Lt. Ilario Pantano Resigns His commission

http://euphoria.jarkolicious.com/journal/2005/06/03/448/
The Lt.'s comments to his supporters:

The support of your network has been tremendous and I hope you can help me express how much I still love the Corps to your vast readership. Leading Marines in battle has been the pinnacle of my professional life. There are so many things about being a Marine that I will miss now that I have submitted my resignation, but my priority must be taking care of my family after what can only be described as ‘one hell of a year’.

Molon Labe
Ilario Pantano


And to Congressman Jones, his staunchest supporter in the House:


Congressman Jones, You once shared a verse with me:

Greater love hath no man - than to lay down his life for his friends.

That spirit of sacrifice defines the soldier and Marine. And it defines you sir. You know in your heart and your soul what is right and you are willing to fight for it. Even if it is at great risk to you and your career.

As my family and I faced our darkest hours you fought for us, and in doing so…You fought for every man and woman in the uniform, past present and future - not because of the opportunity to challenge the military, but for the opportunity to protect it from itself.

Day and night you appealed to any that would listen. You were tireless in your defense of me, and for that I will be eternally grateful.

My family and I want to thank you for your courage and your leadership.

First, I present to you my innocence, known to you and many many others from the outset, but proven finally by our justice system after a yearlong investigation and prosecution.

Congressman Jones, You weren’t just brave to defend me. You were RIGHT.

And finally, from one warrior to another, I present to you my most cherished possession: my sword. My love of corps and country will never be broken or diminished, but now it is my love of family that I must honor most with my decision to resign.

I have taken up arms for my country and my corps in two wars and it has been my privilege to serve beside real heroes- some of whom are here today.

Even as I step aside it is my greatest hope that young men and women continue to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before… To push themselves…To rise to the challenge of becoming Marines. Our country needs you and we will always be grateful to you.

The Marine Officer’s sword represents the highest ideals of military excellence and professionally, one of my greatest achievements.

Honor, courage and commitment are principles by which we Marines LIVE AND DIE.

You, Congressman Jones, through your actions, have demonstrated that you live by those principles as well.

And I, for one am grateful that you do.
Thank you Sir, may god bless you and your family and may God Bless America.


The Lieutenant is a hero of mine, for having cast aside his posh yuppie life to serve his country. He was a credit to the Corps and the country, and was a fine officer by all accounts. His presence will be missed in the Corps.