Iraq vet loses free home offer after drug plea

[unhappycamper]

Iraq vet loses free home offer after drug plea
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jan 13, 2009 12:31:28 EST

FORSYTH, Mo. — A nonprofit that builds homes for severely injured soldiers has rescinded its offer to a Branson veteran after he was convicted of a felony drug charge.

Scott West pleaded guilty Dec. 11 to possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The charge carries a sentence of five to 15 years in prison.

West lost both legs while serving in Iraq when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. He was slated to receive a free house from Massachusetts-based Homes for Our Troops, but lost the offer under the group’s provision that veterans who commit felonies are not eligible.

“We take very seriously our obligations to our donors and volunteers,” John S. Gonsalves, founder of Homes for Our Troops, told the Springfield News-Leader for a story published Tuesday. “That is why our agreements with servicemen and women include a provision that allows us to end a project if it was clear the veteran has committed a felony criminal act.”

West was arrested after an Oct. 1, 2007, traffic stop in Taney County netted law officers 2.5 pounds of marijuana under the car seat, smoking pipes and digital scales.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_vetloseshome_011309/%2e