Daryn J. Moran

Airman Goes AWOL In Germany Because Internet Says Obama's Birth Certificate Is Fake (VIDEO)

Ryan J. Reilly | August 17, 2011, 11:40AM

[Update: The Air Force says Moran isn't AWOL after all, but rather on approved leave status as he awaits discharge.]

An Air Force staff sergeant based in Germany says he's been AWOL since last week because he read on the Internet that President Barack Obama's long form birth certificate is a fraud.

Inspired by fellow birther, Army doctor Terrence Lakin, Staff Sgt. Daryn J. Moran has plastered the Internet with the news that he's deserting his post as an ophthalmology technician overseas.

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Terrence Lakin

Court-Martialed Birther Army Doc Supporters: If Only Obama Had Released The Birth Certificate a Year Ago!

Jillian Rayfield | April 27, 2011, 6:03PM

The defense fund for birther and former Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin put out a statement on Wednesday in response to the release of President Obama's long-form birth certificate, asking that Lakin, a doctor, be given a "full and complete presidential pardon" for his court martial conviction of six months, "including restoration of pay, benefits, and service."

The reasoning? If only Lakin had seen this birth certificate a year ago he would have never refused his orders to deploy to Afghanistan!

"This document which was so casually dropped on the news corps could just have easily been provided twelve months ago or two years ago," the statement said. "Even six months ago, it would have prevented LTC Lakin being manacled and hauled away to Fort Leavenworth prison for standing up for the Constitution, consistent with the oath he took as an officer, and the rule of law."

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Terrence Lakin

Birther Army Doctor Gets Six Months For Refusing To Deploy

Jillian Rayfield | December 16, 2010, 4:40PM

Lieutenant Colonel Terry Lakin

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, who refused orders to deploy to Afghanistan because he believes President Obama may not have been born in the United States, was sentenced to six months in military prison today.

He will also be dismissed from the Army.

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Terrence Lakin

'Birther' Army Doctor's Supporters Soldier On Despite Court Setback

Ryan J. Reilly | December 15, 2010, 10:30AM

After an Army doctor who became a prominent member of the so-called "birther" movement for refusing to deploy to Afghanistan over his doubts that President Barack Obama was born in the U.S. pleaded guilty to one count at a court martial, what will happen to his supporters?

As the court martial of Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin continues for a second day in a military court in Maryland, they're standing by their man. Lakin is fighting off a more serious charge: that he is guilty of "missing a movement" because he missed a flight back on April 12 which would have started his journey to join his unit.

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Terrence Lakin

'Birther' Army Doctor Pleads Guilty On One Count At Court Martial

Ryan J. Reilly | December 14, 2010, 12:35PM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, an Army doctor who refused to deploy to Afghanistan because he questioned whether President Barack Obama was born in the U.S., pleaded guilty to one of two charges against him at a court martial proceeding on Tuesday.

Lakin pleaded guilty to a charge that included not meeting with a superior when ordered to do so and not reporting for duty at Fort Campbell, reported The Republic. He'll face up to 18 months in prison and dismissal from the Army, the newspaper reported.

Lakin pleaded not guilty on another charge that he missed a flight he was required to be on, and his court-martial at Fort Meade in Maryland is continuing on that count.

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Terrence Lakin

Birther Army Doc Defenders Gear Up For Court Martial By Invoking Nuremberg

Jillian Rayfield | November 15, 2010, 1:57PM

Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Lakin

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin is scheduled to be court martialed on December 14 after refusing orders to deploy to Afghanistan amid his questions about President Obama's eligibility to serve as Commander-In-Chief. In the lead-up to the court martial, the American Patriot Foundation, the group that set up his legal defense fund, launched "Terry Lakin Action Week," and invoked Nuremberg to argue Lakin's case:

Since Nuremberg, servicemembers are trained to question illegal orders, yet for more than a year, no one in the Pentagon could answer LTC Lakin's simple question-- is there proof that the CINC is legally, Constitutionally eligible to be in charge of the U.S. Armed Forces?

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Terrence Lakin

Judge: 'Birther' Docs Are Irrelevant To Army Doctor's Refusal To Deploy

Ryan J. Reilly | September 3, 2010, 1:45PM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin

The Army Lieutenant Colonel who refused to deploy to Afghanistan because he does not believe President Barack Obama was born in the United States faced a legal setback, after a judge ruled yesterday that evidence and witnesses related to the President's citizenship were irrelevant to the soldier's case, CNN reports.

