Happy Thursday XO Warrior
Month: November 2014
Please watch new video from One.org and Sign to end Ebola now
http://one.org/ebola?source=taf&referring_akid=6682.4074310.QdVk3j
ONE.org
We waited too long to react to Ebola.
We’re still waiting for world leaders to finish the job.
We can’t wait to stop crises like Ebola once and for all.
Watch our new video with Morgan Freeman, Akon, Will Ferrell (and more). And sign our petition right here (more than 200,000 have now added their name). Let’s end Ebola now.
Our petition says:
Dear World Leaders,
We’re counting on you to quickly make and deliver bold commitments and help end the Ebola epidemic now.
Some countries – like the US – have stepped up. But there is more to do. We need Congress to pass emergency funding for Ebola now.
Talk is cheap. It’s time for action.
Add your name to our petition here: one.org/ebola
– ONE
XO Warrior
Throw Back Thursday * Great Day For Eric Clapton And Friends *
Time to kick back in the lounge chair, headphones on and your best air guitar. EC is in the house joined by several great artist this week. XO Warrior
“Help me, I don’t know if I’ll be alive tomorrow” ** Trigger Warning **
By sharing photos of one woman’s face over the course of a year, this video conveys a powerful message that needs to be shared. “One photo a day in the worst year of my life” was created by the Croatian government in response to a danger that many women across the globe live with every day. The harrowing message is made even more impactful by the sign the woman holds up at the end. It reads, “Help me, I don’t know if I will be alive tomorrow”.
I applaud the Croatian Government for taking a stand of Domestic Violence. A special thanks to Heather at The Starting End. XO Warrior
Warning: the video contains graphic images towards the end.
"Help me, I don't know if I'll be alive tomorrow" ** Trigger Warning **
By sharing photos of one woman’s face over the course of a year, this video conveys a powerful message that needs to be shared. “One photo a day in the worst year of my life” was created by the Croatian government in response to a danger that many women across the globe live with every day. The harrowing message is made even more impactful by the sign the woman holds up at the end. It reads, “Help me, I don’t know if I will be alive tomorrow”.
I applaud the Croatian Government for taking a stand of Domestic Violence. A special thanks to Heather at The Starting End. XO Warrior
Warning: the video contains graphic images towards the end.
Love Is A Verb, It Ain’t A Thing **Gramps Thank You For Showing Your Love**
Gramps would skip my nick name “Pud” and go straight to first name asking why I wrote this. Because I love you and want to thank you for being the father I never had. You taught me thru love when I needed it most. Your rules strict and set in cement. You taught me responsibility by setting an example. The nuggets we learn and realize when we’re older. I work to live by your example except for telling dirty jokes and I cuss way more.
I went to work at 15 years old and drove his car. He had me pay $50 for yearly insurance and $8.00 a week for gas, gas cost 0.89 at the time. My first car was a puck green Dodge Duster, the car was ugly but the tunes blared out. I was jamming. The rules were clear-cut, I could only drive my car to school, work, journalism, girls basketball and granny to mall. Granny told me years later he checked to make sure I was working on school paper, I was, he never checked again. When I started dating at 17 years old my curfew was 12:00, not 12:05. No phone calls after 9:00 PM, no leaving the house after 9:00PM, “you could get into no good if leaving after 9:00PM”. If not working I was home by 4:30PM for supper. Both of my grandparents showed me their love. He only raised his voice one time. His temper a slow burn, when it blew there was no convincing him, he might be wrong. He and granny were both stubborn and I didn’t fall far from the tree.
Being raised by the generation who faced the great depression, dust bowl and WWII was a blessing. I heard how poor most people were, you took any job you could get because there went many. How the war effected businesses, many jobs were frozen which meant you could not leave for another job. All efforts at home focused on supporting the war, granny became a riveter, some women worked in large sewing areas and most struggled to keep their head above water. It seems hard to think about today, my grandmother cut tin cans to use for curlers, she had two dresses, every night she had to wash one.
I didn’t have designers clothes, phone in my room, Atari, pool or new car. I never expected nor did I care what others wore or drove. I thought everyone lived this way. Was I naïve.
