Reception For Nick Moody

Nick Moody

Lorina Moody, Nick's mother has invited ALL of the wonderful people who supported her and Nick while Nick was incarcerated in the UAE to a Thank You reception. The reception is being held on Saturday, January 8th, at the Elks Lodge in Susanville, California from 4 to 7 pm.

This is to thank the supporters who made phone calls, wrote letters, and contributed in many other ways in bringing Nick home. If you live within a reasonably close distance I encourage you to come.

I hope to see some of you there!

Welcoming Nick Moody Home At Reno International Airport

Words For Warriors was honored to attended Nick's Welcome home Thursday night December 30th at Reno Airport. I regret not getting any photos, but the above news coverage is comprehensive. Nick was all smiles when I introduced myself. He even made a hearty laugh when I gave him a welcome home note from a friend he served with over 3 years ago.

Lorina, Nick's mother held a constant smile thanking everyone for all their support in bringing her son home. Lornia acknowledged it was the individual people of this nation who helped give her son back to her, not the bureaucracy whom runs this country.

Nick seemed a little shy and shell shocked at the out pouring of support.  His friend confided that Nick wasn't the kind of person who liked a lot of attention. I know Nick is grateful for all of his supporters, and a little in awe of the strangers who came to help him in his hour of need. Because of everyone who worked so hard, Nick can continue with his life, life as a normal college student. Good luck Nick.

Nick Moody Should Be On US Soil December 29th

Lorina Moody is proudly announcing that her son, Nick Moody not only has his passport, and a valid Visa, but also two plane tickets. One ticket takes him to JFK airport on December 29th, the other ticket takes him to Reno Nevada on December 30th. His plane is due to arrive in Reno at 5pm.

Once Nick arrives in Reno there will be a gathering at the Grand Sierra Lobby for all of his friends, family, and supporters. The family also hopes to have a Homecoming in Susanville for those who can not make it to the airport to welcome Nick home. These details are not available at this time, but I will update when they become available.

Until then...
WELCOME HOME NICK!

Could Nick Moody Be Arrested Again And Sent Back To Prison?

Nick's Mother Lorina Moody who has now set her sights on Nick's safe return home for the New Year, as he will not make it home for Christmas has big concerns. Nick's 30 Day Visa expired while he was in prison in the UAE on a charge of carrying weapons related paraphernalia. Nick was arrested on September 29th and released on December 1st. It should be noted once his case was settled, it took the government 22 days to release Nick's passport, after much work from his lawyers.

Immigration states it is illegal to be in the Country without a valid Visa. Therefore a 16,000 AED ($4355) fine is being enforced. Nick's lawyer is working hard to get the fine waived since Nick was detained and held in prison with no way to extend his Visa. Nick's lawyer is meeting with Immigration Officials on Sunday. If Immigration decides Nick is at fault for his lapsed Visa he will be arrested and returned to prison to await another trial for being in the Country with an expired Visa.

The Moody family continues to ask for support in keep Nick's case in the forefront of the news and politicians minds as well as our hearts and prayers. 

Nick Moody Is Coming Home!

The National reported the Judge overseeing Nick Moody's case ruled Nick could go free with a suspended sentence of three months in jail and a fine of 15,000 Dirham (4,084.42 US Dollars). Nick was warned if he were to be arrested again he would serve jail time.

Nick is quoted as saying, "I'm glad I am free. It's over."

Nick's family has posted celebratory thanks on the Help Bring Nick Moody Back Home Facebook page. They are hoping to have Nick home for Christmas... no doubt the only item on his Mother's List to Santa.

More Delay's For Nick Moody

Nick Moody was supposed to have his trial today, Monday December 6th after being arresting in Abu Dhabi Airport in the UAE for possessing accessories that accompany a firearm. (Nick was not carrying a firearm.) Nick is an inactive guardsman after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to work for a Private Security Firm in Iraq.

His trial has been postponed until next Monday, December 13th.

Nick told CNN,"He's not sure how much more prison time he could face if convicted, but he's prepared for the outcome of a judge's decision."


