Point blank

Absolutely atrocious!

Story seems so outrageous and includes John McCain - picture and all! Yikes!

Even though it sounds outrageous - I know the military strives to cover-up its mistakes, my brother, a 23+ yrs Army guy was severely injured in a freak accident at Ft Bragg in NC some years ago; and after retiring from the service, they messed around with his retirement money based on the injuries & a potential lawsuit that "could have" but never occurred.

Even more crazy is how my brother was sort of nonchalant like "that's the military for you"! I'll never get it - they treat a lot of these guys like chess pieces & for photo ops!

I am ashamed at the magnitude of disgrace which fell upon Sgt. Cole by another fellow soldier. Sgt. Cole is to be commended for his brave service to his country. It is sad and unfortunate that such a criminal act could take place among friendly allies. And what appears to be even more disturbing is the fact that the U.S. Government tried to cover it up. I am not particularly satisfied with the outcome of the case. However my prayers go out to Sgt. Cole and his family, and I pray that another soldier doesn't become a victim amongst his or her comrades.

This story is absolutely incredible! How is it that in a country of our magnitude and standing in the world community, that this type of unadulterated BS could be so pervasive! How could the Army and our government claim to "fight for justice", yet when a soldier commits a criminal act towards another soldier, the Army terms it as a, "training accident". In the civilian world, if a man shoots another man in a reckless and negligent manner, it is a crime!

Well, it does appear, at least on the surface that the Army is doing their, "little" part in this by giving SGT Cole medical treatment. The other part is, SGT Cole should seek some type of civil redress against the other SGT, since he was injured and obviously his life has taken a drastic change from normal.

Truly a shame! And folks wonder why I call myself a disgruntled U.S. Army veteran.

Racism is alive and well. I pray for Sgt Cole and his family.

Stationed in Germany for over 3 yrs. The Army was full of drugs, sex, violence and suicide. Of course it was covered up by the military. It was disgraceful! This story is just one more example of the military being out of control and trying their best to cover it up. I was always  afraid for my safety. I was only 20 yrs. old. It was 30 yrs. ago. Seems like nothings changed.

He should sue Prasenski for attempted murder, medical bills and expenses, emotional pain he has caused Sgt. Cole and his family, in addition to sueing the army for attempting to cover up for this potential murderer. A person's life is nothing to play around with, and Prasenski seemed to think this was a cute little game of dodge the bullet in which Sgt. Cole never volunteered to participate in.

It's also shocking that instead of the army turning in Prasenski and siding with the victim, they protected and hid that monster and left Sgt. Cole to fend for himself. What a lack of ethics, and these people are supposed to protect us? They didn't even protect their own - Sgt. Cole! I believe race definitely played a part in this, which is why they decided that the white guy MUST have accidentally shot Sgt. Cole, but I bet if it had been the other way around, they quickly would have turned on the black solider as being a murderer - they would have never even considered it to possibly be an accident. I am amazed they even let Prasenski keep a sticker on his microwave that was clearly racist and insulting and never asked him to remove it. Poor Sgt. Cole thought it was a joke and kept being friendly even after seeing the sticker and hearing how Prasenski referred to other fellow men as "spics" and other derogatory, racist terms. Prasenski's lucky he didn't get a brother from the hood who would have beat the sh*t out of him at those signs of disrespect.

I hope Sgt. Cole recovers and gets the justice he deserves from these corrupt members of the army and that Prasenski is dishonorably discharged, with no compensation for all the time he gave to the army. He doesn't deserve anything but a long jail sentence, because he robbed this man of his life, as he now has no mobility or independence and will be confined to a wheelchair without being able to run after his kids, play sports with them, bathe, etc. What a pathetic human being that Prasenski character is, makes me sick!

4 1/2 years for intentionally shooting someone and destroying his life forever.  Wow, wonder what the verdict would have been if the roles were reversed.  Would the Military try to cover it up?  Why is the Military so hell bent on covering things like this up.  EVERYONE wants to get so bent out of shape when someone disrespects military personnel or says something negative about this phucked up war.  These are the same people who should be extremely disgusted when their precious military covers up an intential shooting and other misdeeds done under the colors of America.  They are no better than the gangs that infest our bigger cities if this is the way things are conducted and investigated.  This man should do a lot more than 4.5 years.  Apparently it was a racially motivated shooting.  Then the two morons that backed him up; OMG!  Why would you cover for a racist pig when the same thing could happen to you?  I say, the family of this man should get to shoot this sh!theel in the neck and see what happens.  Put the rabid dog down!

