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.

Medal Of Honor Recipient SSG "Sal" Salvatore Giunta

Today the Medal Of Honor was bestowed upon SSG "Sal" Salvatore Giunta who is the first living recipient of the MOH since the Vietnam War.

Here is video of SSG Giunta receiving the medal.



A humble thank you to SSG Giunta, his unit, his family, and the family of the fallen for making so many sacrifices for our Freedom.

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
 

When A Soldier Comes Home

This was forwarded to me in an email. I thought it so powerful I wanted to share. I encourage you to share it as well. H/T to SA Amy.

When A Soldier Comes Home

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard...

...to listen to his son whine about being bored.

To keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.

To be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.

To be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep.

To be silent when people pray to God for a new car.

To Control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.

To be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying.

To keep from laughing when anxious parents say they're afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.

To keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.

To control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.

To remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.

To be civil to people who complain about their jobs.

To just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.

To be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.

The only thing harder than being a Soldier...

is loving one.

Operation Postcard Contest Winners

We received over 100 entries from across the Country. It took five judges over an hour to decided on the winners. We have five winners and four honorable mentions. The competition was stiff.  All the prizes have been donated by the Army Reserves. I will be mailing them out prizes with certificates... hopefully next week. I thank each one of you for your participation.
The winners in no particular order is...

Shade Age 9

Jonna Age 11

Brianna Age 8

Lucas Age 11 

Alicia Age 10

Honorable Mentions in no particular order...

Grace Age 9

Abel Age 11

Myah Age 8

Lupita Age 8

To Our Heros On Veterans Day

This is the 100th post for Words For Warriors. It is also Words For Warriors 1st Birthday. What is our birthday wish? That every Veteran and Active Duty Service member know they are appreciated, loved, and missed. THANK YOU.

You are our HEROS. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

Happy Birthday Marines!

Wednesday, November 10th marks the 235th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  The Marines were birthed as a quick reaction force. It was the Marines amphibious warfare that proved the corner stone of the Pacific Campaign in World War II. It was their never surrender attitude that kept the Red Curtain at bay in Korea when out numbered at the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir, even after being inflicted with mass casualties.

Marines have been involved in every well known, and lesser known, operations to protect and defend freedom in various countries and people of many nationalities around the world. A Marine, Always Faithful, Never Backs down.



What do you get a Marine on their birthday? Well giving to their brothers is always a good idea. Some notable charities are Soldiers Angels Project Valour-It (which are currently in a competition to see who can raise the most money for injured Warriors, Marines are in the lead) Semper Fi Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project are just a few that could use some Birthday gifts.

Forget Me Not

I have been thinking a lot about Veterans Day, which is on Thursday, November 11th. I know my friend Spockgirl made this post in honor of the fallen, but I also think it speaks volumes about the living... whom should also be remembered. 

Veteran's Day is about those who have served, continue to serve, and honoring their sacrifices. I have heard from more than one Soldier, Marine, Airman, and Sailor how they feel forgotten. I tell each one, "You and your sacrifices are not forgotten."

The following post has been reposted with permission by Spockgirl Musings, a Canadian who knows War and its hardships extend beyond boundaries, to the point she is supporting Team Navy in Soldiers Angels Project Valour-IT.

Forget Me Not

by George Pirie (Scottish-Canadian poet b. 1799) 

This little flower with azure eye,

You love it lady tell me why;

It seems to me nor rich nor rare,

It breathes no fragrance on the air,

Nor splendid form nor colours bright,

May give it value in thy sight.

If not for perfume nor for show,

Pray tell me why you prize it so.

It is not rich, it is not rare,

This little flower – yet, ah, how fair.

Though it no merit else may claim

But this, “the magic of a name,”

Each tiny leaf into my ear

Is breathing names to memory dear;

The dead, the absent, the forgot,

Are whisp’ring here, “Forget-me-not.”

by George Pirie

*****

To honour the fallen in Afghanistan from the last five days: 

Maine, Illi, Mass, NC, Cali (2), NJ, Md, Tex and U.K.

*****

Forget me nots are very tiny, plain, but pretty, pale blue or pale pink flowers with yellow centres. I was very pleased to find that this year I had both colours in the garden. They are a symbol of hope, true love and remembrance.

Folklore:

In 15th-century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers. Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted "Forget-me-not." It was often worn by ladies as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love.

(from Wikipedia)

Halloween For A Fallen Hero

In keeping with the spirt of Words For Warriors mission to Honor our Military and their Families I am reposting this with permission from Tom Sileo from The Unknown Soldiers  You not only need to visit this site, but you need to favorite it also. 

Iron Mike

For the loved ones of Sgt. Michael Woodliff, something was missing this Halloween. While walking through Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery last week, I noticed two pumpkins resting by this fallen warrior's grave, along with tribute stones and an American flag. Just by looking at the mementos at his grave, it was clear that six and a half years after his death, many people miss Sgt. Woodliff just as much as the day he left for Iraq. I immediately wanted to go beyond the headstone and learn more about this soldier's life.

Perhaps Halloween is special to some who knew Woodliff because he used to dress up as his favorite childhood characters to entertain others. A touching 2007 Herald-Tribune article by Thomas Becnel mentions a teenage Woodliff posing as Rocky and Vanilla Ice to make his friends laugh in school. It also tells a story of a young Michael taking a magic marker to his face, just to make his mom laugh during a drive through Florida.

Continue Reading here.

Real Combat Life

It is widely accepted in the medical community that writing about difficult or traumatic experiences and feelings helps the brain process and deal with such experiences in a heathy, healing manner. If these experiences are shared in a friendly supportive environment with like minded people who've had similar experiences.... even better.

Real Combat Life is a place for Veterans of any War, or any country where the United States has held combat operations, like Vietnam, Korea, Bosnia, and Kosovo (to name a few) are welcome to share their stories of combat life.

Real Combat Life was started by Patrick Nelson who was a Paratrooper in the Army for 7 years. He completed three combat tours. One twelve month Iraq tour, One twelve month Afghanistan tour, and one fifteen month Afghanistan tour. He was wounded in 2005 by a 107 mm rocket on a small Forward Operating Base near the Pakistani border. He still has shrapnel in his back from the incident.  Patrick is currently a full time student, amongst a slough of other over achiever like activities. He started Real Combat Life, "As a way to help me share my stories as I was (and at times, still am) having a hard transiting from soldier to civilian."

Real Combat Life can be many things, all of them healing in some way. Your story might help a brother or sister know they are not alone.  I encourage you to check it out. Read the stories. If you'd like to contribute, but don't want to use your real name, a pen name is fine. If you do not feel strong in your writing abilities, Real Combat Life can help you write or edit your story. A story can be anything, why you joined the military. A prank you and your buddies pulled. A list of all the ironies of the dessert. A way to honor a fallen friend.

Go to Real Combat Life and tell me what you think.