Re: final version of my statement - i think

[Haytham <haytham@puckettfaraj.com>]

I don't think that statement is going to add much

Haytham Faraj 
Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 2, 2010, at 3:35 PM, "Scarselli Maj Pietro P" <pietro.scarselli@usmc.mil> wrote:

> Thanks brother.  Think it would be ok if I added 'although there was no malfeasance, I should have known of these events and should be held accountable accordingly"  or something to that affect?  How say you?
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Haytham Faraj [mailto:haytham@puckettfaraj.com] 
> Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 11:07
> To: Scarselli Maj Pietro P; Hur Capt Christian P
> Subject: RE: final version of my statement - i think
> 
> Looks good.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scarselli Maj Pietro P [mailto:pietro.scarselli@usmc.mil] 
> Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 1:45 PM
> To: Haytham; Hur Capt Christian P
> Cc: faraj@gmail.com
> Subject: final version of my statement - i think
> 
> Here you go, gentlemen...thoughts?  Just made a few minor tweaks.  S/F!
> R/Pietro
> 
> 
> -------------------------PERSONAL
> STATEMENT----------------------------------
> 
> General, sir, thank you for the opportunity to stand before you today.  The
> last year plus has been the darkest days of my career, but also has given me
> much time to reflect on the past.  As an officer and leader of Marines, I
> have always insisted on taking responsibility for anything that happens or
> fails to happen on my watch.  Although I had not the opportunity to do so
> for the matters at hand, until now, I am very appreciative that you have
> allowed me to do so in this venue vice a GCM.
> 
> Thank you also, sir, for accepting this statement, along with the other
> documents provided, for your consideration as matters in extenuation and
> mitigation.  
> 
> Although I do not agree with how the IG investigation was conducted or
> briefed to the CG at the time, I do accept full responsibility for anything
> true that has happened or not happened while the Provost Marshal here.  The
> charges before you, which I plead guilty to, now properly capture events
> which according to various Marines, interviewed by the IG took place.
> Unbeknown to me or not is irrelevant.  I was in charge at the time and
> accept that culpability, sir.
> 
> Since the charges only contain broad descriptions, I have provided some
> additional details below sir should you want to know more about each event.
> They are by no means excuses or matters to defend, rather they are provided
> to paint a clearer picture 
> 
> Additionally sir, I have provided a quick summary of my past assignments and
> brief description of a few of the accomplishment achieved here on MCAGCC as
> the Provost Marshal. 
> 
> Lastly, I have also listed some personal matters for your consideration
> during the award phase of the NJP.  
> 
> 
> DETAILS OFFERED AS EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES: 
> 
> Article 90 
> 
> While traveling to St Louis, MO on leave, I was in contact with my OpsO,
> GySgt Buchanan, during a layover...discussing a Scrapper call, which was
> ongoing at the time.  I noted in the conversation that he was seemingly not
> on point...so I asked him if he was ok. I then recalled that he had had his
> 2nd interview with the IG that day...and asked him "how'd it go" ? "are you
> ok"?.  I did not feel that was debriefing him and really wasn't even think
> about the order Col Green has given.  In looking back, I can see how it
> could have been perceived as asking questions about the interview.  If I had
> a chance to go back I would not have asked those questions in that way.
> 
> Article 92 
> 
>    Spec1 
> 
> When allegations of adultery would surface against Marines under my charge,
> I would direct the Provost Sergeant to look into the matter.  If the
> allegations were substantial and substantiated, we would fwd the matter to
> the Bn for their action (i.e., BARNES, 2008).  If the allegation was
> unsubstantiated the matter would be closed.  The SNCOIC of the subject
> Marine would be expected to counsel the Marine on the dangers of perception
> and ordered accordingly to stay away from the 2nd party and the company
> 1stSgt would be apprised of the unsubstantiated allegation and action taken.
> Every allegation was thoroughly looked into; even if it was against any of
> our civilians, who do not even fall under the same scrutiny as Marines.  In
> the one case where there was an adultery allegation against one of our
> civilian officers...I directed the Provost Sergeant to consult with our HR
> Rep, Jess Cook, which he then did.  Although there was no action we could
> take even if substantiated, the allegation was looked into and the civilian
> officer was counseled about perception.  At the time I felt this was a valid
> and efficient way to handle such matters.  Personally informing or briefing
> the Bn CO, did not seem like a necessary thing to do.  In retrospect,
> however, I do see how at least letting him/her know would be more
> appropriate and I would do so and will do so in any future capacity
> 
>    Spec2 
> 
> During 2007, HqBn Marines were exempt from rifle qual, except any FAP
> Marines whose parent unit was a Division unit.  In 2008, that exemption went
> away.  RR quotas for HqBn were extremely limited, slots were limited and we
> had 150 plus Marines to get qualled, so I authorized our training section to
> coordinate the use of MCLB, Barstow's hardly used RR.  All details were
> worked through the HQBn S-3 and S-4.  During the IG investigation a Marine
> alleged she never shot the rifle while up at Barstow, but still received a
> score.  True or not, I do not know, however if that did happen...then I am
> responsible.  There were over 6 evolutions during the course of the year and
