For immediate release:Army Interrogator, Sgt Ricky Clousing, Charged with Desertion
Ft. Bragg NC – August 31 – Sgt. Ricky Clousing, who went AWOL for 14 months in response to what he observed during service in the Iraq war, learned today that the Army has preferred court-martial charges against him. Sgt. Clousing is charged with desertion. As charged, desertion carries a maximum penalty of two years.
Sgt. Ricky Clousing, in response to his charges said today: “Since I left the army I have known that being court martialed was a possibility I could face. I am at peace with my decision. I followed my conscience and, if need be, I will feel honored to join the ranks of others who have been prosecuted for doing the same.”
“We are disappointed the army is choosing to charge Sgt. Clousing rather than focus on the investigation the abuses of power Sgt. Clousing witnessed in Iraq,” Attorney David W. Miner, a former Army Judge Advocate, remarked. “My co-counsel and I are honored to represent him because of the stand he has taken against the abuses he witnessed in Iraq.”
Sgt. Clousing served as an interrogator in Iraq in 2004 and 2005, then left Ft. Bragg in June 2005. Clousing voluntarily turned himself in on August 11 at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was then returned to Ft. Bragg, where he had been assigned to the 82d Airborne Division.
Sergeant Ricky Clousing is available for limited, one on one interviews as are his attorneys, David W. Miner and Larry Hildes.
“I would urge people to support Courage to Resist in whatever way they can. … As a veteran myself I know how difficult it is to break out of the stranglehold the military has on one’s mind…”
