SwiftVets.com

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This website is dedicated to my 20 year old hero, my son John.



John is a consummate Marine serving his country to the best of his ability. John heard the call to citizen service and was assigned to combat in Iraq with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (REIN), "Darkhorse 3/5", one of the most storied infantry battalions in the history of the US Marine Corps.

John has always wanted to serve his country at the "tip of the spear" as a Marine rifleman. My proudest moment in life was watching as John's Senior Drill Instructor handed the Eagle, Globe and Anchor to him at Boot Camp graduation. John needs your help. He is currently held by the Marine Corps in SOLITARY CONFINEMENT along with 7 others of his squad under investigation for the Hamdaniya incident that occurred in combat on April 26, 2006 in Iraq. John has not yet been charged, yet is held in the most severe confinement possible. By comparison, the Marines being investigated for the Haditha incident are free on the base.



My son spends 24 hours a day locked in a small 8x8 cell with only a small bed, a small stainless steel toilet, and a shelf for some of his personal belongings. He is not allowed to write letters because pens or pencils are considered "weapons." He is allowed to walk out of his cell only when he showers or visits with his family and attorneys. But when he does, he is shackled hand and foot. To visit him means to sit on the other side of a glass wall without being able to touch him. Remember, John has not even been charged. John is innocent and he needs your help.

Click here for more info: http://www.innocentmarine.com/

January 5, 2006

To my Father:

Both my brothers and myself were floored by your heartfelt and eloquent
goodbye. To those who choose not to serve the impact of such a message is
impossible to measure. The futures, lives, and indeed the very spirit of
freedom in every American now rests with us, Her chosen defenders. The 3rd
Battalion, 5th Marines will once again set forth do do battle with those who

begrudge us the very freedom that allows them to do so.

As has always been the case, our Battalion will lead the charge against the
forces of prejudice and injustice. As always, America's citizen-soldiers
will fight and die to preserve our homes, our families, and our way of life.

But we cannot, and have never, been able to do it alone. Despite our
strength, determination, and discipline, we depend mightily on those we
leave behind. Your strength and your determination imbue us with the resolve

and courage needed to accomplish our mission. And, as we look towards our
beloved country, we strain to see the faint glow of the home fire; a lone
candle burning bright against the darkness, a beacon to guide the way home.

My father, everything that I am I owe to you. All those attributes and
ablitites, the honor and fidelity, the courage and the knowledge, all that is

good in my life derives from your just hand and noble heart. Yours is the
example that will lead me into combat, and back home safely. Your tireless
dedication to your children has served to train my own dedication to our
nation. Your knowledge has lighted my way on the path to honor and
decency, and your wisdom has provided the rock solid foundation of my moral

character. And though as a citizen and a Marine I owe a debt to the
country, discharged in the form of my service, but as a man I owe a debt to
you; one which I fear can never be properly repaid. I can only wish with
every ounce of my being that in service I bring you joy and pride in your
greatest accomplishment: me.

To my ever-loving and always faithful father: watch with pride as I mach off
to make war on America's foes. Know that you will never be far from my
thoughts, and always in my heart. Know that I will be serve well beyond
what is expected and know that I am forever in your debt for your
unequivocal and constant service to me. Know, what ever may come of my
service and my life, that I do now and always will love you and that I am
forever grateful to be the man that you molded me to be. Semper Fidelis.

Your son,

John Jodka