UPDATE: August 7, 2022: waiting on GANNETT and other passive, absentee-owned local corporate news media to report this story. No comment, documents, explanation or denial from Commissioner JEREMIAH RAY BLOCKER or the Pentagon. The facts are irrefragable.
August 5, 2022:
1. Controversial pro-developer St. Johns County Commissioner JEREMIAH RAY BLOCKER is one of five County Commissioners who decide how much property tax you pay. The votes will be taken in September.
2. BLOCKER recently removed "fiscal conservative" from his website. Good call. BLOCKER wants higher taxes, even supporting a doomed-to-fail proposed 15% sales tax increase to relieve developers of some $500 million in taxes and impact fees for ten years.
3. BLOCKER won't pay any property taxes this year on his northeast St. Johns County mansion.
4. Effective January 1, 2022, BLOCKER's large home in the northeast part of the County is 100% exempt from property taxes, as a result of filing of a completed VA Form 21-0172, inter alia stating that he is permanently and totally disabled. (Our local Property Appraiser must give full faith and credit to the VA form under Florida law and the U.S. Constitution. )
5. I've asked BLOCKER for a copy of the paperwork. BLOCKER is free to share it, says Property Appraiser Eddie Creamer. No response from BLOCKER. Wonder why?
6. Query: Is BLOCKER still with the National Guard? Yes. His law firm website currently states, BLOCKER "continues his military service in the Florida Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate General officer with the rank of Major."
7. Is putatively 100% totally and permanently disabled Major BLOCKER still "deployable?" No response.
8. Why is the Florida National Guard and National Guard Bureau so hostile to providing any documents or answering any questions?
9. I requested BLOCKER's military record thirteen months ago.
10. I've requested that the VA Regional Counsel and Inspector General conduct a criminal, civil and administrative investigation of BLOCKER. The Regional Counsel forward my concerns to the VA Inspector General earlier today.
11. Here is some pertinent correspondence on the National Guard's massive resistance to your Right to Know under FOIA, including the insipid, inculpatory and curt response from angry Pentagon National Guard Bureau PR flak Major MATTHEW MURPHY:
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>; james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil>; james.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; jeremiah@dhclawyers.com <jeremiah@dhclawyers.com>; dmigut@sjcfl.us <dmigut@sjcfl.us>; cvalliere@sjcfl.us <cvalliere@sjcfl.us>; ltaylor@sjcfl.us <ltaylor@sjcfl.us>; inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com <inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com>; nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com <nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com>; pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com <pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com>; taxcollector@sjctax.us <taxcollector@sjctax.us>; sheriff@sjso.org <sheriff@sjso.org>; voakes@votesjc.com <voakes@votesjc.com>; wfusco@votesjc.com <wfusco@votesjc.com>; mminer@stjohnsclerk.com <mminer@stjohnsclerk.com>; bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com <bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com>; bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us <bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us>; bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us <bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us>; bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us <bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us>; ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com <ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com>; executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us <executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us>; jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com <jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Fri, Aug 5, 2022 3:10 pm
Subject: Re: URGENT re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>; james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil>; james.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; jeremiah@dhclawyers.com <jeremiah@dhclawyers.com>; dmigut@sjcfl.us <dmigut@sjcfl.us>; cvalliere@sjcfl.us <cvalliere@sjcfl.us>; ltaylor@sjcfl.us <ltaylor@sjcfl.us>; inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com <inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com>; nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com <nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com>; pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com <pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com>; taxcollector@sjctax.us <taxcollector@sjctax.us>; sheriff@sjso.org <sheriff@sjso.org>; voakes@votesjc.com <voakes@votesjc.com>; wfusco@votesjc.com <wfusco@votesjc.com>; mminer@stjohnsclerk.com <mminer@stjohnsclerk.com>; bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com <bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com>; bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us <bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us>; bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us <bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us>; bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us <bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us>; ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com <ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com>; executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us <executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us>; jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com <jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Fri, Aug 5, 2022 3:10 pm
Subject: Re: URGENT re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Dear General Hokanson, General Eifert, Major Murphy, Major Blocker and Major Davenport:
1. Would you please be so kind as to respond by close of business today?
2. Please provide the records I requested 394 days ago, on July 7, 2021.
3. Please answer my questions.
4. We have a Right to Know.
Thank you.
