Obama has chance to prove his commitment to military

During last year’s presidential campaign, the Republican nominee, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a Vietnam War hero, attempted to portray his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, as anti-military because of his opposition to the war in Iraq. McCain claimed that an Obama presidency would result in less support for the Pentagon than was provided by Republican President George Bush.

Although the voters were not swayed by McCain’s claims, President Obama has not had the chance to prove his commitment to America’s fighting men and women — until now.

The new president can ingratiate himself with members of the Air Force, and show that Bush dropped the ball — at least in one instance.

Obama has been asked to help provide closure for the family of Maj. Karl Hoerig of the Air Force Reserve who was murdered in March 2007 by his wife, Claudia.

The major’s body was found in their Newton Falls home, but by then Claudia, a Brazilian citizen, had fled the country. She is now living in her native land — and from all indications will not be brought to justice.

Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins, along with Mahoning Valley Congressman Tim Ryan, a Democrat, spent the last two years trying to persuade President Bush to get involved.

Lack of urgency

It would be fair to portray the administration’s response as lacking urgency. Indeed, last year we published an editorial headlined, “It’s time to play hardball with Brazil on extradition.” It was prompted by the ridiculous claim on the part of Brazilian officials that their hands are tied with regard to returning Claudia Hoerig to Trumbull County to stand trial. She has been indicted on a charge of aggravated murder with a gun specification. Incidentally, Claudia Hoerig is also an American citizen.

The lack of action in this case must be viewed as Brazil, a U.S. trading partner, thumbing its nose at our criminal justice system. It should also be seen as an egregious failure of leadership on the part of the former president of the United States.

But now, Obama, who quite understandably is preoccupied with preventing a total collapse of the American economy, can show that the murder of a member of the Air Force Reserves — Karl Hoerig flew C-130s out of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and was involved in 200 combat missions — will receive the attention it deserves.

We urge the president to appoint a White House liaison to work with Trumbull County Prosecutor Watkins, Congressman Ryan, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Justice Department to facilitate Claudia Hoerig’s return to stand trial.

This case is not just about one individual in Ohio who had the misfortune of marrying a heartless money-grubber. It is about America’s reputation abroad with regard to protecting the rights of its citizens.

Karl Hoerig was a decent man who, from all indications, was a dedicated husband. Even if he had his faults, he did not deserve to be killed.

It is time to let his soul rest in peace — and that will only occur when his wife is forced to answer — under oath — for her crime.

By taking a firm stance on her extradition from Brazil, President Obama would not only strike a major blow for justice, but would send a strong message to members of the military that they can count on him to do the right thing.