Latest news with #ArmyRanger
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
WWII Army Ranger from NEPA honored with Congressional Gold Medal
Jun. 27—HAWLEY — At 100 years old, World War II veteran Sgt. Joseph Drake of Hawley is a living testament to courage and sacrifice, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. said this week. Rep. Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, joined Congressional leaders and Presidential Cabinet members to honor Sgt. Drake with the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest honor presented by Congress. Sgt. Drake and Pfc. John Wardell accepted the medal on behalf of all WWII Army Rangers. "Today, we honor Sgt. Joseph Drake for his valor and service to our country as a WWII Army Ranger," said Bresnahan. "As a WWII Army Ranger, Sgt. Drake answered the call of duty with extraordinary bravery, scaling cliffs and storming enemy lines so that others might live in freedom. His service with the 2nd Ranger Battalion reminds us of the extraordinary bravery that helped secure our freedom." The ceremony included remarks from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor given by Congress. It recognizes individuals or groups whose achievements have made a lasting impact on American history and culture. Since the first medal was awarded to George Washington in 1776, it has honored military leaders, scientists, artists and others who have shaped our nation. To date, the award has been presented to less than 200 recipients. "This medal is not only a symbol of Sgt. Drake's heroism, but a testament to the sacrifice, grit and unbreakable spirit of every Ranger who fought beside him," said Bresnahan. "It is an immense honor to pay tribute to him today, and I am incredibly proud to represent him in Congress. Sgt. Drake's legacy and service drive the work I do in Congress every day." Bresnahan was joined in Washington, D.C., by Pennsylvania State Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton. State Rep. Jeff Olsommer, who represents Sgt. Drake in the Pennsylvania State House and worked with Bresnahan to ensure the award was received, could not attend the ceremony in person. "Mr. Drake is a true local hero," said Olsommer. "It was an honor to meet him, and when I learned that he was still waiting to receive his Congressional Gold Medal, I was deeply concerned. I shared those concerns with our Congressman, Rob Bresnahan. He and his team responded immediately and worked diligently to ensure Mr. Drake received the recognition he so greatly deserves. I'm proud to have played a small part in that process. I'm thrilled for Mr. Drake and his family — and I'm incredibly proud to have him as a constituent of the 139th District." "It was a privilege to witness Sgt. Drake receive the Congressional Gold Medal today," said Watro. "He is an American patriot whose legacy will inspire generations to come and his service is an example of the extraordinary strength of our WWII heroes. I am pleased I was able to join him today for this incredible ceremony, and I thank Rep. Bresnahan for inviting me to witness this great honor." Drake was drafted on April 30, 1943, and sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, with the newly formed 69th Infantry Division. He later joined the Ranger Company A, 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion, where he patrolled the area around the landing sites in search of enemy troops. He fought in some of the fiercest campaigns of the war, including the Battle of Brest, the Huertgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 after the deactivation of the 2nd Ranger Battalion. The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to the World War II Army Rangers in recognition of their extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and critical contributions during the war. This medal serves as a lasting symbol of the nation's gratitude. It honors not only the courage of the Army Rangers during one of the most critical moments in modern history but also acknowledges the enduring legacy of an elite group that once numbered 7,000 and now includes just five living members. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
WWII Army Ranger from NEPA honored with Congressional Gold Medal
