May 9, 2007

A Letter from Merry Pantano

Dear Patriots and loyal visitors to our site,

It is bittersweet to celebrate the two-year anniversary of my son's exoneration only to know that despite our best efforts, often working behind the scenes, there are still more soldiers that need our help.

I am anguished to report that once again, unfounded accusations have been levied against our best and our brightest. This time it is our Special Operations Marines (MARSOC) that find themselves the victims of overzealous investigators and a political witch hunt triggered by terrorists.

After careful review and consideration, we at DefendThe Defenders.Org have decided to throw our full weight behind these men who stand accused of using excessive force to defend themselves in combat. Sound familiar?

Many of you will note that DtD.org has not taken an activist roll in any of the cases that have grabbed recent headlines. This MARSOC case is different and we are working feverishly to save these men because of the dire consequences this case has for our military at large, and by extension our country.

Please read on to learn more about this complex and important investigation and help us spread the word. Help us to stop the terrorists from unraveling U.S. successes in Afghanistan by further fracturing political will here at home with their staged events. Reach out to friends. Write letters to your elected officials. Call in to radio shows and help us to turn up the heat. Send the message that we will not let these men, our bravest and most highly trained, be scapegoated or offered up on the altar of political correctness. Not on my watch, and hopefully not on yours.

Merry K. Gregory Pantano
Proud mother of Marine Second Lieutenant Ilario Pantano
Founder, DefendtheDefenders.org

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