Article 32 for Capt. Carl Bjork in Iraq—the desecration of a hero
Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 10:07AM Commentary by Kay B. Day
Update May 11: Capt. Carl Bjork's verdicts are in--a mixed blessing. Read our latest article about Bjork's trial and sentencing, Capt. Bjork's verdict--a study in trickle down policy...
Update Feb. 12: Since this story was written new facts have emerged about Capt. Carl Bjork's case. His accusers are not 'insurgents.' They are former Iraqi police officials. Please read Milblogger's post a backgrounder for Capt. Carl Bjork's case.
Capt. Carl Bjork awaits word on the outcome of testimony given as part of an Article 32 hearing in Iraq, undertaken because Iraqi “insurgents” accused the captain of murder. Before we talk about those Iraqis, we need to talk about the captain.
People have emailed and phoned me to talk about Bjork. The overwhelming impression I’ve formed—the captain is a man among men.
One man who wishes to remain anonymous knows Bjork well, from running missions together. Bjork, said my caller, “has detained hundreds of insurgents…he was promoted from lieutentant to captain after serving in Iraq…he was in charge of training Iraqi police. He’s the ultimate American soldier. He does everything by the book. He even read the Koran before he went to Iraq. He would never do anything unlawful.”
Photo from the Facebook group page Support Carl Bjork. Anyone can join the group.
Bjork’s attorney Victor Kelley told Washington Times radio show host Rick Amato on Wednesday Bjork has received the Bronze Star and a number of commendations for his service.
My caller said he heard from Bjork recently. “His Article 32 ended Wednesday…they have a certain amount of time before they decide whether to court martial him or not.” My caller said Bjork learned he was being investigated after he left Iraq. “Then they stuck him at Ft. Knox…they wouldn’t let him leave or get promoted…they kept him stuck in his job.”
Kelley, whose law firm includes the division The National Military Justice Group, has done two interviews with Amato. The US Report has attempted to contact Kelley but we realize his travel schedule and commitments more than likely have him time challenged.
Kelley told Amato in the second interview there were between 14-20 witnesses in the hearing. The accusations are levied by 4 Iraqi “insurgents.” Kelley dropped a bombshell.
“Several CID agents testified telephonically, and one NCIS and the lead agent…it’s pretty remarkable. [The lead agent] testified he was questioning one of the Iraqis and the Iraqi suggested bringing another witness in over inconsistencies…and then they brought Iraqi #3 in…and then #4…they’re getting information through an interpreter…he’s getting different signals.”
Kelley asked the agent, “What you’re doing is a search for truth, right? How can you do your job searching for the truth if you got 4 guys sitting down and all getting their stories together?”
The rather astounding response—they were all just “talking among themselves.”
The lead agent testified he wasn’t asking them any questions but it was clear, Kelley said, from the transcript the agent did ask them questions.
Translation for our readers—the witnesses colluded and got their stories in line. What kind of investigation permits such tactics?
We feel compelled to point out the complete lack of reason in using the term ‘insurgent’ to describe the mercenaries we are fighting. The so-called insurgents are nothing more than killers benefiting from a culture of death.
While fanatics claim their fighting is on behalf of their deity, those with common sense know better. This war is about power and money and ideology. It is about controlling people by using a particular faith.
This war, for the so-called ‘insurgents,’ is an economy wherein the focus is on killing for money rather than on building a real economy based on production of goods and delivery of services.
For real insurgents there is a measure of respect for rising up against an unjust government. If that had been the case these insurgents most certainly would have risen against Saddam Hussein.
For the American soldier, this war has to be an exercise in frustration.
Kelley said Bjork should have an answer about the outcome of the Article 32 soon—“in about a week or the next couple of weeks.”
Think about this in personal terms. It’s the Christmas season and you managed to serve in Iraq and come home alive. You’ve earned commendations for your service. Your fellow soldiers praise you for your integrity and your honor. You have a bright future ahead of you.
And then 3 or 4 of the enemy levy accusations that are inconsistent from the start. But these men are offered an opportunity to discuss their narrative. They can, in effect, edit their claims. This action permitted a spectacular opportunity for revision.
Suddenly you are confronting proceedings that if they go against you, could land you in prison for life.
You did nothing wrong. You played by the rule book decreed by politicians who are not in harm’s way—they’re in Washington spending taxpayer bucks on chic galas and will shortly head home to make merry.
You await your fate in a sequence of events that can only make sense to a mindless bureaucrat who is unable to comprehend reality.
In essence, the politicians and their military affiliates have desecrated an American hero.
My caller told me, “They’re using psychological warfare—insurgents will try to do anything they can to destroy Americans—they come from all over the place—Syria, Iraq, Egypt.” They’re all Muslim.
And in doing so, these killers-for-hire succeeded in derailing one of America’s finest.
My caller said, “They totally just ruined a great soldier’s career…he’s a real great guy.”
This is broader than one soldier, however. Actions such as those levied at Bjork ripple like a stone thrown into a pond.
Kelley said, “It has a spillover effect to our other soldiers.”
As usual big branded media is asleep at the wheel. The Article 32 was open. “Any member of the press can watch,” said Kelley.
Despicable is too weak a word for the actions of our country’s leaders and for so-called American media.
Main Street Americans however know better. Thousands have joined the Facebook group Support Carl Bjork. We should contact our senators and our congressmen. We should contact anyone we know in the military. We should remind them a hero deserves respect.
And right now, instead of honor, Capt. Bjork is receiving shameful disrespect. Proceedings against him should stop immediately. The entire process has been contaminated and to take the word of the enemy, to allow the enemy to collude and thereby fabricate, is almost more than this American can bear.
Despicable is too kind a word.
[Ed. Note: You can listen to Amato's interview with Kelley at WS Radio. The interview spills from segment 1 to segment 2, so click on the 2nd program to hear the wrapup.]