I miss my grandparents everyday and blessed by the lessons taught. Most important was their love, showing me their love.
“Love is a verb, it ain’t a thing” John Mayer
XO Warrior
Love Is A Verb, It Ain't A Thing **Gramps Thank You For Showing Your Love**
Gramps would skip my nick name “Pud” and go straight to first name asking why I wrote this. Because I love you and want to thank you for being the father I never had. You taught me thru love when I needed it most. Your rules strict and set in cement. You taught me responsibility by setting an example. The nuggets we learn and realize when we’re older. I work to live by your example except for telling dirty jokes and I cuss way more.
I went to work at 15 years old and drove his car. He had me pay $50 for yearly insurance and $8.00 a week for gas, gas cost 0.89 at the time. My first car was a puck green Dodge Duster, the car was ugly but the tunes blared out. I was jamming. The rules were clear-cut, I could only drive my car to school, work, journalism, girls basketball and granny to mall. Granny told me years later he checked to make sure I was working on school paper, I was, he never checked again. When I started dating at 17 years old my curfew was 12:00, not 12:05. No phone calls after 9:00 PM, no leaving the house after 9:00PM, “you could get into no good if leaving after 9:00PM”. If not working I was home by 4:30PM for supper. Both of my grandparents showed me their love. He only raised his voice one time. His temper a slow burn, when it blew there was no convincing him, he might be wrong. He and granny were both stubborn and I didn’t fall far from the tree.
Being raised by the generation who faced the great depression, dust bowl and WWII was a blessing. I heard how poor most people were, you took any job you could get because there went many. How the war effected businesses, many jobs were frozen which meant you could not leave for another job. All efforts at home focused on supporting the war, granny became a riveter, some women worked in large sewing areas and most struggled to keep their head above water. It seems hard to think about today, my grandmother cut tin cans to use for curlers, she had two dresses, every night she had to wash one.
I didn’t have designers clothes, phone in my room, Atari, pool or new car. I never expected nor did I care what others wore or drove. I thought everyone lived this way. Was I naïve.
I miss my grandparents everyday and blessed by the lessons taught. Most important was their love, showing me their love.
“Love is a verb, it ain’t a thing” John Mayer
XO Warrior
Throw Back Thursday ** Add Some Glory To Your Day **
Hope you enjoy this weeks choice. We can all use some glory in our life. XO Warrior
No One Left Behind*Thank you for helping Afghan translators like Janis’ who saved Matt Zellers life in combat*
I can think of no better day to receive news Congress heard our call from the Change.org petition. AMERICA HOME OF THE BRAVE XO Warrior
Thank You For Helping Veterans
Matt Zeller
Fairfax, VA
Nov 11, 2014 — I hope this finds you well.
Last summer, you helped us get Congress to pass an additional 1,000 visas for our Afghan allies. Thank you – you helped us save countless lives.
You may also recall the story of how Janis, the Afghan translator who saved my life in combat, finally got his visa to America last year.
Janis’ story was only the beginning. There are thousands more like him.
Together, we started No One Left Behind, an organization that helps Afghan and Iraqi translators gain their U.S. Visas and provides them assistance getting resettled in America.
Here’s a quick video about our organization:
This Veteran’s Day, we wanted to thank you for your support.
Since January we’ve helped resettle over 40 Afghan families in the United States. Your generosity allowed us to pay for their housing, furnish their homes, help them gain employment, and in several cases, even buy cars. You helped fulfill America’s promise to take care of those who so graciously took care of us. For that, we remain forever grateful.
We hope to resettle another 30 families by January. With your help, we will.
To help us resettle these families, please contribute today:
https://nolb.nationbuilder.com/contribute
-Cheers,
Matt
No One Left Behind
No One Left Behind*Thank you for helping Afghan translators like Janis' who saved Matt Zellers life in combat*
I can think of no better day to receive news Congress heard our call from the Change.org petition. AMERICA HOME OF THE BRAVE XO Warrior
Thank You For Helping Veterans
Matt Zeller
Fairfax, VA
Nov 11, 2014 — I hope this finds you well.