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Birthers

Retired Three-Star Lieutenant General Backs 'Birther' Army Doctor

Ryan J. Reilly | September 1, 2010, 11:22AM

Ret. Air Force General Thomas McInerney

Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Thomas McInerney has officially joined the legions of birthers, after writing an affidavit in support of Army Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Lakin who refused to deploy to Afghanistan because he does not believe President Barack Obama was born in the United States. Lakin faces a court martial on Oct. 13 for his refusal.

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Terrence Lakin

Report: Birther Army Doctor Tells Prosecutor 'Don't Tase Me, Bro'

Jillian Rayfield | August 13, 2010, 12:42PM

The American Patriot Foundation, which set up a legal defense fund for birther Army doctor Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, is claiming that lead prosecutor LTC Steven Brodsky "threatened" Lakin, suggesting it would be easier to "just taser [Lakin] and throw him in the van" to avoid having him speak to the press.

In response, Lakin apparently had this message for Brodsky: "Don't tase me, bro."

That account is according to the American Patriot Foundation, and has not been independently confirmed. Calls to the APF, Brodsky and Walter Reed Army Medical Center were not returned.

Lakin faces a General Court Martial for refusing orders to deploy to Afghanistan, citing his uncertainties about President Obama's place of birth and eligibility to be Commander-in-Chief.

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Terrence Lakin

Birther Army Doc Defers Plea Until Oct. 13 Court Martial

Jillian Rayfield | August 6, 2010, 12:20PM

Birther Army Doctor Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, who faces a Court Martial for refusing to deploy to Afghanistan, declined to enter a plea at his arraignment today in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

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Birthers

Birther Army Doc Charges Referred To General Court Martial -- Arraignment Friday

Jillian Rayfield | August 2, 2010, 10:34AM

The American Patriot Foundation, which set up a legal defense fund for Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, reports that the Birther army doctor's charges have been referred to a General Court Martial, and that an arraignment is scheduled for Friday.

Lakin is charged with refusing orders to deploy to Afghanistan because he believes President Obama may not have been born in the United States, and is therefore ineligible to be Commander-in-Chief.

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Birthers

Birther Army Doctor Explains Himself Ahead Of Court Martial: 'Americans Deserve Answers' (VIDEO)

Jillian Rayfield | July 19, 2010, 10:22AM

Lieutenant Colonel Terry Lakin

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin released a new video over the weekend explaining his decision to waive a preliminary hearing, likely paving the way for a General Court Martial. Lakin said in the video that his requests for evidence were refused, which "made it impossible for me to present any defense."

The army doctor had refused to deploy to Afghanistan, citing questions about Barack Obama's eligibility to serve as President.

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Birthers

Birther Army Doc Waives Hearing, Court Martial Likely To Move Ahead

Justin Elliott | June 9, 2010, 12:31PM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin

The group backing Birther Army Doctor Terrence Lakin as he makes his way through the military justice system announced today that Lakin is waiving a preliminary hearing that was set for Friday.

Lt. Col. Lakin refused orders on the grounds that Barack Obama is not eligible to be president. It is now up to Maj. Gen. Karl Horst, Military District of Washington Commander, to decide if the case will go to trial, said Chuck Dasey, spokesman at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, where Lakin is assigned.

The American Patriot Foundation said in a press release:

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Terrence Lakin

The Birther Court Martial: A Primer

Justin Elliott | June 8, 2010, 5:04PM

The most dramatic Birther stand of the Obama era is set to begin in earnest Friday when the military kicks off a preliminary hearing in the court martial of Birther Army Doctor Terrence Lakin. The process is likely to last several months and may well end with Lt. Col Lakin dismissed from the Army or even in jail, two military lawyers tell TPMmuckraker,

Lakin refused orders to deploy to Afghanistan earlier this year. He believes -- and said as much in a widely viewed YouTube video in March -- that Obama is not legitimately president, and that therefore all military orders are invalid. He faces charges of missing movement and not obeying orders.

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Terrence Lakin

Army Dashes Birther Hopes For Obama Testimony At Court Martial

Justin Elliott | June 4, 2010, 12:41PM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin

In a judicial smackdown reminiscent of the Orly Taitz saga, the investigating officer in the court martial of Birther Army doctor Terrence Lakin has denied Lakin's request to compel President Obama to testify, robbing the Birthers of what they hoped would be a golden opportunity to try the "eligibility" question in a high-stakes trial setting.

Lakin is being court martialed for refusing to follow orders to deploy to Afghanistan on the grounds that Obama is not eligible to be president and that therefore, in Lakin's view, all military orders are illegitimate.