Jun. 27—HAWLEY — At 100 years old, World War II veteran Sgt. Joseph Drake of Hawley is a living testament to courage and sacrifice, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. said this week. Rep. Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, joined Congressional leaders and Presidential Cabinet members to honor Sgt. Drake with the Congressional Gold Medal — the highest honor presented by Congress. Sgt. Drake and Pfc. John Wardell accepted the medal on behalf of all WWII Army Rangers. "Today, we honor Sgt. Joseph Drake for his valor and service to our country as a WWII Army Ranger," said Bresnahan. "As a WWII Army Ranger, Sgt. Drake answered the call of duty with extraordinary bravery, scaling cliffs and storming enemy lines so that others might live in freedom. His service with the 2nd Ranger Battalion reminds us of the extraordinary bravery that helped secure our freedom." The ceremony included remarks from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor given by Congress. It recognizes individuals or groups whose achievements have made a lasting impact on American history and culture. Since the first medal was awarded to George Washington in 1776, it has honored military leaders, scientists, artists and others who have shaped our nation. To date, the award has been presented to less than 200 recipients. "This medal is not only a symbol of Sgt. Drake's heroism, but a testament to the sacrifice, grit and unbreakable spirit of every Ranger who fought beside him," said Bresnahan. "It is an immense honor to pay tribute to him today, and I am incredibly proud to represent him in Congress. Sgt. Drake's legacy and service drive the work I do in Congress every day." Bresnahan was joined in Washington, D.C., by Pennsylvania State Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton. State Rep. Jeff Olsommer, who represents Sgt. Drake in the Pennsylvania State House and worked with Bresnahan to ensure the award was received, could not attend the ceremony in person. "Mr. Drake is a true local hero," said Olsommer. "It was an honor to meet him, and when I learned that he was still waiting to receive his Congressional Gold Medal, I was deeply concerned. I shared those concerns with our Congressman, Rob Bresnahan. He and his team responded immediately and worked diligently to ensure Mr. Drake received the recognition he so greatly deserves. I'm proud to have played a small part in that process. I'm thrilled for Mr. Drake and his family — and I'm incredibly proud to have him as a constituent of the 139th District." "It was a privilege to witness Sgt. Drake receive the Congressional Gold Medal today," said Watro. "He is an American patriot whose legacy will inspire generations to come and his service is an example of the extraordinary strength of our WWII heroes. I am pleased I was able to join him today for this incredible ceremony, and I thank Rep. Bresnahan for inviting me to witness this great honor." Drake was drafted on April 30, 1943, and sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, with the newly formed 69th Infantry Division. He later joined the Ranger Company A, 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion, where he patrolled the area around the landing sites in search of enemy troops. He fought in some of the fiercest campaigns of the war, including the Battle of Brest, the Huertgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 after the deactivation of the 2nd Ranger Battalion. The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to the World War II Army Rangers in recognition of their extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and critical contributions during the war. This medal serves as a lasting symbol of the nation's gratitude. It honors not only the courage of the Army Rangers during one of the most critical moments in modern history but also acknowledges the enduring legacy of an elite group that once numbered 7,000 and now includes just five living members. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Roofman' Trailer: Channing Tatum hides out in Toys ‘R' Us in bizarre true-crime tale
Paramount and Miramax have unveiled the first trailer for Roofman, a gripping true-crime drama starring Channing Tatum as a former Army Ranger turned notorious burglar who robs McDonald's restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs. Inspired by the real-life exploits of a felon nicknamed 'Roofman,' the film follows a struggling father and ex-soldier who resorts to a string of fast-food heists to support his family. After escaping from prison and hiding out in a toy store, he finds unexpected redemption in a new life — working at Toys 'R' Us, falling in love with a single mother (played by Kirsten Dunst), and forming a bond with her two daughters. But his past soon catches up with him, and a final robbery threatens to destroy his second chance at a clean slate. Alongside Tatum and Dunst, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, and Jimmy O. Yang. Roofman is directed by Derek Cianfrance, known for Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines. Cianfrance also co-wrote the script with Kirk Gunn. Producers include Lynette Howell Taylor, Jamie Patricof, Duncan Montgomery, and Dylan Sellers. Tatum, Cianfrance, and Jonathan Montepare serve as executive producers, alongside Chris Parker (Limelight), Thom Zadra and Becky Sloviter (Miramax), and Sam Romano, Rick Covert, and Jack Selby (High Frequency). Charles Barsamian is also attached as executive producer.
