The long, twisting case of retired Special Forces Colonel Owen Ray just got another chapter as his sentencing approaches, and character statements are submitted, one of them appearing as an official Special Operations Command memorandum for record in support of Ray.
Ray was convicted of second-degree assault while armed with a firearm, felony harassment, and reckless endangerment in Washington State after holding his daughter hostage during an inebriated stand-off with police. Ray previously commanded the 1st Special Forces Group.
The Colonel quietly retired from the Army after the incident but his trial in civilian courts continued forward, leading to his conviction in September. He now faces up to ten years in prison.
In the lead-up to his sentencing, a character statement was provided by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Maurice Duclos in support of Ray. The statement appears as an official Special Operations Command memorandum for record. Filled with misspellings, including the classification header, it also uses odd non-clinical language.
Connecting Vets reached out to Special Operations Command about the memo and received the following reply:
“Chief Warrant Officer 5 Duclos’ 21 October letter of support for Owen Ray reflects his personal opinions only and in no way represent any official position of United States Special Operations Command,” SOCOM Public Affairs Officer Col. Curtis Kellogg said. When asked if it was appropriate for CW5 Duclos to use SOCOM letterhead for this purpose he replied, "no."
The memo creates an odd situation, in which a senior Special Operations Command Warrant Officer appears to leverage the command to help out Ray. Duclos writes that Ray is a changed man who has accepted his breakdown and is prepared to face his demons.
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In an article for the Cipher Brief Ray attempted to blame PTSD. He also deflected blame to the media in a conversation with this reporter.
Meanwhile, Special Forces Command continues the process of stripping Ray of his Special Forces tab, a symbolic gesture which signals that the Special Forces community does not approve of Ray's actions.
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