Reader Comments (13)
Capt. Bjork is another extension of out Navy Seals, Fort Hood, etc., and if we allow this PC insanity to continue America is going to lose this war. Islam is a cancer planted in our midst, and if we don't begin to treat it as such our great Nation will be destroyed. This is now a fight to the death!
Frank is right. The thing is that We the People MUST take action! Being informed and aggravated will get us nowhere. If this eats at you, contact your Congressman and Senators immediately.
Please join the support group on facebook and call or email your congressmen! This case is a travesty, and captain bjork's reputation has been unnessesarily sullied. We attended the same military highschool and even then he had a reputation of high moral character and good faith.
I cant say enough good about Carl. Ive known him for the better part of a decade and have never had any doubt as to his abilities as a leader and his inherint goodness. Carl is, simply put, one of the most amazing people you will ever meet. He studies foreign culture such as russian and muslim (Carl read the koran before his deployment to Iraq and self taught himself russian. He also learned a good understanding of german) in order to prepare himself for what he is about to do. Double murder? I dont believe Carl is capable of this. He is far too informed and intelligent. We are not looking at a subpar officer like LT Calley. This isn't My Lai. Carl had a very bright future in front of him, a career that could have seen stars. Its a shame that he is being tarnished because some one chose to believe the enemy.
Carl Bjork is the embodiment of the American Soldier. He wanted to serve, because He knew he would make a difference. Carl is, far and above, one of the greatest persons I have ever met. His determination to be a success, and to improve everyone around him was astounding. Everyone thought very highly of Carl, and we all expected great things from him. He was well on his way to achieving those very things, when he became the scapegoat in this fraud. Carl Bjork is a great man, leader, Soldier, and friend. I pray justice is proven, and Carl is free. and amongst all this, Carl would still find the good in it all. Hes that kind of guy. He is not capable of murder. God speed to you brother.. In Dieu Est Tout
I believe what Jason is saying. Carl was my CO at Wentworth Military Academy my Jr. year of high school and was the best CO I have had the pleasure of knowing. Carl was one of the best cadets and his character there was of the highest honor and integrity. I can't believe that people would rather listen to 4 people who can't get there story straight than listen to someone who has served his country honorably, while at the same time receiving some of the highest commendations earned.
I've joined the Facebook Support page for Capt. Carl Bjork and have read the many responses from his family, friends and fellow soldiers. They have consistently said what a high caliber person Capt. Bjork is. Four "terrorists" have the power to destroy this man, who has devoted his life to service for his country. OUR government has allowed their lead agent to gather the "terrorist" in one room and allow them to "get their story straight". WHAT IS THAT! In any civilian court in our nation this would be thrown out as tainted evidence. But instead, Capt. Bjork, a bronze heart recipient, has spent 3 YEARS in a holding pattern job. If you listen to Victor Kelley's interview with Rick Amato, you will hear that Capt. Bjork was to be trained as a Green Beret when he returned from that tour of duty (which he received honors for a successful mission) instead he was assigned to guard duty and recently returned to Iraq to have to defend himself on the word of four terrorist... This example is one of the first lines of defense that the insurgents (terrorist) are using - if they are captured claim abuse or murder because America will turn against the self same people that are standing in harms way and trying to make this a better, safer world for us all. I can understand that many people have opposing opinions of this war - that's their right as Americans - BUT if you don't stand up against injustice that is wrong. And if you can't rally to defend our defenders when they need it than be prepared to fight this battle on our own soil and don't be looking to them for help when it happens. Try contacting your congressman and complaining! - they'll be running too!!
CPT Bjork has always been an outstanding individual and has maintained his proffesional attitude throughout this investigation. He has been humiliated by the army after serving so well for the last years of his life. I served with Carl during the time he was accused of these actions and it's a bogus charge. As for the Iraqis who are testifying against him, what a group of liars. The leader of them being a former "interogator " of the previous Iraqi regime. It's a sad day for the country when a hero, a leader and a citizen is charged for something he didn't do by the enemy.
Where is the 'concern' from the public, main stream media and the politicians? This is sad there is so much outcry over global climate baloney, yet little if no attention paid to this poor man. Someone who worked to sustain our lifestyle.
I will be writing to those washington politicians.
Mike
As another Wentworth cadet who had the pleasure of knowing Carl Bjork, seeing this is infuriating. He was a fantastic cadet leader evolving into a wonderful military officer. He was also a great human being who had compassion and who would listen to anyone with a problem. Seeing that same man accused of murder while serving for our country is just disgusting. Our country is allowing to many great men and woman to be desecrated like this.
My brother served under Capt. Bjork. He and his fellow soldiers speak incredibly highly of him. Not all soldiers feel that way about their Commanding Officer. The loyalty of his men speaks volumes of Capt. Bjork's character. Wake up America! Our military is made up of hundreds of thousands of men and women who could be in this same situation. This could be anyone's family member or friend - get angry and FIGHT FOR YOUR TROOPS as they have done for you!!
After sacrificing my well being and my mental stability, in Hit trying to protect the people of Iraq, I am disgusted. My immediate thought is to remove every medal from my own chest and mail them back to the Army. My stomach sits in knotts, I can not eat, I can barely think straight. I was there, in Hit with CPT Bjork. On more than one occasion, CPT Bjork came to my aide and effectively saved not only me, but my entire squad. I think of CPT Bjork as a brother, a man who shared sand, sweat and tears. He IS a true American hero, and our country is going to sit back and hardly notice as he is stripped of his dignity, his command, and his career. I support CPT Carl Bjork, and I always will. Once my brother, ALWAYS my brother.
Broken Spirit,
No, we are NOT going to sit back and ignore this. You have my word on that. best, KBD