1st Sgt. John Hatley returns home

1st Sgt. John Hatley, a soldier who was imprisoned for 12 years for war crimes he says he didn’t commit, returned to his home in Groesbeck this weekend. 

On Saturday afternoon, John Hatley’s family, friends, and supporters met along Highway 14 in Mexia and near the home of his parents, Daryl and Ann Hatley. The Hatley home is located on State Highway 14 just a little on the Groesbeck side of the Navasota River. Local law enforcement, Fire, and EMS, along with “We The People” motorcycle group escorted Hatley home from the county line. 

A homecoming ceremony for Hatley and his family will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Groesbeck High School football field. Because of COVID-19 social distancing requirements, entrance will be by ticket only. As of Sunday, tickets were still available. Those who want to attend are encouraged to show at the stadium for the event for further assistance. 

A full report will be published in this week’s issue of the Groesbeck Journal.

Photos by Kristin Michelle Fulmer, KM Photography