John1 wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:24 AM:Finally some justice for a hero.

Marie-ATT wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:26 AM:"Let thy will be done". On this earth, "There is a GOD" We the Family of Trent Thomas in St. Louis, Missouri has relied solely on God's will to bring him through this. "God is such an awesome God". We thank all of you for your continued prayers and good wishes. As I read this column daily. It's sad to hear that some people believe that justice is only served if Trent is punished and remains behind bars. We now see that God has the final say so. I pray for those of you who can not understand already the pain and suffering this young man has already suffered. I pray that God changes your heart to realize that we are born in a sin-sick world. The war in Iraq has brought so much pain in suffering to not just the American people but for everybody. My continued prayers are with the other 7 Marines who were also a part of this ordeal. To the last two Marines on trial. "Know that God is with you as well". Hang on in there and keep the faith. You to will realize that man is not the one who has the final word. "Be Blessed"

Brother Of Pennington wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:27 AM:Thomas, congratulations. You put faith in your peers, those who truly knew what you were going through, those who have fought on the same battlefield as yourself, and they rewarded your faith. Today, the Marines showed they truly never leave a man behind.

Travesty wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:29 AM:I think we will be reading more about this man. He has shown a propensity for violence and has gotten away with it, without punishment. It is highly likely that we will see him in a criminal court where he might not get away with similar criminal behavior.

CombatVet wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:35 AM:i knew it! good for him.

Finally!! wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:03 AM:Yes! I am so excited for Thomas and his family! Congratulations Thomas, we have been praying for ALL of you!! I wish the other two luck, Sgt. Hutchins and Cpl. Marshall Magincalda, I will be praying for the both of you!!

Brother Of Pennington wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:11 AM:Last check, TRAVESTY, Thomas had made it through two previous tours with an exemplary military record. This incident is an isolated one, and had no business being in a court room in the first place. Your faulty logic references a single incident and calls it a, "propensity", while it's actually the exception.

Brit wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:17 AM:If you're willing to believe NCIS, then this was a travesty and Cpl. Trent Thomas should have been incarcerated. Apparently the Court's Jury did not believe NCIS, or they would have done more than discharge him out of the Corps. These cases are all under "Undue Command Influence", and while I believe that some charges may be true, the lack of honesty by NCIS, the politicalization by Murtha and his ilk, and the blind acceptance of the lies of the insurgents and their enablers by the Media have precluded any of these trials or hearings to get to the truth.

Fred H wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:18 AM:Thomas...move on with your life. For those of us who have been there & understand. Well, you know what I mean. Gods speed

Danielle wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:20 AM:Erica you are such a strong women you not only survived this ordeal but survived it with dignity. I wish you and your family the best in the days to come.

To Travesty wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:21 AM:You are ignorant if you knew him you would be singing a new tune.

Kenny wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:22 AM:Hey Travesty, have you ever been in combat? Have you any idea what it is like to both vomit & cry at having taken a life? Has anyone ever tried to kill you? It is scary I must tell you. So this incident would be better handled in a criminal court...like OJ or Robert Blake?

a mile in his shoes wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:27 AM:Its very sad that the armed forces teaches you to obey orders and teaches you to kill. Then you folow those orders and you get arrested for it.TRAVESTY how in the world can you say he got away with it/ He was in a war(an unjust war) fighting for his very life. His brothers were dying all around him. Him and the others did what they thought would get them favorable results. It might not be something that we would do in everday life, But they were not living in everday life and they probably never will again.To say there was no punishment is not true this man will have to live with this, he no longer has the career that apparently meant a great deal to him.When they say once a Marine always a Marine they really mean it. So what is he now? They tell him he's no longer a Marine. As for you TRAVESTY I think your feet are to small to 'walk a mile in his shoes'. Bless thomas and his family, I hope his children know that he is a hero.

esteban wrote on Jul 20, 2007 11:37 AM:Hey Travesty...go live in Iraq. How dare you wish harm on a US soldier!!!!!

John1 to Travesty wrote on Jul 20, 2007 12:05 PM:Your blog name describes your twisted outlook.

John1 to "a mile in his shoes" wrote on Jul 20, 2007 12:06 PM:Oh, Trent shall ALWAYS be a Marine! I would serve with him any day.

Dee Dee wrote on Jul 20, 2007 12:27 PM:To Travesty: You are an idiot! To all who have never been in combat you have no right to judge. I have never been in the military but I would never have the audacity to second guess. God Bless all our Military who are serving and have served.

Oh Thank God!!! wrote on Jul 20, 2007 12:30 PM:I'm so happy for you Trent!!! You wanted so badly to stay in the MC but just remember...all things work together for good to them that love God. -- Romans 8:28 Be proud of yourself, you'll always be a hero.

to Brother of: wrote on Jul 20, 2007 12:43 PM:"Propensity" is not the opposite of exception--it refers to an "inclination" or "leaning". I think that a person who conspires to kidnap and kill and then puts that plan into operation by breaking into a private home, kidnapping an unknown man, tying him and shooting him and then standing over the dead body and firing 3 more bullets into the dead body....has a propensity for violence.

