June 29, 2011 Update

Hello to all of Andy’s friends and supporters.

It seems that with each new week more and more evidence is brought forward in Andy’s case that further proves his innocence. Over the past few days, much was presented at Michael Wagnon’s re-opened Article 32 hearing that shows the guys were not willing participants. Two witnesses have come forward and provided sworn statements stating Pvt Jeremy Morlock admitted he lied about the involvement of Andy and Michael and did so to get a better deal. Below are several news articles that lay out the information.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2015454061_apusafghanprobe.html

http://www.ktvb.com/news/crime/Soldier-statements-could-help-Holmes-case-124701329.html

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/06/28/1724877/at-jblm-attorney-pounds-away-at.html

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/06/28/1724977/soldier-key-kill-team-witness.html

The information from these witnesses is very encouraging. We are asking all of you to be patient. This is difficult to do, but it is necessary. The testimony of the witnesses could lead to very good things. Having said that, it has been over a year since this began and our experience has taught us to not get too excited because there is so much that has to be looked at in this situation. Our prayers are with those in leadership at Joint Base Lewis McChord who have to make the decisions on where these cases go.

Many family members have visited Andy in the past several weeks. Dana and Wendy were on hand for his release from custody. It was a time of joy for all. Forest and Kate also spent a weekend with Andy. They enjoyed a great round of golf and had a nice visit loaded with conversation and smiles. We will try to post some pictures on the website and Facebook page in the near future.

Andy has an excellent legal team defending him through this ordeal. A Composite team of civilian and JAG attorneys is out there zealously defending him. Daniel Conway and Gary Myers are his civilian attorneys.

Their website is http://www.mcmilitarylaw.com/

We are deeply appreciative of the support being poured out upon Andy and his family. We are humbled and at times speechless. We have a huge extended family because of all this and are forever thankful to each and every new “family member”.

Anyone wishing to support Andy’s defense fund can do so at the websites below and his Facebook page (We Stand Behind PFC Andrew Holmes) pages below.

http://www.pfcandrewholmes.com/helpandy.htmlhttp://unitedpatriots.org/

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and ongoing support.

Release from Pre Trial Confinement

Hi all,

It has been an eventful last several days. We have received some good news of late and I will do my best to share what I can. First of all, Andy was released from the Fort Lewis detention center. I was something we had looked forward to for a very long time, and we are so happy that it has finally come to pass. After his Article 32 hearing was reopened and a motion filed for his release from confinement, discussion between Andy’s attorney Daniel Conway and the prosecution gained traction. In light of the significant delay in bringing Andy’s case to a courts martial, the judge in the case concurred it was appropriate to release Andy from confinement. The order to release was signed last Thursday evening, and Andy was released Friday morning. A flurry of activity ensued and he is now able to move about with just a few restrictions. He has an ankle bracelet monitoring device, and he cannot leave the state of Washington. He was assigned to a new unit, and while he is more or less back in the real Army, he is not allowed to handle weapons. He will be with the unit until he goes back to court in September. Below are links to a couple of news stories. The first is from KTVB Boise has a phone interview with Andy and Dan Conway. Others fill in details that came out at various times during the day on Friday.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Pfc-Andrew-Holmes-talks-about-being-released-from-military-confinement-123666364.html

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Boise-soldier-accused-in-Afghan-killing-released-123639124.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/11/us-soldiers-crimesidUSTRE75A0AP20110611

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015296942_holmes12m.html#.TfQZllkjGtU;facebook

We also had some good news from the re-opened Article 32 hearing. “A forensic expert hired by the defense reviewed photos of the dead farmer and could not find wound patterns made by Holmes' weapon. Based on that expert's deposition, investigating officer Maj. Michael Liles said the Afghan's death "was likely due" to shots fired by two other soldiers. Army commanders at the base will review Liles' report and can accept the recommendation to reduce the charge, or retain the murder charge.” See the news article linked below.

http://www.ktvb.com/home/Pretrial-investigation-recommends-Pfc-Andrew-Holmes-charges-be-reduced-123742959.html

This past weekend Andy enjoyed time with his Mom and Step-Mom and friends. Friends on Facebook can check out the pictures. We will try to load some onto the webpage soon.Andy has an excellent legal team defending him through this ordeal. A Composite team of civilian and JAG attorneys is out there zealously defending him. Daniel Conway and Gary Myers are his civilian attorneys.

