We all know how the GOP blathers on about supporting the troops, quick with their bumper stickers and sloganeering, often hiding behind said troops in lieu of an actual policy. And this at a time that Veterans care would have to elevated to reach the criteria or description of sub standard. At a time when families suffer from continual deployment, PTSD is ignored at a time horrendous numbers of suicides are being reported and veterans are falling through societys ever widening cracks. From an Administration that sent troops unequipped and without a plan into a long quagmire of conflict.
But now there is something President Bush can do for one veteran.
Specialist Osvaldo Hernandez is a member of the 82nd Airborne currently deployed in Afghanistan. On return from this deployment he will shortly afterwards be Honorably Discharged. Spec Hernandez has a goal. He wants to be an NYPD Police Officer. Pretty common for a returning veteran. (Heck, I'd have to take my boots of and then some, to count all the guys I know who have gone into law enforcement) But there is a problem.
Spec Hernandez enlisted the day he released from serving a sentence in Rykers Island for a Third Degree Felony. He'd made a mistake--took his lumps--and wanted to turn his life around. This he did. Admirably. From all accounts he has been a good soldier, earning the respect and loyalty of his peers and his Chain of Command ( his Platoon Commander has gone to bat for him, amongst others). Problem is, the NYPD has a rule about hiring convicted felons ( no surprise there--I'd be worried if they didn't!) and that has brought his quest to a bit of a halt.
Spec Hernandez was convicted of a Third Degree Felony ( they are rated in seriousness A-E. He was a Delta) for being in possesion of an unregistered handgun. He pleaded guilty and received a years sentence. At which point he started to turn things around. He obtained a waiver from the Army and the rest is history.
His Leadership has brought ( told you he had earned their support ) this to Gov Spitzers attention. But he can't issue a pardon due to the fact that Hernandez screwed up by admitting the particulars of the crime--odd law, but there you have it.
That leaves an option. A Presidential Pardon. This man has earned one. He wants to serve his community. The starting wage for the NYPD is $25,000. Not much. But it's enough for this soldier. And that should be enough for this soldiers President to do the right thing. Specialist Osvaldo Hernandez did the right thing. How about it Mr President?
Support this troop.
note-- I will put a link to the NY Times article I got this info from in
a comment below.