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.