Don't Blame the Troops wrote on Jul 20, 2007 12:47 PM:Of course what he did was wrong, very wrong. He will be judged by his maker when the times comes. The true criminals here are Bush, Cheney, Rove, Wolfowitz etc. IMPEACH NOW!

Michael D. wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:17 PM:We train them to be warriors; to kill people and destroy things when it suits or policy objectives. We ask them to risk their lives to protect ours and to do it for little pay and lots of mindless criticism from many of the same people they are protecting. The jobs our soldiers do for us are not always pretty or perfect; nor does it make us feel good in the short term. And too often a soldier's actions don't fit the arm-chair critic's definition of "fair". So, as part of their viciously partisan anti-Bush agenda, spineless loud-mouth anti-American lefties accuse our soldiers of criminal conduct. However, instead of putting our soldiers on trial for doing the "dirty work" we are unwilling and/or incapable of doing ourselves, we should prosecute the enemies among us; the political animals who are supporting terrorists by trying to divide and conquer us, including George Soros, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer. The words and deeds of these selfish partisan activists encourage and support our enemies abroad and result in higher rates of death among U.S. soldiers and innocent civilians. Rather than tolerating their treasoness behaviour as "free speech", we should air-drop these arrogant and destructive arm-chair generals onto the front lines in Iraq and Afganistan and demand they show the rest of us how to fight nice and win the war.

Michael D. wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:21 PM:We train them to be warriors; to kill people and destroy things when it suits or policy objectives. We ask them to risk their lives to protect ours and to do it for little pay and lots of mindless criticism from many of the same people they are protecting. The jobs our soldiers do for us are not always pretty or perfect; nor does it make us feel good in the short term. And too often a soldier's actions don't fit the arm-chair critic's definition of "fair". So, as part of their viciously partisan anti-Bush agenda, spineless loud-mouth anti-American lefties accuse our soldiers of criminal conduct. However, instead of putting our soldiers on trial for doing the "dirty work" we are unwilling and/or incapable of doing ourselves, we should prosecute the enemies among us; the political animals who are supporting terrorists by trying to divide and conquer us, including George Soros, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer. The words and deeds of these selfish partisan activists encourage and support our enemies abroad and result in higher rates of death among U.S. soldiers and innocent civilians. Rather than tolerating their treasoness behaviour as "free speech", we should air-drop these arrogant and destructive arm-chair generals onto the front lines in Iraq and Afganistan and demand they show the rest of us how to fight nice and win the war.

John1 to Don't Blame... wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:27 PM:Trent has made his peace with his God. He will rest among the righteous.

Support doesn't end here: wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:29 PM:I want to send prayers your way Thomas family. It wasn't only Cpl. Thomas who was incarcerated for the last year +, but his devoted family who suffered along side him. I pray a better future for you all. Keep the Faith...

TrueAmerican wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:36 PM:This man can never be a hero. Dragging an innocent man out of his home. In front of his family. tying him up and then shooting him. Then trying to cover it up. These people are sick calling him a hero.

Thaddeus P. wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:56 PM:First - travesty like ALL Cowards, uses the pen because he's too Yellow to use the sword then brags in the shadows of his valor- Problem is there are too many fish mongers in this country like this dip stick And not enough men like Cpl Trent Thomas I'd sholder a gun beside him and the other two Marines any time the call came What this country needs are more men who will stand together like our founding fathers who were willing to give up everything for the cause of freedom - - we are losing the strenth of character that these men possess & if we lose any more we will lose our country and our Freedoms then there really will be a Travesty because he and his ilk will be the cause of it One Very Angry Marine - Class of '52

TO TO BROTHER OF Danielle says wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:57 PM:DOn't you think in the right situation we all would lean towards violence. It is called instinct, survival, when is the last time you were in a kill or be killed situation?

John1 to TrueAmerican wrote on Jul 20, 2007 2:04 PM:Then you do not know Trent's service to our country. Ignorance is not bliss and you, are not a true american.

to TrueAmerican wrote on Jul 20, 2007 2:19 PM:What's your idea of a hero, Daffy Duck? And, by the by, were you there? Do you know the victim to be innocent? What gives you the right to judge? He was judged by a court of his peers and that was their decision. Done. And, yes, you bet he was a hero. Just ask John Jodka Jr. Yes, a hero in all senses of the word, right down to doing what a superior told you to do! Which of course you wouldn't, that's why you aren't a Marine!

MorallyRight1 wrote on Jul 20, 2007 2:21 PM:To all the Thomas family....you have all suffered so much, but your faith prevailed. As did justice. We are all so pleased for all of you. Just keep on smiling, TZ!!! And, I can't wait to see you outside of that brig.

To TrueAmerican wrote on Jul 20, 2007 2:34 PM:Actually your sick for calling yourself a true American. Let me guess, never faught for your country did you?

