but especially a kids from a loving families and a safe environments that we toss into that no win meat grinder. Why is this event called wrong, and many of the events in my war Vietnam not called wrong, or my Dad's war WW2 and Korea not called wrong . . . political correctness. In my Dad's day, nothing would have been said. In my day, they would have likely not been found out. My heart and prayers go out to all of the P8 Marines and their families. Semper Fi

Kathie from Seattle wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:38 AM:What a sad time for our military. My heart goes out to the individuals being tried and to their families. I wish our politicians would quit playing games in which our military personnel are being used as pawns. I cannot judge a situation which I did not witness. Instinct, adrenaline or fear may have led me to take the same actions as these courageous individuals. Let's not be so quick to judge. Our prayers our with you.

23yrsold vet wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:39 AM:this individual sold him and the rest of his squad out to save himself. I have been on the front lines at 19, a young LCPL, I have never, and never would say anything that could implicate anyone that I served with. As far as I see it, this young man got scared and thought of himself. Everyone new the doc was going to flip, thats just how they are. They want to tell everyone they are with the Marines, but don't want to live by the same standards. There are a couple very important things taught to recruits and instilled into a Marine they are called DISCIPLINE and BAREING.

to john1 wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:24 AM:I have been out at the gate every Saturday in support of your him and the others. I hope you and your son have think live with what you have just done to his fellow marines in the brig. Is he strong enough for that,when he watches them go to prison the rest of their life.While he walks free. If one goes they all should go.I hope when his deal is done he gets out of the marines because his fellow marines will have NOTHING to do with him as they see him as weak.This is a very sad day for the marines.

WO RET wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:24 AM:After reading a lot of the articles and these comments on line, it came to me. People out there are trying to defend the actions of the Marines and Sailor and saying it is wrong to try these guys for murder. The Marine motto is Semper Fi, correct? Is that to just the platoon or to the whole Marine Corp and Nation as a whole? If there is real honor, then they are not "rats" as one puts it. They are actually holding up to the code.

Harry wrote on Oct 21, 2006 8:08 AM:John1, I want you to know that altho we are frequently on the opposite side of the discussion, I admire your steadfast support for your son. As a father, I can relate. I wish you and yours Peace.

to Seeking wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:02 AM:Unfortunately, none of us will ever really know what happened. Only a one-sided version of events. Don't forget that this happened in the Sunni Triangle, the hottest area of Iraq, full of terrorists and enemies to American troops. It is oversimplifying to say everyone there is an enemy, but it is just as ignorant to say the area is full of innocent people. The current rules of engagement (report every bullet shot and don't shoot if you have any doubts that someone in the area MAY be a civilian) are impossible to keep. This is war. Unfortunately, civilians will be casualties. Until our warriors are given permission to fight and not just be police, we will continue to see more and more of our soldiers come home in boxes because of second guessing and fear of making a mistake...and ending up with a Court Martial. Of course the same people who put our troops at risk will be the first to complain about how many American losses we have!

They sure didn't teach spelling wrote on Oct 21, 2006 11:21 AM:"DISCIPLINE and BAREING"? Unfortunately the second thing instilled into Marines isn't in the dictionary. I assume you meant "bearing".

sad, too wrote on Oct 21, 2006 11:51 AM:"sad" said it all. nothing else needs to be said. i didn't even bother to read the rest of the comments.

23yrsold vet wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:44 PM:Ok, so you have never mispelled a word before, yea right. At least I've never turned against my friends.

Better Late Than Never wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:45 PM:I have to assume this young man would not plead guilty if he was in fact innocent. I think he is trying to do the right thing. Unfortunately his attorneys et al were very loud and public shouting his innocence to anyone who would print it for the past four months, which only makes them look ridiculous in light of a guilty plea. But that shouldn't reflect on this young man and his attempt to finally do the right thing - isn't that what honor is about?