904-377-4998
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
www.edslavin.com
www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>; james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil>; james.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; jeremiah@dhclawyers.com <jeremiah@dhclawyers.com>; dmigut@sjcfl.us <dmigut@sjcfl.us>; cvalliere@sjcfl.us <cvalliere@sjcfl.us>; ltaylor@sjcfl.us <ltaylor@sjcfl.us>; inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com <inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com>; nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com <nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com>; pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com <pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com>; taxcollector@sjctax.us <taxcollector@sjctax.us>; sheriff@sjso.org <sheriff@sjso.org>; voakes@votesjc.com <voakes@votesjc.com>; wfusco@votesjc.com <wfusco@votesjc.com>; mminer@stjohnsclerk.com <mminer@stjohnsclerk.com>; bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com <bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com>; bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us <bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us>; bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us <bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us>; bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us <bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us>; ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com <ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com>; executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us <executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us>; jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com <jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Fri, Aug 5, 2022 12:01 pm
Subject: URGENT re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>; james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.o.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.r.hokanson@mil.army.mil>; james.eifert@mil.army.mil <james.eifert@mil.army.mil>; daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil <daniel.hokanson@mil.army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; jeremiah@dhclawyers.com <jeremiah@dhclawyers.com>; dmigut@sjcfl.us <dmigut@sjcfl.us>; cvalliere@sjcfl.us <cvalliere@sjcfl.us>; ltaylor@sjcfl.us <ltaylor@sjcfl.us>; inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com <inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com>; nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com <nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com>; pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com <pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com>; taxcollector@sjctax.us <taxcollector@sjctax.us>; sheriff@sjso.org <sheriff@sjso.org>; voakes@votesjc.com <voakes@votesjc.com>; wfusco@votesjc.com <wfusco@votesjc.com>; mminer@stjohnsclerk.com <mminer@stjohnsclerk.com>; bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com <bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com>; bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us <bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us>; bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us <bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us>; bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us <bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us>; ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com <ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com>; executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us <executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us>; jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com <jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Fri, Aug 5, 2022 12:01 pm
Subject: URGENT re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Dear General Hokanson, General Eifert, Major Murphy, Major Blocker and Major Davenport:
1. Did the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Guard Bureau or Florida National Guard know that J.A.G. Corps Major JEREMIAH RAY BLOCKER claims 100% permanent and total disability as a veteran? Please send me the records today, if any exist.
2. Are the Joint Chiefs, NGB or FNG aware that Major BLOCKER pays no property taxes due to asserted disability exemption? Please send me the pertinent records today, if any exist.
3. Is Major BLOCKER "deployable?"
4. Please send me today his military service records, which I requested 394 days ago, on July 7, 2021.
4. Please send me today his military service records, which I requested 394 days ago, on July 7, 2021.
5. Enough Pentagon dawdling, delay and disdain for our First Amendment rights. See correspondence below.
6. We have a Right to Know.
7. Major BLOCKER is seeking re-election to a four-year term as one of five St. Johns County Commissioners, with voting in the upcoming County Commission election ending on August 23, 2022. Early voting begins Monday. Mail-in ballots are already being voted this week.
8. In the words of The Washington Post motto, "Democracy dies in darkness."
9. The future of our democracy is In danger.
10. Please be good stewards of our right to our government records, from this day forward.
Thank you.