Last summer, you helped us get Congress to pass an additional 1,000 visas for our Afghan allies. Thank you – you helped us save countless lives.
You may also recall the story of how Janis, the Afghan translator who saved my life in combat, finally got his visa to America last year.
Janis’ story was only the beginning. There are thousands more like him.
Together, we started No One Left Behind, an organization that helps Afghan and Iraqi translators gain their U.S. Visas and provides them assistance getting resettled in America.
Here’s a quick video about our organization:
This Veteran’s Day, we wanted to thank you for your support.
Since January we’ve helped resettle over 40 Afghan families in the United States. Your generosity allowed us to pay for their housing, furnish their homes, help them gain employment, and in several cases, even buy cars. You helped fulfill America’s promise to take care of those who so graciously took care of us. For that, we remain forever grateful.
We hope to resettle another 30 families by January. With your help, we will.
To help us resettle these families, please contribute today:
https://nolb.nationbuilder.com/contribute
-Cheers,
Matt
No One Left Behind
Thank you for standing among the many who fought for America’s freedom * Thanks to all military families *
A special shout out to my gramps who served the Army with pride. Happy Birthday from Pud.
XO Warrior
Thank you for standing among the many who fought for America's freedom * Thanks to all military families *
A special shout out to my gramps who served the Army with pride. Happy Birthday from Pud.
XO Warrior
Isn’t this the cutest video you’ve every seen? We think so ** Thank you for spreading the joy **
The sounds of a baby Sympathy brought true joy to my ears. It’s a true reminder of what the season is all about. XO Warrior
Isn't this the cutest video you've every seen? We think so ** Thank you for spreading the joy **
The sounds of a baby Sympathy brought true joy to my ears. It’s a true reminder of what the season is all about. XO Warrior
Throwback Thursday ** Triple shot of my guitar hero’s playing same song ** Get Ready To Jam
Pull up a comfy seat, get ready to hear three of my guitar hero’s play the same song. I want to hear your favorite of the three. Is it all three, two, one or none? I want to know we’re on the same page with our music preferences. I take request, may not play them, let’s have some fun. XO Warrior
Throwback Thursday ** Triple shot of my guitar hero's playing same song ** Get Ready To Jam
Pull up a comfy seat, get ready to hear three of my guitar hero’s play the same song. I want to hear your favorite of the three. Is it all three, two, one or none? I want to know we’re on the same page with our music preferences. I take request, may not play them, let’s have some fun. XO Warrior
UPDATE: Inprisoned Since June In Solitary Confinement Ghoncheh Ghavami Found Guilty in Tehran, Sentenced To One Year In Prison.
Thanks to everyone who read Ghoncheh Ghavami’s story and signed the Change.org petition. I hope this is not the last chance we have to make our voices heard. I’ve included the original Change.org petition at the end of the latest developments. XO Warrior
Iran Jails British-Iranian Woman Ghoncheh Ghavami Over Men’s Volleyball Protest
AP | By ADAM SCHRECK
Posted: 11/02/2014 10:48 am EST Updated: 11/03/2014 11:59 am EST
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian-British woman detained while trying to attend a men’s volleyball game in Iran has been found guilty of spreading propaganda against the ruling system and sentenced to a year in prison, her lawyer said Sunday.
Britain immediately raised concerns about Ghoncheh Ghavami’s trial. The case highlighted the limits to free expression inside Iran and efforts by authorities to enforce strict interpretations of Islāmic norms despite a policy of greater openness being pursued by moderate President Hassan Rouhani.
The 25-year-old woman’s brother, Iman Ghavami, said the family had hoped she would be set free based on time already served since her June arrest. They are still trying to get official details of the verdict, he said.
“We’re disappointed and kind of shocked. We really hoped she’d be released,” he told The Associated Press.
Ghavami’s lawyer, Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabaei, said in an interview that a court found her guilty of “propagating against the ruling system.” Tabatabaei said he was shown the text of the verdict but is still waiting to receive it officially.