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Oct 21, 2006 12:48 PM:To...the one who calls him or her self "They sure didn't teach spelling.... Your remark regarding the Marines is petty and out of line. If I had a dollar for every person who comments and mis-spells words on these blogs , including myself, I'd be wealthy by now. I've always been good at spelling, but have noticed after going back and reading some of my comments that I hit a wrong key; either because I was tired or in a hurry. I noticed the 'bareing' word. So cottonpickin what??? Gads...if I had a dollar for every time I've heard media 'professionals' phrase sentences using incorrect grammar, I'd 'really' be wealthy. Admit it. You just hate or are envious of Marines. If you were in the military your rank would be "PETTY" officer. How lo cn wun be to hav to hav nuthin more to offer than critacizm of a Marine's spelllling!!!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Oct 21, 2006 1:09 PM:To ..They sure didn't teach....I just remembered something. I'm married to a guy who can put most people to shame when it comes to an argument or anything technical. When I met him he didn't have a nickel and his English sucked. He wanted to work in a field where he would deal with people who were financially successful. I told him he should work on some of his wording because no matter how intelligent you are, you can give the opposite 'impression'to those who meet you for the first time. Today he has passed right on by me. I now ask him for advice on writing articles. The cute thing is that every now and then he'll call me from work and ask how to spell a word. If I'm not sure, I head for the dictionary. Bottom line...Mis-spelling a word or two has nothing to do with what the Marine Corps 'instills' into Marines. I think Discipline, Integrity, Courage, Honor, Bravery, Valor, Pride, Strength...I could go on. OH...BAREING!!He may not have spelled it correctly but I "know" he has it. It comes from within. NOT from the dictionary.

Rumblfish wrote on Oct 21, 2006 1:39 PM:Would these guys be up on murder charges if Saddam Hussein and his bloodthirsty regime had not slaughtered tens of thousands of his own countrymen and Osama bin Laden and his death squads had not killed thousands in the Twin Tower massacre? NO. If you want to hang someone, hang Saddam! I have no doubt that Saddam Hussein, who continues to order hits on lawyers and government officials from inside his jail cell, has been treated better than these once-idealistic young American men who went over there to liberate Iraq from this tyrant and bring democracy to the Middle East.

a crime is a crime wrote on Oct 21, 2006 3:32 PM:Whether in Iraq or the USA. A crime is a crime. Whats sad is our young military boys are getting caught up in all this. Code of Honor to go or not to go. Code of honor to snitch or not to snitch. I dont get it. BACOS will always be known as the SNITCH while he remains in the service. I am sure even his superiors will give him hell for his action. You son did not sell his soul. He stood up like the Marine he is and made a decision .

TO JOHN wrote on Oct 21, 2006 4:26 PM:I have read all these articles and you are exactly right. If one goes they all should go. No deals.

Rumblfish wrote on Oct 21, 2006 4:26 PM:Whether these men are found guilty or not guilty, it is extremely difficult to stomach reports of Saddam Hussein's courtroom circus while these American servicemen are imprisoned for actions that may or may not have happened while liberating Iraq from this brutal dictator. By comparison to the alleged killing of one Iraqi man, Saddam stands accused of murdering tens of thousands of people with chemical weapons. While Saddam continues to whine about his treatment in custody, many key people involved in his trial continue to disappear. Where is the justice?

I dont understand this wrote on Oct 21, 2006 5:45 PM:So basically, it's OK to kill and rape unarmed civilians because it's war? I've never been in a war, although I did serve in the military. And if one speaks out, he or she is a sellout and weak? My councious wouldn't let me rest had I done something like this. I don't thinks its PC either, when you got soldiers reporting this type of incidents. Unfortunatley, this happens in war and it will never go away. All I want to know is why did they do this? Get the troops out of Iraq, it's another vietnam and we can't win this type of war.

Harry wrote on Oct 21, 2006 7:10 PM:If the confessions are the truth, then the honorable thing for all to do is to admit one's guilt and accept punishment. I happen to believe, along with some others, that the situation these men found themselves in, contributed to the events and should mitigate some of the responsibility; however, it doesn't absolve them. I also believe the war in Iraq has been lost since the time GWB declared the end of major combat under the "Mission Accomplished" banner. "Stay the Course" is a tragic response that compounds the errors.

American cowards! wrote on Oct 21, 2006 8:17 PM:That is what we are. We don't want to fight the enemy. We want everything but do not want to work for it! We want to send Marines to war and then we judge the nasty way they have to take care of business over there! Especially when most American are cowards and hate the government that provided everything fro them! Weak Americans!