Coffeefiend wrote on Jul 20, 2007 2:44 PM:TO MarieATT There are so many of us out here who have prayed and waited with you all across the country, I am so relieved that the sun is out again for you and yours. God bless and take care!

Brother Of Pennington wrote on Jul 20, 2007 3:17 PM:To to brother, A grunt Marine having an inclination to voilence. Wow, Bud, you really want out on a limb with that one. Travesty was trying to state inclination in the terms that it's an offshoot of Thomas personality to be violent. You again reference this single isolated incident, that had more than a few migtigating factors involved(Hence a jury of his peers releasing him despite Consipracy to commit murder and Kidnapping charges). If Thomas had just a propensity towards voilence then where is that in his record outside of this incident? Thus, that makes this situation an exception to an otherwise exempleary service record,(I was never saying it was an opposite term for Propensity).

timmy wrote on Jul 20, 2007 3:29 PM:The military breeds monsters. to not expect this behavior every once in a while would be stupid.

To Maria ATT wrote on Jul 20, 2007 3:30 PM:I prayed for Corporal Thomas to receive lenience. Praise the Lord! Retired Marine

Sandy K wrote on Jul 20, 2007 3:41 PM:Congratulations Trent from our family to you and yours. Justice has been served, move on with your life. The Marine Corps is not in your future but I am sure there are awesome things in store for you. Our family would be honored to stand beside you in any situation. Bless you.

Just Like I told you wrote on Jul 20, 2007 3:44 PM:Just like Mai Lai incidents, I wouldn't expect any of the enlisted folks to get prison time. Their real job will be to heal from all the traumatic war violence and fit back into society. Best wishes.

John1 to "To to Brother..." wrote on Jul 20, 2007 4:15 PM:The firing of the bullets is called a dead check and is a centerpiece part of training- which if you had a tiny tiny bit of knowledge about the case, you would already know.

Preacher wrote on Jul 20, 2007 5:20 PM:Trent: God is waiting for you and boy is he mad! Enjoy your stay on this earth, your next stop is not going to be as pleasant as Iraq or prison.

To Preacher wrote on Jul 20, 2007 6:37 PM:Have you read the First Commandment lately? You may want to move off the throne and let the Lord decide on this one! "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone..."

bob wrote on Jul 20, 2007 7:20 PM:Under no circumstance any military member should be courts-martialed for something like this. This young man is a hero who may have been under extreme pressure to serve under miserable conditions. We have no business in Iraq in the first place however because we are there, we must fight the war to win and for our military men and women,having to fear our own more than the enemy, is just too much for anyone to bear. Yes,he volunteered but not for this.

MarineMom wrote on Jul 20, 2007 7:36 PM:To Trent...a brave, courageous HERO. Thank you for your service...take it one day at a time, & know how many of us have supported you & always will. Continue to stay strong & all the best!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 20, 2007 8:03 PM:To Preacher: Your comment sucks!

Awesome wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:25 PM:Congrats to Trent, Erica, Valencia and all their supporters. To make this even better would be to get Pennington’s sentence reduced, and hope Cpl. Magincalda and Sgt. Hutchins serve no additional time.

concerned wrote on Jul 21, 2007 12:27 AM:Lets hope the next time a real hero, a police officer who puts his life on the line each and every day who is involved in a wrongful shooting can have his peers (other police officer from his department) be on his jury.

Daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:50 AM:Well, this was just a RELIEF! After all the game-playing, lying and evidence-hiding by the prosecution and the politicking with these men's lives, to see the JURY come through is GREAT! Yes, he's guilty, but Yes, he's paid the price. The JURY stood between a Marine and an UNJUST and POLITICAL prosecution. Thank You members of the Jury!

Pam wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:51 AM:Congratulations, Trent!! I am happy that this is over for you. New you can enjoy your family and your life. The best of luck to you in the future.

sharon wrote on Jul 21, 2007 8:08 AM:GOD BLESS YOU TRENT.I am so glad they let you go you have suffered way to long. As for everyone on here with neg. remarks as one said walk a mile in his shoes and see how you feel then. You are a HERO and never forget it. I hope and pray for the last 2 men to be let go to.

No Need wrote on Jul 21, 2007 9:06 AM:The comment at 8:03PM is as crude as the one it criticizes. Perhaps there should be some editorial standard as to what is "fit to print, that could have spared us being subjected to both. If either Preacher or AW4 had an ounce of respect or discernment they might have self censored--but that is too much to expect from such as they.

shumate's wrote on Jul 21, 2007 10:28 AM:We are so happy for you guy's Big hugs from all of us. Erica you are a strong and awsome woman, May god always be with your family.I hope your future is as bright as and beatiful as trent's smile

Honor Before Duty wrote on Jul 21, 2007 10:46 AM:Trent - We are not to question the actions or circumstances since we were not there. I think you have found a way to blend Honor and Duty and the simple fact that you went to Iraq THREE TIMES for reasons you should never have been exposed to, we need to honor your duty! Semper Fi!

