Guard commander critical of delay in troops' return
By wire services
Published March 4, 2004
TALLAHASSEE - The commanding general of the Florida National Guard is frustrated over delays in getting troops home from Iraq after they have completed their tours of duty.
"The nation wasted no time mobilizing these soldiers, sometimes in 24 hours, taking them from their jobs and their families," Maj. Gen. Douglas Burnett told the Miami Herald. "I want them to feel this nation didn't forget them on the last mission of bringing them home."
More than 1,500 Florida Guard troops have returned or are on their way back from Iraq. Some have endured near-freezing nights in unheated tents because they left their encampment to go to a staging area, only to have flights home canceled. Many had to buy blankets to keep warm, Burnett said.
Families of the soldiers have expressed frustration over the delays, the general said.
He declined further comment through a spokesman Wednesday.
A Department of Defense spokesman said the military is trying to bring soldiers back quickly.
"The process is being managed as efficiently as possible, but there are going to be hiccups, you bet," said Central Command spokesman Maj. Dave Farlow.
Three arrested in raids on indoor pot gardens
MELROSE - Three people were arrested after indoor marijuana growing operations were found in Putnam County.
Investigators discovered 1,385 marijuana plants growing in an underground area of about 400 square feet, accessible through a trapdoor in an outbuilding.
Police also found guns, including assault rifles, other rifles, a sawed-off shotgun and handguns in the chamber, Putnam County sheriff's Lt. Gary Bowling said. Elsewhere on the property they seized several vehicles plus about $6,000 in cash.
Michael D. Ash, 32, and his wife, Joanna Ash, 20, were arrested on charges of armed trafficking in marijuana, maintaining a drug dwelling, possession of drug paraphernalia, grand theft more than $100,000 and possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
During an interview, deputies said, they learned of another indoor growing operation in Keystone Heights and raided it. They seized 340 plants and several guns and arrested homeowner Donald Hawkins, 31. Hawkins was charged with trafficking in marijuana, maintaining a drug dwelling and possession of drug paraphernalia.
