KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasReservists Express Outrage Over Iraq Scandal
(May 6) -- As new photos surfaced Thursday, some reservists from Las Vegas were being honored for their time in Iraq. The Las Vegas security chief's association held a luncheon for nearly two-dozen men and women who have served in Iraq. Their services ranged from security to transportation. Plaques were awarded to them Thursday. But it was the Iraqi prisoner photos that were the topic of discussion.Eyewitness News has their reaction to the pictures.
While those who are back are no longer wearing their military uniforms or fighting in Iraq, they're outraged about how some of their fellow service men and women are representing the American people by their actions. It's these actions that were the topic of conversation at Thursday's ceremony.
The room was full of reservists who fought in the war on terror. The troops are being honored for their work. And while their attention could be on the awards they're receiving, it's the images of Iraqi prisoners mistreated that they can't keep off their minds.
Jonathan Jarmon, Marine reservist: "I think it's an atrocity, and I think the men and women that are serving there now are pretty much hit hard about it. They're the most offended because of all the work we've done."
It's through the work Jonathan Jarmon and thousands of others have done to keep peace in the Iraq, that concerns him and more reservists about the photos.
Lance Lynch, Army reservist: "I believe our job there is not to treat badly, because we wouldn't want to be treated that way too."
Reservists tell Eyewitness News the pictures don't reflect on America's armed forces, and the men and women fighting the war on terror.
Jonathan Jarmon: "Not at all. I want the American people to know it's just that 1-percent that gives that perception."
At the same time, it's this perception that reservists feel needs to be addressed.
Lance Lynch: "Yeah, I guess it will let people really know what's really going on out there because maybe some of these soldiers that think they can do whatever they want. But that's not the case, that's not what we go over there for."
Both Lynch and Jarmon wanted us to stress; it's a select few who thought they could get away with the photos. Almost all troops overseas are there for their mission -- the war on terror.
