They’ve been sent to the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth for killings committed while they served in the U.S. military in Iraq.
But family members and other supporters of the group that has come to be known as the Leavenworth 10 argue the men should be released. And supporters are planning a rally in Leavenworth for Labor Day weekend.
“We’re not coming to disrupt,” said Scott Behenna, one of the organizers of the Leavenworth 10 Freedom Ride. “We’re coming to create awareness.”
The Oklahoma man’s son, Michael, is serving a sentence at the USDB for murder. Behenna argues his son, who was a first lieutenant in the Army, killed an Iraqi bombing suspect in self defense.
Behenna said the other members of the Leavenworth 10 found themselves in similar predicaments — they felt as though they were defending themselves or fellow members of the military.
Two members of the Leavenworth 10 have been released. Behenna said Sgt. Larry Hutchins had a conviction overturned, and Staff Sgt. Raymond Girouard has been released on parole.
The other members of the group who are still incarcerated are Sgt. Evan Vela Carnahan, Pfc. Corey Clagett, Master Sgt. John E. Hatley, Spc. William B. Hunsaker, Sgt. Michael Leahy, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Mayo and Sgt. Michael P. Williams, according to a Web site set up for the rally.
Behenna said the Leavenworth 10 Freedom Ride is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 4 with participants gathering at Lansing High School, 220 Lion Lane.
The riders will be traveling north through Leavenworth. They’ll end up at 10th Avenue Park, 10th Avenue and Gatewood Street.
A program will begin in the park around 11 a.m. Several bands are expected to perform. There also will be speakers.
Behenna said the event will include remarks by retired Army Lt. Col. Allen West, who is running for Congress in Florida.
Behenna said local residents are encouraged to attend the event.
He said the program is not designed to be anti-military. It’s expected that a number of veterans will attend the event.
“We’re very much pro-military,” he said.
The program at the park is expected to last until about 4 or 5 p.m.
A message left with a Fort Leavenworth spokeswoman seeking comment about the rally was not immediately returned.
Behenna said participants will not be entering Fort Leavenworth as part of the ride.
