Free Jon Hammar- Former U.S. Marine, Thrown in Prison in Mexico

(WASHINGTON DC) - The following is a petition to help free a former U.S. Marine from prison in Mexico, his saga could have been avoided as you will read below, this is totally inexcusable on the part of both governments.

Jon Hammar, a former U.S. Marine, was going to surf in Costa Rica when he was arrested at the border going into Mexico.

He had already cleared his heirloom shotgun with U.S Customs officers and was at the office in Mexico to register it there when he was arrested because it was 1 inch too short for their laws.

All they had to do was tell him he could not bring it into Mexico and send him back with an escort to U.S. Custom's side and he would still be free.

U.S. Customs should have had Mexican regulations and stopped him there, but they cleared him to go through. He has been held for 5 months and treated inhumanely, under death threats and extortion attempts and his life is in danger.

No one should be arrested for trying to do the right thing and no one should have to suffer inhumane conditions, violence and death threats and extortion attempts for following the law.

Your voice will help and if you have legal assistance to offer please contact Jon Hammar's family. He is losing hope and time is of the essence as he already suffers from PTSD and needs medical treatment. Please sign and share.

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Shannon McAdams August 5, 2014 5:45 pm (Pacific time)

Hi to the Parents of Jon & to JON, as a Daughter of a Marine, MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU CONSTANTLY , LIKE SO MANY OTHERS. I'm SO SORRY YOU Haven't GOT OUT OF THERE YET, IT DISGUSTS ME OUR PRESIDENT WITH YOUR PETITION , HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE, SO MANY PEOPLE ARE BEHIND YOU. YOU FEEL ALONE IN THERE, I KNOW. I'M SICKENNED BY THE WHOLE THING, YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT IF PRES. BUSH WAS STILL IN OFFICE. PLS , KEEP ME IN CONTACT & IF YOU NEED MY FAMILY TO WRITE LETTERS, WE WILL, NO PROBLEM. THE MORE WE GET U, JON. AND LIKE YOUR LAST NAME, "HAMMERING" - THE PRES. & NON STOP KEEP INFRONT OF GOV. FACES, THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO DO. BUT, EVEN, JON, IF YOU FEEL DOWN - YOU GOT TO "TRY" TO KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. IT'S EASY FOR ME TO SAY BUT, WE WON'T GIVE UP ON YOU , JON. YOUR IN MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS WITH

Anonymous December 26, 2012 4:22 pm (Pacific time)

The FOX Network were the ones who spearheaded the release of this individual, led by Bill O'Reilly. A person the left loves to hate, based on what? He has raised millions for Veterans and active-duty personnel and their dependents. What has the left done? They have a history of getting us into wars, then cutting veterans off when we need them most.You like John Kerry who has denigrated veterans and active duty for over 40 years now? You want his as Sec. of State? This is an evil zionist pos.

Gun Control December 26, 2012 8:25 am (Pacific time)

I don't understand... why take the gun to Mexico in the first place? Why even try? That seems to be the million dollar question.

Basura Blanca December 23, 2012 1:59 pm (Pacific time)

This is one dumb marine. Yes, he tried to register it in the UNITED STATES instead of worrying about the ESTADOS UNIDOS DE MEXICO. He is quite the estupido to even think about taking a weapon into another country. His actions are those of just another arrogant American, probably a tea party bagger.

John Adams December 22, 2012 11:35 pm (Pacific time)

That was stupid of Jon to take a weapon across the border into another country. There is no excuse for this dumb ass. As a Marine he should have been smarter than to carry the weapon into Mexico papers or no papers. Those of you that say it was ok, as just as stupid as he was to do it. Mexico and the U.S. havenn't been on good terms for a long time so why slap a rattlesnake on the head knowing it will bite you. Hooorah!!1 Semper Dumb!

Tim King: Well I think you are overly-judgmental at minimum, do you wag your finger and shake your hips when you ball people out? Obviously you've met the business side of a Marine - Jon Hammar had his weapon checked out before attempting to bring it into the country legally.

Juan Valdez December 22, 2012 7:44 pm (Pacific time)

I never have understood why haven't used Mexico's Laws on our side of the border. Seems like there should an agreement between our countries that is more equitable. I do understand why this young man took a weapon with him.

Kyle December 22, 2012 2:08 pm (Pacific time)

So, this is where the Valedictorians hang-out. WOOF!!

Anonymous December 22, 2012 12:42 am (Pacific time)

who ever wrote he will come home claiming to be a POW, f*** you, you are a piece of sh*t and should not live here in our country, a**hole....

