I was recently contacted by my friends at AACONS about the case of another serviceman, in addition to the ones we’ve brought to your notice, such as 1LT Clint Lorance, and Maj. Matthew Golsteyn, whose cause needs attention.
According to AACONS:
Michael Giles, a father of three with no previous criminal record, whose service to his country includes two tours in the Middle East, has been unfairly sentenced to 25 years in prison after shooting and lightly wounding a man in the leg who had struck him to the ground, where Mr. Giles was surrounded by a hostile and life-threatening mob.
This is not justice. Those who serve our country especially deserve better. As Judge James C. Hankinson, the judge who sentenced Mr. Giles, stated: “Frankly, I think the 25-year mandatory is overly harsh on the facts of this case, but that’s what the law requires I do.”
Airman Giles’ argument that he acted in self-defense has proved to be incontrovertible, largely due to his attacker admitting to the assault in court testimony. However, Airman Giles was sentenced for aggravated battery as a result of mandatory sentencing under Florida’s odious 10-20-Life law, which was thankfully repealed in 2016.
Unfortunately, the repeal of 10-20-Life law does not retroactively help the many like Airman Giles already serving unjust sentences under its draconian guidelines.
Furthermore, the Florida judicial system has also refused to release Airman Giles under its “Stand Your Ground” laws, which is advertised as a means for those who use lethal force out of “fear for their lives” to seek immunity, despite it being established that Airman Giles fired his gun in self-defense.
Folks, I have signed the letter that will go to Mr. DeSantis. There is a version of the petition for online signatures that AACONS has established. To read more of this story, and to sign the online petition, see the AACONS website. Please sign and share with your friends, and let’s get Airman Giles home!
I implore Governor-elect DeSantis to do the right thing . . . I am watching.
During his 22 year career in the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel West served in several combat zones and received many honors including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, one with Valor device, and a Valorous Unit Award.
In November of 2010, Allen was elected to the United States Congress, representing Florida’s 22nd District. In July of 2020, Mr. West was elected Chair of the Republican Party of Texas.
West is a commissioned officer in the Texas State Guard. He’s a Newsmax Contributor, former Director of the Booker T. Washington Initiative at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Senior Fellow at the Media Research Center, and author of Guardian of the Republic: An American Ronin’s Journey to Family, Faith and Freedom, Hold Texas, Hold the Nation: Victory or Death, and We Can Overcome: An American Black Conservative Manifesto.
