Today, President Obama signed into law the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, or SAVE. The purpose of this act is to bring greater attention and support to military members and veterans who suffer from trauma and mental health issues as a result of their service in war. This act will accomplish a …
On Friday, February 6, 2015, the Army finally awarded the Purple Heart to those who were wounded or killed after the attack by Army Major Nidal Hasan in 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas. The victims were initially denied the medal because the shooting spree did not qualify as a combat action as defined in military …
Captain Matt Golsteyn risked his life in the face of intense enemy fire to save other soldiers. He is a hero. In 2011 he was awarded the Silver Star, the third highest military award for bravery. He was then recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military award for bravery. However, the Army …
Back in 2004, while serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in charge of many Marine defense counsel, I started noticing that many of the Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan had problems. And often these troubled Marines found themselves facing courts-martial, military separation or other disciplinary action. Many would be separated from the service, only to …
Former 82nd Airborne chief prosecutor convicted. Army Major Erik Burris was convicted at a general court-martial at Fort Bragg, North Carolina of rape, sodomy, assault and disobeying orders regarding incidents involving his estranged ex-wife. He received 20 years confinement, a dismissal and total forfeitures of pay and allowances. Major Burris plead not guilty to all …
It’s about time the Courts stop protecting companies like KBR, who serve as military contractors overseas. They have made millions upon millions off the backs of the military. But when they are negligent or intentionally act badly, they seem to operate with impunity. It’s time to stop that and hold them accountable for their actions, …
More servicemembers than ever find themselves facing the administrative discharge process for things like pattern of misconduct, commission of a serious offense, drug abuse, and other justifications. It can be a confusing and overwhelming process with incredibly serious ramifications. I have heard many just say, “Oh well, no use in fighting it. I just ask …
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey said that he expects a decision fairly soon as to whether Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl will face a court-martial or other disciplinary action for desertion in war and other charges. Bergdahl was held by the Taliban for five years and only released when a …
STACKING THE DECK AGAINST THE ACCUSED The assault of the rights of servicemembers continues with the latest act of Congress in the area of military justice. In Section 536 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, Congress modified the Rules of Evidence to restrict the use of the defense of good military …