To Concerned! wrote on Jul 21, 2007 10:47 AM:Are you nuts? Your coment makes no sense and does not belong in this story blog.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:03 AM:It couldn't have been said better for me than one sentence of Daniel's, "The JURY stood between a Marine and an UNJUST and POLITICAL prosecution." And he's right; Cpl. Thomas has paid the price. Lance Cpl. Pennington is still paying the price and should not be. Cpl. Magincalda has been paying the price, and Sgt. Hutchins has paid the price beyond what any American should have paid. Gitmo detainees have been treated with more respect and more concern for their health and their religion, than our Marines. Bush says we don't torture. Well, I guess he's just not in the loop on this one.

Reality Check wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:16 AM:Hero? God's will? We are living in a very sick country. "convicted of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and related offenses..... ...still exposed the 25-year-old St. Louis native to a possible life sentence as a result of the conspiracy conviction. Thomas pleaded guilty to charges in January but withdrew those pleas at his sentencing hearing in early February..."

to Concerned wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:23 AM:I do believe that it is other officers that investigate officer involved shootings and when was the last time that you saw an officer get removed from the police force for claiming self defense!!

BermudaSinNV wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:48 AM:Hey Trent and family....This family here in Nevada were so happy to hear this news!! Just remember that what happens to us in life is our destiny. I believe there are bigger and brighter things coming for you Trent. All that you've been thru will prepare you for your future. We wish you the very best of everything. God Bless

OJ wrote on Jul 21, 2007 12:03 PM:Murder is murder, people. I don't care how spotless your record is or what branch of the military you serve in. It's disturbing to see that murdering Arabs has become to mainstream America what lynching Blacks used to be in the country. A human is a human, and a murderer is a murderer; they way it looks there are a whole lot of murders in the "corp" these days. Semper fudge.

nosferatu wrote on Jul 21, 2007 1:40 PM:All of the above comments made by current and veteran armed forces personnel amount to one thing and one thing only...the exact same defense thay was thrown out at the Nuremberg trials.." I was just following orders!"And to call this man a hero is to insult all those men and women in similar positions in conflicts across the world who don't use the precariousness of their position to justify attrocities. This Marine is a criminal, who did indeed " get away with it". All those on this post defending him should ask themselves one question...if the situation were reversed, and it was an American M.P. who was kidnapped and killed, would they say that those who did it were merely following orders? Would you call them heroes? Defending the troops is not a blanket approval of all actions taken by all troops, no matter how heinous. Just because he was a good Nazi, and " followed orders", does not make this man a hero. Far from it.

A true fan of the military wrote on Jul 21, 2007 1:49 PM:I think it if about time that true justice is given to a marine. Since this war began, our troops have done the job that they were sent to do. They have watched thier friends die in front of them, by the hands of the same people that they are accused of murdering. I think to even accuse a marine in combat of murder is ludicrious. Thank God that CPL Thomas had the foresight to stand up and fight for his rights, or he would be in the same boat as many of his friends, serving undeserved sentences. We recruit these young men, straight out of high school. Send them to boot camp for a couple of months, and then hand them a gun and send them to Iraq to fight a war against a group of people who feel that they are right and are fighting with the same intensity that we would if we had to defend our country. These young men place thier trust in their commanders and platoon leaders to have the judgement to know what they are supposed to do. This is not a young man that picked up a gun and walked down the street and killed some kid for his tennis shoes. This young man was instructed to do what he did by the same people that he has been instructed and trained to follow. I only wish that the other boys that are currently serving time for similar incidents would have the chance to appeal and have the same result as CPL Thomas. Congratulatiions to him and his family, may God Bless all of you. And to CPL Thomas, hold your head high, you had the guts to do what no one else would. Stand up for yourself and not be bullied into pleaing guilty for a crime that you know that you were not guilty of.

To Preacher wrote on Jul 21, 2007 2:16 PM:I hope you are not a "real preacher" I'd hate to go to your church. God is the only one to judge us.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 21, 2007 2:24 PM:To OJ: Are you speaking from experience?

What? wrote on Jul 21, 2007 2:44 PM:I can't call a person who participates in the kidnapping and execution of an unarmed and bound human being a hero. For me a hero is someone who risks his own life. Lives with the loss of brothers in arms and still does the right thing. A hero is someone who does all he can to save the life of the enemy once he surrenders. Shooting a bound unarmed person, no matter how many friends you have lost, is no where in my description of a hero. A hero is someone who will go against any order that is morally wrong. A hero would of stopped this no matter how much he feared the loss of respect and friendship of his fellow soldiers. Who needs the respect of a murderer? Trent Thomas and his seven cohorts are not heros. They have brought shame and disgrace to the Marine Corps and The United States of America.

