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Updated Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:11 PM
Soldier charged in Iraq slayings had Sherman ties
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CHRIS JENNINGS/HERALD DEMOCRAT
Wilburn Russell (front, center) talks to the media on Tuesday in Denison. Wilburn Russell's son, Sgt. John Russell, was charged with murder by military officials after a shooting that occurred Monday in a stress clinic at a U.S. military base near Baghdad, Iraq. Five soldiers were killed. |
FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Army Sgt. John M. Russell, the soldier charged in the deaths of five soldiers at a stress clinic in Baghdad is on his third tour of duty in Iraq, according to his service record.
Excerpts of the record, obtained by The Associated Press, show that Russell previously did two one-year tours of duty in Iraq, one starting in April 2003 and another beginning November 2005.
When he enlisted, Russell listed his hometown as Sherman.
The stress of repeat and extended tours is considered a main contributor to mental health problems among troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
John Russell's father, Wilburn Russell of Sherman, spoke about his son and the tragedy at Camp Liberty in Iraq. "All I know is that John faxed his wife over in Bamberg (Germany) and said ... officers threatened him. It was the worst two days of his life. ... He had six weeks to go to finish up (his tour of duty)."
The elder Russell said his son was scheduled for a stress test, "possibly by officers he had a rhubarb with," and that it was at this stress test that the military "broke him." Wilburn Russell said his son's "whole life was the military" and that Sgt. Russell was in an electronics field where he "fixed robots used to set off roadside bombs."
Wilburn Russell said that he believed the military was going to let his son go, "and I guess he thought his life was over. He had no place to go, they broke him." Wilburn Russell said his daughter-in-law in Germany received a call telling her "that (Sgt. Russell) had gone crazy and killed five people."
Wilburn Russell said the home he and his wife, and John Russell's son, also named John Russell, live in is being purchased by Sgt. Russell. "We thought he was well grounded ... thought he had his feet on the ground," Wilburn Russell said, breaking down in tears. "I'm sick. I'm so sorry, not just for my son, but for everyone involved. ... We all are devastated. We didn't expect this. We would expect that he would be killed (in action in Iraq), but not that he'd do something like this."
Sgt. Russell is the son of Wilburn and Beth Russell. His family moved to Plano in 1972 from Oklahoma City as Wilburn Russell worked in the defense industry. The family moved to a home near Luella, southeast of Sherman, with Sgt. Russell and his three sisters (who all still live in this area, as well as his ex-wife. Sgt. Russell attended Tom Bean High School.
Sgt. Russell entered the Army National Guard in 1988 and served in the Guard until 1994, Russell became an active duty soldier in 1994, the record shows.
The military record also states that Russell served in Serbia through the last half of 1996 and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last half of 1998.
Russell received several medals and commendations, which the official described as typical for Russell's rank and time in the military. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak on the record.
 Comments ... 10 found!
Sgt. Russell : 10/2/2009
I was Russells roommate when he was stationed with the 2-72 Ar Camp Casey Korea The US Army failed SGT. Russell the man had 19 1/2 years in there was no reason for a Como E5 with six months left and clearly stress issues to be in an Combat Zone. We are Already making the same mistakes we made be that other War everyone is trying to forget. Were was Russells OIC/NCOIC
Got Out Just in Time
Typically 54th : 5/17/2009
Yes John was beyond wrong for killing five fellow soldiers who have done nothing to him. Where was his Chain of Command? Doesn't it start there? Why did they push this soldier beyond his limits? If the Soldier asked for help, why the Chain of Command did just took his weapon and stated he was crazy, which even make the Soldier feeling worst. I got to say, I do blame the Chain of Command. I am glad I had good leaders when I was once in the 54th. But before I left, new once came in, they were careless about the Soldiers. Remember to the seniors in the unit, Soldiers were just numbers, never were they even were respected as people. I agree it's the Chain of Command's fault the Soldier did what he did. He was seeking for help and they made it worst for him. So he did what he did to let them know he needed help. And now they are all running around trying to cover up what they could have prevented from happening in the first place. So like the 54th, it never change.
Ex-Soldier
SGT Russell : 5/15/2009
I blame his chain of command. His Chain of Command were the one who broke him. If the Chain of Command of the 54th Engineer Battalion pays attention to their soldiers and not just work them like they are slave, or mistreat them, maybe this will never had taken place. With no doubt, I believe him when he said Officers in his unit threat him. I believe him. The Officers in the unit are careless about how the soldiers are. Just because they are Officers, they think they are better than the enlisted.
