July 14, 2007 | Note: Charges against LCpl Tatum were dismissed on March 28, 2008.

I know these men. Wuterich, Tatum, Chessani, Stone, Grayson and McConnell. When I look into the eyes of my son, LCpl Justin Sharratt, I see them. They tell me, sleep well tonight Mr. Sharratt, we will keep you safe. It is the duty entrusted to us, a duty in which we will not falter. They don’t want medals, they don’t want gold. They need our support.

On Monday 16 July 2007, LCpl Stephen Tatum will face an Article 32 hearing questioning his actions in Haditha, Iraq. Stephen and his family will face his accusers, the Government of the United States. The burden is enormous. Jack Zimmerman, parents John and Stephanie, the Tatum family will not be alone in that courtroom. The prayers and support of thousands of Americans will be shining on their son.

Stephen has been the roommate of my son during these trying times. LCpl Tatum is an outstanding young man--one of the few, the proud, the brave, a United States Marine. We have had numerous conversations during my visit to California. We talked of his parents, his family, the Marine Corps. I found myself wondering if I was supporting him, or if he was supporting me. At a time when I broke down in Justin’s hearing he placed his hand on my shoulder to give me strength. He had my six.

Stephen talked about what the Corps meant to him, why our mission in Iraq is important and why he was confident these charges would be dropped. His faith in God and the prayers of thousands have made him strong. Stephen is firm in his belief he followed the ROE, used his Marine Corps training and survived an insurgent ambush. True to the Marine Corps creed he has remained faithful through these false allegations. We talked, not about the case, but of the small things in life. He smiled as he showed me pictures of his girlfriend back home. The Tatum’s need our support to return Stephen home.

God Bless Our Haditha Marines

Darryl Sharratt