Their website is http://www.mcmilitarylaw.com/

We are deeply appreciative of the support being poured out upon Andy and his family. We are humbled and at times speechless. We have a huge extended family because of all this and are forever thankful to each and every new “family member”.

Anyone wishing to support Andy’s defense fund can do so at the websites below and his Facebook page (We Stand Behind PFC Andrew Holmes)pages below.

http://www.pfcandrewholmes.com/helpandy.htmlhttp://unitedpatriots.org/

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and ongoing support.

Pfc. Andrew Holmes talks about his release from military confinement www.ktvb.com

Pfc. Andrew Holmes, a Boise soldier accused of killing an Afghan civilian, has been released from pre-trial confinement until his trial in September.KTVB's Scott Evans spoke with Holmes and his attorney Daniel Conway on the phone Friday afternoon.

June 5, 2011 Update

Hello to all of Andy’s Friends and Supporters,

It has been a busy last couple of weeks. Andy’s Article 32 hearing was an interesting event. The key witness the prosecution was private Jeremy Morlock. It was readily apparent that private Morlock’s recollection of the facts was more than a little flawed. Andy’s defense counsel, Daniel Conway, was able to effectively present evidence and dispute the testimony presented by private Morlock. Witnesses for the defense offered testimony that in the words of Seattle Times reporter Hal Bernton “They also called several soldiers to the stand who offered sharply differing accounts of some details surrounding the Jan. 15 murder.” from that offered by private Morlock.
Here is a link to Hal’s article.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015149800_warcrimehearing26m.html

Dr Baden’s expert forensic pathology testimony was also entered into the record. At the end of the day we are all left wondering what is the real motivation for the ongoing prosecution of Andy on the murder and conspiracy charges. In any event, the Investigating Officer has all the evidence to consider and will present his recommendation to the Commanding General in the near future. Our hope and prayer is that this will be a turning point and we can end this ordeal soon. Nishi Gupta a reporter from Boise, ID television station KTVB interviewed Andy. We are very appreciative of the station sending Nishi to the hearing and for helping to present the facts in the case. While this will ultimately be judged in a military court, it is just as important to remember that Andy is being tried in the court of public opinion in his home town. Thank you Nishi and KTVB for your fair and balanced reporting. Below is a link to the article.

http://www.ktvb.com/home/Boise-soldier-gets-second-chance-to-prove-he-is-innocent-of-murder-122625399.html

Andy’s sister Kate graduated from the Meridian Medical Arts Charter High School two days after Andy’s Article 32. It was a bitter sweet time. Everyone was at the ceremony and party except her brother Andy. Fortunately the ceremony was video’d and there are tons of pictures to share with Andy in the future. We are looking forward to the day when we can gather once again as a whole family.

This week, Andy was able to have his wisdom teeth removed. The teeth have been causing him discomfort and after several failed attempts to be escorted to his scheduled appointment, the teeth are gone. Andy reports he has four holes in his mouth where the wisdom teeth used to be. We are all appreciative of the new leadership in his unit that is stepping up to the obligations to provide support to Andy and his fellow detainees. It is important to remember that it has been over a year since Andy began incarceration and he has yet to go to trial. He is a strong young man and we are proud of how he is facing this adversity.

We are deeply appreciative of the support being poured out upon us. We are humbled and at times speechless. We have a huge extended family because of all this and are forever thankful to each and every new “family member”.

Anyone wishing to support this cause can do so at the websites and Facebook pages below.

http://www.pfcandrewholmes.com/helpandy.html

http://.unitedpatriots.org

http://www.adollartocare.org

Andy has an excellent legal team defending him through this ordeal. A Composite team of civilian and JAG attorneys is out there zealously defending him. Dan Conway and Gary Myers are his civilian attorneys. Their website is http://www.mcmilitarylaw.com/

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and ongoing support.

