Detainee Abuse Allegations Hit Mesa MP Unit
MESA, Ariz. — The Department of Defense is investigating allegations of detainee abuse and retaliation against soldiers of the 56th Military Police Company in Mesa who blew the whistle.
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| Maj. Richard VanBuskirk, Staff Sgt. Gilberto Mendoza |
The alleged abuse took place in and around military transports. They were called “con-air” flights because the cargo consisted of detainees, suspected militants, al-Qaida members and Iraqis who had been cleared of crimes.
The 56th Military Police Company was in charge of shuttling the detainees to and from prisons around Iraq.
Documents viewed by CBS Investigates indicate the detainees were struck in the head, kicked and denied water.
Staff Sgt. Gilberto Mendoza has been accused of the abuse, according to documents.
His commanding officer, Maj. Richard VanBuskirk, was made aware of the accusations. He said he investigated the case and cleared Mendoza.
“He was my squad leader,” he said. “He was in charge of the entire con air squad and he did a fabulous job.”
VanBuskirk is under investigation by the Department of Defense for allegedly retaliating against the soldiers who came forward with the abuse accusations.
He transferred them out of the detail and is accused of trying to sabotage their military careers, according to documents.
“There was some changes made but it had nothing to do with the allegations,” VanBuskirk said.
After the whistleblowers were transferred, Mendoza was put in charge of the con air squad, the documents said.
The inspector general’s office of the DOD is conducting the investigation.
May 22nd, 2008 | Category: Abuse, Torture flights
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It is a sad day when we can actually have people who cry over the rights of Iraqi terrorist. I would like to see these so called “whistle blowers” get captured and see how well their Iraqi captures treat them. They would be lucky if all that happened to them is what they accuse SSG Mendoza of doing. How quickly we forget about 9-11.
To Whom it May Concern: To keep the one reply up to date on the latest and most accurate information, 1st DoD was NEVER investigating Alleged Detainee Abuse of any sort pertaining to this matter. 2nd the Inspector General Office of the Department of Army/DoD cleared MAJ Richard VanBuskirk and 1SG Ken Juede of all false charges pertaining to retaliation or whistle blower act, the fact remain the same that the compliant was one of many from a disgruntled SUB-Par performing, incompetent enlisted solider SSG James Holthaus, which received several negative verbal counseling’s, and the first time anything was put in writing he cried to anyone who would listen. Obvisouly your organization own incompetence felt it was news worthy. SO I would hope freedetainees.org, since you did not actually conduct any research or substantiate the facts pertaining to this article, it may be prudent and appropriate to remove it from your site. Or create a new site for soldiers, who are incompetent and try to shield themselves from every responsibility and duty they signed up for, by simply creating false allegations and working every angle to deflect the attention off of them and their utter incompetence. May it should be called: ifyouthinkyourgonnaloseyourjobfileanIGcomplaint.org
Bottom line you can’t hide from your incompetence forever. Take responsibility for your own actions.
Interesting. I was there leading PTT missions for 56th Mp and what I know of Con Air was that there were 6 to 10 soldiers detailed to Escort Detainees. They were ALL soldiers who were not able to get along with the soldiers who went outside the wire and it was a detail that was for “leftover” soldiers who could not do the missions. I personally fought with SSG Mendoza many times about his leadership style but he is a stand up guy who would give his life for his country just like any of us. Under Maj VanBuskirk’s command it was easier for him to transfer soldiers who weren’t up to his standards. But somehow no Article 15’s were given out or any demotions in rank. Mmmmmmm think of it what you will.
In the end …if you point a weapon at a U.S. soldier you get a wrist slap and in live in comfort in a U.S. run prison . So you don’t get a sip of water for an hour long flight? Give me a break. A cover on your face because you spit on us? So what. If you don’t know , now you know.
I know too many of the real things that went on there. Perhaps you didn’t see them, but others did and others remember - including ex-military and ex-detainees who are all speaking out now. The truth will come to light. It’s starting to already - didn’t you see the ICRC report?
I know at least two soldiers who refused to serve anymore, no, make that three because of the detainee abuse. I don’t know what you saw, perhaps not the worst of it. It can’t be candy-coated, that’s for sure.
There is no doubt there is abuse , but I’m referring to THIS article, created to get people to watch the that particular news channel and make something out of nothing.
You should see what Iraqis do to EACH other. They were hanging people by the arms for months with the ropes tied so tight that the skin grew around the rope and beat them with clubs wrapped in concertina wire. We were told to do nothing and let them do it to each other. That is Muslim on Muslim in their OWN jails.
That is why I came back in , to teach the younger generation to THINK and not act on emotion in high stress situations. LEADERSHIP has everything to do with any allegations of US Soldiers abusing detainees. Once again I was talking about this article.
Any soldier that sees his fellow soldier commit a crime and stands by and does NOTHING is just as at fault as the one that does the act itself.
I guess to me it doesn’t matter how “Iraqis treat each other” when it comes to how we treat Iraqis or anyone else. Americans are supposed to be above abuse - above torture. We were supposed to abide by the Geneva conventions, after all we are signatories. But we didn’t do that.
