For the first time in five years, Corey Clagett has reason for hope. The 26 year old from South Carolina was so proud to become a member of the 101st airborne division and proud to serve his country in Iraq.

But in 2006, when he was just 21 years old, Private First Class Corey Clagett was sent into Thar Thar, Iraq as part of an Operation called Iron Triangle. Since then he has been a Prisoner of War – not in Iraq - in Leavenworth, Kansas – charged with murder

You see he was given an order – “Kill all military aged males.”

Knowing it was an illegal order – Corey and Specialist Bill Hunsacker took three Iraqi Prisoners instead – when his Sargent saw the prisoners he said “What are they still doing alive?”

So the soldiers let the prisoners go and shot them as they ran away.

Corey was told by JAG officers he could face execution if he didn’t plead guilty and so he did – so did Bill Hunsaker – they got 18 years

The Sargent who passed on the order was also sent to jail – but he was freed after just three years. Nothing happened the Colonel above him – he is still serving in Germany even though it is believed he gave the original order

If you are looking for justice in this story there is none – especially not for Corey Clagett –who was sent to Iraq to kill the enemy – followed a direct order and is now serving 18 years in solitary confinement So right now he is being treated worse than suspected terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay

I travelled to Leavenworth Texas to speak at a rally to free Corey Clagatt and 9 other men who have been charged for murder in Iraq – some followed direct orders – some killed none Al Qeda operatives. And now, as I mentioned, there is hope for Corey – the clemency board says with good behavior they may let him out by Christmas. You can help - there is a petition on line at Corey Clagett.com – in helping him you will also help Bill Hunsacker and the rest of the Leveanworth 10.

Bad things happen in war and these men have done already paid a heavy price for the things they did while the officers above them are free.

It’s time to let them go home