904-377-4998
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
www.edslavin.com
www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; jeremiah@dhclawyers.com <jeremiah@dhclawyers.com>; dmigut@sjcfl.us <dmigut@sjcfl.us>; cvalliere@sjcfl.us <cvalliere@sjcfl.us>; ltaylor@sjcfl.us <ltaylor@sjcfl.us>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com <inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com>; nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com <nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com>; pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com <pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; taxcollector@sjctax.us <taxcollector@sjctax.us>; sheriff@sjso.org <sheriff@sjso.org>; voakes@votesjc.com <voakes@votesjc.com>; wfusco@votesjc.com <wfusco@votesjc.com>; mminer@stjohnsclerk.com <mminer@stjohnsclerk.com>; bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com <bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com>; bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us <bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us>; bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us <bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us>; bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us <bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us>; bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com <ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com>; executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us <executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us>; jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com <jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 4, 2022 9:13 pm
Subject: Re: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
1. The National Guard Bureau's thirteen (13) months of delays brandish disrespect for democracy. This FOIA request was made thirteen (13) months ago. NGB is guilty of neglect of duty and disrespect for FOIA and our Constitutional Right to Know about government operations.
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; jeremiah@dhclawyers.com <jeremiah@dhclawyers.com>; dmigut@sjcfl.us <dmigut@sjcfl.us>; cvalliere@sjcfl.us <cvalliere@sjcfl.us>; ltaylor@sjcfl.us <ltaylor@sjcfl.us>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com <inspector_general@stjohnsclerk.com>; nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com <nicholas.weilhammer@myfloridalegal.com>; pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com <pat.gleason@myfloridalegal.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; taxcollector@sjctax.us <taxcollector@sjctax.us>; sheriff@sjso.org <sheriff@sjso.org>; voakes@votesjc.com <voakes@votesjc.com>; wfusco@votesjc.com <wfusco@votesjc.com>; mminer@stjohnsclerk.com <mminer@stjohnsclerk.com>; bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com <bpatty@stjohnsclerk.com>; bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us <bcc5hdean@sjcfl.us>; bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us <bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us>; bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us <bcc2sarnold@sjcfl.us>; bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us <bcc3pwaldron@sjcfl.us>; bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com <ashley.moody@myfloridalegal.com>; executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us <executiveinvestigationscomplaints@fdle.state.fl.us>; jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com <jessicaclark@firstcoastnews.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 4, 2022 9:13 pm
Subject: Re: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Dear General Hokanson, Major Murphy, Major Blocker and Major Davenport:
1. The National Guard Bureau's thirteen (13) months of delays brandish disrespect for democracy. This FOIA request was made thirteen (13) months ago. NGB is guilty of neglect of duty and disrespect for FOIA and our Constitutional Right to Know about government operations.
2. After I reasponded to his e-mail and requested that he call me, DoD National Guard Bureau (NGB) spokesman Major Matthew Murphy never called me back today. When I called him at 7:49 PM, Major Murphy sounded angry, arrogant, dismissive, condescending, haughty, insolent, insouciant, unprofessional and rude. Major Murphy did not say when records will be provided. After a brief conversation of only 46 seconds, Major Matthew Murphy hung up the telephone, saying I was "not media." Major Murphy is wrong. Now Major Murphy's cellular telephone voicemail box is "full." His work telephone forwards to his now unanswered cellular telephone. Do Major Murphy and NGB have delusions of adequacy? Is a criminal, civil and administrative investigation required of NGB's neglect of duty and its continuing coverup of Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker's military records, which are a matter of public concern?
3. Query: Is Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker "deployable?" He contends that he is 100% permanently and totally disabled and is thus treated as totally exempt from property taxes here in St. Johns County, where he is a County Commissioner, up for re-election in the August 23, 2022 closed Republican Primary. Does Major Blocker's self-serving conduct meet NGB or FNG legal and ethical standards?
4. Major Murphy, where are your manners? You owe an apology for your neglect of duty and your rudeness. Please have your supervisor call me in the morning if you are still refusing to talk with me.
