UPDATES...
We've had a WONDERFUL civilian attorney, Mr Philip D Cave, fighting for Gary...He really is our little angel on our shoulders. He helps with all the legal stuff, keeps me from causing trouble and doing things that could damage the case (but still laughs when I do off-the-wall things), and always comes up with something positive when both Gary and I feel we are at the end of our ropes. Putting aside his wonderful military legal expertise and assistance, he can always make Gary and I laugh. We could not have hired a better lawyer for both legal and mental reasons...Phil, thanks for being our shining light!!!!
If any of you out there need legal assistance, I advise you to call Mr Cave...His link is on the first page, which also contains his background and contact information.
1/20/2002
Gary Shafto sits frustrated, but patiently while we wait for any word form Ft Drum and the convening authority...We have supplied them with ample evidence to prove his innocence. He's been there now for almost a year...and it seems that the military has NO intentions of claiming they made a mistake...So Gary sits there in a prison that was condemned 10 years ago...the walls are falling, it's infested with rats and mice...the water is loaded with lead, he's been stripped of his freedom, pride and respect, while the military debates on how they're going to get away with this one!!! If anyone has any suggestions, advise, or stories, please email me directly through the link. If anyone can help him or if I can help you, please email me also!!
1/23/2002
I have started to contact Congressman and the District Attorney's offices regarding this case. I am asking them for a legal, court inquiry into the specific prosecutor involved with the obstruction of justice involving US Vs. Shafto. I will continue my efforts whole heartedly, and promise to keep everyone updated. I thank those who have taken the time to respond by email or by signing our guestbook.
In addition I speak to Gary on a daily basis and he is so touched by the support he is starting to receive. So, from the bottom of BOTH our hearts....THANK YOU, and GOD BLESS!!!
2/3/2002
We have had a few things happen this week...
I heard back from Congressman Smith who has read the information and took the liberty of forwarding the case to the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington DC, claiming and assuring me that I will hear directly from them.
In addition, in continuing my investigative efforts, I have learned that the accuser had turned her own father in for molesting her.
I have also learned that another male who has recently rejected her efforts for a relationship is another victim of her lies. I am trying to locate this individual to try to help in his efforts to keep his innocence. If anyone knows of Thomas Riley from Plattsburgh, please direct him to me so I can help!!! I have forwarded a new affidavit this week to Mr Phil Cave who is submitting yet another supplement to the SJA of Ft Drum regarding the new investigative information discovered this week.
Gary wanted me to personally thank everyone for their responses and concerns. We have had many responses, support, and prayers from many of you...we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!!
5/30/2002
I appologize for not keeping this sight up to date...It's been a long time. It breaks my heart and soul to have to update with the following news:
On 3/14/2002 My Husband, Corporal Gary L. Shafto, was found dead in his cell in Ft Leavenworth Disciplinary Barracks. I do not have the energy or heart to go into details...it's been 2 1/2 months, and still have a very hard time writing about it. I receive regular emails from people after they have been exposed to and read this sight. I'm still receiving emails saying things to the effect of proving his innocence and bringing him home. People have been reading this sight thinking he is still alive. It breaks my heart everytime I get an encouraging email to continue fighting and bring him home. Well, I have brought him home, but not the way it was supposed be. It should have been a big welcome home party with friends and family, with balloons, streamers and welcome home signs. Instead he was brought home covered by the United States Flag, with a 21 gun salute and TAPS playing in the background. I have no more case to fight...three weeks after his death, I received notification from the Army Court of Appeals stating that the motion to drop all the charges and dismiss the case was granted. Alot that does now that my soulmate is dead...even more so, dead at the hands of the military, the USDB, and their guards. Please keep on eye on this sight...I promise you, there will be LOTS more to write and inform you of. Trust me on this... the fight is FAR from over!
What the catterpillar calls the end of the world, the master
calls a butterfly.
An Anonymous Tribute To Gary L Shafto (Through CAMI Websight):
FALLEN SOLDIER
A tribute to Gary Shafto
I heard of a fallen soldier today, one well loved and respected in my eyes, for the brief period that I knew him. He was a man of self-control and in his chest a soft heart.
As he spoke to me one day, I came to understand the military accomplishments - a sniper who had experienced Ranger training. This soldier, I realized, was one of a kind, for you cannot complete what he did and truly be a coward. People in the United States Army dream of what he completed, not to mention the cadence songs they sing about him, such as, Airborne Ranger and many others.
I heard of a fallen soldier today, one in whom TAPS was truly written. The song, all day long, was written for soldiers such as you, Shafto.
I heard of a fallen soldier today, one who had been slandered. I laugh Shafto, because the ones who did so aren't even issued TA-50 (field gear). A true joke indeed.
They could know nothing of the gruesome field exercises. Long days, nights, sometimes months on M.R.E.s (Meals, Ready to Eat). Trip flares in the night, OP Four, M-60s rocking full throttle. I know this because I was an infantry soldier too. But I know I could only have dreamed of becoming a soldier such as you.
I write of a fallen soldier, who should always be remembered as top notch. In my eyes, any man who thinks otherwise obviously shows his ignorance about military life.
To those who do however, I would like to ask one thing, before you say a foolish thing. What have you accomplished? Is it annotated on your DD-214 that you were trained in combat arms to fight on the front lines? Where is your (Ranger) tab, anyway? Or do you even own a (Infantry) blue cord? If not, little man, don't take a stand against a dead man, because your status in the military could never compare to a true soldier such as Shafto. Take your place, and get out of my face, with the trash you're trying to sell.
I heard about a true fallen soldier today. One for whom I grieve. When I heard my comrade had fallen, it was already too late. I could not fireman carry him to get relief.
My brother Shafto, I apologize for this. I wish I had been beside you on the front lines, where we belong. Instead you were dead, behind cold steel bars, with me - what a tragedy. Prison was not made for men of a caliber such as you. We fight for freedom, not condemnation, so believe me, I understand your pain and what happened. I love you and appreciate your fellowship. I know you knew, there are no athiests in the foxhole, and no poges (derogatory name used by the Infantry in speech and cadence, toward those such as draft dodgers, who hide behind a desk from combat, or those who never go to the field at all, (for example, the cadre in the U.S.D.B.).
Even so, Amen my brother.
All my love to you,
Gary Shafto and the Shafto family.
God loves you.
7/8/2002
Today I received an email from an old buddy of Gary's...he was unaware of his passing until today. He wanted me to add the following:
To Gary Shafto, A Warrior, A friend, A brother............
"ONES' LIFE WEIGHS LIGHTLY AGAINST DUTY.
OISHI
13th Century Samurai
...................................Miss ya Bro. ONE SHOT ONE KILL
Chris.
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