“I was told at the court today that my client’s case has been referred back to the prosecutor because Ghavami is facing new charges. So, the verdict was not given to me,” he said.
Tabatabaei didn’t elaborate what the new charges are or why fresh charges have been raised against his client now.
Ghavami was detained in June at Tehran’s Freedom Stadium after trying to attend a men’s volleyball match between Iran and Italy.
She is a graduate of the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and had been volunteering to help street kids in Iran for a few months, her brother said.
Women are banned from attending male-only matches in Iran. Ghavami tried to enter the stadium with other women to protest the ban, according to Amnesty International. Female photographers inside the complex were also ordered to leave, though none was arrested.
Ghavami was held along with the other protesters for a few hours before being released. She was detained again a few days later and stood trial last month. Her brother said she had no access to her lawyer until it came time for her court hearing.
“This whole case has been full of abnormalities,” Iman Ghavami said.
Ghavami has been held in solitary confinement for much of her time at Tehran’s Evin prison, according to Amnesty. She went on hunger strike at one point last month to protest her detention.
The rights group sharply criticized Sunday’s verdict and called Ghavami a prisoner of conscience.
“It’s an outrage that a young woman is being locked up simply for peacefully having her say about how women are discriminated against in Iran,” Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said.
Iman Ghavami said he believes authorities singled out his sister from the other female protesters because she holds both British and Iranian citizenship. Iranian authorities do not recognize dual nationalities for its citizens and treats them as Iranians under law.
The British Foreign Office expressed doubts about the sentence Sunday.
“We have concerns about the grounds for this prosecution, due process during the trial and Miss Ghavami’s treatment whilst in custody,” it said in a statement.
Iran’s moderate President Rouhani has faced resistance from hard-liners who feel he is too soft on those who challenge strict interpretations of Islam.
In one case earlier this year, six young Iranian men and women who shot a video of themselves dancing together and unveiled to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” were arrested along with the film’s director for allegedly breeching Islāmic norms. They received suspended sentences of jail terms and lashes in September.
Iran’s judiciary spokesman, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi, has criticized reports linking Ghavami’s arrest to volleyball, saying last month: “Her case has nothing to do with sports.”
Associated Press writers Ali Akbar Dareini in Tehran, Iran, and Danica Kirka in London contributed reporting
CHANGE.ORG
https://www.change.org/p/david-cameron-hassanrouhani-bring-my-sister-home-freeghonchehghavami#share
@David_Cameron + @HassanRouhani Bring my sister home #FreeGhonchehGhavami
Iman Ghavami
London, United Kingdom
Since June 2014 my younger sister is in solitary confinement in Tehran. She was arrested for going to a men’s volleyball match.
Ghoncheh is a British Iranian dual citizen. She was there to watch a game. She was arrested because of a misunderstanding.
Amnesty International has called for an Urgent Action for my sister. Amnesty believes Ghoncheh has been put under psychological pressure and been told she “would not walk out of prison alive.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said it was “aware of reports” of her imprisonment but its diplomatic powers are limited in Iran. We know that the UK Government has the power to do more to help Ghoncheh. Past cases have shown us that when pressure is applied Government will take more action.
Every signature and share will bring my sister closer to home. Will you help end this nightmare for my family?
——————
خواهر کوچکترم از نهم تیر در انفرادی به سرمیبرد. غنچه به خاطر رفتن به ورزشگاه والیبال دستگیر شد
غنچه به آن جا رفته بود تا بازی را تماشا کند. دستگیری او یک سوتفاهم است
با امضای این نامه به من کمک کنید تا خواهرم را دوباره به خانه برگردانم
——————
I’m a distressed brother who is fighting to bring her sister home. My sister is a law student in University of London. She should not have been arrested in the first place and does not deserve to be in solitary.
Amnesty International has said that “Ghoncheh’s lawyer has not been allowed to meet in prison or even access her case file.”
Ghoncheh was in Iran for a few months to work for a charity teaching literacy to street children and see our family. She thought women would be allowed to attend World League volleyball matches after Iran was warned about the matter by International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB).