Michael D. wrote on Jul 21, 2007 3:00 PM:"OJ" speaking about murder - now that's a rich bit of irony. The fact is, killing someone in defense of another is not murder. And, animals that wrap themselves in explosives and detonate in the midst of a market full of innocent shoppers is not a human, nor are they entitled to any greater consideration than we give to a rabid rodent. Our military is the most professional, compassionate, humane and restrained fighting machine in the world and the Marines are among the best of our military. Given the conditions in Iraq and Afganistan, it is amazing they can keep their cool and discern between friend and foe. God bless our brave military and our principled Commander-in-Chief. God help the spineless anti-Bush, anti-military, anti-American activists by giving them enough intellect and sense to understand how incredibly wrong they are and to repair the harm they're doing to this nation.

Amazing wrote on Jul 21, 2007 3:21 PM:Given the fact that none of the critics or accusers of Cpl Thomas witnessed the events, know all the facts, or have any military experience, it is only logical to conclude that their contempt for Cpl Thomas and/or the U.S. military is a symptom of their selfishness, ignorance and anti-American sentiments. Such divisive and destructive behavior within our own country is the reason this war is still going on and so many of our brave men and women are dying. If we genuinely acted as a UNITED country, the enemy would be defeated and the war would be over. Instead, the enemy is aided and empowered by radical left-wing partisans who are jealous of President Bush and obsessed with increasing their own power, even if it means more American deaths and a weaker nation.

ASTOUNDING wrote on Jul 21, 2007 4:00 PM:It's astounding that so many of these bloggers have such twisted minds. They cheer and clap for a murderer, a man who committed horrendous atrocities and was only given a slap on the wrist. Trent Thomas is no hero, he is a war criminal of the worst kind. He got off easy courtesy of a whitewashing jury who apparently think the same as he does. Mattis should set this aside and order a new trial ~ this time a trial in a real court composed of people not tainted by false sympathies.

Bob U. wrote on Jul 21, 2007 4:21 PM:To all those who say nasty things on this blog, shame on you. Patriots are happy for this outcome. However, still, justice has not been totally served. Trent Thomas is totally innocent of any wrongdoing and should have been totally exonerated. He is a national hero and should be given many medals instead. He should have been allowed to stay in the Marines and promoted. Congratulations, Trent. Keep your head up high. You have nothing of which to be ashamed. All those naysayers are yellow-belly cowards that display traitorous tendencies. All Pendleton 8 heroes should be freed with honor. Best wishes to a great and successful life. All eight of you will eventually be totally pardoned by the man who sent you to Iraq in the first place ... President George W. Bush. He has really disappointed me tremendously.

Bill wrote on Jul 21, 2007 4:32 PM:Wow, I can't believe he did not get a promotion too. Good old Military justice.

John1 to Astounding wrote on Jul 21, 2007 5:05 PM:Your complaint is mere whining. The Marines threw the book at Trent. Kept him in chains. Isolated him. Cut off his family from benefits. Threw their Number 1 prosecutors with unlimited budget at a poor man with none. They tried to break him on a wheel of innuendo, press leaks and false stories. Put up a military trial with a jury of Trent's peers. And those peers rendered judgement. Mattis has no authority in the face of such wisdom, by law, morals and precedent. All he can do now is reduce the sentence, and I HOPE HE DOES!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 21, 2007 5:37 PM:To No Need: Good blog name. No Need to make the type of comment you made about me. The irony is that I waited and waited and waited and didn't comment. I thought I'd give "whoever" like you a rest and not say much. I just wanted to make somebody happy, and WALLA!!! I keep it short, say only 3 words, and there you are; one of the "whoever's" who think they're judge and jury over what should be printed. Preacher's comment was not only crude, it bordered on a threat. Why not chastise Oh boo hoo and timmy; they were crude. How'd you miss them? Did I ask for some 'editorial standard'? If you don't like the way I respond to over-the-top crudeness, then would you prefer I ask your opinion next time? We could give it a shot, and I'll give you the credit.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:08 PM:To ASTOUNDING: Back up! You overshot the runway with those remarks. "ONE" Iraqi was killed. It has been said in another article that it was not Awad but a suspected insurgent, a cousin of Gowad, the known insurgent. Go tell it to the Corps'. It was said that these particular Marines were sent to "capture or kill" insurgents. If so and you don't like it, go tell it to the Corps'. Cpl. Thomas was involved in one singular incident; an incident, by the way, that was testified to have saved AMERICAN lives... the lives of OUR Marines. With three tours and an impeccable record how dare you accuse a man of committing "atrocities". There were no atrocitiessss (plural) committed by any of these Marines, and if it saved the lives of others, then how dare you call it twisted. Go tell it to the Corps'. They trained them and gave them their "orders". None of these Marines is a war criminal, and had you been paying attention for the past year you'd have known that NCIS is still under investigation for the way it investigates and interrogates. Well; it's supposed to be under investigation. Yeah! Just when do you think we'll get the results of that? This jury, or panel, was smart enough to know when something was a load of bull, and when there was no Proof of anything BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT". That is required under the UCMJ. For once, somebody followed it. This panel demonstrated the first sign of intelligence thus far in these proceedings. They asked the right questions and weren't bullied by an organization that builds its cases on coercion and intimidation. "MY" views, and not those of NCTimes.

