Update from Mom

7/28/2006 - Things continue to move forward for Suzanne. The Army has not yet disclosed the results of the
commander-directed investigations. The investigator took statements from witnesses, including Suzanne, and
forwarded his report to the command. The command now has to decide whether Suzanne's allegations require
the Army to take action, and whether they have any bearing on Suzanne's own case. We expect to learn the
results of the investigation any day now.

Suzanne's military psych evaluation came back. She was told she does not have a personality disorder, and that
she has symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder but not enough to diagnose her with PTSD. No mention of
military sexual trauma. So, she sits in limbo, restricted to base and assigned to "weeds and seeds" details, not
knowing what her future holds.

Whatever the Army decides to do, we have total confidence in Suzanne's attorneys, Keith Scherer and Greg
Gagne. They were trial attorneys in the JAG and know their way around military law. They are aggressive and
very thorough. Their website is http://gslattorneys.com. They were recommended to us by people from Military
Families Speak Out as being very good at protecting their clients and advocating for families.

We are still doing fundraising to pay Suzanne's legal costs, which are substantial. There is now a link on
Suzanne's website to make direct donation. Check out Suzanne's website for updates, new pictures, articles and
action alerts. Suzanneswift.org. Huge thank you to Robin Bernardi for all her hard work on the website. She is a
patient genius and we owe her so much.

How is Suzanne? She is OK. She is bored and tired most of them time. The stress of not knowing what the Army
is going to do with her case has been hard on her. She is pretty isolated and the work she is assigned to do is
mundane. She is so amazed at how much support she has received from around the world. I have been trying to
see her every week or so to just hug her and give her encouragement. Her moods fluctuate from sad to angry
and then just exhaustion. I tell her to hang on and we are doing all we can do to get her home. She is hopeful
that the Army will do the right thing. As I mentioned in earlier updates her new unit captain is a very steady and
kind man and we appreciate his thoughtful responsiveness to making Suzanne feel better.

We continue to be amazed by the activity on the petition. We are moving slowly towards 5,000 signatures. Let's
get this done ASAP!!! The comments being made are powerful and significant. Remember we have Suzanne
wear available on cafe press. I wear my shirt frequently and just saw my dad at a rally yesterday wearing his
own, "Free Suzanne" shirt.

The family is hanging on. We want her home. I have joined CODEPINK'S Bring Them Home Fast and am not
eating every other day for peace. I have been speaking out and communicating with many people all over the
world. Something that has come up is that we need to create a resource list or how to list for women that are
experiencing "command rape" and "military sexual trauma" right now. So, that is something we are working on.

We owe a huge amount of thanks to so many people. It is just amazing. First, all of the thousands of people that
have been organizing for Suzanne around the world and the many groups that have signed on to help Suzanne
and end military sexual violence. We are continually humbled by you. Amy Goodman is one of my new heros.
Democracy Now is a world wide wonder. Thanks to her and the many journalists and media people who have
told Suzanne's story with the light of truth. Elaine, Aria, David, Stacy, Michael, Sharon, Ann, Robin, Lori, Melissa,
Dorothy, Susan, Amy, Elizabeth, Betsy, BJ, Carolyn, Ehren, Bob, Gillette, Michelle, Lisa, Larissa, Carole....and
the list goes on and on.... Not to mention my sweetie, John, and all of our kids, Suzanne's siblings, whose needs
have been put on serious hold while I focus on helping their sister, Sonja, Brandy, John Jr and Jake. And of
course my mom and dad, Nan Rich and Jim Rich and step mom, Kayla Starr. Love you all.

That's it for now. Remind all the people around you to DO something every day to help create peace in the
world.
Peace~

Sara Rich, M.S.W

copyright 2006, friends of suzanne