News

Who is Tahmooressi and why is he on this sign?

Sign at Miller's drycleaners demands that Mexico release Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi.

By Bill Moss, Published: July 7, 2014

Who is Marine Tahmooressi and why is he on Jeff Miller's sign?

For those mystified by the message on the signboard that usually announces Boys & Girls Club events, symphony performances and other community events — and those out of the Fox News orbit — Andrew Tahmooressi is a Marine sergeant stuck in a Mexican jail after taking what he told his mom was a wrong turn.
"A grassroots movement is drawing attention to the plight of Tahmooressi, who has been languishing in a Mexican jail, and has attracted the attention of lawmakers and building support on social media for government intervention to secure his release," the International Business Times reported on June 24.
"Tahmooressi, of Weston, Fla., served two tours in Afghanistan and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, depression and anxiety, for which he was being treated in San Diego until he was arrested by Mexican authorities and jailed in La Mesa prison in Tijuana on March 31, according to CBS Miami.
"He was arrested just over the southern United States border from San Diego after taking a wrong turn in his truck, according to his mother Jill Tahmooressi. He was detained on gun charges because he had with him three firearms legally obtained in the U.S., when he was intercepted by Mexican authorities, Marine Corps Times reported."
The CBS report from Miami quoted his mother describing what her son told her: "He called me when he reached the border and said, 'Mom, I want you to know where I'm at because I made a wrong turn, I ended up in Mexico and the Mexican officials are encompassing the truck.'"
The grassroots movement seeking the Marines' release got a turbocharged boost after Fox News aired an hourlong special about his situation on the Fourth of July. Titled "Wrong Turn: Marine Held in Mexico," the story on the Greta Van Susteren show included interviews with the jailed Marine, his mother, Marines outraged at his plight, and several U.S. politicians, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Miller, the local drycleaner who has won national recognition for his support of active military personnel and veterans through HonorAir and other efforts, said he was appalled at the Marine's story but also at the number of people who don't know about it. He's gotten plenty of questions about the message, which he vows will stay up until the Mexican government releases Tahmooressi "or someone can prove to me that he deserves to be there."
"The general population is just not aware of it," he said. "It's not coming down. He's been there since March 31. That's crazy. He did nothing. They didn't even charge him with smuggling weapons or anything. All three of them were properly registered."
Asked whether he's made contact with political figures who would take his calls, he said he is not sure the calls would work.
"In all honesty I see a lot of talk there but they can't really do anything in the House or the Senate, Democrats or Republican. They can't really do anything, except put some heat on the administration."
"There's got to be something we can do here and if nothing else make sure he's not forgotten," he said. "It's gone absolutely crazy on Facebook. I only use my Facebook for veterans' stuff. I put it on there. It's all over the place."
Here are links to stories:

http://www.ibtimes.com/sgt-andrew-tahmooressis-story-us-marine-behind-bars-mexico-1609680

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/07/02/tahmooressi-mother-makes-fourth-july-appeal-to-us-ambassador-to-mexico/

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-marine-fox-20140704-story.html