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Washington Post
Army Ranger convicted of rape, multiple sex assault charges
An Army Ranger who was arrested after a two-year investigation sparked by a Facebook group of women who said he sexually assaulted them was convicted Monday of two rape charges and more than a dozen other assault counts by a military jury, and will face sentencing Tuesday by a judge who could impose up to life in prison without parole. Maj. Jonathan Batt, 40, listened to 15 women testify against him during his three-week trial at Fort Meade in Maryland, then took the witness stand and provided detailed explanations for why, in his view, all the sexual encounters were consensual. 'I am not a rapist,' Batt told the jury of three colonels and five lieutenant colonels, who heard closing arguments June 16, then deliberated for three days in the week since. The jury of six men and two women convicted Batt of 20 charges involving eight women, and acquitted him of 18 counts involving seven women. Each rape charge carries a maximum sentence of life without parole, and each sexual assault count has a 30-year maximum term. The jury foreman declined to comment after the verdict. Batt chose to have military Judge Adam S. Kazin sentence him rather than the jury. The judge will hear testimony Tuesday morning before imposing sentence. 'There's a mix of emotions,' said Ryan Guilds, a lawyer representing nine of the women who testified. 'Disappointment for those who didn't get the justice they deserved, validation for many of them, that they were believed. … Though today was a good day, it doesn't change the incredible amount of harm suffered by these victims.' The total number of charges Batt faced was steadily reduced after he was initially arrested last October on 77 counts, including 14 rape and 16 aggravated assault charges. Prosecutors from the Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel said five of the initial 20 accusers withdrew from the case, and a number of other charges were dismissed or combined with other counts. In the end, the jury considered six rape charges, two aggravated assault by strangulation charges, 10 sexual assault and 16 assault and battery charges among 38 total counts. Batt, a West Point graduate who then entered Ranger School, rose to major and was in line for a promotion to lieutenant colonel before his arrest. He had been assigned to an artificial intelligence division of the Army in Arlington, Virginia, where he also lived. He kept a boat on the Potomac, the 'Batt Boat,' on which some of the incidents originated. He has a young daughter and testified he got married last month. Prosecutors said Batt met the women through online dating apps, through friends or through work. All of the women agreed to dates, but many said they did not agree to sex, particularly on the first date. From 2020 to 2023, 'Major Batt preyed upon and attacked 15 different women when they were vulnerable, isolated and defenseless,' Army Lt. Col. Gregory A. Vetere said in his closing argument. He cited the testimony of a woman who had fended off one physical advance by Batt, told him she wasn't interested in sex, then in a later encounter was forced to have sex at night on the Potomac River while they were on a Jet Ski. Prosecutors also said Batt strangled three women into unconsciousness during sex, without their consent. 'They felt the life force being driven out of them,' Vetere said. 'It is clear that the accused, in their testimony, was having sex with their unconscious bodies. That is rape, for which consent is not even a defense. An unconscious person cannot consent.' Other women said they were tied with ropes against their will or forced to have sex after they said no. Two lawyers and an Army soldier were among the 15 women who testified against Batt. Some of the women met after one of Batt's girlfriends posted on the Facebook group, 'Are We Dating the Same Guy?' Batt's lawyer, Nathan Freeburg, said the subsequent discussions among the women constituted 'witness contamination,' in which witnesses are exposed to prejudicial information before they testify. Freeburg noted in his closing argument that Batt testified for nearly an entire day. 'He looked you in the eye and told you the truth. We've done all an innocent person can do. We've shouted from the rooftops, he is innocent.' Freeburg pointed out that many of the women had subsequent encounters with Batt after claiming he sexually assaulted them. 'I always have fun with you guys,' one woman texted Batt after engaging in a video-recorded threesome, Freeburg reminded the jury. The video itself was shown to the jury, though prosecutors claimed it was edited by Batt to remove the criminal element of the encounter. Another woman sent more than 100 messages to Batt after she was allegedly attacked. 'That's not someone who got assaulted,' Freeburg told the jury. 'None of this makes sense.' Batt maintained that nearly all of his actions were consensual and not unusual. 'There's always a conversation about what the other party wants,' he told the jury. Prosecutors summoned an expert on how victims of violence respond to their attackers. She testified that many victims of interpersonal violence often maintain ties with their assailants. The jury was given instructions on multiple counts that evidence of sexual interactions with Batt 'should be considered as to whether she [the accuser] consented to the charged act.' The women in Batt's trial gave varying explanations of why they continued to see Batt after he allegedly assaulted them. One of them, a lawyer, said she was shocked when Batt had sex with her after she specifically told him no, a warning Batt admitted to on the stand, and more shocked when he placed his hands around her neck, nearly rendering her unconscious. But she said she discussed the choking with him, and returned for a second encounter. She testified that the strangling lasted longer the second time, but still she returned for a third time, with no strangling, before ending the relationship. 'Just trying to give him the benefit of the doubt,' the woman testified. 'He seemed like a nice guy.' The jury acquitted Batt of sexual assault but convicted him of aggravated assault by strangulation in the counts related to the woman. The woman who first contacted police, in the summer of 2021, told a story even Freeburg acknowledged was 'horrific,' of being partially bound, strangled and raped after recently undergoing surgery as part of her transgender conversion. She said she had not told Batt that she was transgender. But after undergoing a sexual assault exam at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, meeting with a detective and starting therapy, she told police she didn't want to prosecute Batt. She then saw him a second time and agreed to be bound again. She said she met with him to hear him apologize in person for their first encounter. A year later, when the woman saw the Facebook group, she returned to the Alexandria police and said she wanted to prosecute. She had spoken to others who had posted in the group, some of whom then also cooperated with police and testified at the trial. The investigation restarted in August 2022 and was later joined by the Army Criminal Investigation Division, culminating in Batt's arrest. Batt was convicted of rape and assault and battery for his first interaction with the woman, and also rape of a second woman. The jury acquitted Batt of four rape counts involving other women but convicted him of a lesser charge of assault in each case. Though Freeburg claimed that the women's interactions before trial constituted contamination, prosecutor Capt. Stephanie Ryder said eight of the 15 women who testified had never seen the Facebook group. Ryder said three of the women testified that Batt had strangled them into unconsciousness. Six women were bitten, struck or slapped by Batt, Ryder said. 'These women have done everything they can to stand up for themselves,' Ryder told the jury. 'Major Batt is a sadist and he is sexually obsessed. He took whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.' 'Navigating the criminal justice system can be extremely daunting,' said Adrian R. Perry, director of victim services for Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) of Virginia, where many of the victims reside, 'and not having victim advocacy support often amplifies the fears and anxieties victims experience after reporting what happened to them.'