Trent Showed Up wrote on Jul 21, 2007 8:43 PM:Trent and his Family stopped by the CP Gate today to thank all his supporters and pray for his brothers that go to trial this week. To JOHN 1, after meeting Trent today I see why you speak so highly of him, he is an honorable young man. Hopes are that Sgt Hutchins and Cpl Magincalda follow Trent out of the brig next week.

CPL TAYLOR E.R. wrote on Jul 21, 2007 8:45 PM:I served with Trent since day one. Through Charlie Company in boot camp and through both of my combat tours in Iraq. I was unable to join him and my fellow Marines for a third deployment do to medical complications. Trent was very humble in boot camp and while one day at a field worship service he lead in a acapella version of "Amazing Grace". Travesty I believe your logic is flawed for someone that does not personally know the man. I do know him and your statement is wrong.

Mary wrote on Jul 21, 2007 8:59 PM:I am sure none of these guys is guilty of premeditated murder. What they do appear to be guilty of is letting their emotions overtake their training. We pay alot of money for smart bombs and training to avoid unneccesary civilian casualties. This group of Marines threw their training out the window and went against the basic tenant of being an american soldier - you do everything in your power to avoid killing any innocent civilians. Period.

oorah wrote on Jul 21, 2007 9:46 PM:Marie-Great writting,thank you.i agree with you 100%Thank you all who see the truth and are happy for thomas,and let him know.He is a good man,I'm sure happy for him and very proud of him.I'd follow him anywhere.He is a True HERO and no one can take that away from him. Travesty,Thats a good name for you,the shoe could'nt fit any better,You are right--we will be hearing about him,He is going places and will be doing positive things, not like you.You know what your problem is ? YOU are a loose and unless you change,you always will be a looser,If you would give up your membership in the RDDB club,that might help some. Cpl.Trent Thomas,i say to you"Thank you very much for your service to this Country and all the sacrifices you and your family make each and every day.Thank you all for your letters of support. One down,two to go. Please keep Cpl.Magincalda and Sgt.Hutchins in your thoughts and Prayers. Freedom is not Free,but Cpl.Trent Thomas is FREE Semper Fidelis OORAH

John1 to Mary wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:06 PM:Mary, there is no way to avoid civilian casualties in war. Americans pine for "painless" combat and "bloodless" instant wars, just like TV and video games. In fact, Marines are taught to adapt and overcome. Like it or not, 1st Squad (and 2nd Platoon) adapted (the Iraqis did not respect them- they were nicknamed the lovey-dovey platoon as the Iraqis thought them soft) and they overcame.

hey Mary: wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:33 PM:You are another one of those uniformed persons making judgements when you don't know what you are talking about. I believe their training is what got them home alive. They didn't throw it out the window. They did their job. They were told to hunt and kill insurgents. THAT is what they did. The man that the prosecution claims was some innocent civilial, (and they have not proven) was neither innocent nor a civilian. Whaddya think now. When you've achieved PERFECTION...then you can ask GOD if you can judge. Same goes for the rest of you nasty comment makers who know nothing of what you are talking about. Forgive them father, for they know not what they do! Fact is...they know NOTHING!

Mighty River wrote on Jul 22, 2007 8:56 AM:The fix was in when they selected the jury! If osama bin laden were on trial and they choose a jury of people living in the mountains of pakistan and mullahs and jihadists--he wouldnt do any jail time either.

What? wrote on Jul 22, 2007 9:25 AM:I am really disturbed by many of the posts of unquestioning support for these men. So I would like to post a question. What actions do you feel are unacceptable in our troops. You obviously feel that taking an unarmed man out of his house binding and executing him is ok. So what is going too far if this isn't?

to ASTOUNDING wrote on Jul 22, 2007 9:48 AM:I agree with your sentiments. Most of these bloggers sympathize with Thomas only because they live near Pendleton and are caught up in the mass hysteria to defend "their" Marines, no matter how guilty they are. It reminds me of the mobs who supported John Gotti, the notorious Mafia mobster. They too lived in his neighborhood and to them he was a hero and could do no wrong even though he had ordered grisly murders and had extorted millions from the weak and defenseless.

John1 to MightyRiver wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:27 AM:you're simply wrong. The Marine Corps leadership anandoned these men. They're no happier at the outcome than you are! LOL-

John1 to What? wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:31 AM:Uacceptable in what context? where? in combat? your question is unclear and poorly posed!