Anonymous December 22, 2012 12:38 am (Pacific time)

that is total bullshit, our boy had all the leagal papers for that fire arm and he was still there for 5 months, im clad im out of the army now cause our gov. dont give a shit about us.....

Roger December 21, 2012 12:52 pm (Pacific time)

No Americans should go to Mexico for ANY reason. They need our money for their economy. We DO NOT NEED THEM! Hit them right in their pocket books.

Drow December 21, 2012 12:41 pm (Pacific time)

I'm sure that fast and furious has a little to do with this. Mexico is pissed that we were arming their criminals so I'm guessing that this guy has to pay for it.

Jackie December 21, 2012 10:13 am (Pacific time)

Wow, just heard he is getting released today! YAY! And to all those ignorant pathetic losers posting hate messages on here, I sincerely hope that next time you try to travel somewhere you get thrown in prison and just rot there for months! Hopefully you are not as strong as Jon Hammer and decide to take your own life before you are able to be released because the world would be a better place without you :-) Merry Christmas!

Dan December 21, 2012 9:22 am (Pacific time)

Hey guys I spent 14 months in a German prison innocent. I was released at trial however there are many Americans who are still in prison over BS. He obviously never tried to hide it when he crossed into Mexico, for the people who are certain it was for nefarious reasons. Oh and as far as I understand Mexico today it's extraordinarily dangerous. So huh maybe a gun made him feel more safe??? It's not like he's suffering from post traumatic stress from multiple tours of combat duty... Oh wait.

Anonymous December 21, 2012 9:16 am (Pacific time)

Hey guys I was just imprisoned in Germany fo 14 months and I was innocent and released at trial! I think before you start condemning this man you should remember that he is an american

Patrick December 21, 2012 7:41 am (Pacific time)

For what it is worth I hope Mr. Hammer is treated with dignity and Fairness, and if he doesn’t a Magnitsky Act type legislation aimed at the particular Mexican border agents who overreacted would be appropriate. Of course, the corruption that permiates much of Mexico is a result of the BILLIONS that American addicts and Casual deug users give to the cartels every year, and the fact they ar difficult to squash has something to do with the AR-15s and AK-47 smuggled in from the US. Y'all think something should be done about that?

mike treacy December 21, 2012 6:28 am (Pacific time)

ironic - but not surprising - that the government he served has not used it's immeasurable influence to fix this

timmy December 20, 2012 11:33 pm (Pacific time)

just send in SEAL team SIX!!

Editor: Wish that was possible, too bad so many of them were killed in a helo crash right after the 'killing' of bin Laden.

appleton411 December 20, 2012 7:43 pm (Pacific time)

From the pictures of the gun John Hammer had, it looks a Stevens Bolt Action 410 shotgun, five shot. That gun is the least threatening gun that is not a BB Gun. If you are 50 yards away it will not hurt you.

Otto December 20, 2012 7:16 pm (Pacific time)

He'll come home claiming to be a P.O.W.

Otto December 20, 2012 7:09 pm (Pacific time)

If he claims PTSD which is a mental disorder, he sure as hell didnt need a weapon for comfort, and there is plenty of surf in the states. you can pull the wool over those that let be, but the intentions of this trip was shadey. let him claim PTSD to the mexicans and they will fry him like a crazed armed man.

Anonymous December 20, 2012 5:50 pm (Pacific time)

WANT TO GO SURF STAY IN USA this guy is not the only one that cant be with his family and as for people saying he needed that gun BS there was no need now hes paying for it teach him a lesson mexico GOOD JOB

linda December 20, 2012 5:46 pm (Pacific time)

everyone said release him so he can be with his family? what are yu kidding e hes not the ONLY one that cant be with his family americans think just because they areAMERICANS THEY ARE A BETTER RACE what ever viva mexico cabrones SIMPLE DONT GO TO MEXICO !!!!!! ALOT OF PLACES TO SURF HERE IN THE USA

Donna December 20, 2012 3:41 pm (Pacific time)

I read another news article that stated that he was going surfing AND bird hunting. That's beside the point, however. He did nothing illegal, they should have just refused entrance with the gun--not jailed him!! Shame on both governments for allowing something like this to happen--and for five months!!

ex soldier December 20, 2012 12:28 pm (Pacific time)

i have to agree with Uachump. why does he need a gun to go surfing? if it's to kill sharks in the water, you'd think he'd find a better spot to surf.

