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.