5. General Hokanson, would you please be so kind as to order your NGB staff to send me all requested records by e-mail, by PDF, by close of business tomorrow, August 5, 2022?
Herein faileth not.
Thank you.
904-377-4998
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
www.edslavin.com
www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 4, 2022 1:23 pm
Subject: Re: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 4, 2022 1:23 pm
Subject: Re: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Dear Major Murphy:
1. Please call me to discuss DoD NGB's delay, desuetude, and disrespect for FOIA, July 7, 2021 to date.
2. Kindly send all requested records by close of business today.
Thank you.
904-377-4998
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
www.edslavin.com
www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Murphy, Matthew (Matt) Maj USAF NG NG PA (USA) <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; NG NCR NGB ARNG MESG NGB Media Desk Owner <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 4, 2022 1:13 pm
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
From: Murphy, Matthew (Matt) Maj USAF NG NG PA (USA) <matthew.murphy3.mil@army.mil>
To: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>; ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; NG NCR NGB ARNG MESG NGB Media Desk Owner <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; jdunbar@gannett.com <jdunbar@gannett.com>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 4, 2022 1:13 pm
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Mr. Slavin,
Please refer to our FOIA process at https://www.nationalguard.mil/Resources/FOIA/.
This email is for media queries only.
Major Matt Murphy, USAF | Media Relations Officer | National Guard Bureau Public Affairs | 703-601-6767 | ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil
Follow us at:
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 12:56 PM
To: ngb.foia@mail.mil; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL; garybdavenport@gmail.com; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com; NG NCR NGB ARNG MESG NGB Media Desk Owner <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com; lchibbaro@washblade.com; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com; sheltonhull@gmail.com; joe@eqfl.org; jdunbar@gannett.com; waltbog@nytimes.com
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 12:56 PM
To: ngb.foia@mail.mil; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL; garybdavenport@gmail.com; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com; NG NCR NGB ARNG MESG NGB Media Desk Owner <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com; lchibbaro@washblade.com; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com; sheltonhull@gmail.com; joe@eqfl.org; jdunbar@gannett.com; waltbog@nytimes.com
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Dear General Hokanson, Major Blocker and Major Davenport:
1. On July 7, 2021, I requested Mr. Blocker's military records. That was thirteen (13) months ago -- 393 days.
1. On July 7, 2021, I requested Mr. Blocker's military records. That was thirteen (13) months ago -- 393 days.
2. No documents have been received. NGB has ignored repeated inquiries. This continuing coverup is unpatriotic and unAmerican, contrary to the genius of a free people. My father was a proud veteran of WWII, for whom the South Jersey Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association is named (CPL Edward A. Slavin). My father taught me, as JFK's father taught him, that you have to stand up to people with power or they walk all over you. He would be appalled at the Army's coverup of Mr. Blocker's military record, for 393 days.
3. Please send PDFs of all of the requested records today.
4. Again, Major Blocker is a candidate for re-election as St. Johns County Commissioner in a closed Republican Primary on August 23, 2022. Mr. Blocker often refers to his military record. We have a Right to Know.
5. As James Madison wrote in 1823, "A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."
6. Enough disrespect for our cherished federal legal rights under FOIA. Please call me to discuss.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Fri, Jul 8, 2022 3:16 pm
Subject: Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil <ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mesg.ngb-media-desk-owner@army.mil>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>; waltbog@nytimes.com <waltbog@nytimes.com>
Sent: Fri, Jul 8, 2022 3:16 pm
Subject: Re: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Dear General Hokanson, Major Blocker and Major Davenport:
1. Would you please be so kind as to send me the records that I requested on July 7, 2021 on the military record of Major JEREMIAH RAY BLOCKER?
1. Would you please be so kind as to send me the records that I requested on July 7, 2021 on the military record of Major JEREMIAH RAY BLOCKER?