> into 2009.  The SNCOIC at the time assured me all Marines shot the weapon.
> I believe, I should have sent additional SNCOs and or an officer up there
> with the details to act as a 2nd verifier.
> 
>    Spec3 
> 
> At times, SNCOs under my charge chose to have Marines in their sections who
> had committed minor orders violations, come in on their day off to field day
> around PMO rather than issue a page 11 and such.  Although I was not aware
> of every time that happened, I did not see it as improper punishment, at the
> time, since the work had to be done regardless; normally by Marines coming
> off shift, and by not giving a Marine a page 11 and such would foster a
> climate where there was a sense of fairness and that the leadership was not
> looking to hammer otherwise good Marines.  I see now, how improper
> punishment simply cannot be allowed and I accept responsibility for allowing
> it to happen.  
> 
>    Spec4 
> 
> On training days I allowed unit functions where BBQs were conducted where
> beer, soda and water were provided.  All Marines and civilian MPs were
> allowed to attend.  Underage Marines were expected not to drink the beer,
> however I did not have the Marines carded.  On one occasion an underage
> Marine drank.  Admittedly, I did not know that had happened until the
> results of the IG investigation.  I should have known.  Had I known I would
> have implemented methods to ensure it never happened again.  The events were
> an effort to bring the civilian and Marines closer together in a safe
> environment for all.  
> 
> Article 133 
> 
> The prosecution drafted this charge to encompass the 3 other charges as a
> generalization of conduct unbecoming.
> 
> Article 134 
> 
> My senior enlisted advisor, MGySgt Humbertson separated from his wife in Nov
> 08.  The MGySgt had custody of his son from a previous marriage with him at
> the time and needed an apt large enough for himself and his son.  He
> determined, however, he would not be able to handle that rent along with his
> two mortgages (house in Murrietta and house in 29).  As a result, he asked
> me if I would mind moving in so the rent would be affordable.  We discussed
> the matter and since he was the only Master Gunny working for me and was my
> senior enlisted (if in a combat zone he would be hooched with me) and the
> fact that we were both expecting PCS orders within 8 months, we did not see
> it as fraternization and I decided to help him out and move in.  I should
> not have moved in with him; I should have chosen some other way to help.  
> 
> CAREER ASSIGNMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
> 
> - Enlisted in 1994:  MCRD, PI  Jan - Apr 94; platoon honor graduate
> 
> - MCT, Camp Geiger, NC then Legal Services School Apr - Aug 94:  class
> leader, meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal.  
> 
> - FJLC, Cherry Point Aug 94 - Jan 95: Cert Comm, selected for the Enlisted
> Commissioning program.  
> 
> - OCS and TBS:  Jan - Dec 95 
> 
> - MP Officer Basic Course, Ft McClellan, AL: Jan - Apr 96
> 
> - MCLB Barstow: Apr 96 - Nov 98:  Deputy Provost Marshal 
> 
> - OSO, RSNY: Nov 98 - Jul 01:  USMC OSO of the Year 2001 
>    -Assigned as Platoon Commander at OCS from May - Jul 01 
> 
> - MP Captain's Career Course, Ft Leonard Wood, MO:  Jul - Dec 01
> 
> - 2d MP BN, Camp Lejeune: Jan 02 - May 05
>    -Jan - Apr 02: Provost Marshal, JTF-160, GitMo
>        -lead a platoon of MPs in the stand up of Camp X-Ray and in
> the receipt and transfer of all first 300 Taliban        prisoners. 
>    -Apr 02 - Jun 04: Battalion 3 
>        -Feb - Oct 03:  MAGTFTC and SPMAGTF, 2d FSSG, Kuwait/Iraq
>            -choreographed the largest MP BN deployment since
> Vietnam (the entire battalion)
>    -Jun 04- May 05: Battalion XO 
>        -Jan - May 05:  OIC 2d MP Bn (FWD) Fallajah
> - CO, RSNY: May 05 - Oct 06
> - 29 Palms: Jan 07 - Aug 09: Provost Marshal
>    -never failed at any mission or assigned task
>    -implemented mil-civ conversion...leading our PMO to first Medium
> PMO to close out hiring goals in 2008 and 2009.      -assisted Chief of
> Staff in the stand up of the G-7 as a new staff position.  
>    -implemented 24/7 Pass/Id and posts
>    -inspired the ongoing post improvements of the Main gate, and future
> construction of new PMO sites on mainside
>    -responsible for the improvement of sentry protection at main gate
> (and future gates) by pursuing the installation    of sun shade and
> misters to completion.    
>    -touted as the best PMO he has ever served with by Chief of Staff,
> Col Abblitt (see FitRep)
>    -other achievements as captured on FitReps and misc documents.
> - 29 Palms: Aug 09 - present: ATG, S-3 (Research and Development)  
> 
> MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR CONSIDERATION DURING AWARD PHASE:
> 
> Grandmother was my dependent until early this year; when I had to put her in
> a home.  Taking care of her over the last 11 years cost me slightly over
> $110, 000 and am currently paying off the difference in her last resident
> physical therapy and initial nursing home costs. 
> 
> I have incurred a considerable cost to retain my civilian attorney and am
> still paying off the balance.
> 
> Please consider as well that I have already been relieved, will receive 2
> adverse reports potentially, will likely lose my selection to LtCol which is
> pending, any other potential promotion, and the loss of the difference
> between a major's retirement versus that of any higher rank, in addition to
> this NJP on my record with the punishment you award, sir.
> 
> ***Do I ask him for any leniency specifically here? ***
> 
> Thank you again for your time and consideration, sir and I respectfully
> request to have audience with you personally, one on one, post NJP.
> 
> 
> 
>                                                         PIETRO P. SCARSELLI
>