Sweetwater residents raise funds for hometown soldier accused of murder

Sweetwater residents raise funds for hometown soldier accused of murder

January 27, 2007

By SONU WASU
6 News Reporter

SWEETWATER (WATE) -- Sweetwater residents are rallying behind a hometown soldier who has been charged with murder.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Raymond Girouard is accused of killing Iraqi civilians while on duty.

Three other soldiers have pleaded guilty to the same murders, but Girouard is refusing to accept a plea agreement, saying he is innocent.

Sweetwater residents held a hometown rally Saturday to raise money to hire a civilian attorney for Girouard's defense.

Family members say it will cost $25,000. Right now they're about $15,000 short of that goal.

Girouard is a highly-decorated elite Army Ranger who's served two tours of duty in Iraq. Friends describe him as a patriotic man with integrity.

Girouard's family is sticking to the story that Girouard was ordered by his superiors to command his men to set the Iraqi prisoners free. But when the prisoners started attacking the men, they shot back in self defense.

Community members are strongly supporting Girouard, but feel torn between their love for the country and their faith in his innocence.

Bonnie Cleveland, a long time family friend, says Girouard joined the Army to make a difference.

"The way he's being treated is just horrible, it's beyond my understanding how his own side, the American military and the Government can treat him this way," she said.

Pvt. 1st Class Corey Clagett, Spc. William Hunsaker, and Spc. Juston Graber all pleaded guilty in exchange for lighter sentences.

Graber will spend nine months in prison. Clagett and Hunsaker have been sentenced to 18 years, but could be up for parole after 5 years.

Girouard was also offered a plea deal but he refuses to accept it, saying he is innocent. His sister, Joy Oakes, says his family and he will not succumb to any pressure.

"They're not going to break us down. We are strong, standing by Ray," she said. "He's standing strong, I support him 100 percent. He's not going to take a plea to something he did not do."

Family members say they're hoping that adding a civilian attorney to the defense team will help Girouard's case.

The deadline to raise funds to get the attorney is March 1.

Monroe County's American Legion Post 106 is accepting donations. Those interested in contributing to Girouards legal expenses can write to: American Legion Post 106, C/O Joe Tolson, P.O. Box 256, Sweetwater, TN 37874.

The memo on your check should read SSG Ray Girouard Legal Expenses.

Girouard's trial is expected to begin on March 13 in Fort Campbell. The public is allowed to sit in court.

Girouard's fate will lie in the hands of five superior officers, in a procedure that is similar to a grand jury.

If convicted, Girouard could be sent to prison for life without the possibility of parole.