PRESS RELEASE #40
Calvin Murphy Released from Jail
By Staff Writer: Rick Townsend
February 17, 2006
Vietnam combat disabled veteran Calvin Murphy of Bear Lake, Michigan was released from the Manistee County jail today.
On February 13th, Murphy began serving a 90 day jail sentence for contempt of court after refusing to use his Social Security Disability payments to pay alimony. Murphy was awarded his SSDI based on his military disabilities. Circuit Court Judge James M. Batzer was the presiding judge who ordered Murphy to use his SSDI to pay spousal support and was also the judge to send Murphy to jail for contempt.
Murphy was released today after scrapping up enough money to pay the majority of back alimony. However, he still has to pay for his ex-wife’s lawyer and other expenses before he will be caught up. “I made my point. I went to jail to protest what state courts are doing to veterans in divorce court. I now have an arrest record. I figured I could do more good out of jail than just sitting idle,” Murphy said in a phone interview.
According to Murphy, the jail had received a stack of faxes over 3 inches deep from fellow veterans and supporters concerned about Murphy receiving his much needed prescribed medicines while in jail. Murphy also said jail staff told him of many emails that were received as well. “I was wondering why I was being treated so nice,” Murphy said.
Veteran’s Rights advocate Jere Beery launched the Fax and email campaign after hearing Murphy had been arrested. “We have a wonderful group of veteran’s rights supporters nationwide called “The Firebase Network”. There is no doubt in my mind, the efforts produced by these concerned Americans with their computers and fax machines, led directly to Calvin Murphy being treated well and released without being required to immediately pay the entire amount originally ordered by Judge Batzer,” Beery claimed. “The Firebase Network has a great deal to be proud of,” He added.
Calvin Murphy has now set his sights on pursuing this issue all the way to the Supreme Court if possible. “I’m not a wealthy man. However, I intend to do everything in my power to insure another disabled veteran is not mistreated in divorce court,” Murphy said. I’m currently looking for a new attorney, and I will keep this issue alive,” He added.
Murphy also expressed a great appreciation to everyone for their support. “I was totally amazed when I found out how many people really care. Thank you so much for your help,” Murphy said.
Calvin Murphy has accepted an invitation to take his message to Washington, DC. On April 25th, 2006, Calvin Murphy will be a speaker at the “Operation Firing For Effect – The Veteran’s March” to be held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Protection of veteran’s disability compensation (both VA and SSDI) will be one of the many subjects event speakers will address. For more information, visit > WWW.VETMARCH2006.COM
Murphy will also be Rick Townsend’s special guest on The Firebase Network’s Veterans Hour this Sunday, 6PM, EST. You can listen to the one hour program on your computer at this link, just follow the “Listen Live” buttons > WWW.GCNLIVE.COM
Jere Beery summed up the Murphy situation like this; “Here is the rub of this entire story. Murphy’s ex-wife already receives SSDI for her medical conditions and unemployability. As it stands now, she is receiving her SSDI and a portion of her disabled ex-husband’s SSDI. I fail to see the justice in this logic,” Beery concluded.
If you wish to contact Calvin Murphy > calvinm@coslink.net
For the for full story, visit > http://www.jerebeery.com/press_releases_page.htm