Pennsylvanians rally 'round US troops
accused of mistreating Iraqi prisoners
by Lisa Napersky Aug. 13, 2003
Master Sgt. Lisa Girman, 35, of Pittston, along with three other members of the 320th Military Police Battalion, Hanover Township, Pa., were charged last month with mistreating prisoners as they were led to a processing center in southern Iraq.
The allegations were made by members of another unit from Kentucky.
Robyn Zukoski, of Plymouth, Pa., a longtime friend of Girman, said she and other supporters have gathered thousands of signatures of local residents who are concerned for the safety and rights of the accused soldiers.
"We're going to send these petitions to members of Congress and anybody else who might listen, including the president of the United States," said Zukoski. "These soldiers are over there all alone, in a foreign country. We just want them to come home," she remarked.
Zukoski said a rally in support of the soldiers would be held sometime in the next few weeks.
Also charged in the incident are Staff Sgt. Scott McKenzie, 37, of Clearfield, Sgt. Shawna Edmondson, 24, of South Abington Township, and Specialist Tim Canjar, 21, of Madison Township. The soldiers have been separated from their unit, and each other, and are being held at a base in Kuwait.
"Lisa is totally by herself, away from everybody," said Zukoski. "She is even eating meals alone."
A hearing will be held Aug. 27 in Iraq to determine if there is enough evidence for the charges levied against the soldiers to go to trial.
The reservists face up to five charges each of assault and mistreating prisoners.
Girman and McKenzie also face more serious charges of obstruction of justice and making false statements, which carry a possible prison term of up to five years.
The soldiers have vehemently denied using excessive force, insisting they acted in self-defense after being attacked by Iraqi prisoners.
Zukoski said she has been in regular contact with Girman, who maintains that there was no wrongdoing.
"Lisa will not settle for anything less than a clean record, because she did nothing inappropriate," said Zukoski. "She said she will not take a plea agreement or even a letter of reprimand."
Girman is a state trooper who helps run youth camps at the State Police Academy. She served during the first Gulf War 12 years ago, where she was stabbed in the arm by an Iraqi prisoner.
In addition to gathering signatures and contacting congressional leaders to ensure the soldiers receive fair treatment, Zukoski said the planned rally would help unite the community in support of the reservists as they await the outcome of the charges.
"They went over there to defend us; now it's time for us to help defend them," she said.
Published by
The Citizen's Voice [Wilkes-Barre, PA]
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