April 18, 2011

Hello to all of Andy’s friends and supporters.

In this week where much of our attention is focused on sacrifice, we continue to be thankful for the sacrifice of those who have, and will continue to serve our great country.

There have not been many new or news-worthy activities in Andy’s case this past week. But we will share what we can to keep everyone as current as we can.


Andy was supposed to have a dentist appointment this week, and again it was not followed through with. More disappointment on that front. The next promised date is the first week in May. Given the great difficulty that the command has with taking care of these guys, it would seem reasonable for some other form of restriction to be available. Maybe that will come to pass as a result of the motions hearing on April 25th. Andy was able to make some calls last weekend. His outlook remains positive throughout this ordeal. He has developed patience that is both admirable and comforting.

Below is a link to an article from a publication in Concord, New Hampshire that lays out the basic truths in Andy’s case. Sadly this has not gained much traction in other media outlets. But then again, it does not sensationalize the case, merely lays out facts from testimony of those who are not charged or have nothing to gain in the case. Maybe we can spread the facts and they can gain traction outside of a small town in New Hampshire.

http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/250689/in-defense-of-accused-soldier?page=0%2C0

The indecision on the 2011 budget continues to ripple through our country. Families in the military are deeply impacted by the decision to pay soldiers half their pay on the normal payday. We know from personal involvement that Andy has not received his full pay, and Carrie Wagnon reports Michael Wagnon is in the same boat. This is probably the tip of the iceberg, or an indication of a very disturbing way of treating those who are “innocent until proven guilty”.

Andy will have some visitors later this week. Part of our family will be traveling to Tacoma to spend time with our soldier. Other members have work and Easter Church Service Support that will keep us from traveling for an Andy hug. Whether physically next to him or close in thoughts and prayers, Andy has our love and is constantly in our hearts and thoughts. We all pray and hope for Andy to be judged fairly.

We are deeply appreciative of the support being poured out upon us. We are humbled and at times speechless. We have a huge extended family because of all this and are forever thankful to each and every new “family member”.

Anyone wishing to support this cause can do so at the websites and Facebook pages below.

http://www.pfcandrewholmes.com/helpandy.html

http://.unitedpatriots.org

http://www.adollartocare.org

Andy has an excellent legal team defending him through this ordeal. A Composite team of civilian and JAG attorneys is out there zealously defending him. Dan Conway and Gary Myers are his civilian attorneys. Their website is http://www.mcmilitarylaw.com/

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and ongoing support.

New Article

Hi all,

We will be having a court update sometime next week. Andy has court on Monday the 25th. Mr Conway will be arguing on several motions, and hopefully we will get a court martial date. However, my prayer is that all the charges get drop, due to lack of any type of physical evidence. Just as well pray big, or stay home. This will be the first time that Andy has been in front of a judge who is actually assigned to his case. During his Article 32 hearing, we had an investigating officer. I won't even get started on that piece of fiction. It was plain to see that the Prosector in the case wrote the I/O report. The funny part was, the prosecutor even misquoted himself. Oh well, that is the Army for you.

Here is a really good article about our attorney and the case, Mr. Daniel Conway.

http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/250689/in-defense-of-accused-soldier?page=0,0

Please take a few minutes and look it over.

Thanks again for all of your support.

Dana Holmes

APRIL 3, 2011

Hello again,

Someone once told me that things go bad, and then they get worse. We were surprised by the Rolling Stones article/video/pictures. On the surface it would appear to a target audience as journalism at it’s lowest. I think we as a family stand behind what Dan Conway stated in his interview with MSNBC. Just because Andy is in a photo does not make him a murderer. We would like to remind everyone that Andy was pulled off a security position and ordered to pose for the photo. And his unit leadership was in attendance when the photo was taken. The brand of journalism being practiced in the Rolling Stone article harkens back to the days of ‘yellow journalism”. We are all saddened by this practice and firmly believe that no one is served by this style of journalism. Inclusion of disparate and unrelated videos, slanted reporting, erroneous statements and half truths are the hallmarks of this article and do not bear repeating. This episode drives home the need to be discerning in the sources each of us relies upon to deliver the news we need and use in our everyday lives. I think I can safely say that we are not accepting any further interview requests from Rolling Stones or media outlets of a similar ilk.

