Leaks meant to enlighten, Manning says

Military

Baer Air Park honors area’s military heritage

The new Baer Field Heritage Air Park only hints at the legacy of Fort Wayne’s Air National Guard base.Wednesday

Five planes that have been flown by the 122nd Fighter Wing, plus a Humvee representing local units of the Indiana Army National Guard, are on display at the park, which also features a pavilion, picnic tables, a playground and a parking lot.May 14, 2013

New regional VA director named

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has named a new director for the regional network that includes the VA Medical Center in Fort Wayne.May 14, 2013

FORT MEADE, Md. – An Army private charged in the largest leak of classified material in U.S. history says he sent the material to WikiLeaks to enlighten the public about American foreign and military policy.

Pfc. Bradley Manning gave a detailed explanation of his actions in a military courtroom Thursday as he entered guilty pleas to some charges.

A judge is weighing whether to accept Manning’s guilty plea to reduced charges on 10 counts. But even if the plea is accepted, prosecutors can still pursue a court-martial on the remaining charges. One of those charges is aiding the enemy, which carries a possible life sentence.

Manning says he didn’t feel any of the information was harmful to the United States, though he thought the State Department cables would be “embarrassing.”