To: I don't understand...duh! wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:05 PM:You sure don't understand!! There was no rape in this case. It was on (so-called-innocent) man. To the rest of you...NOTHING in this case has been RIGHT or FAIR. Do you really think that if they all hold-out, as you call it...that all of a sudden it is going to be fair. Geeezz...wake up!

TP wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:08 PM:To Harry: The fact that the murder charge will be dropped in exchange for a guilty plea to lesser crimes does mitigate some of the responsibilty, while not absolving them. And to Rumblefish, Saddam Hussein was captured two years before this Marine went to Iraq, so if that was goal why are we still there? The U.S. invaded Iraq to create another military presence in the oil-rich Middle East (the first opportunity came with BushI and the Gulf War.) The country was sold a LIE that this unprovoked invasion was about WMD. The cost has been monumental in lives, injuries, families, and dollars.

Max wrote on Oct 21, 2006 9:27 PM:Armed forces are not decision-makers, they take orders and in following them to the letter (within the bounds of UCMJ of course), do their jobs. This does not include rape, kidnapping and murder. I draw a progressively hazy distinction between troops and the current administration's politics, however, troops guilty of heinous crimes should be freaking tortured (figuratively). Military service does not excuse ANYTHING. Neither does war. War is no longer a suitable excuse for "flipping out" or "snapping" because service is entirely voluntary. 'Nam was quite different: teens forced to join, train then serve tours in Hell, basically, until they were dead or disabled. Never understanding what they were being dragged into. ...And yes, I'm a veteran.

John1 to Harry wrote on Oct 22, 2006 9:06 PM:Thanks, Harry. My son's attorneys don't want me to blog much. But I wanted to thank you.

Bill2 wrote on Oct 22, 2006 9:13 PM:As long as we have an administration with a war mentality we will have incidences of things like this. When we waged a Nintendo war and blew the hell out of things from hundreds of miles away we had no problems. Unfortunately, after we blow them into submission we have a situation where we must now put troops on the ground in the midst of a population who are now after revenge. We can no longer use our weapons of long-range mass destruction because our troops are in ground zero. The enemy that we have created knows this and will use it to their advantage. Military Intelligence is an oxymoron. I did not serve in Vietnam - my service was during the shooting phase of Korea - Army.

Bill2 wrote on Oct 23, 2006 12:27 PM:As long as we have an administration with a war mentality we will have incidences of unfortunate things like this. When we waged a Nintendo war and blew the hell out of things from hundreds of miles away we had no problems. Unfortunately, after we blow them into submission we have a situation where we must now put troops on the ground in the midst of a population who are now after revenge. We can no longer use our weapons of long-range mass destruction because our troops are now in ground zero. The enemy that we have created knows this and will use it to their advantage. Military Intelligence is an oxymoron. Incidentally, did anyone notice that we seem to have more generals in Iraq than we had in all theatres - Europe and Asia combined - in WWII? I did not serve in Vietnam - my service was during the shooting phase of Korea - Army.

Roach wrote on Oct 23, 2006 1:48 PM:I don't understand the argument that Jodka or Bacos are "rats" for testifying in this case. If they are telling the truth, then they're only doing the right thing. It's not wrong to testify truthfully against criminal co-conspirators, whether they're in your unit or not. If this were true, then the co-conspirators of ... Stephen Green shouldn't testify either. As for the deal, well it's a deal. There is an exchange. Why should the government give the same deal terms to people that are prolonging this process and refusing to admit their guilt. The government gets something useful in a deal, and it has to give something in return. This is the way it works; how do you folks who say they should all get the same sentence propose that a plea deal ever gos forward? If you had your way then Jodka and Bacos maybe should get 20 years like Hutchins and the rest of the squad will get. That said, the deal is remarkably generous in this case, which does suggest that maybe the government's case is not as strong as the statements and other publicly aired evidence would suggest. Or it might mean the senior guys pressured and cajoled the younger guys into do something they did not want to do and resisted to some extent, though not enough to completely be devoid of criminal responsibility.