Editor: That question should not even be asked, I am going to interview a person who suffered a similar fate two years ago and feature that later, but let's not over think or judge this guy, Marines who served in Iraq, along with soldiers, etc., have a need to be armed, they didn't ask for that need, they served their country, I hope that makes sense. The ME wars are terribly dangerous and Central America can be also.

carol December 20, 2012 10:32 am (Pacific time)

He declared the gun to both US and Mexican authorities at the border. The Mexicans didn't say it is illegal, you can't bring it in. They said it is illegal, you are going to jail. This is bogus.

Bonnie Nickerson December 20, 2012 7:36 am (Pacific time)

For the love of God and country get this marine home is this how we treat our children that gave there al to save and serve our country God please bring Jon Hammer home. Amen

nancy ruth December 19, 2012 5:22 pm (Pacific time)

president obama let the man go free please

Angel Garcia December 19, 2012 5:08 pm (Pacific time)

This is appauling and a disgrace. I'm a Marine Veterans and this boils my blood to see a Marine treated in this manner. He has served his country honorably in two different parts of the world for our freedom and rights as American citizens. This is just Obama's empty chair case again. I bet that if he did not of had a gun, which goes agaisnt the potus agenda, he may of done something by now. This just makes me sick to my stomach and makes me ask myself why did I serve my country for if there is no justice for our own citizens. Do something obama, besides doing absolutely nothing. Just like Libya!

Anonymous December 19, 2012 3:24 pm (Pacific time)

I think Obama could get him back to America effortlessly. Look how he single-handedly went out and killed Usama. Now look how he set up the criminal Mexican cartels and sent them weapons via Fast and Furious to help kill people in Mexico, many innocents, and several Americans. He has proven himself to be exceptional don't you think? I recall him saying in a campaign swing that if they bring a knife we'll get a gun. Now this leader wants to follow Diane Feistein's lead and eventually disarm law abiding Americans who exercise our 2nd Amendment rights. Of course foreign interlopers cannot grasp the 2nd's concept, and we care, why? Pretty sure this Marine in Mexico will get back because of pressure put on them by some people who will keep a low profile. Obama will be vacationing in the 50th state soon, so let's let him relax and not get frustrated by "governing."

obwon49 December 19, 2012 12:32 pm (Pacific time)

We give Mexico over 1 billion dollars in aid plus several billions in tourism.If Ronald Reagan was president Jon Hammer would have been home in August. We have a President and a State Department that won't protect our Ambassadors let alone a US Citizen. Its time for Obama to call the new President of Mexico and tell him a helicopter is coming to pick up Jon. If he is not on the helicopter don't look in the mail for anymore checks and don't expect me to pickup the phone if you have a disaster in Mexico.

JARED L. CHERAMIE December 19, 2012 6:14 am (Pacific time)

There is no reason for this action by mexico, it's all about what more they can get from America!. I think we should just take them over and let them start paying taxes!. The deal with watching our boarder is simple, we have all been trained in control entry and exit. So, we all do 2 weeks or more of training some where in the world. Why not, reserve or active duty help out our border patrol during our training time!. I think this will elminate alot of B.S. and we can react in a timely manner to the B.S.

Anonymous December 18, 2012 7:45 pm (Pacific time)

Seems totally unreasonable to me- he showed them the gun - he wasnt trying to smuggle it

shag December 18, 2012 2:43 pm (Pacific time)

Love the swap idea US marine

Anonymous December 18, 2012 8:39 am (Pacific time)

Stop blaming the Border Patrol, Jon should have known the law where he was going.

lilpuu December 18, 2012 7:55 am (Pacific time)

WE CAN ALL THINK ABOUT OBAMA WHO ISN'T LIFTING A HAND FOR OUR VETS THAT WAS INNOCENTLY BOGUS CHARGED.OBAMA DOES NOT REALLY CARE ABOUT US OR THE USA.ALL OF YOU WHO ARE CLUELESS ON WHAT HE STANDS FOR.SAD DAY IN OUR HISTORY.YOU PICKED HIM, NOW DEAL WITH IT.

Vic December 18, 2012 7:27 am (Pacific time)

Doug...EVERYONE gets searched driving through Mexico, so you can stop feeling sorry for yourself. AND, Ill bet that you were not pulled over/profiled, but simply had to stop at the checkpoints like everyone else. I have driven through Mexico many times and had no problems, but I do not think myself above the law or others.