Blame the Chain of Command
Sgt. John Russell : 5/14/2009
Its been a while since I last saw John but I knew him to be such a kind man...very easy going. When I read what happened, the only thought that came to mind is that something really terrible had to have happened to him because the John I knew had a beautiful heart and would have never done anything like that. I've prayed for him and his safety, throughout the years, and I will continue to pray for him and his family, as well as the families of the victims. The best thing to come out of this is that its drawn the much needed attention to the fact that our soldiers are not machines but they are people and they desperately need better mental and emtional care provisions in place for them. My heart, prayers and gratitude go out to all of our soldiers.
Patryce Wilburn
Sgt Ruseell : 5/14/2009
Sgt ruseell was always a fine soldier i serve with him in iraq somenthing really bad must of happen for him to do something like that
Spc Rocha
Iraq soldier : 5/13/2009
To the Iraq soldier that posted that stupid comment about not being allowed in society because Sgt Russell might snap. That is the stupidest comment that I have ever heard. Since you served in Iraq, the same could be said about you and all other soldiers that has served. This soldier has seen to many combat situations and needs help not insults.
Ex Shermenite
: 5/13/2009
I DO NOT BELIEVE NOR WILL I EVER BELIEVER THIS HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH JEALOUSY. BUT ON THE SAME HAND NO ONE WHAT SO EVER REALLY HAS ANY RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING AT THIS POINT. THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT TRULY KNOW WHAT WAS SAID UP TO THIS POINT OR WHAT WAS REALLY GOING ON INSIDE RUSSELS HEAD IS RUSSELL AND THE SOLDIERS INVOLVED. I KNOW HOW STRESSFUL IT CAN BE IN JUST NORMAL EVERYDAY LIFE SO YOUR RIGHT NOT I OR ANYONE ELSE CAN TRULY KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE UNLESS YOU BEEN THERE. I HAVE ALOT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE MILITARY AND IM JUST THANKFUL FOR ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE FIGHTING FOR MY FREEDOM. I DONT BLAME THE MILITARY OR ANYONE FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED. THINK ABOUT IT THERE ARE A TON OF SOLDIERS OVER THERE FIGHTING HOW CAN YOU EVER KNOW EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT IS NOT IN "GOOD MENTAL STAT." THEY ARE ALL DOING THE BEST THEY CAN. THIS IS A VERY TRAGIC TRAGIC SITUATION AND I FEEL DEEPLY SADDDENED FOR ALL THE PEOPLE INVOLVED. MAY GOD BE WITH THEIR FAMILIES. KEEP ON PRAYING FOR OUT TROOPS!! PRAYER WILL GO ALONG WAY IF WE ARE PRAYING TOGETHER!!
THANKFUL FOR OUR TROOPS
Sgt. Russell : 5/13/2009
This soldier was pushed to the breaking point.He was living under harsh circumstances. He served his country, gave his all. I am sure jealousy played a huge part in the situation. My heart goes out to him and his family.I agree with Wisconsinite, this soldier needs a quality hospital for his therapy. That is true, the Army taught him to kill...he didn't drink to dull the pain he has experienced, wasn't like the other soldiers. When push comes to shove...we know how the story goes. His wife should stand behind him and support him as well as the rest of the family. There is no shame here...he did what he had to do for protection. I understand this soldiers feelings, he is a true soldier in a room full of traitors. Bless You for keeping America safe! PROUD TO BE A RUSSELL
Sherri L. Jillson-Russell
sgt russell : 5/12/2009
it goes without saying he is not normal. he should never be allowed in society again. he just might "snap".
iraq soldier
Sgt. Russell : 5/12/2009
I hope and pray everyone contacts your representative demanding that this soldier is not judged as normal. This soldier served 3 separate deployments in that horrendous area. We have 2 grandsons that were in Iraq and both are experiencing horrendous troubles now that they're out. A recent news article stated that 1 in 6 soldiers are affected after being there. As tragic as this incident is, I believe he should be found free on insanity at the time and also admitted in a RELIABLE hospital for all the therapy he needs. It will be a miracle if they ever get over the horrors of all they carry in their mind from Iraq.
Wisconsinite
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