To John1 wrote on Oct 23, 2006 2:02 PM:Thanks for acknowledging my sincere best wishes; now do as the counselor tells you... and be well! Peace, Harry

Support4 wrote on Oct 23, 2006 3:00 PM:I agree the term "rat" only implies they (the rest of the 6) are guilty, and hiding something. I know what they say about the Marine brotherhood, but Jodka has been let down by it. It is the Marine Corps he is fighting, isn't it? He needs to do what he can live with, I believe each man will do what they believe they need to do. The Marine Corps taught them to be true to themselves and the code. We can all say what we would have done, but it is not real life. At 20 years old, I was a clueless college student, the worst thing that I faced at the time was pledge night. Now I am "married" to the military, have children and realize things are not always so black and white. We all hope we would do the honorable thing, but to each of us honor wears a different face. Godbless you Mr. Jodka I know this had to be a grueling decision.

ron g wrote on Oct 23, 2006 10:23 PM:i think that these guys are heroes they were over there sacrifices there lives for us and we should honor them not punish them our marines sailors soldiers airmen are being treated unjust by the iraqi people but are they on trial by the govt of iraq no bring our troops home and lets honor these men and women

Just a thought... wrote on Oct 25, 2006 10:32 AM:It's nice to see so many supporters out there for these kids. But for the nay-sayers, how hard is it to wrap your head around the details of this case and not run away screaming? A kid is mentally broken down in boot camp and brought back up as a team member,to protect his country, to follow orders, to kill the enemy, and lastly to protect oneself. Can any of you sit quietly for five minutes and put yourself in his boots? Think about his choice between life in prison for following orders or telling the truth and going to prison for a shorter time...for following orders...where are the officers that gave these orders now? Can't find them huh? Imagine that...Can't wait to read PFC Jodka's book...

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Oct 25, 2006 1:38 PM:To John1: I saw two quotes on a site. One by Senator Sam J. Ervin: "I can think of no more fitting expression of this country's appreciation for the sacrifices of our young servicemen than to grant them the same rights they are defending."...The other by Abraham Lincoln: "The way to have good soldiers is to treat them rightly...A private soldier has as much right to justice as a major general." Pity how times have changed. Still with you and all of the others. Take care, be safe, and be strong.

morallyright1 wrote on Oct 25, 2006 10:20 PM:Oh, for God's sake. How is it that the man who was out in front on the media, on the front page of every newspaper, on his sons behalf, is now saying it was all a lie? No wonder his son can't decide which story to go with? And the bottom line here is and should always be, semper fi. Not just semper fi when the mood suits you, or semper fi when there is nothing at risk. But now, to save your own skin, at the risk of others, is shamefull, to say the least. And why wait 5 months to make up your mind? Why? Running never solved anything.

The Marines or. The Sopranos wrote on Oct 26, 2006 6:58 AM:Being "ever faithful" doesn't mean to be part of a criminal conspiracy. Being faithful to the Corps, means to be faithful to its highest ideals and values--The first of its core values is Honor: "Honor requires each Marine to exemplify the ultimate standard in ethical and moral conduct....A U.S. Marine must never lie, never cheat, never steal, but that is not enough. Much more is required. Each Marine must cling to an uncompromising code of personal integrity, accountable for his actions and holding others accountable for theirs...." Telling the truth under oath is part of "Honor".

ManOfHonor wrote on Oct 26, 2006 12:31 PM:Now that Jodka has backpeddalled and plead guilty to save his neck, maybe a few more of will question this USMC Honor code. It appears to me as: "I lie for you, you lie for me. - Because the truth will only get us to Leavenworth." The standard is exactly what was mentioned earlier: a "law enforcement standard" - a much higher standard. Young Marines, learn from this, you might have a career in Law Enforcement afterward your tour is up. The honor code doesn't exist anymore - And it's a good thing.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Oct 26, 2006 4:02 PM:To Support4: Hey, Support4, are you the one who wrote to me about the donut thing? If so, go back to your blog. When I read it I sent you an apology. Just want to make sure you got it. It was on the article titled: Sergeant Accused in Iraqi Man's Killing......Let me know if you find it. If not, I'll resend.

Support4 wrote on Oct 27, 2006 1:03 PM:Not the same person.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Oct 28, 2006 10:26 AM:To Suport4: Thanks for the reply. Wish you were! Just wanted him to know I was sincere. Maybe later.