2. It has been more than a year since my request.
3. Major Blocker is on the August 23, 2022 Republican Primary ballot as a candidate for re-election to St. Johns County Commission.
4. We have a Right to Know. See below.
5. James Madison wrote in 1822, " popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>
Sent: Wed, Jul 7, 2021 9:30 am
Subject: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
From: Ed Slavin <easlavin@aol.com>
To: ngb.foia@mail.mil <ngb.foia@mail.mil>; NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL <NG.FL.FLARNG.MBX.NGFL-FLL-FOIA@MAIL.MIL>; garybdavenport@gmail.com <garybdavenport@gmail.com>
Cc: bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us <bcc4jblocker@sjcfl.us>; jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com <jeremiah@jeremiahblocker.com>; lchibbaro@washblade.com <lchibbaro@washblade.com>; aschindler@firstcoastnews.com <aschindler@firstcoastnews.com>; sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com <sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com>; sheltonhull@gmail.com <sheltonhull@gmail.com>; joe@eqfl.org <joe@eqfl.org>
Sent: Wed, Jul 7, 2021 9:30 am
Subject: Request No. 2021-49: FOIA and Open Records request re: Major Jeremiah Ray Blocker
Good morning:
A. Pursuant to FOIA and eFOIA, would you please be so kind as to send me Jeremiah Ray Blocker's Official Personnel File and Security Clearance File, along with any Inspector General or CID investigations, memos, complaints of discrimination or retaliation, e.g., including but not limited to discrimination against service members or civilians on the basis of First Amendment protected activity, whistleblowing, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, gender or retaliation, etc., including Blocker's allegedly taking it upon himself to violate Florida Sunshine laws in blocking any St. Johns County Commission consideration of a proposed LGBTQIA+ proclamation, March 8, 2021 to date?
B. 1. In the event there are other requests for this information, please expedite the release to me by PDF of all documents already released to others.
2. Please waive any fees, as the release of this information is in the public interest. I meet the six factor FOIA test.
3. I am an investigative reporter with more than 40 years of experience in informing the public, including winning declassification of the largest mercury pollution event in world history (Oak Ridge, Tenn. Y-12 Nuclear Weapons Plant, Department of Energy/Union Carbide, 1983) and uncovering the City of St. Augustine's illegal dumping of a landfill in a lake and sequelae (2005-2010). I can share copies of articles published in American Bar Association publications, including Judges' Journal.
4. Release of the requested information will help promote the public interest in understanding federal government operation.
5. My blog has received more than 4.1 million measured page views and helps inform people about govemental affairs. We've had more than 75 public interest victories here in St. Augustine, Florida since 2005, home to the Florida National Guard, a place chock-full of terrorist violence history and persistent racist, sexist, misogynist, homophobic and transphobic prejudice, which the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once called "the most lawless city in America."
6. Addressing the six federal FOIA factors:
Factor 1. The subject of the request: The subject of the requested records concerns "the operations or activities of the government." .Factor 2. The informative value of the information to be disclosed: The disclosure is "likely to contribute" to an understanding of government operations or activities.Factor 3. The contribution to an understanding of the subject by the public is likely to result from disclosure: Disclosure of the requested information will contribute to "public understanding." The disclosure will contribute to the understanding of a reasonably broad audience of persons interested in the subject. I have developed expertise in pertinent subject areas and the ability and intention to convey information to the public. (It is presumed that a representative of the news media will satisfy this consideration.)Factor 4. The significance of the contribution to public understanding: The disclosure is likely to contribute "significantly" to public understanding of government operations or activities."Factor 5. The existence and magnitude of a commercial interest: No commercial interest.Factor 6. The primary interest in disclosure: There is no "commercial interest." FOI officers know that when a "news media requester has satisfied the public interest standard, the public interest will be the interest primarily served by disclosure to that requester."
7. Please call me (today if possible), to confirm receipt.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Ed Slavin
Box 3084
St. Augustine, Florida 32085-3084
904-377-4998