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Terrence Lakin

Hearing Set For Court Martial Of Birther Army Doc

Justin Elliott | May 12, 2010, 6:00PM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11 in the court martial of Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, the Birther Army doctor who refused to obey orders, the group representing him announced today.

Charges were brought against Lakin April 22, and a commanding officer appointed of what is known as an Article 32 pre-trial investigation, which has similarities to a grand jury investigation in a civilian case.

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Terrence Lakin

Anderson Cooper Spars With Birther Army Doc And His Attorney (VIDEO)

Justin Elliott | May 10, 2010, 9:18AM

Attorney Paul Rolf Jensen and Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, the Birther Army doctor being court martialed for refusing to follow orders, went on CNN with his attorney Friday night and argued with Anderson Cooper for eight minutes.

Most of the time was spent with Cooper posing questions to Lakin and Attorney Paul Jensen interrupting to debunk the anti-Birther premises of the questions.

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Paul Jensen

Attorney For Birther Army Doc Is Former GOP Staffer And Anti-Gay Crusader

Justin Elliott | April 26, 2010, 12:01PM

Attorney Paul Rolf Jensen

The attorney driving the story of the Birther Army doctor facing a court martial for refusing orders is a former Republican Hill staffer and current personal injury lawyer who has dabbled in anti-gay activism and reportedly wrote a letter to the FBI tipping off the feds to New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's use of prostitutes, months before the scandal publicly broke.

Attorney Paul Rolf Jensen runs a California law firm, Jensen & Associates, that focuses on bread and butter personal injury cases involving dog bites, seatbelt failure, and asbestos exposure.

But, says the GOP operative Roger Stone, a friend and sometimes client of Jensen's, he should not be underestimated when it comes to the case of Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin.

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Terrence Lakin

Court Martial Charges Brought Against Birther Army Doc

Justin Elliott | April 23, 2010, 9:21AM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin

Formal court martial charges have been brought against Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, the Army doctor who believes President Obama may not be a natural born citizen, for failing to follow orders, the military said today.

Lakin was charged Thursday "with one specification of a violation of Article 87, Missing Movement and four specifications of a violation of Article 92 (three specifications of Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, and one Specification of Dereliction of Duty)," said Chuck Dasey, spokesman at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, where Lakin is assigned.

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Terrence Lakin

Attorney For Birther Army Doc Hints At Using Discovery To Further Birther Cause

Justin Elliott | April 20, 2010, 10:56AM

G. Gordon Liddy and Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin

Appearing on the G. Gordon Liddy radio show today, the attorney for Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, the Birther Army doctor who is said to be facing a court martial for refusing orders, suggested that if his client is court-martialled, he will use discovery to try to further the Birther crusade.

One week ago, the military announced that Lakin is under investigation after he refused to report for a second tour in Afghanistan. Lakin believes that President Obama may not be a natural-born citizen, and therefore that military orders are invalid.

Today, Lakin appeared on Liddy's show with his attorney, identified as Paul Jensen.

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Terrence Lakin

Birther Army Doc Gets Help From Fmr. GOP Hill Staffer And Ex-Senator's Foundation

Justin Elliott | April 14, 2010, 11:46AM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin and an image from the Web site of the American Patriot Foundation

The Birther Army doctor who is reportedly facing a court martial for refusing orders is getting crucial assistance from an ex-congressional staffer and Bush Administration vet with a colorful past as well as from a charitable foundation that was founded in 2003 by a Republican senator, originally to aid the families of slain soldiers.

When Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin announced in a YouTube video late last month that he would refuse to deploy to Afghanistan until President Obama produced a birth certificate, the news spread thanks to a PR operation by a virtually unknown group called the American Patriot Foundation.

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Terrence Lakin

Military: Birther Lieutenant Colonel Under Investigation After Refusing Orders (VIDEO)

Justin Elliott | April 13, 2010, 5:06PM

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin (left) and an unidentified Afghan man

A decorated Army doctor who publicly announced last month that he is refusing to follow orders because he believes Barack Obama may be ineligible to be president is now under investigation after failing to report for duty at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, a military spokesman tells TPMmuckraker.

NBC is reporting, citing unnamed military officials, that the Army will court martial Lt. Col Terrence Lakin.

Lakin's case has become an instant cause célèbre for Birthers since he declared in a YouTube video and press release late last month that he would refuse orders to deploy for a second tour in Afghanistan until Obama produces his birth certificate.

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