The Bush administration decided that we didn’t have to because AFGHANI detainees were treated as “Enemy Combatants”. Iraqis, on the other hand were not designated enemy combatants so should have been treated according to the Geneva Conventions all along. But as we know - they have not been. To date we still have detainees unaccounted for in Iraq.
I think it’s also important to realize that we were the invaders. As we now know the entire thing was based on lies. We never should have been there in the first place. These people were fighting for their own country - they are NOT terrorists. When we fight for our country we are called patriots. Why not Iraqis? Why are they not called Patriots?
There have been many reports of Iraqi detainee abuse. I read Camillo Mejia’s book.. he is a hero. He left the service partly because of detainee abuse.
What happens to Iraqi prisoners under Iraqi government is no business of the United States. It’s Iraqi business. If human rights were really an issue there have been much worse around the world - in fact still is. That is not why we went.
In any case, I thank you for your comments about this particular article.
I wonder if you’ve read that sgt Ryan Weemer was acquitted of his murder charges? Perhaps if we didn’t let these “bad” soldiers off the hook so easily - it wouldn’t make the entire military look so bad. We need to at least prosecute those who are guilty and give them REAL sentences, unlike the Abu Ghraib soldiers who got but a slap on the hand.
Also I think we need to prosecute the ones who started it all - the Bush administration.
I come from a military family myself, I am an Army brat. I do know that there are good soldiers, and there are bad soldiers out there. I also understand “The Lucifer Effect” and studies like that. This is why the administration needs to be prosecuted. We have to admit that this was a very grave mistake - and we need to right it in every way possible.
Thanks again for your comments - I always like to hear ALL sides of the story.
After Hearing about the comments made by MAJ Vanbuskirk (CDR 56 MP) I felt the truth must be told! I have served 3 tours to Iraq as a military member and as a contractor. My last tour I met several 56 MP Soldiers at COB Speicher Iraq, as well as staff members at the Speicher Legal Office, Division HQ and MWR. I do not agree with the news media coverage or some of the actions taken, however MAJ Vanbuskirk has left out most of the facts. 1st, most of the 56 Soldiers disliked him and the 1SG. Both MAJ Vanbuskirk and the 1SG traeted the Soldiers like crap and were only concerned for their own careers. 2nd, Two MSG’s (E8), two SSG’s (E6) and one 2LT (acting XO 56 MP) completed sworn statements against Mendoza and MAJ VanBuskirk. A Soldier filed an official Dept. of the Army IG, only when MAJ Vanbuskirk tried to destroy the Soldiers career. MAJ Vanbuskirk initiated a Bar to re-enlist on this Soldier, tried to stop this Soldier from receiving a bonus, which was a huge issue and concern with the Army Retention Command. MAJ Vanbuskirk continued his attacks on this Soldier, tried to give the Soldier a bad NCOER (evaluation). All of the actions that MAJ Vanbuskirk tried to do were stopped by the IG. The Soldier was able to re-enlist, the Soldier was given a good NCOER from the 18th MP and the Soldier was able to get his bonus. MAJ Vanbuskirk is a disgrace as an Officer and a human being. As you call tell from his blog in this forum, how unprofessional and egocentric he is. This is he fault as he was the Commander of the 56 MP, and he failed in his duties. The IG complaints were not false, as all of you know if any Soldier filed false reports, UCMJ action would have been taken against the Soldiers. There was not enough to “prove” the whistleblower but it was proved that MAJ Vanbuskirk took wrong actions against the Soldier. And from what I hear that Soldier was promoted to E7, which I am sure will cause MAJ Vanbuskirk’s Ego to “Burst!” MAJ Vanbuskirk, you are a piss-poor leader, take responsibility for your failures and stop blamming one Soldier.
We who are still with 56th are aware of all, my friend. My thanks to you.
We who are still with 56th, are aware of all this my friend. My thanks to you.
I just heard about this blog from a friend that was a MP with you guys, he lives in California. He told me that the CDR and 1SG treated you guys like shit and were pissed off at the SSG and both were trying to “Get Him” anyway they could. I also did some research, the fact that the IG stopped all the things VanDickhead tried to do, was a major factor why he did not get charged with the whistleblower. If that SSG lost his career and bonus after coming back, then the CDR and 1SG would have been charged. But since the IG stopped ALL the attacks, they did their job, which was also to protect the best interest of the Army. I agree with the civilian contractor, if the Soldiers made false reports, they would have been charged with UCMJ action. My friend also told me Mendoza was a real asshole to his own Soldiers, was fired by CDR VanDickhead, but wanted to place him on the Con Air Mission! My friend told me that the 1SG was doing strange things to cause other Soldiers to be hostile towards the SSG like putting wierd notes on doors back in Iraq, I guess that came out from all this. I heard that the SSG really did not want to file the IG complaint, until VanDickhead tried to kick him out of the Army and stop his bonus. I feel bad for the SSG and the Soldiers of the 56 MP that did a great job.
I am glad to hear that the Army promoted the SSG, he deserves it! I hope VanDickhead and that fatass 1SG never command any Soldiers in the future!