The few and the proud wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:54 AM:He is one of the few and the proud. He is one of us. They should have never made this a public thing for the simple reason you should be jugged by the ones who fight along side you. To many civilians stay at homes and run there moths. So if you have never been to war or even in the military I care not of your opinion since you have never fought to earn it in this country. I can not see how anyone could judge a man by what they have never done or now how it feels to be there. As for what he did I do not know or care to know everything. It is war, when your out in the city and even there police are unreliable at best you do what you need to do to get this mission over with so every one can come home ALIVE. Guess what, he is home alive so I say mission accomplished. As for any millitary who turned on them, remember every one knows your a cowerd because if you can't trust one another y should you even stay in the USMC because now no one trusts or cares what happens to you.

What? wrote on Jul 22, 2007 12:10 PM:My question is very clear. In war what is unacceptable. What action would lead you to send a Marine to jail and give him a dishonorable discharge? Killing is part of war. It is war. You kill the enemy until those that are left agree to do what you want them to do. So under what circumstances is killing unacceptable in combat? For me shooting a bound unarmed man is unacceptable. Where do you draw the line? Give me an example of a killing in a combat zone that is unacceptable to you.

Mom of a Marine wrote on Jul 22, 2007 12:41 PM:to those who think the punishment wasn't enough. Do you realize what all the families went through and are still going through, Who are you to say he hasn't paid a high enough price, Most of you will never know the pain and punishment that each family of the pendleton 8 has gone through, and still is. Why is it so hard to be happy for this long awaited justice done for at least one of them. I pray that the others are set free as well. Trent OOHRAH!!!!!! Take good care of you and your family.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 22, 2007 1:37 PM:To What?: Sun-Tzu: The Art of War (Chinese treatise written 6th Century): "Ground on which you will Survive only if you fight with all your might, but will perish if you fail to do so, is terrrain with no way out; take the battle to the enemy." When I was a child I heard phrases such as "Kill Or Be Killed' and "Survival of the Fittest". I'm not a guy, I'm not in the military but, by God, I am an American before anything else, and I'll tell you where "I" draw the line when it comes to fighting an enemy who kills its own; There is NO Line! Whatever It Takes To Come Home Safe And In One Piece. My priorities are the lives of those who put it on the line (pardon the pun) for all of us lazy, ungrateful, judgmental souls here in the safety of the good old USA. Stop blaming these Marines and blame their leaders. They have taught them The Art of War. They have taught them to do what it takes. It is none of my business what happens over there. The enemy could care less about what is acceptable or unacceptable. Stop dissing your own and put all that venom into dissing the ones who want to see all of us dead. People like yourself want to make pansies of our troops. They need to know that when they are "ordered" to do something they will be backed up by those who send them to do it; not be made criminals. Start dissing their leaders and get off the backs of the ones who are always "sacrificed" for the inadequacies of their leaders and those who govern this country.

to What wrote on Jul 22, 2007 2:30 PM:Your question was absolutely clear and appropriate; There are some who have tied up all of their ethical and moral and even strategic energy in defending and denying that murder is murder--it leaves them little grey matter left to comprehend questions. Their house of cards might begin to crumble.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 22, 2007 3:46 PM:To What? and To 'to What?': Chinese treatise written in the 6th century. Warriors know it. Quote, "Ground on which you will Survive only if you fight with all your might, but will perish if you fail to do so, is terrain with no way out; take the battle to the enemy." 'What?' asks what is acceptable in combat. When it comes to fighting an enemy who even kills its own, there is NO line. For me it's acceptable for our troops to do whatever it takes to come home safe. They put it on the line for us so stop blaming them for the failures of their leaders. Our troops need to know when they're "ordered", or even "encouraged", to do something, that they'll be backed up by those in power; not sacrificed by Monday mornng quarterbacking politicians, media, and citizens of their own country.

John1 to "What?" wrote on Jul 22, 2007 3:53 PM:In war, "what is unacceptable"? Losing.

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 22, 2007 3:58 PM:To What? and To 'to What?': Chinese treatise written in the 6th century. Warriors know it. Quote, "Ground on which you will Survive only if you fight with all your might, but will perish if you fail to do so, is terrain with no way out; take the battle to the enemy." 'What?' asks what is acceptable in combat. When it comes to fighting an enemy who even kills its own, there is NO line. For me it's acceptable for our troops to do whatever it takes to come home safe. They put it on the line for us so stop blaming them for the failures of their leaders. Our troops need to know when they're "ordered", or "encouraged", to do something, that they'll be backed up by those in power; not sacrificed by Monday morning quarterbacking politicians, media, and citizens of their own country.

What? wrote on Jul 22, 2007 5:30 PM:Here is a document that isn't as old as Sun-Tzu's The Art of War but it is more relevent. It is ARTICLE VI of the Marine Corps code of conduct. ARTICLE VI: I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free I will trust in my God and in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. We are the good guys. The terrorists are the ones that take people out of their homes for summary execution. We have over 150,000 soldiers fighting in Iraq and the vast majority of them understand this and deserve my support and have my gratitude. The tiny percentage that don't get only my contempt. Don't worry I have plenty of venom for the Bush league administration and I have to admit to voting for him. History will tell us if he blindly followed bad intel or if he wanted to get Saddam back for trying to put a hit on his papa. PS slow down a bit. Give the editors a chance to check your post befor you re-re-re-post. Takes minutes sometimes and hours other times.

to What wrote on Jul 22, 2007 7:17 PM:God Bless You, you do my heart good!

