VIDEO: STAFF SERGEANT RAY GIROUARD'S SWEETWATER HOMECOMING (CLICK HERE)

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Ray Girouard's sister Joy speaks out!!

"I've lived and breathed this for 10 months now," Oakes said less than an hour after her return from Fort Campbell.

And she's not finished yet. She said she would do whatever she could to aid her 24-year-old brother in the appeals process.

Monroe County Advocate and Democrat--RAY GIROUARD sentenced to 10 years

“We are overwhelmed about it,” Bentley said. “He was just trying to protect his men. He had about three minutes to decide. He stood by his men. That’s what they got him on.”

MEMBERS NOW DELIBERATING STAFF SERGEANT GIROUARD'S FUTURE!!

Court-martial members ponder punishment recommendation

"You've judged the crime, and now you have to judge the man, said defense attorney Capt. John Merriam.

RAY GIROUARD'S SENTENCING HEARING

Staff Sergeant Girouard says he made a mistake

A family friend, Bonnie Cleveland, knew the family for 12 years. Girouard smiled from his seat next to his attorneys when Cleveland said she called her own son Ray, because of her close relationship with Girouard.

The Rick Amato Show: The Training Of Staff Sergeant Raymond Girouard

Girouard testified during the trial that he lied to investigators about the slayings to protect his soldiers, and that he never told two of his soldiers, Spc. William Hunsaker and Pfc. Corey Clagett, to kill the detainees.

VIDEO UPDATE: Sentencing expected Monday for Sweetwater soldier

"It would be one of the big thrills in my life to see Ray standing right here next Sunday morning," says Pastor Orr.

Dublin, IRELAND: Staff Sergeant's Ray Girouard's court-martial

Sergeant Girouard was the last of four soldiers to be tried over the killings during a radi on a suspected insurgent camp near Samarra last year.

Sergeant Girouard's sentencing hearing is set for Monday

Jury spares sergeant accused of ordering Iraqis' deaths

In the private family meeting room at the military courthouse, Girouard hugged and kissed his wife, Melanie Denise, and his 4-year old son, Hunter, according to his sister, Joy Oakes. Oakes helped lead a fundraising drive in the family's hometown of Sweetwater, Tenn., for legal fees.

"It's been a very good day," Oakes said after the verdict.

Soldier Guilty Of Negligent Homicide , But Found Not Guilty Of Premeditated Murder In Killing Of 3 Iraqi Detainees

Staff Sgt. Ray Girouard, 24, smiled as he hugged his defense lawyer and family members after the verdict was read. He faced up to life in prison had he been found guilty of premeditated murder.