Why be surprised?  America looks out for everyone but its own. Our veterans are homeless while we build houses, schools and businesses in other countries.  Our tax dollars should take care of us first, then what's left over can be distributed to needy countries.  Piety starts at home.  And, as for justice, this is just another example of the lack of justice in America.  4 1/2 years in a military prison for intentionally shooting someone and nothing for 2 guys who agreed to cover it up. It's shameful, and what's worse they will probably be honorably discharged and receive a pension for the rest of their lives.  America has lost its judicial ethics and needs a reality check.  No wonder our economy is in trouble. When you refuse to stand up for what is right the consequences are damaging on all fronts. God bless Army Sgt. Dwayne Cole and his family. May you have a speedy and full recovery.

Wow...what an unbelievable story. This makes me angry. It's funny how when an African-American mentions racism or merely implies it they are sometimes looked upon as paranoid, stuck in the past, or "using the race card" BS...its still alive and kicking. I pray for Sgt. cole and his family. This story needs to be aired for the american public to see.

As  a military wife myself this is a terrifiying story that the world needs to be told. i cant imagine the pain his family is going through. He joined the military to fight for his country not to have to worry about being hurt by  one of his own kind. then the nerves of them trying to cover it up. im sure stories like this happen alot it's just that the never inform the public. Mr. and Mrs. Cole should sue the goverment for trying to keep this story a secret. they dont give a damn about us and our families. i pray for you and your family. this story really needs to be aired

Our soldiers are over there fighting for our country and at the same time learn behaviors that are harmful to themselves, other soldiers, and the American people when they come home.  Not only was Sgt. Coles life distroyed, but so was his attackers.  What I don't understand is that he only received 4.5 years for his crime while Sgt. Cole will suffer for the rest of his life.  I truly don't understand.

 Sgt Cole has   shown great COURAGE ,he can still smlie and most importantly he ia able to tell the true story.

God is with him

my prayers are with you and your family.

This is such a disheartening story.  Our men and women are over there putting their life on the line trying to survive enemy fire and here this Sgt. Cole had an enemy among his own.  He should be held to the highest level of punishment possible.  Four and a half years is a slap in the face to Sgt. Cole.  It is an abomination of our legal/court martial system.  This story needs to gain more ground.  May God Bless Sgt. Cole and his family.  They will be in my thoughts and prayers. 

Just horrible!!! This needs to be made a national story so that maybe the armed forces will stop sending these men and women over there 2 and 3 times!!!!!! That man needs to be in jail for more than 4 yrs!!!

The sadness of this reality is that, SGT Prasenski will more than likely be released from his confinement within 18 months and with a smart lawyer he is likely to get a pension from the military. So it becomes a case of, “SO WHAT”! I got 18 months for trying to kill another soldier and they will still pay me for it.

My question is, if the shoe was on the other foot what would have happened to SSG. COLE? Is it Justice or, JUST US?

My prayer's go out to Sgt. Cole and family. It is ashamed  that a soldier not only has to worry about the enemy but now he has to worry about his fellow comrades.

The out come of this situation is outrageous and very alarming.

What question is this sending to the American people?

My prayer's go out to Sgt. Cole and family. It is ashamed  that a soldier not only has to worry about the enemy but now he has to worry about his fellow comrades.

The out come of this situation is outrageous and very alarming.

What question is this sending to the American people?

I come from a military family so I wouldn't want this comment to be seen in the wrong light. I am ALWAYS pro military. BUT WHAT THE HECK WAS THIS JUDGE THINKING????? You are supposed to be protecting the innocent you hack!

4 1/2 years for attempted murder of a soldier in the US ARMY?? Is that the kind of respect our soldiers get from the officers we mothers put our children in the care of?? If so, you can forget the enlistment of my second son.  One is too many apparently.  As a civilian judge I would never allow a sentence like that in MY court.

This is why weapons and alcohol do not mix.  This is a very sad story, and it makes you wonder about all of the other stories that do not make the press. 

Not in anyway to imply blame to SGT Cole, but why did he hang out with someone who frequently made racial remarks?  I have been in the military and deployed twice, and even though, I had to depend on my buddies a lot as they depended on me, there were some people who did not mix on their off time.  Not because there were racial tensions, but because we just did not get along.  I can only imagine what would have happened if we would have thrown around some racial epithets.  You would like to assume that the most that would happen are a few fist fights, but in this case Cole almost died.

Even bigger, the guy who did it ran, and took his soldiers with him.  What happened to looking out for your buddy?  Better yet what about I AM A NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER...?

