11 June 2006

The Jury’s decision was wrong in the Colonel Tom Spellissy trial.

Tom Spellissy has the highest character and integrity of any person I have ever known.

I was Tom’s squad mate during Plebe year, at West Point, in 1975. I was extremely fortunate to meet and become good friends with such an outstanding person. He always did what was right, even if it was not popular. He was a roll model for all of us at West Point. He always lived by the West Point motto “Duty, Honor, Country”. I am very proud to be associated with such a great person. We went through four years at West Point and then we went to Ranger School together. He was a leader, with the highest integrity, at Ranger School. He always thought of others first and made all of us better soldiers and citizens.

I have been through a lot with Tom, and I can say without a doubt, he has the highest character. Mr. Burke admitted Tom never bribed him and never asked him to do anything illegal. Additionally, Burke’s Government Supervisor, Mr. Pettigrew, could not find any evidence of special treatment for Tom Spellissy or his clients.

Tom Spellissy is a great American. The jury made the wrong decision and hopefully Judge Whittemore will see that Colonel Tom Spellissy is innocent. The Government lacked sufficient evidence to convict Colonel Spellissy. Judge Whittemore will consider a new trial for Colonel Spellissy and hopefully he will be found innocent, as indicated by the facts.

Robert L. Vasta

USMA, Class of 79

Major, Special Forces (Retired)