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Yahoo
Aerial search for Travis Decker appears to slow as investigation continues in Chelan County
This story was originally posted on Nearly three weeks after the bodies of three young girls were discovered at a remote campground west of Leavenworth, the once-intense search for their father and suspected killer, Travis Decker, appears to have slowed its fervent pace. Over the weekend, the U.S. Marshal's Office, which recently took over search operations, did not fly King County Sheriff's Office helicopters or the Washington State Patrol's infrared-equipped Cessna, which flew repeated nighttime missions during the first week. Marshals were also using drones to look for signs of Decker. However, emails to Department of Justice officials to confirm if those flights continue have gone unanswered. The shift doesn't necessarily suggest a reduction in urgency or available leads as investigators continue the manhunt into increasingly remote terrain. However, it could signal a new tactic after the U.S. Forest Service reopened multiple trails in and around that area of the Cascade Mountain Range. Last week, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said more hikers will mean more eyes to possibly spot Decker or other evidence and more tips for law enforcement to respond to quickly. 'Our tactics continue,' Morrison said during a recent press conference. 'We're just heading in a different direction.' Monday marked the beginning of week three in the official search for Decker, a former Army Ranger believed to have received survival training during his military service. Authorities have scoured hundreds of square miles across mountainous terrain, lakes, and rivers near Leavenworth and the Enchantments—a popular rugged area of tall peaks and picturesque alpine lakes. While the Chelan County Sheriff's Office confirmed it has handed over all active search operations to federal agencies, while local deputies and prosecutors remain in charge of the criminal investigation. 'All we need is one mistake and one favor—I hope he's watching,' Morrison said. 'Mr. Decker is going to be the one to determine how this is going to end. We've encouraged him time and time again to give up and to give up peacefully.' Details released last week shed light on the crime scene. Autopsies confirmed that the three girls—discovered at a secluded campsite 18 miles west of Leavenworth—died by suffocation. Investigators classified the case as a triple homicide. Deputies reported finding each girl with a plastic bag over her head, along with more plastic bags strewn around the campsite and inside Decker's abandoned truck. Authorities said they recovered personal items from Decker's vehicle, and blood samples taken from the site matched his DNA. Other samples collected were determined to be non-human. Decker's dog was also found at the campsite and has since been turned over to a local humane society. Flight tracking data from Sunday, a week ago, showed a Washington State Patrol Cessna circling the Enchantments—an isolated alpine region south of the crime scene—from about 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The next morning, helicopters from King County and the Washington National Guard resumed sweeps of the area, which has remained closed to the public for more than a week. Still, the frequency and visibility of such flights have declined from earlier in the search, when air activity was nearly constant day and night. At one point, investigators said Decker may have been planning to flee the country. A federal affidavit filed by U.S. Marshals revealed Decker had recently searched Google for how to 'relocate to Canada' and looked up jobs there just four days before picking up his daughters from their mother's home in Wenatchee. Decker was supposed to return the girls that same day, but he never showed up. A judge had revoked his overnight custodial rights in September 2024 due to homelessness and unpaid child support. Authorities launched a search when the family reported the girls missing, leading to the discovery of their bodies the following Monday. 'We have not given up,' Morrison said. 'We remain committed. We will not stop.'