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 22, 2007 7:31 PM:To What?: WHAT can I say? This is why I probably had in mind to re-re-post my comments; Your reminder of the Code of Conduct is not necessary. Did they not ALL have exemplary records? YES! Like I said before; blame it on their leaders. They're the ones training, teaching, mentoring, encouraging, and; whether you like it or not, "Ordering" Marines to do what they do. Did you miss the testimony that these Marines were sent to Hamdania to "capture or kill" insurgents? Blame the leaders. You have no idea of how the command was run or what the accused were ordered or encouraged to do or the way to do it. Like I said before, which is easier than re-re-posting; Blame The Leaders! Do you honestly believe that any Lieutenant or above is going to admit he had orders or even gave orders to do anything that you might consider less than honorable? There are still 2 trials to go, so before you presume to remind any Marine what it is to be an American or to fight for freedom, or to be dedicated to the priniciples that made this country free, you might want to take your own advice and slow down when it comes to passing judgment. Since you're so up to date on the military and its teachings, here's one for you: The Army Lawyer, November 2000: "The Force Standing ROE and Rules of Deadly merely establish policy; they do not supercede law. NONETHELESS, THEY IMPERIL THE LIBERTY OF MILITARY PERSONNEL BY AUTHORIZING FORCE THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LAW, EXPOSING THEM TO CRIMINAL LIABILITY AND SEVERE PENALTIES." Their leaders are well aware of all of the Articles you may quote. They are all well aware of their own teachings. They just don't practice what they preach. I'll re-re-say it again; Blame The Leaders!

John1 to What? wrote on Jul 23, 2007 7:40 AM:Actually, The Art of War is very relevant as it is taught in the Command schools that all field grade officers attend. Note that of the 150,000 troops in Iraq, perhaps 1/10th are serving in combat, that is, actually fighting. So, it's a small community that understands what it takes to win. As to the reference to Article VI of the Code of Conduct- none of the P8 ever forgot it. They fought for your freedom, never forgot they were Americans, and have taken responsibility for their actions. I am sure they trust in God, but their trust in the USA is a bit shaken.

What? wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:49 AM:I was just following orders? Thpppt. re-re-read this part of article VI "responsible for my actions" Well you aren't going to convince me that it is ok to shoot a bound man, even in a war and I don't think I can convince you that there is anything wrong with doing that. So lets just leave it at that.

moore12 wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:33 AM:I knew Cpl Trent Thomas from the Camp pendleton base brig. I was in the same squadbay with him for 50 days. For all of you that don't know him personally he was the kindess most christian person I think I've ever met. I don't know if he was really guilty or not, but to say he's a murderer I just can't see it. I'm glad he got timed served and I hope Sgt Hutchins and Cpl "majik" Magincalda get the same.

C’mon Mary wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:41 AM:The only thing that got “thrown” here was these guys thrown under the bus by Marine brass to appease all the PC folks. The guy was an insurgent and not an innocent. Their training and actions saved them and probably several more Marines. Ya know, better to be tried by 12 men than carried by 6. One down, Two to go-Free Magincalda and Hutchins, then get really busy and overturn Pennington’s 8 year sentence!

tony wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:54 AM:to AW4-L: "WALLA" is not a word. You may have it confused with "Voila" which is a French expression that means (loosely)"There it Is". Please continue with your rants...

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:01 PM:To Tony: You have nothing more to do than to pick apart the NON-word WALLA!? As long as there's no law against it, where's the problem? Do you mean to tell me that you have nothing better to do than to pick apart the way a person uses a word? Last I heard, this was a free country (Thanks to our troops) and that we have freedom of choice (Thanks to our troops) and freedom of expression, THANKS TO OUR TROOPS! Oh! And thank you for your permission to continue with my "rants". I know your name isn't Tony but, Thanks To The Troops, you can use whatever name you choose. Isn't freedom wonderful?

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 23, 2007 3:31 PM:At 9:54AM: I believe Harry has a doppleganger.

Tony wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:23 AM:Yes; there is no law against being ignorant. In fact, its your right as an american. your rants are very amusing, please continue...

AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jul 24, 2007 2:01 PM:To Tony: WHAT? Are you going for Obnoxious Person of the Year Award or something? Why are you so obssessed with me? Ya like me, huh? C'mon Tony. Fess up!

Tony wrote on Jul 24, 2007 3:02 PM:Ha! You crack me up. Please, go on...

rafael wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:58 PM:how can prosecutors try to put these marines in jail, when all they did was serve thier country. some people just dont have a clue that freedom has a price. those marines were not guilty and deserved a better trial. semper fi