VANBUSKIRK AND JUEDE ARE SCUM OF THE EARTH!
LTC VanBuskirk, I have spent over 26 years in the United States Marine Corps.,
I do not know you or any members of the 56 MP CO. I base my judgement on your un-professional comments you made in this blog. I do not like any liberal media, nor do I like Officers that blame others for their own incompetence. 1. You have identified a individual that may have filed an official IG complaint, not only have you violated regulations but your behavior is unbecoming of an Officer. 2. It is very clear you are trying to blame one Soldier, when from the articles I have read,
at least five Soldiers wrote statements against you and SSG Mendoza. With over 26 years of experience, I can tell that you and that 1SG used fear and intimidation as leadership tactics. This blog is getting a lot of attention because of your “Blame a Soldier” attitude. You were the CDR, step up take responsibility that your leadership and 1SG Juede’s leadership failed the Soldiers of the 56th MP C0 and your irresponsible comments will only continue to add fuel to this event. It is very clear you have a personality conflict with the Soldier that did the right thing.
LTC VanBuskirk, “STAND AT EASE!”
So once again they are trying to blame the lower ranking soldiers? As I said, I grew up in the military and am not surprised by this fact at all. We also saw this at Abu Ghraib. I also think it’s a dirty rotten shame that they tried to blame the whole thing on Gen. Janice Karpinsky. Well, perhaps if Eric Holder does prosecute the Bush administration, the truth will finally come to light.
This is a very interesting discussion. It’s nice to hear, again, all sides of the story.
I was a member of the 56th MP, LTC VanBuskirk and 1SG Juede were worthless leaders,
treated all of us as step children, created their own awards that they did not deserve, 1SG Juede was scared to leave the COB! They both tried to destroy a Soldier’s career but the IG stopped that from happening. 1SG Juede is nothing but a fat windbag that thinks leadership is yelling and treating Soldiers like shit….
All of the 56 MP Soldiers hated VanBuskirk and Juede….. When we got back from Iraq, and were at FT Dix, none of us were to leave Dix, but Mr. I do what I want VanBuskirk, left Dix to get a Tattoo, then he showed it to us like he is part of our team…..Fucking Dirtbag…..
FastCBR07,
Thanks for saying it so I didn’t have to. I was over there with the 56th, and our leadership was awesome from team leader to platoon sergeant, but beyond that, people were in command who didn’t deserve it. Some officers and NCOs in the military are great; others are awful. We got to experience the latter.
My only consolation is that what goes around, comes around. MAJ VanB and 1SG Juede will get their fair recompence.
As far as the detainee abuse goes, I am not qualified to speak on those matters, but I can say that SSG Mendoza is a fine NCO who did his job. Some people butted heads with him over there, but he did what was asked of him, and that is all that matters.
Punisher 3, for the most part I agree with what you said. But I feel Mendoza was out of control many times, and had little respect for his own Soldiers so I will make an opinion that he was out of control on Con Air. The thing I want to point out, so many of us had issues with MAJ VanB and 1SG Juede, and only a few stood up for what was right. I know for a fact SSG H filed the IG complaint as a last resort when MAJ VanB tried to destroy his career and stop him from getting a bonus. The IG complaint was only against MAJ VanB and 1SG Juede. I am amazed how immature MAJ VanB is still behaiving! CONGRATS SSG H FOR BEING PROMOTED TO E7 31B40 HOOAH!
Punishers. Whats done,is done. I will not let my guys be bullied and harassed ever again. So put in your promotion packets so we can do it right next time. Take care brothers. 23 out.
I hope Pres. Obama gets rid of evil leaders in the military like LTC VanBuskirk…
I guess if you are a “Reserve Officer” all you have to do is Fart loud to get promoted or stay out of jail for mistreating Soldiers.
SSG OBrien, I hope you and the other NCO’s will do the right thing in the future! It seems only one or a few brave persons with courage and integrity stand up to
Evil. You should make an effort to thank the Soldiers that did stand up against a very bad leader! NCO’s Lead the Way, and always take care of their troops!
even-though i have been smoking my bong all night! i can still spot an asshole…
and mr. vanbuthead, you are a real asshole!
you need some “weed time”
To all the Soldiers of the 56 MP, I thank you for your service to this country and for keeping us safe!
To LTC VanBuskirk and 1SG Juede, you both need to get a new job, you do not belong in leadership positions or in the Army.
FINAL SCORE
VANBUSKIRK - 1
56 MP - 19
“GAME OVER VANBUSKIRK” YOU LOSE!
Not only is Vanbuskirk a liar but he is fat and out of shape….I wounder how he passed the tape…..Hey 56 brothers, he is not liked in Mich. either!
“weed time”
I love it!
Hey SSG(P) H, Congrats on making E7 and welcome back to the MP Corps…HOOAH!
P 3c, your right, “weed time” that awesome…..I think VanBuskirk needs more than weed!
To all Soldiers and other individuals,
As a prior service member and current Sr. Contract Officer,
The actions and comments made by LTC VanBuskirk, are perfect examples of “Bad Leadership” and his comments made here will be reported!