US Marine December 18, 2012 6:07 am (Pacific time)

Send the 12 million wet backs to Mexico (Latinos sorry)for ONE UNITED STAES MARINE

Editor: A lot are Marines, I am ashamed to read your words.

Doug December 17, 2012 5:43 pm (Pacific time)

I just drove through Mexico from Guatemala and crossed into the United States at Brownsville and couldn't believe how the Mexicans treated me. The police and military stopped me at least 5x during my drive looking for guns and drugs. Neither of which I had. I had lived in the armpit of the earth "Guatemala" so Mexico was a piece of cake. No sane American should ever consider driving through there.

KD Barr December 17, 2012 4:55 pm (Pacific time)

Time to invade Mexico to save this Marine who fought for our country. I am willing to go, are you?

Larry Huff December 17, 2012 3:02 pm (Pacific time)

I will bet you one thing. If there was some type of profit that could be acquired that the U.S. would be more then willing to go in there and straighten this out then. Maybe we just need to put a bug in their ear that Mexico is now a major oil site.

Anonymous December 16, 2012 1:48 pm (Pacific time)

Hey Pittman heard you are one serious activist, my hat is off to you!

Matt Natale December 16, 2012 1:09 pm (Pacific time)

My Christmas trip to Mexico is canceled! Could I rely on my State Department to help me in Mexico? Shame on all of us.

BajaRon December 16, 2012 12:22 pm (Pacific time)

I do not understand the comments regarding the reason for having a shotgun to go surfing. Are you missing the point on purpose, or by accident? The whole reason for a customs check point is to have the law abiding citizen declare what he wants to bring in. At that poing the customs agent determins whether or not the items are legal. If the item is not allowed the protocol is to either allow the person to enter the country without the offending item or not allowing either to enter the country. This guy was not attempting to smuggle anything into Mexico and was more than willing to abide by any and all laws. So he should get jailed for this?

Editor: Thanks for explaining! SF

w engholm December 16, 2012 12:14 pm (Pacific time)

come on state dept get the lead out NO MARINE NO MONEY

Vic December 16, 2012 6:55 am (Pacific time)

So...he3 has PTSD and takes a shotgun to go surfing ?? If I were the Mexican authorities, I wouldnt jail him, but I'd kick him out of the country pronto ! We dont need unstable trained killers with guns down here...have enough of that already.

jim light December 15, 2012 8:12 pm (Pacific time)

Obama, try to care like you say you do and get this hero home. This is insane. This is your chance to do the right thing and get credit for it. Unlike when you denied the mission that killed Bin Laden and then lied and took credit for it. EVERY DAY HE IS IN THERE IS A DISGRACE TO OUR GOVERNMENT, the most powerful government in the world. Get off Leno and Letterman and do something to help this kid...

Anonymous December 15, 2012 6:16 pm (Pacific time)

Why was he taking a shotgun surfing?

sissy townsend December 15, 2012 6:02 pm (Pacific time)

This is absolutely ridiculous. The main issue is our leaders need to get him out. Second issue. Jon hammer is not an ex Marine. There is no such thing if you ask me.

Editor: Those of us who were Marines are best to make that call, I use the title frequently, try not to be insulted because I get your point. Thanks.

Anonymous December 15, 2012 1:52 pm (Pacific time)

if this were reversed. the U.S. Boarder Agent would be in prison.

Uachump December 15, 2012 12:02 pm (Pacific time)

Why does he need a gun to go surfing? Something doesn't sound right?

Mario v Grasselli December 14, 2012 9:27 pm (Pacific time)

Obama get off your ass and Jon Hammer back know!!!!!!!!!!!!

john December 14, 2012 7:57 pm (Pacific time)

Give the Mexicans 48 hours to release him, or we'll get him ourselves. How and when is, of course, TOP SECRET. But it will be done!

patrick crowley December 14, 2012 5:59 pm (Pacific time)

i think this is the wrong thing for mexico to do.i think that he should be able to get out and have xmas with his family.i also belive that he should be able to go on a hunt....

Anonymous December 14, 2012 1:53 am (Pacific time)

Yup, we kiss the illegals butts and they just throw our citizens in jail. Why can't we treat this unlawful trash the same way? Lock them up, self-deport them and when they cross the border, have them help to put up a wall what keep this trash out of our country. It's a shame that this your man is suffering and the trash here gets special treatment. Where is our Government, our leadership? Guess having concerts, playing golf or on vacation.

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Free Jon Hammar- Former U.S. Marine, Thrown in Prison in Mexico

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