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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Palazzo, (MS-4), this week joined a bipartisan group of 71 members in sending letters of support for Marine Sergeant Andrew Tahmooressi. After being held in Mexico for more than 100 days, Tahmooressi was scheduled to appear before a Mexican court on Wednesday.

Palazzo joined fellow lawmakers in expressing his support for Tahmooressi in a letter to the judge hearing the case:

“We stand behind Andrew and believe the specific circumstances of this case require Andrew to be returned to the U.S. immediately. …

“Andrew’s character and service should also be taken into account. Andrew is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served his country honorably, enduring two combat tours in Afghanistan, and earning a promotion to Sergeant on the battlefield – a high honor for any service member. Further, he saved lives on the battlefield in several instances, showing both courage and commitment to his fellow Marines. Andrew suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of his time in combat and moved to the San Diego area to seek treatment. Regrettably, his incarceration prevents him from getting the treatment that he deserves. The Marine Corps has stood by Andrew, and has pledged its assistance to resolve this case.

“As this case moves forward, we urge you to consider the specific circumstances of this case, and hope that you will arrive at the same conclusion we have - that Andrew should be reunited with his family as soon as possible.”

Full copies of the letters sent to Tahmooressi’s attorney and to the judge can be found here.

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Palazzo is a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and currently serves as a noncommissioned officer in the Mississippi National Guard. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States recently awarded Palazzo with the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Eagle Award for his work on the House Armed Services Committee.