H, Read email trail. Allen West made introductions. Then Dunford invited communication. Let's chat about this when you have time. N Thank you for the favor of your reply. At present, there is no urgency to this matter. It appears that the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces is taking an important issue under consideration and thus we are getting the Wuterich case continued until 12 April, if all goes well. Similarly, it may be that if CAAF rules in our favor, it may be some time, if ever, that the Wuterich case goes to trial. In any event, as a retired Marine officer (and possible TBS classmate of yours in 1977), I feel an obligation to brief you on issues that extend far beyond the court-martial and the interests of my client. There are serious concerns I have about what the world (read: Al Jazeera) and the country will learn about what did not happen as well as what did, with the investigation and prosecution if this case must go to trial. (Ironically and coincidentally, Al Jazeera called me a half hour ago to ask about the scheduling of the case). We have discovered, as a result of the passage of time and our own investigation, chilling facts about the case that will never be briefed by the prosecution team but which ought, in the best interests of the Marine Corps, to be considered at your level. I want to assure you that since you are no longer the convening authority, but even if you were, there is nothing inappropriate about you speaking with me and my law partner and co-counsel, Retired Marine Major Haytham Faraj, about the wider implications of this case. We would not be bringing you a "deal" or any recommended courses of action. We're only interested in informing you about the results of our investigation and previously undiscovered facts and evidence that will be a necessary part of the trial. These, by the way, are facts that had they been discovered at the time, should have resulted in a completely different approach to the entire incident at Haditha. Neal A. Puckett, Esq LtCol, USMC (Ret) Puckett & Faraj, PC 1800 Diagonal Rd, Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314 703.706.9566 The information contained in this electronic message is confidential, and is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that any use, distribution, copying of disclosure of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this communication in error, please notify Puckett & Faraj, P.C. at 888-970-0005 or via a return the e-mail to sender. You are required to purge this E-mail immediately without reading or making any copy or distribution. On Jan 12, 2011, at 6:16 AM, Dunford Gen Joseph F wrote: Congressman-- Thanks for the introduction. Look forward to seeing you soon. SF Joe Neal-- Just send me an e-mail and we can discuss what's appropriate for a meeting etc. I'll be at Quantico all day today and off the net. I'll respond late tonight or tomorrow. -----Original Message----- From: Allen West [mailto:abw.diver@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 22:46 To: Neal Puckett; Dunford Gen Joseph F Subject: //Introductions ref SSgt Wuterich USMC Case, Private and Confidential// General Dunford, greetings Sir and wanted to introduce you to LtCol Neal Puckett (USMC, Ret). Neal was my defense counsel for my case in Iraq back in 2003. He has worked many high profile military cases including the current one with Marine SSgt Wuterich. In the strictest of confidence Neal has asked me to connect the two of you. He wishes to have a meeting with you on this case, he resides in Alexandria. I will step aside so as to not have any potential of influence from my "position". Semper Fi, Al |