One of the results of the Rolling Stones article has been hate mongering, hurtful, and in some cases threatening posts on Andy’s website and Facebook page. Our family has changed his Facebook page and website administration practices to eliminate these problems from proliferating and gaining any form of audience at Andy’s expense. Shame upon those who would rush to judgment when there has been no trial or presentation of all the evidence that is available. Innocent until proven guilty is the standard of American justice and people should keep that in mind because but for the grace of God they could be in Andy’s position.

Other news organizations have chosen to take a more responsible reporting approach. Balanced reporting, using multiple sources, and thoroughly investigating information provided by those same sources are the hallmark of responsible journalism. For that, we as a family, are deeply appreciative.

In spite of the turmoil swirling around him, Andy remains upbeat. He is looking forward to his day in court. His faith remains strong. Andy is still waiting for the oral surgery to remove his wisdom teeth which are causing him discomfort. Unfortunately his unit forgot to pick him up for his original appointment several weeks ago. As of this writing he is still in a holding pattern. It is discouraging to see how the Army is handling his health care. Unfortunately this was not the first missed appointment for Andy.

We are doing most of our updates, and sharing links to current news stories in the media, on Facebook. Andy’s Facebook page is We stand behind PFC Andrew Holmes. This is a very quick and easy way for us to share information with the amazing network of friends, extended family, and family that has been created to stand with Andy in his march to justice. We apologize if this leaves some folks out of the loop.

We are deeply appreciative of the support being poured out upon us. Anyone wishing to support this cause can do so at the websites and Facebook pages below.

http://www.pfcandrewholmes.com/helpandy.html

http://unitedpatriots.org

http://www.adollartocare.org

Andy has an excellent legal team defending him through this ordeal. A Composite team of civilian and JAG attorneys is out there zealously defending him. Dan Conway and Gary Myers are his civilian attorneys. Their website is http://www.mcmilitarylaw.com/

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and ongoing support.

Hello again,

What can I say but, “it has been quite a week”. There has been a lot going on with people peripheral to, and directly involved in Andy’s case. On Monday we saw the release of photos from Der Spiegel. Dan Conway, Andy’s attorney did a very good interview on MSNBC. Here is a link to that interview http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/42235883#42235883

On Wednesday the 23rd Jeremy Morlock completed his court martial trial and was given a plea deal. Our prayers go out to Jeremy’s family and friends as they move forward in with this difficult situation.

Last week we reported Andy was scheduled for oral surgery on Monday. The surgery was to remove his wisdom teeth which were causing him discomfort. Unfortunately his unit forgot to pick him up for his appointment. As of Tuesday (the last time we spoke with him) he was still in a holding pattern. It is discouraging to see how the Army is handling Andy and his health care. Unfortunately this is not the first missed appointment for Andy.

On Thursday Der Spiegel released a very lengthy video that contained many more photos and video segments. Much of the video was from other units deployed to Afghanistan. We really do not have anything to offer as far as comments regarding this new video.

We are doing most of our updates, and sharing links to current news stories in the media, on Facebook. Andy’s Facebook page is We stand behind PFC Andrew Holmes. This is a very quick and easy way for us to share information with the amazing network of friends, extended family, and family that has been created to stand with Andy in march to justice. We apologize if this leaves some folks out of the loop.

We are deeply appreciative of the support being poured out upon us. Anyone wishing to support this cause can do so at the websites and Facebook pages below.

http://www.pfcandrewholmes.com/helpandy.html

http://unitedpatriots.org

http://www.adollartocare.org

Andy has an excellent legal team defending him through this ordeal. A Composite team of civilian and JAG attorneys is out there zealously defending him. Dan Conway and Gary Myers are his civilian attorneys. Their website is http://www.mcmilitarylaw.com/

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and ongoing support.