He should be charged with 1st degree attempted murder and locked up for the rest of his life!!!  This person should not be allowed to walk the streets for the safety of everyone back home.

I feel for this family, my prayers go out for them.  Justice was not given to them.  My husband is currently deployed to Afghanistan and I couldn't imagine life without him or facing what this family is facing.  This story needs national attention.

This is totally disgusting.  If Presenski gets a retirement check I think ALL OF IT should be given to Cole and his family.  Just what is Cole suppose to do for a living now that he can not work?  The pension that he will get from the military won't cover his expenses so I think the person who shot him should pay monetarily. 

Only 4 1/2 years?!! that in itself is an outrage.  My heart goes out to Cole and his family. 

This is one of the worse cases of military cover-up I've heard of.  The government lies so much and w/o blinking.  There is no loss of sleep on governments behalf. The lies mount and no one pays a penalty for their actions.  I am more than just angry about this; I am appalled at the short prison sentence and in fear of Presenski being free and walking the streets of Somewhere, USA.  He is a walking time bomb. He is obviously a racist and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he weren't affiliated w/one of those anti-government organizations or the Klan.  This man, Presenski is vicious and has been treated w/kid gloves.  What could ever be done to give back, Sgt. Cole, this kind youngman's life back? Nothing! At 28 years young, married and no children, Sgt. Cole's life has been changed forever.  Not only has his life been torn apart; what of his wife? Mrs. Cole is now taking care of a paralized husband who has spent most of their marriage in military service and when he is home to stay, he's only a part physically of the man she met, feel in love with, and married. She appears to be trying to be supportive, I saw the story on Dateline. 

There has got to be more that can be done to right this injustice.  I can't see this simply going away.  Someone has to bring continued media attention to Mr. Cole's tragedy.  Sgt. Cole was taking a rest from a long day of protecting this country and his reward is: A Living Heck of a Life.  Where is the group of people that moniter the government and military?  Oh yeah, there isn't any.  Where is the justice department? Oh yeah, it's a white man who shot a black man, justice isn't needed.  But, if it had been the other way around, the black man would have gotten a life sentence.  This country is sickening when dealing w/fairness and justice. Very little has changed since the history of African Americans and the United States.

Actions do speak louder than words and the military ignoring a near fatal shooting and lying about the circumstances which has changed the life of a 28 years young man that proved his loyalty to his country and his service to his country......get's nothing but a converted handicap van and possibly a new wheel chair every other year.  The military should be held accountable for their actions and since they participated in the cover-up a civil suit should be brought by Sgt. Cole against Presenski's military pension or personal assets and the government. Presenski is deranged! If that weren't bad enough, this sick SOB was within arms reach of Senator McCain. Thank the Lord Presenski didn't try to harm the Senator or any one else in the vacinity.

This is a major race issue,  one that has been brought to our attention.  Only the Lord knows what else is going on each day while we try to believe in a form of Liberty and Justice for all; as long as you are not a black male who is trying to accomplish great things in this country.  This story is disturbing and should not be taken for granted, the government covered it up.  What compensation will Sgt. Cole receive? Who is up w/him when nightmares prevent him from sleeping and his being a "man" prohibits him from crying when he's sad? His wife, that's who. If they can support each other and the marriage stays strong; which is doubtful, who bears the lifetime cost of meeting the financial needs of this young man and his wife. Who bears the lifetime cost of the Cole's possibly not having a family of beautiful babies? Not to mention rehabilitation, psychological cost for he and his wife, and financial straits for a lifetime?  We pray for Sgt. Cole and his wife; his entire family but financially they are going to need help for a lifetime.  Someone has to be held accountable; maybe it should be not only Presenski's pension, but also the two guys that left Cole for dead who ran out w/Presenski, after the shooting. They also participated in the attempted murder so they should have been imprisoned as accomplices or abstruction of justice and their pension should be awarded to Sgt. Cole as well.

There is a new member of government. Like Sgt. Cole, this man is also putting his life in harms way to protect the United States. He also has a supportive wife and they are blessed to have children. This man is courageous and he desires to make certain our country is protected in all aspects of our daily living....Please let's pray for safety and protection for our new President-Elect, Obama.  Like Sgt. Cole, he is a young black man employed by our government that is trying to make a positive difference. 

Wow! I just happened upon this sad story and and am appalled at what I've read! The whole thing stinks. Only 4 1/2 years! That, after they tried to hide the truth! This is an outrage!The US Army has failed Sgt. Cole miserably. What a disgrace.