Her arrest is a truly tragic misunderstanding. Will you help bring her home?
To:
Government of Iran & the UK government
Please allow my sister to come home.
She should not have been arrested for going to a volleyball match. Ghoncheh does not deserve to be in solitary.
by Iman Ghavami
Petition Organizer
Lyme Journal Entry Ten ** Lyme-Winning Me-Tugging the Trophy Back **
I want to thank heatherfightslyme.wordpress.com for posting this video. She suffers from Chronic Lyme, check out the wealth of knowledge on her site.
While fighting our own battle we can forget children and teens suffer from Lyme Disease. This beautifully sad video shows the struggle to find answers from a teenagers eyes. I feel her pain, want to hug her and make everything okay. We know it’s not that easy, hugs and understanding is always appreciated.
XO Warrior
Challenges this week:
Exhausted, waking up exhausted.
Not waking up by 9:30AM throws the days pills off schedule, especially the days I take shots. I start the day with multiple probiotics which need at least thirty minutes before starting the meds or eating.
It feels like the anti malaria and high-powered antibiotics are eating my stomach. The gastro pain along with existing gastro issues make for an unpleasant experience. I wasn’t eating enough at breakfast. I tried eating a 1 1/2 cups of cereal and my esophagus ulcer was smiling.
Slept most of four days and didn’t take any of my medication. I feel better but know my body requires help to fight this virus.
The backlash of not taking my everyday medications has repercussions. I’m addicted to stimulate drugs taken for Bipolar Depression. Not taking them properly caused a huge roller coaster ride. If I take the drugs to late in the day, I’m up until 3:00AM, which keeps the cycle going. If not taken, withdraw symptoms are quick to follow.
I take great pride in my independence and losing piece by piece is humiliating. I can’t shower by myself after falling over my shower chair twice. I have to defy this rule, asking my husband won’t roll off my tongue. This causes friction for both. Now we are installing some type of sliding bench. Chronic Lyme can slam you to the ground, you have to get up.
If the shower issue didn’t make me feel old enough, the bladder or lack of bladder control will. I thought it was me, how can this be, I’m to young for Kotex or diapers. My body changed on me, now the minute I need to pee, I do. There is no warning, no getting to bathroom, so humiliating. I read several bloggers who struggle with Chronic Lyme. Imagine my delight when I read Lyme is humiliating me. Chronic Lyme effects all major organs in your body, bladder control never crossed my mind. Some how its less humiliating, it doesn’t make wearing a Kotex at 51 years old easy.
PS: So happy to say I took a shower by myself last night without incident including drying hair. Yay!!!!!!!
ALERT: FDA Recalls Baby Wipes for Bacteria **Sold at Walgreens, Family Dollar, Sam’s Club, Fred’s & Diapers.com**
I thought it was important to post this recall. The bacteria in these baby wipes can cause a serious medical risk. Please see the highlighted names the baby wipes sold under. XO Warrior
FDA MedWatch – Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
10/27/2014
Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
Including brand names: Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings
AUDIENCE: Consumer, Pulmonology
ISSUE: Nutek Disposables, Inc. initiated a nationwide voluntary product recall at the retail level of all lots of baby wipes that it manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings, because some packages may contain bacteria. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Fred’s, and Diapers.com.
After receiving a small number of complaints of odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products. B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia.
As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation. Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products.
BACKGROUND: The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate. In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-855-646-4351, Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM EDT. If you believe you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease and you have used one of the affected wipe products, you should call your doctor promptly for medical advice.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Complete and submit the report Online: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the press release, at:
ALERT: FDA Recalls Baby Wipes for Bacteria **Sold at Walgreens, Family Dollar, Sam's Club, Fred's & Diapers.com**
I thought it was important to post this recall. The bacteria in these baby wipes can cause a serious medical risk. Please see the highlighted names the baby wipes sold under. XO Warrior
FDA MedWatch – Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
10/27/2014
Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
Including brand names: Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings
AUDIENCE: Consumer, Pulmonology
ISSUE: Nutek Disposables, Inc. initiated a nationwide voluntary product recall at the retail level of all lots of baby wipes that it manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings, because some packages may contain bacteria. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Fred’s, and Diapers.com.
