UPDATE ON WARRIOR DEFENSE FUND'S EFFORT TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE SEAL TRIO

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generosity in making it possible for us to make meaningful contributions to the causes the three SEALs so unjustly charged with abusing a terrorist prisoner.  We now have some $10,000 (estimated) in the bank, and we will shortly disburse that sum to the Trio.

You should know that your contributions to Warrior Defense Fund (WDF) are fully tax-deductible, as we are a 501(c)(3) organization under IRS rules.  We would caution you to avoid any fund-raising operation that is NOT so designated, because your donations will NOT be tax-deductible.  Further, the fund-raisers will have to pay taxes on all contributions over $12,000.00, so they have to allow for that expense before donating to the SEALs.

Sad thing, though--I learned just yesterday that JUST ONE of these young men may have to expend around $150,000.00 in his defense, due largely to the fact that the military judge in Norfolk has moved his trial (and that of one more defendant) to Iraq.  This was done ostensibly so that the accuser could be confronted.

An issue has arisen that bears some planning, and that is how the funds are to be equitably distributed.  If we just send one-third of your contributions to each of the SEALs, that would result in an uneven benefit to them.  For example, one SEAL has more charges lodged against him than the other two.  As another example, their lawyers are charging different rates, so what might appear to be a fair distribution of funds might not be that at all.

Here's what we're doing.  We are establishing a "fusion cell" in the Virginia Beach area that is composed of five or six respected members of the local community, including some retired SEALs.  This cell will be provided the latest information on the amount of money WDF has available.  The cell will then assess the requirements of the SEAL Trio and recommend how the available funds should be allocated.  We are already in contact with two of the other fund-raising groups and have invited them to participate in this method of disbursing funds.  It appears that they are anxious to join us.

Once the percentages have been adjudicated, the cell will inform WDF (and such other groups as may cooperate) how much money they recommend be provided each SEAL.  We (and the other groups) will then transfer the funds from our bank account via wire transfer directly to the accounts of the SEALs.

I really like this method of getting the money in the hands of those who need it, as it places decision-making responsibility in the hands of those closest to "the problem" and removes any taint of favoritism that might otherwise be suspected.  The "beauty part" of it is that no checks will ever be written.  All financial activities will be by wire transfer.

If any of you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to call me at 252-402-7459, or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .