11/10/2005
Brent Bennett From Pularcharke Prison
If you’re looking for pieces on Jack Idema and his team, please click on this link.
This is a look at Brent Bennett’s point of view–another American held at Pulacharke with Jack Idema and Ed Caraballo. I’ve been focusing in on Jack, his history, his qualifications and so on, but there are two other Americans at Pulacharke with Jack, so let’s hear what they have to say. Previous post from Ed Caraballo’s point of view here. Here’s a little bit about Brent before we hear from the man himself:
Captain Brent L. Bennett is from Fortuna, a small town in Northern California. He is a bona fide red-blooded American HUNK. He grew up hiking through the redwood forests, riding dirt bikes, and dating redneck girls. He joined the US Army at 18, went through the US Army’s Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and became a paratrooper in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, an elite Special Operations capable airborne division which is America’s rapid deployment force. With a legacy stretching back to WWII, the 82ND - “AA” is known as the All-Americans with a rich history spanning every conflict in modern American history. Bennett is an Airborne Forward Observer who specializes in Forward Air Control (FAC), and is a Forward Infantry Surveillance Team (FIST) operator. His Special Operations cross-training in the U.S. Army Airborne includes combat medic, unit armorer, and Ranger tactics. He served roughly six years in the military, had a short stint in civilian life, and, after one year of training and indoctrination, was selected for employment by the Counter-Terrorist Group U.S. (”Counterr Group” was formed in 1978) as a CT (counter-terrorism) operator in a direct action capacity against al-Qaida and related terrorist groups. Although he was an NCO in the army, Bennett was brought onboard the Counter-Terrorist Group as an junior officer, and awarded the rank of Captain in the UFMF and CTG as the result of his actions against terror groups in Afghanistan.
You can also read this at Superpatriots.us.
my name is brent bennett; not bill bennett as the press keeps referring to me. for the record, master sergeant bill bennett was killed in cqb (close quarter battle) in iraq on september 12, 2003 by iraqi and al-qaida terrorists, along with another great special forces hero, master sergeant kevin morehead, both of the 5th special forces group, and both who had fought in northern afghanistan in 2001. the press didn’t get their story right either.
My whole life I always viewed the press as a reliable and accurate source of information; a way to get the scoop on local and world news. Then again, the weather channel is not always right, is it?
I joined the Army in the first place to make a difference. The government can give you the training and the tools to defeat terrorism, but they must also remove your leash, and ultimately it is the men and women on the front lines who will keep the terrorists from killing more American civilians. Now, just as before, I feel the same way. And we did make a difference, more than people will probably ever know. However, that was before our political whirlwind and destruction by a vicious group of journalists who should have been working for Jerry Springer instead of the Associated Press.
When my teammates and I became news, I had an intense wake up call about the press. The press wants you to think they are smart, informed, and honest. In reality, they become nothing more than lemmings; when a story gets hot, or breaks, they abandon their individuality, and often their ethics. They remain that way— simply rehashing someone else’s “scoop” or view, or, as in our case, false information, and remain that way long after the story ends. In nine months I have seen only two articles that got even close to the right information about our case. I would like to think that as the news coverage continues— for it seems to be never-ending— and as more reality and less fantasy becomes clear and available; that the stories would change and truth would finally prevail, but the lemmings have to save face so they continue the same screwed up story. They feed off each others lies, innuendo, and most of all, rumors. I know we are right, I know we were catching terrorists— I know we were doing the right thing, and I know we were saving lives, and saved lives. Both American and Afghan. In the words of TASK FORCE 180 at Bagram—before our “arrest”—we were “rolling them up.” Of course, now we’re just renegade vigilantes. Whatever. All you need to know is that I would do it all over again hands down. To do anything for my country and others who are too weak to defend themselves, this is my calling. I am not a mercenary, I am a Patriot. Who can tell you they have captured terrorists? Saved the lives of two cabinet members, and stopped a terrorist attack on Americans before it happened? Not too many huh? Certainly not the FBI.
My “Afghan” imprisonment began with hearing the screams of tortured victims (mainly our own guys) at the NDS prison in Kabul. I could hear this from my little cell, that 6 prisoners slept in and stayed 24/7. Yes we slept next to our al-Qaida enemies, except when the Taliban guards allowed you to go to the bathroom, or once every two or three weeks when I got to take a shower. A shower that consisted of a rusted old bucket of cold water that I dipped a cup into and then poured the smelly water over my head, without soap I might add. I might mention that the other Taliban prisoners could take a “shower” whenever they wanted to thanks to the Taliban prison guards. We slept on cement floors with only a thin wool American Army blanket as bedding, and man, the way the walls of the prison smelled moldy and had scum that built up growing who knows what on it, and who knows when the last time it was cleaned. We were isolated from each other to keep us from talking to anyone in our group (they did not want to let us talk in fear of what we might “plan” or do). We were constantly yelled at and threatened; most of us were beaten and tortured repeatedly. Since then I have lost seven teeth and one year later Major Ezmerai still has the electrical burns on his hands from torture, and both of Jack’s shoulders still have torn rotator cuffs and one of his retinas is still messed up. The closest comparable thing I have seen to our (NDS) prison conditions were in the movie Hell with Jean Claude VanDamme. Midnight Express wasn’t that bad compared to what we endured, believe me. This entire incident has opened my eyes to the extent that America has taken things for granted. Americans actually think we are winning the War On Terror, or worse yet, have won it. I have voiced this before, but in the atmosphere of NDS prison you have a long time to think, to soul-search, to ponder and reflect on all the things you wanted to say to someone that you didn’t get around to, or were a little too embarrassed to tell your feelings. Those first three months were a living hell, and often I wonder how any of us survived.
Pulacharke—is like a dream, unlike NDS, “our bad acid trip.” Our conditions have gone from being abused and tortured on a regular basis, sleeping on cement floors where sometimes there was no room to lay down, just sit against a terrorist, and where food was non-existent—we were given roughly two cups of rice and one piece of bread each day for three months; to virtually being treated like royalty. But it hasn’t been without pain. We lost a dear friend in December 2004 when an al-Qaida assassination attempt against us was prevented. His name was Colonel Sherzaman. He died in front of us fighting off Iraqis, Pakistanis and Arabs that were trying to kill us all, Jack mostly. Apparently the terrorists actually thought their families might collect bin Laden’s reward on Jack.
But on the flip-side, we are welcomed by the many Afghans who fought and bled for Afghanistan, some of whom were with Jack in 2001, from all areas of Afghanistan. Three more of our close friends were critically wounded in the battle, and four other soldiers died fighting the terrorists that day. The Afghans see the real deal, and it shows by the way we are treated; the commanders, soldiers, and guards come up everyday to see how we are. They ask if we need anything, and often visit just to say hello (these are the true Mujahadeen warriors–as much as I am a true American). Yes, our conditions have improved immensely; and since then I have learned quite a bit of Dari– one of the languages spoken in Afghanistan, and the language of Commander Massoud’s Northern Alliance.
It was hard at NDS because almost no one knew English, and you had to try to speak to the terrorists whether you liked it or not. It was like playing charades at first until I started learning more and more. I am currently able to understand more than I can speak though. I have hopes that one day Afghanistan will prosper. They certainly deserve it after 26 years of war–can you imagine? And no matter what you hear or read, the war isn’t over yet.
The Taliban and other terrorist groups are infiltrating the government again, quietly seizing power, secretly making deals, and treacherously planning their comeback and the destruction of American and the Northern Alliance. It will be a great day when the Afghans can enjoy even the simplest of things that we take for granted in the U.S.–like electrical power, clean water, paved roads, and maybe one day it will even happen. But right now, that day is a path yet un-cleared— the terrorists are still here, and with them, an underlying ambush for America.
My opinion stands, and you get this not from CNN or some self-proclaimed terror expert, but from boots on the ground, face to face with the enemy. Some Americans after 9/11 forgot or don’t want to think about it. You get spun through the mixes of life–(even night life)–and it can be easy to forget things, or put them out of your mind.
America is a great place, where you can lead a great life, and a comfortable life. All that said, I ask you a question. People, how can anyone forget about 9/11? That was a wake up call, and some of you just pushed the snooze button.
I have talked, seen, and overheard many Americans talking about what they thought should be done, or what they wished they could do, or what they wanted our country to do. I’ve seen our president in a speech that encouraged Americans to do what they could, enlisting every American as a soldier in the War on Terror. Well, we did what every red-blooded American wanted to do, but few did. And most of all, we did it well. Everyone plays a role in this fight and mine involves catching terrorists before they strike, not after they stack our bodies up.
People are afraid to stick their neck out. I stuck my head out and would do it again, in a heartbeat. I believe the world would be a better place without the terrorists; and I believe in my heart that the rest of the world knows this in their heart. And that America knows there is no other path. The day may come when the terrorists win, and America is powerless to stop them, to protect our women, our children, and our families. But it is not this day. Not yet.
Saying and doing are critically different acts. Wake up, drink some coffee if you need to, but realize that the terrorist threat is real. I have received letters from many people; from family, from friends, and from total strangers that always relate the same thing to me— that the terrorists should be caught and it shouldn’t matter by whom or how. People all over the world are supporting us. With letters, and cards, and care packages. Everyone that writes says the U.S. government should be giving us a medal… actually, three days before our arrest the government of Afghanistan was saying that we would receive medals from the president.
Three days later we were all in a dungeon in the basement of the Taliban’s old torture chamber. I am still trying to figure out what happened. Just before our “arrest” (it wasn’t really an arrest) I was prouder then I had ever been before in my life, or even in the 82ND Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. I never cared about medals or money, or promotions, or personal gain, but I thought my country would at least say thank you. That is not the case though; instead, some journalist heard a rumor and the “torture” word started flying around the mill and everyone looked the other way. Damn, everyone believed the terrorists even though they were totally lying. Wow, terrorists lie, now there’s a new concept.
Jack is true blue. I would follow him into war and back again and I will stand ready to catch terrorists again, when Jack is ready. That might be awhile due to the numerous people listed on “Jack’s Docket.” And there are quite a few. But Jack will go after the terrorists again, it is in his blood. He has been fighting terrorism for more than 25 years, before most people even knew what it meant, or why it was a threat to our country. It is disgusting how much the press, the web, and “anonymous sources” like to smear Jack. Why? I like to think it’s because he and the rest of our group (and there’s a lot more of us than you think) here in Afghanistan are doing what a lot of people want to do but cannot, for one excuse or another. Maybe for lack of courage.
I’m proud of our website. I think it looks great, even unreal I thought when the first pages were sent to us, but it is also so very informational, and a behind the scenes look (kind of). And, I’d like to thank those people “behind the scenes” for doing it. Could thanks ever be enough? And it is also a good tool for those who are law savvy and want to find out the real story in the case. God Bless the U.S.A.
And may God bless those who have perished in Afghanistan, helping rid Afghanistan and the world of terror and terrorists. Afghanistan is one of America’s greatest allies, and we are with the Northern Alliance until the end.
Brent, Captain,
UFMF-Task Force Saber/7
Counter-Terrorist Group
P.S.: I hope you all enjoy this, and I hope my family and friends from my hometown in Northern California enjoy it to, they learn the truth from us, instead of some weblog filled with lies.
The SuperPatriots and Jack images on this site are used by Cao’s Blog with written copyright permission and any use by any third party is subject to legal action by SuperPatriots.US
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Free Jack Idema! at The Irate Nation linked with Free Jack Idema! at The Irate Nation
November 10th, 2005 at 2:30 pm
Seriously, this stuff is almost too painful to read. I have no words to describe the respect I feel for these men …
… Though, armed as they are with £3b of public money each year, the BBC search engine reveals only four (*FOUR*) hits on ‘Jack Idema’, all from the first trial, all sneering in tone.
Are we really the only people fighting this one?
November 10th, 2005 at 3:01 pm
Yes, Rotty. To my knowledge, we are. They asked me what got me interested in the case, and what drew me in was discovery over Cafasso and Artis. Cafasso was already revealed through numerous sources, and I’m still trying to find more information on “Sir Edward” Artis. I ended up poring over the SuperPatriots website, and then doing searches on the internet because they were complaining about bloggers.
Now I know what kind of blogger I am, I couldn’t believe there would be bloggers out there who would demonize men of character like this.
Low and behold, there is an entire page in there devoted to Flogging the Simian and you can do searches about Jack and that website will come up.
Apparently that site, according to commenters, belongs to an American living in Romania who blogs for a living and begs for money from his readers. There’s a lot more to it–check the Superpatriots site and read about some of the lies of Floggin’.
I never met the person behind the blog, but you can see just from the looks of it that it’s someone from the very left of the spectrum who likes to bash America and the war in Iraq–and America in general.
That individual was receiving ill-gotten (or should I say illegal) intel from an individual inside the US. That individual is now running around scared, carrying his portable hard drive with him.
Suffice it to say that certain individuals hope Jack stays and dies at Pulacharke–for their own selfish reasons…even though he’s in there with two other men who are attached to him–their hatred is that intense.
November 10th, 2005 at 3:56 pm
Americans should understand the stake they have in helping free Jack, Brent and Ed and put back in action his team of terrorist hunting Afghans. Very recent history makes the case ever more sharply. Following the three bombings of American owned Hotels in Jordan there was again a lot of chatter by pundits on TV here about how vulnerable we are in the US. Was that vulnerablity a surprise to anybody? Did it really take a horrific event to happen before we again fall back into enjoying our pleasant lifesyles? It is ironic that the attack in Jordan comes one day after the British Parliament voted down Tony Blairs proposal to triple the number of days a suspected terrorist can be held in a British prison. I hear the British press is calling for Tony Blair to resign after his defeat. I think it is tuime for the British Parliament members who voted against him to resign. Here in the US the Democrats, after a few electoral victories in Governor races, are smelling Bush weakness and again getting aggressive about our not yet finding Bin Laden (as well their other complaints about the war in Iraq). The Republicans are playing into the hands not only of their political enemies, but of their terrorist enemies by not unleashing one of the best weapons they have against Al Qaeda and its followers, namely Jack Idema, Brent Bennett and the Afghans warriors of Saber7. If Idema and the others had not been arrested, there was good reason (you can read all about it on http://www.superpatriots.us)to believe Idema would have captured Bin Laden.
Let’s hope that with the new Afghan Parliament Idema and Saber7 will again have the opportunity to go hunt terrorists and keep us all a lot safer. That’s the stake we all have in what happens to Idema and his team and that is why his story is so worthy of our attention and our action.
November 10th, 2005 at 4:04 pm
Slightly to one side of topic: I just did a search at LGF for ‘Idema’ and came up with this:
‘Idema was a convicted con man who totally captivated the gullible mainstream media—especially CBS News and Dan Rather, who did more than anyone else to fill Idema’s bank account and enable his bizarre quasi-military exploits.’
This is from CJ himself. Unbelievable. What the hell is wrong with people, that they won’t fight as hard as hell to protect someone like Jack Idema? Is scoring points against Dan Rather and co. really worth more to LGF than the life of the sort of man who’d die to protect their freedom?
Sorry for ranting, but the more I read about the Idema case, the more angry/frustrated I become. And coming from an Englishman, I tell you, that means something. Normally our (highly-developed) cynicism-gene levels the anger out into sarcasm pretty quickly … But this situation is just bloody intolerable.
LGF link:
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=14197&only
No wonder the people at SuperPatriots have an attitude problem with bloggers — We need to turn this situation around. Now.
November 10th, 2005 at 5:11 pm
Thanks, Ted, Rotty.
Yes, we have our work cut out for us. Yes, indeed.
I should say it’s more than the media who’s “gullible” and even bloggers like LGF can be wrong.
As I recall, when Don Hall was trying to sell his sizzler about Gary Linderer, there were some big blogs who cut and pasted some of his rants, not even bothering to check the facts. That is why I was so glad that Heidi and Kit took it on.
The Idema case is much the same; it’s much bigger, and to me, it’s becoming more and more clear to me what has happened here.
This case will certainly have much to do with the war on terror and whether or not we can hold onto our resolve. With the western short attention span; remote controls, aspirin and all the things in our lives to make life easier and give us instantaneous resolution to small problems, it would seem at times the American public is going through ‘terror fatigue’ and would like to just ‘turn the channel’. Ted has an important point; Idema and his men are the best weapon we have against terrorism and bin Laden himself. We must get him and his men set free; healed, and hopefully they will resume the work they set out to do.
As I read and discover more of the facts in this–I’ve found myself in a constant state of ‘mad as hell’…
November 25th, 2005 at 8:05 am
I have been searching for the last several months for a way to email Brent Bennett. He is a friend of mine, and I had been searching for him for years, until one day I did a Google search and found out about the whole story. I have been mainly in Europe since 2002, and only found out about this all through web research. I emailed a few newspapers, and even the State Dept, but have gotten no reply. If anyone knows of any way I can email or get in touch with Brent, please let me know. My primary email is aaronblairak@yahoo.co.uk.
Thank you!
Aaron
November 25th, 2005 at 8:46 am
I forwarded your information on to the people who need to know, and they will take it from there. Thanks for commenting, I’m sure Brent would appreciate some kind words of support.
December 9th, 2005 at 9:40 am
This situation is an outrage. I personal have know Brent for over 20 years. I can’t beleive how much the press has twisted their story, and the truth. Through my years i have came to realize that most govenment officals are the biggest criminals. My prays go out to each of the men whom have their freedom taken away, thanks to the American govenment. As well as the each memeber in their families, whom are left with fear, and heart aches. I give all the men involved such as Brent, Jack, and Zorro a salute for fighting for our freedom. These men are great American Patriots heros. Not criminals that the press has made them out to be. Thank you for all your courage.
January 5th, 2006 at 1:31 am
[…] Brent Bennett from Pulacharke Prison […]
January 12th, 2006 at 11:30 am
Brent was and still is one of my best friends from Fayetteville. I like to think that I know him better than most people. I know in my heart that he truly sought to help the American people and that his intentions are true. I’ve heard from his family about how he is being treated and I find it disheartening. I keep him in my prayers everyday and hope to see him again soon. I truly respect him and thank him to what he did to protect my own freedom and the freedom and safety of all American citizens.
January 12th, 2006 at 11:59 am
This does make you angry,I have been very disapointed with many of the blogs on the right concerning this issue,they have done a terrible job as far as investigating this case goes.Rotty, I have tried to mention this at B5’s blog and from what I can tell they still haven’t covered it either.Cao,maybe if we mention this to Kit and Heidi,it will get the traction it needs.
January 12th, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Well said, Mia. If you come back here, can you contact me at RottweilerPupUK@aol.com
I do the weekly Free Jack Idema blogburst associated with Cao’s Blog, and I’d really like to do a piece on Brent. Could you email me some background information on him? It would be a huge help. Thanks.
January 12th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Lisa: B5? Assuming you don’t mean the v. excellent ’90s sci-fi series … Huh?
Also, could you please stop ‘want[ing] to kill liberals’ over at RP? It isn’t big and it isn’t clever and Andrew Bartlett isn’t amused.
January 12th, 2006 at 6:41 pm
:mrgreen:No Rotty I am in no way suggesting the murder of the Left,but a good chop busting?yeah they deserve that!:cool:
January 12th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
[Cao: Lisa and me are hijacking one of your threads to natter about one of mine — Tell us to shut up if you want.]
Lisa: I know you weren’t threatening to kill liberals. (Though, to be fair, who doesn’t fantasise about BBC journalists being tried for high treason, sentenced to death and publicly hanged as an example to others … Or is that only me? And does that make me a sociopath? Whatever.) My point is that although liberals deserve to die, I know that you weren’t actually threatening any of them over at RP. Not that I’d mind if you did. (Oh God, I am a sociopath, aren’t I?)
January 13th, 2006 at 6:28 pm
Rotty, I’m right with you. A few good treason trials with convictions, then start hanging five or six at a time, public hangins mind you. Maybe I’m a sociopath too, but thats my opinion and I’m sticking to it.
May 1st, 2006 at 12:43 am
I’m glad I read this post by Brent Bennett - I have garnered a tremendous amount of respect for this guy and his partners. It’s so sad the FBI, CIA and Federal Government of the USA did him in like this. I don’t trust those people, but I trust REAL Americans and other humans across the globe, sincere about peace and individual liberty, not a great job with benefits or a trendy title at a news agency. Brent, if you ever read this, just know I’m glad to know people like you are in the world. The only people that really make a difference, are those willing to make sacrifices. The iPod toting, cell-phone, wanna-be journalists of today are merely tools of passing along distorted information. If it isn’t saucy, ****, spun, who’s going to read or watch their ****!
I have a website I registered called http://www.KILLTHENEWs.COM and I’d like to forward the URL to this website.
I hope people who live their la-di-da lives start to realize the real danger that exists, while they let their lilly white Politicians take their eyes off the game, for selfish reasons. Thanks for this story!
May 12th, 2006 at 8:03 pm
I was totally shocked when I read this. I can’s believe the torture he has gone through. Brent is one of my good friends. When he left he was so excited. I know Brent fairly well and I now he would not do some of the things I read. He has a kind heart and soul. He helped me through some things before he left. He was great. I have been trying to find a way to reach him since I left that’s been 2 years now. Please if you can pass on this email address..(Stukn1970s@aol.com)..I would deeply appreciate it. Thanks so much. I miss u Brent.
May 12th, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Will pass it along, Samantha, thanks for commenting. And may God bless them all.
January 18th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I served with Bennett in the 82nd and half the things he claims he is trained in is B.S. He was a below average paratrooper and was not very well liked by his subordinates, peers, or leaders. Some of the guys we served with are now S.F. and they have avoided being captured. That is because they’re in the real military. Not just a bunch of mercs running around Afghanistan with guns and money. One of our Fire Support Officers and one of our Team Sergeants lost their lives in the War on Terrorism. They should be the ones being honored and getting this entire media publicity not this bozo.
If you want to read about real heroes go to Google and type in SFC Jared C. Monti or CPT Russell B. Rippetoe.
FIST is Fire Support Team not the crazy **** it’s called on his bio. Do you’re homework before typing up ****.
Sincerely,
SFC Matt 13F
82nd ABN DIV
January 19th, 2007 at 5:34 am
It’s a shame that people like you are willing to defame someone who’s actually fighting the WoT. Regardless as to whether or not they’re active military, they’re still doing the job that most people would never do. It’s funny to me that people sitting behind a computer screen in the comforts of their homes and offices in America are so hell bent on burying American heroes who are fighting for their lives every single day.
The fact that Bennett was alongside Idema having faced numerous attempts on his life and survived, tells me a lot about his training. If he didn’t know what the hell he was doing, he would be dead by now.
And the fact that the American government forced him to sign an agreement that was blank, gave him travel money that they turned into a ‘loan’ and are now forcing him to pay it back indicates to me that America now sanctions debtor’s prison.
Regardless as to what you think of him personally, or what you think he was actually doing in Afghanistan, I don’t understand why you would wish torture, imprisonment and death on a fellow American who detained terrorists and had the complete cooperation of the American and Karzai governments. That turned then those two entities found out that Idema and his men had actually the foiled assassination against Karzai’s opponents aka key members of the Northern Alliance.
Karzai actually congratulated them on what they did until he found that it was a plot against Qanooni and others.
Your kind of stupidity we can do without. I’m sure the sewing circle girls who have nothing better to do with their time than comment on internet chatrooms and blogs at Socnet will welcome your ******** with open arms, say “hi” to Tracy Paul-Warrington, Kathryn Cramer, Robert Pelton and Joe Cafasso.
January 19th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I do not wish for any American, military or not, to be captured and tortured by the enemy. I’m not just some stupid blogger who sits behind a desk either. I’m not Special Forces or any other SOC operator. I’m just a regular guy who has served his country for 12 years. I’ve been to Afghanistan partner. I’m getting ready to head back over there with one of the finest divisions in all of the United States Army and one of the finest Battalions in all of the Army. I was one of Bennett’s leaders (SGT F.O. for 2nd PLT A Co 3-504) in C Btry 3-319th and regardless of what he has done in Afghanistan his bio on his training in the 82nd Airborne Division is B.S. If you or anyone else wants my opinion face to face I’m currently sitting my happy *** on Ardennes Street. You can call me stupid all you want it’s not the first time. The men and women of the United States military have given YOU and ME the right to do so. All opinions should be welcome with open arms. Apparently you like to hear just one side of the story. I do not want Brent or his friends to be harmed, but in my opinion civilians on the battlefield, American or not, get in the way and make our job harder. I worked with Bennett for 2 years in the 82nd and I sincerely hope that he changed, but the SPC Brent Bennett I know was a sub-standard Paratrooper and only cared about himself and not the FIST Platoon he served with. Well I’m not going to waste anymore of your time or mine. I’ve got Paratroopers to take care of.
