US Army Interrogator Sgt. Ricky Clousing will come home to Washington State on Saturday, December 23rd after three months in a military prison. Family, friends and supporters will welcome Sgt. Clousing at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 10:15PM on Saturday, December 23rd, Concourse B, Baggage Claim 11. Sgt. Clousing will also be speaking at a reception January 6th at a location to be announced.
On August 11th 2006 , after being AWOL from the military for over 14 months, Sgt. Clousing spoke publicly about what he called “the daily devastation of occupation in Iraq” which led to his decision to leave his unit after completion of his tour in Iraq. He then turned himself over to military custody. On October 11th he was found guilty of AWOL and sentenced to three months in prison.
Sgt. Clousing, a 24 year old Washington native has joined ranks with a number of Iraq veterans who have decided that they can no longer remain silent about the abuses they witnessed in Iraq . Sgt. Clousing’s mother, Sharon Pankalla is happy to have her son returning home. “I’m proud of my son and very happy to have him home. He had the courage to stand up for what he believes in. He stood up for peace and justice.”
If you are interested in Sgt. Clousing speaking to your group, of for more information about the welcome home, please contact Laurel Albina at (206) 419-3811.