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After Action Report: Michael Behenna Clemency Hearing

After Action Report: Michael Behenna Clemency Hearing


Washington, DC
In Support of lst Lt Michael Behenna
Clemency Hearing
January 7, 2009

Please accept my apologies for the lateness of this report. A matter came up that required too much attention.

January 6, 2009:

I had the honor and distinct pleasure to have breakfast with the Behenna family on the morning of January 6th. They are a family with presence and my thoughts immediately were that the Clemency Board would be impressed, to say the least. They are a beautiful and loving family. That did not surprise me at all as I spent a few days with Vicki Behenna in early December lobbying in support of Michael. Vicki is a lioness and they have messed with her cub and after meeting the family, the Clemency Board will know they have stepped into the Lion's den! They are a close knit family and they are fighters!

After breakfast we headed to the hill and met up with a truly great group of Patriots who came from all over the country to lobby with us in support of Michael. I know the Behenna Family joins me in thanking Beth, Carrie, Stanger, Snooper, Nonnie, and Pastor Ed and Annie B. These folks came from Pennsylvania, New Jersey Indiana, Texas and Washington State. God Bless you folks for coming such a long way and your support was noticed by all we met with and I know it helped Michael, I have no doubt.

We had no formal appointments as the Congressmen were back in their districts. That actually worked to our advantage. We were all welcomed into every office we visited and we got the ear of many staff and military liaisons. The offices we visited included Mary Falin, Rep Kline, Rep Thomspon, Duncan Hunter, Steve King, Trent Franks, Mike Pence, Joe Wilson, Ike Skelton, Darrell Issa, Buck McKeon and Susan Davis. In each office Vicki told Michael's story. Vicki articulates so well the injustice done to her Son and she is so very compelling. In Rep Davis's office, as Vicki made her case, the two aides were so enthralled they literally stopped everything they were doing, including answering their phones, to listen and watch Vicki. Michael's father Scott is a big man and has a commanding presence himself. If Vicki forgot to mention something, he filled in for her. Curtis, one of Michael's younger brothers spoke about his brother's credibility and Shannon, Mike's girlfriend and a beautiful girl, spoke about his loyalty. Let me just say this, this family is a force to be reckoned with! Michael's Aunt and Godmother had come along and she filmed the trip. In my conversations with her, she shed a few tears for her godson.

The reaction from all we met with was shock, especially at the ludicrous 25 year sentence Michael received and the fact that not all the evidence was presented at his trial. All agreed Michael has certainly been served an injustice. Many had suggestions of representatives to meet with who could help us further. Special special thanks to Beth, who arranged our visit with Rep Thompson's office and who waited on us. They were so very gracious to all of us and gave us tour passes which the Behenna family utilized on Friday. Curtis' girlfriend, Candace, a beauty herself, has never been to DC so the family spent Friday showing her around and those passes were welcomed and so appreciated.

January 7, 2009:

Our group gathered outside the building where the Clemency Hearing took place in Arlington, Virginia, about 8am. The hearing began at 9am. We encountered a Swat Team, Police and the Security man in charge of the building. When they saw what a non-threatening group we were, and that there were no "pink" people there harassing us, they went on their way. They were all supportive too! We held our signs "Free Michael Behenna" and http://www.defendmichael.com and of course, the beautiful "We Support Our Troops". The Behenna family arrived about 8:15 and they were delighted to see us all out there. I do believe we gave them that extra push. The family looked tense and it just made my blood all the more for what this family has been put through, all because their Hero Son defended himself against a known Al Qaeda terrorist. We hugged them and let them know we would not leave until they came back out. Pastor Ed assured them we would pray for them and we did. The panel consisted of 5 members, 3 male, two female and two of the members were civilians. Vicki was originally told she would be given 10 minutes to fight for her Son's life, but the family was actually given about one hour. I think that speaks to this families credible and formidable presence. The panel asked questions relating to Michael's life as he grew up and what his plans were if he were released. The Behenna family were told that a decision would be rendered in a week or two and that Michael is the one who will be notified of the decision. Pray folks, please pray as if Michael is your Son, because he is, he is all of our Sons!

To Beth, Carrie, Stanger, Snooper, Nonnie, Pastor Ed and Annie B, thank you for all your support and for coming such a long way to support this Hero. I believe there is a special bond between us that will last a lifetime.

With A Mother's Heart Filled With Love and Respect For lst Lt Michael Behenna and His Beautiful Family,

Beverly Perlson
The Band of Mothers

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