SFC Hatfield, Matthew E.
All the Way
matthew.evans.hatfield@us.army.mil
January 19th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Well you’re talking about the past, I’m talking about the present, so blow it out of your *** and talk to the Afghans who have fought terrorists by his side.
January 19th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Similar things (poorly-performing soldier, unmotivated, disliked) were also said about Jack. Having silenced those critics, do we really have to go through the whole thing again with Brent?
January 19th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I sincerely doubt that Sgt Hatfield has followed what Brent has been doing for the past 11 years, so really, what he’s saying here is not relevant to the training he’s received since he knew him, and what he is doing now, or what he has done in Afghanistan for the past 6 years.
January 19th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
True, but I’m still moved to question the motive here. After all, I’ve worked alongside people who I absolutely loathed, but if I heard one of ‘em had fetched up in an Afghan prison having eight of his teeth smashed out by a Taliban torture-squad, my reaction would be to let bygones be bygones and try to get the guy some help — How come Sgt. Hatfield feels moved only to attack Brent?
I just don’t get this. As with the tools who attacked Jack along similar lines, it strikes me as decidedly odd that Brent (or anyone) could be so vile as to provoke that kind of response.
More to the point, it’s not just that it seems so unnatural for a former comrade of Brent’s to kick him when he’s down, but that these sort of slurs were also levelled at Jack. So, question: Did the two most hated men in US military history really just happen to fetch up on the Task Force Sabre 7 team? Or is something else is going on here? Enquiring minds want to know.
January 19th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
That is something that has completely been a mystery to me; how could anyone wish what’s happened to these blokes on anyone? And before that, we had Ed along with them, and even the Committee for Concerned Journalists which did not a thing about it, which was something even Peter Bergen questioned. Something is very wrong here, with certainty.
It’s undoubtedly the latter of the two, and now that we have a name, we can investigate. To my knowledge, Brent only served in the same group with this guy for six or seven months before he was moved to Alaska.
January 19th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Ok you can investigate all you want. Your not going to find ****. I am a Senior NCO in the 82nd Airborne Division. I am a Fire Support Sergeant who serves as the Targeting NCO for a Parachute Infantry Regiment. Brent Bennett never served with Stryker (It wasn’t even around then) or Striker (which is now known as Knight/formerly Combat Oberservation Laser Team very common in the 13F community). He left the U.S. Army when he finished his duties on Fort Bragg. Stop with the how could anyone wish this on a comrade. I’ll say it again I do not wish for anyone to be captured or tortured by the enemy. Your absolutely correct that the image I have of Brent Bennett is in the past. Like I said before I hope that he changed into a better person. I understand that his bio was more than likely typed up by family and friends of his, but I’m sticking to my guns. He didn’t recieve that type of training at anytime while assigned to the 82nd ABN. The closest he has been to medical training is Combat Life Saver which is a Skill Level One course in the U.S. Army. We all have it. So once again do all the investigating you want. You will find that what I have said is true. There is more to this story than what I have said, but for the sake of his family and their grief over his unfortunate capture by enemy forces I will not discuss it on this forum. I agree with you guys more than you think I do about a lot of things. This is just not one of them.
January 19th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Somebody who is investigating this would like to talk with you, is there a phone number where you can be reached? You can send it to me here: caoilfhionn1@gmail.com
April 7th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
anonymous comments on this thread will be nuked immediately
November 20th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
i used to work with bennet.we were good friends does any body now where he is? C-4-11fa fister rule
November 25th, 2007 at 11:48 am
he did not spend all of his time at the (82ND) just so you know?
so how could one person at on post know what training he receved and what he didnt.
November 25th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I doubt he will be commenting any more here. Jack Idema paid him a personal call from Afghanistan, which I think made him stand up and take notice.
November 25th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I haven’t heard anything about Brent or Jack in ages. If anyone (Cao?) has contact with Brent, can you ask him to email me, at my superpat’s email or yahoo or wherever?
Thanks!
Aaron
November 25th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Will do, Aaron.
April 14th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I searved with Brent, and what Matt said is 100% true!!! real heroes like J. Monti should be honored not this guy. So get the facts before you say ****.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:24 am