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Coombs told the AP that Manning hand-wrote the statement, with some help from the attorney, who typed it. The statement was signed Chelsea Manning. Coombs said Manning knows there is the potential for confusion with the name change, and said Manning expects to be referred to as Bradley when it has to do with events prior to sentencing, the appeal of the court-martial and the request for a presidential pardon. Prison mail must be addressed to Bradley Manning. "There's a realization that most people know her as Bradley," Coombs said. "Chelsea is a realist and understands." Manning was demoted from private first class to private at sentencing. Manning will be dishonorably discharged when the soldier finishes the prison sentence. The earliest Manning could be released on parole is 2020. Coombs also said the Bradley Manning Support Network is changing its name to the Private Manning Support Network. The group has raised more than $1 million and is paying Manning's legal expenses. The AP will henceforth use Pvt. Chelsea E. Manning and female pronouns for the soldier, in accordance with her wishes to live as a woman. This is in conformity with the transgender guidance in the AP Stylebook. The guidance calls for using the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth. ___ Online: Coombs' blog:
http://www.armycourtmartialdefense.info/
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