As a US Army Special Forces retiree and a member of the Special Forces Association, your very informative article concerning the deplorable accusations against a Special Forces Non-Commissioned Officer, Nick Nowatney, and his wife was forwarded to me. Thank you so much for your honest reporting and support.
The worldwide Special Forces community has always been terribly unforgiving of those Special Forces members who had cast dishonor upon themselves and our heritage. In the same vein, we stand ready to rally our support for our members who become victims of false allegations and oppression. It appears that once again the Special Forces Community and our supporters must stand "together alone" against oppression.
Enclosed is our check that hopefully will help in some way. It is not much, but it is all they we can afford. Please pass on to Sergeant Nowatney, his wife Carrie and their children that they are in our hearts and our prayers.
Joseph JD and Betty Callahan
US Army Special Forces (retired)
I've been following your front page articles on-line about the Nowatney case with interest. The question that keeps forming in my mind regarding the State of Florida DCF's actions in this case: Where does `child protection' end and a new form of `child abuse' begin? Who is the state punishing but the very children they claim to be protecting? There is no way these children are going to come away from this experience without permanent damage.
I have no quarrel with the reporting of potential child abuse, and even the follow-up action of temporarily removing children from a suspect home. But the separation of children from their parents should be kept to the shortest possible time period. The 30-day time period prescribed by law seems excessive enough when a one-year-old and a three-year-old are involved. I'm appalled that the time of separation in this case has been expanded to almost six months. This seems a clear indication that there is gross incompetence among those who are handling this case.
Substantial facts indicate that Nick and Carrie Nowatney are innocent of charges of child abuse or neglect. Why does the state continue to drag this out? If I were a moral-minded taxpayer of the state of Florida, I'd be outraged that my tax dollars are supporting the inept and drawn-out, non-compassionate handling of this case. It seems the DCF isn't concerned about how much it spends, while the Nowatneys are certain to suffer permanent financial damage, in addition to the psychological damage done to their children.
My check in support of the "Mama, Am I Still In Foster Care?" will be in the mail tomorrow.
Doris J. Chaconas
Germantown, Wisconsin