Lorina Moody, Nick's mother told CNN, "Our son is the type of individual who would not have willingly broken the law." Lorina is continuing to ask for prayers and letters to State Officials until Nick's case is resolved. Nick and his family are hoping this issue will be resolved so they may spend Christmas together. 


I will continue to update as more information becomes available. 

Nick Moody Out On Bail

Nick Moody was released today, December 1st with bail from Al Wathba prison in the UAE after being arrested in the Abu Dhabi airport on September 29th. Being released on bail in the UAE means the government keeps his passport until his verdict is handed down. Nick's trial is set for December 6th.

Lorina Moody, Nick's mother is asking for the populace continued contact of their State Representatives to keep Nick's case in the forefront assisting in his safe return home. Find your Representatives contact information here http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ If you would like to look at a sample letter for ideas on what to write to your Representative look here. 

If you are new to Nick's story read previous post here, here, and here. I will keep you updated as I find out more information. If you are a facebook user, you can become a fan of Help Bring Nick Moody Home to see direct correspondence and reports from his family. The Reno Gazette-Journal wrote an update on Nick's here. 

Nick and his family are extremely thankful for all of the support. Hopefully Nick will be home to share Christmas with his family.  

November 29th Nick Moody Update

Below is a letter written by Nick Moody's Mother, Lorina Moody regarding his current status, wishes, and suggestions for how you can help. Nicks Trial was supposed to start today, Monday November 29th but has been postponed. Lorina writes;

5:00am We received a call from the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The counselor wanted to inform us that because of a communications glitch between the Court and Al Wathba prison, none of the prisoners from that facility were taken before the court today. She said she has heard that this rarely happens, but it has been known to happen. The counselors tried to contact officials about when Nick’s case would be rescheduled, but were unable to attain an answer today. She said they would try again tomorrow morning and let us know whatever they find out. 

The counselor said when she visited Nicholas on Wednesday, he was holding up well. Of course he is anxious for this to be over, but that he looks well. Also she said that the lawyer did visit Nicholas on Sunday. She did not know why Nicholas has not called home this week, but spoke of a new phone system recently installed at the prison, with limited number storage associated with each prisoner.

Having been just over 30 minutes since this call occurred, I am still shaken. Today I hope to reach out to other US officials that have shown interest in Nick’s case. Due to a Privacy Act, officials out of our state of residence, can only act upon the family’s direct request and I think we have to sign a release of information form, so that they may make inquiries. We have had contact with Congressman McClintock of CA, so far no other CA offices have responded to us. We have had contact with Senator Reid’s office, Senator Ensign’s office, Representative Heller’s office, all of Nevada. As grandparents, my parents have made contact in their home state of OR with Congressman Walden’s office. We signed the release form and faxed it to Senator Bennet’s office in CO. We've attempted contact with other officials, but have not received responses. 

The only thing I can think to do with this delay is reach out even further and ask that if possible everyone that can, make repeated contact with US officials and make our voices louder if we can. If an official shows any interest in assisting, but needs us to make initial contact, please pass this information to me so that I can direct my energies toward those already aware and inclined to help. 

Keeping a forward and positive rally is the only action I can think to apply at this time. As soon as we’ve heard “what next”, I will post it. 

Thank you for all your efforts so far. Every voice, every inquiry, every connection, ………..all serve Nick.

Lorina Moody

If you would like to write your State Representatives, but don't know who they are, please click here. If you would like to see a sample letter with ideas of what to say to your State Representative please click here. If you would like to contact Lorina regarding a State Representative she should contact in order to sign the waiver so they may get involved in Nicks case please email me here and I will pass the information on.

The Future...

I hope everyone enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving Day with their Family, Friends, and Loved ones. I know I did. I was even blessed with a quick chat from a friend in Afghanistan, which really made my week.

Looking towards the future there are a few things to address...

First Nick Moody's trial is set to start Monday, November 29th. I plan on posting whatever information I can find for updates. If you run across information I don't have please email me.

Also slated for Monday, November 29th at 9pm Eastern on the National Geographic Channel is the premier of Restrepo which is the film that accompanies the book WAR by Sebastian Junger. I have not seen the movie yet, but have read the book, which in my opinion is one of the best books I have ever read dealing with Afghanistan. The book also chronicled SSG Sal Giunta's actions in which he was awarded the Medal Of Honor.