After receiving a small number of complaints of odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products. B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia.
As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation. Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products.
BACKGROUND: The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate. In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-855-646-4351, Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM EDT. If you believe you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease and you have used one of the affected wipe products, you should call your doctor promptly for medical advice.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Complete and submit the report Online: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the press release, at:
Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi Released from Mexican Prison ** We Made A Difference **
My heart overflowed with joy to read Andrew was released from prison. I heard about his imprisonment thru a Change.org petition from his mother. Her pain growing everyday, her resolve grew even stronger, she was a true fighter. She fought for her son, the way I imagine any loving mother would do. We will never know their pain, we can feel overjoyed and celebrate his release. She is a Hero to me, she didn’t sit back, she fought everyday to make the boulder start to roll. Thank everyone who signed the petition, we made a difference. XO Warrior
Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi freed from Mexican jail, immediately returns to US
U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, jailed more than 200 days in Mexico, was freed by a judge Friday and immediately returned to the U.S., his family said.
Tahmooressi, 26, who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, had been held since March 31, when he said he mistakenly crossed into Mexico with three legally-purchased and registered guns in his truck.
A court-appointed psychiatrist confirmed that Tahmooressi has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Family spokesman Jonathan Franks said the judge released him without making a determination on the charge against him. He had been held initially at a prison outside Tijuana, then was moved to a prison outside Tecate.
His family released a statement Friday night saying, “It is with an overwhelming and humbling feeling of relief that we confirm that Andrew was released today after spending 214 days in a Mexican jail. He is back on American soil and will shortly resume treatment for both his pre-existing combat related PTSD and the residual effects of months of incarceration – which has taken a toll on him far worse than his two tours in Afghanistan.”
Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is said to have played a major part in the release efforts, according to a statement released by the Richardson Center for Global Engagement Friday night.
Governor Richardson was instrumental in the release efforts and will accompany Andrew and his mother, Jill Tahmooressi, following his release, on a private flight back to Florida,” the statement said.
Tahmooressi and his mother will return to Florida late in the day Tuesday, the statement also said.
The Florida man said he got lost on a California freeway ramp that sent him across the border with no way to turn back. His long detention brought calls for his freedom from U.S. politicians, veterans groups and social media campaigns.
In Mexico, possession of weapons restricted for use by the Army is a federal crime, and the country has been tightening up its border checks to stop the flow of US weapons that have been used by drug cartels.
Tahmooressi reportedly had three weapons, all registered in the U.S., including a .45 caliber pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and an AR-15 rifle.
Tahmooressi’s lawyers have maintained the weapons in the truck were there because he had recently moved from Florida to San Diego, and had all of his possessions, including the legally-purchased weapons, in his vehicle when he was stopped at the border.
Members of Congress were quick to react to the news of the release.
Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, immediately issued a statement saying, “I am elated that Sgt. Tahmooressi has been ordered released from jail in Mexico. This is great, but overdue, news. I am pleased that both Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam and the judge on the case recognize that Sgt. Tahmooressi did not intend to violate Mexican law, and that his combat-related PTSD should be treated by specialists in the United States.”
In Florida, Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents the district where Tahmooressi’s’ mother, Jill, lives, said in a statement, “I am thrilled that Sergeant Tahmooressi has been released from prison in Mexico. We have waited long enough. As a mother, my heart is with Jill Tahmooressi tonight and I can only imagine the many emotions she must be experiencing, namely the relief in knowing her son is coming home and that they will soon be reunited without prison bars, without handlers and without unnecessary travel.”
Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, said, “I am truly overjoyed to hear the news that our Marine Sgt. Tahmooressi is finally coming home to America. During my last visit with Andrew in a Mexican prison, I told him the next time I saw him would be during his release to America; I am grateful that I will be able to keep that promise and be with him and (his mother) Mrs. Tahmooressi as he returns to the United States tonight.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Tonight We Are Going To Start A Revolution ** Start Seeing RED **
M/Warrior
lookingforthelight.blog 