Vets Call for Investigation into Palin's Leaked Deployment Details

Posted by , VoteVets.org at 11:15 AM on September 8, 2008.

"It is simply unacceptable for any member of the military, or
civilian, to discuss these kinds of classified details -- especially
with the media."

WASHINGTON -- Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan of
VoteVets.org today wrote to top Defense Department officials, calling
for an investigation into leaks of classified details regarding the
deployment of Track Palin, the son of Vice Presidential candidate,
Governor Sarah Palin. Numerous outlets have reported the date and
location of Palin's deployment, which compromises operational
security. The source of the leaks would be acting in violation of the
law, and putting troops at unnecessary risk, and could be prosecuted.

The text of the letter is below:

September 8, 2008

Secretary Robert Gates
Secretary of Defense
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1400

Gordon S. Heddell
Acting Inspector General,
Department of Defense
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1400

Daniel J. Dell'Orto
Acting General Counsel,
Department of Defense
1400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1400

Gentlemen,

As veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom,
we are alarmed with recent leaks that have led to a multitude of
stories in the media divulging details regarding the deployment and
future movements of Track Palin, the son of Republican Vice
Presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin. We are attaching such
examples of these details appearing in the media.

As you know, leaking such details is a clear violation of Operational
Security (OPSEC), as defined in DOD Directive (DODD) 5205.02, and Army
Regulation 530-1.

After speaking with a number of Public Affairs Officers, we are
confident that the Department of Defense has not leaked these details.
However, as it is simply impossible for any reporter to figure out
these details on their own if all they know is the name of a soldier
and where he is based, someone has compromised security, not only for
the son of a potential Vice President of the United States, but all
those who serve with him.

It is simply unacceptable for any member of the military, or civilian,
to discuss these kinds of classified details -- especially with
members of the media. We urge you to conduct an immediate
investigation to find the source of these leaks, and prosecute, if
necessary.

We are certain you are as disturbed with these developments as we are,
and hope you find any compromising of security and safety of our
troops to be of paramount concern.

Respectfully,

Jon Soltz
Veteran, OIF
Chairman, VoteVets.org

Brandon Friedman
Veteran, OIF, OEF
Vice Chairman, VoteVets.org

Peter Granato
Veteran, OIF
Vice Chairman, VoteVets.org

Brian McGough
Veteran, OIF, OEF
Senior Advisor, VoteVets.org