There are some administrative changes happening at Words For Warriors as we are working towards getting our non-profit status. There will be updates and changes made to the blog and our activities as time progresses. We are hoping this growth will give us the power to reach more people.

Nick Moody Update

Reno News Channel 4 did the following story on Nick Moody and his imprisonment in a UAE jail for carrying a pistol grip and cleaning kit. He had NO firearm on him. Nick's mother, Lorina Moody is still requesting everyone to make multiple points of contact with their government officials. For a previous post with tools and a sample letter please go here. CNN posted a story here.

A Blue Star Mother Asks For Help For Her Son's Freedom

Today I was contacted through the local Susanville Soaring Eagle Blue Star Mom's asking for help. Lorina Moody's son, Nicholas Moody who served as a Corporal in the Nevada Army National Guard and who is a Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan has been arrested in Abu Dhabi airport.  Moody was on his way home from Iraq, were he had been working for a private security company when he was arrested at the Abu Dhabi airport. According to his mother the charges against Moody are possession of accessories related to firearms. His mother says the items in his possession were pertinent to his job and not dangerous. Apparently the problem stems from a forced lay over Moody experienced while waiting for his return flight to the US. He was arrested when he attempted to board his plane home.

Moody's court date is November 29th.

Lawyers have assured Moody's Mother UAE government officials respond favorably to US officials concerns. Nicholas's case weigh heavily on getting US Representatives involved. The Moody family are asking for repeated, non-stop contact until this case is resolved. They are asking that you contact your State Representatives as well as Federal Agencies. Knowing the power of social media the family has started a facebook page you can join here. The family also encourages the word to be spread on facebook, twitter, email, and any other way you can think of.

Below is a sample letter you are free to copy and use as a guideline for your own letter. There is also the contact information for the top Federal Employees. To find your States Representatives visit http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ for phone, fax, and email contact information.


Sample Letter

Congressman XXXXXX

It has recently come to my attention that one of our own, Nicholas Moody, needs our immediate assistance. We need you to please look into this matter and ask questions.

On September 29th 2010, Nicholas Moody was returning from Iraq to the United States where he was working as a security guard with a private security company. Nicholas was arrested at the Abu Dhabi airport on charges of possession of accessories related to firearms. The items in his possession were pertinent to his job and not dangerous. This event occurred due to the layover time between flights. Mr. Moody had to stay overnight in Abu Dhabi in order to catch the connecting flight to the United States the following morning. When he went to catch his flight the next day he was arrested.

My concern is that this young man did nothing wrong. He is a veteran who is a corporal in the Nevada Army National Guard. Nicholas has served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has sacrificed for us and now desperately needs our support to get him out of this unfortunate situation.

It has come to my attention that the family has been informed that our government offers no assistance in regard to this situation. This is deplorable! Not just someone, but everyone involved in our global security should be concerned and asking questions about how this could have happened and how can we help resolve this situation and how we can keep this from happening again.

Our soldiers with our all-volunteer military deserve our support, whether they are on active duty or not. Nicholas Moody is an American citizen being detained in a foreign country due to a set of unfortunate events that he could not have foreseen or controlled. We need to get him home.

Nicholas has been sitting in Al Wathba Prison in Abu Dhabi for more than six weeks awaiting process of his case.

I am asking you as a taxpayer, as a voter and most importantly as a patriot of this great country, to involve yourself immediately. To ask questions and get answers about this case. Nicholas Moody has an Abu Dhabi court date of November 29th. We have heard that his case will be greatly impacted by United States interest.
PLEASE WE NEED YOU TO ACT NOW! President Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Fax 202-456-2461
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Vice President Biden
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Fax 202-456-2461
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Fax 202-647-1579
202-647-4000http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
U.S. Department of Defense
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1400
Fax 703-571-8951
703-571-3343http://www.defense.gov/landing/siteform.aspx
Janet Napolitano
Secretary of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528
Operator Number: 202-282-8000
Comment Line: 202-282-8495http://www.dhs.gov/xutil/contactus.shtm