Joint open letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller regarding Gulf War Veteran Ernest M. Atencio.
December 19, 2011
FBI Headquarters Director Robert Mueller 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
(202) 324-3000Subject: Gulf War Veteran Ernest M. Atencio while in custody of Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Dear Mr. Robert Mueller:
We are seeking outside investigation with regard to the incident of Ernest M. Atencio, a 44-year-old Gulf War veteran who was recently booked into the jail in Phoenix, when he was allegedly tasered and suffered a heart attack according to his family. We have been told that an internal investigation is being carried out, however, we believe the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) should conduct a full investigation with regard to the possible excessive abusive actions by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) under the leadership of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
According to recent news media, his family told local TV station Channel 5 that he was a ‘loving and sweet boy’ who suffered from a mental illness and is now fighting for his life.
Commensurate with the Daily Mail Reporter, one U.S. veteran of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan attempts suicide every 80 minutes, according to new study. The report reveals 1,868 veterans made suicide attempts in 2009 alone. Many veterans face dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, high employment and a loss of military camaraderie after returning from tours.
According to the Pew Hispanic Center, while Latinos make up 9.5 percent of the actively enlisted forces, they are over-represented in the categories that get the most dangerous assignments – infantry, gun crews and seamanship – and make up over 17.5 percent of the front lines. DOD numbers reveal 35,000 non-citizens currently in the active Armed Forces.
The MCSO should have been trained on how to handle war veterans particularly when there is a history of mental illness and they should be vigilant with regard to the excessive abuse of these veterans. We are seeking the help of the FBI. An investigation should be conducted by the FBI in light of the recent findings provided by the feds via the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Sincerely,
Bernie Abeytia Immediate Past American GI Forum Commander of the State of Arizona Shirl Mora James Lead Co-President of National Tequila Party Movement Civil Rights and Immigration Attorney DeeDee Garcia Blase Founder, Co-President of National Tequila Party Movement Adam Bustos National President, SOMOS REPUBLICANS“…the next time you’re down in Washington, D.C., to go to the Vietnam War Memorial and look at the names engraved in black granite, you’ll find a whole lot of Hispanic names…who love this country so much that they’re willing to risk their lives in its service….remember that these are God’s children…” – Senator John McCain