BO’s eligibility problem is an open secret.
One man stood up.
FYI ~~
December 21, 2010 at 12:46 am
I called Gen. Horst’s phone number as listed below, and they directed me to the PAO (Public Affairs Officer), Col. Robert Manning. The correct phone number to call is 202-685-4899.
Col. Manning said he has received about 300 calls today already (is that even possible at 12:30 EST??).
He reiterated to me that Dr. Lakin pled guilty to 3 charges and was found guilty of not obeying a lawful order from his DIRECT SUPERIOR OFFICER, and of the importance of order and obedience in the military.
I reiterated the initial case, which was the lack of a long form birth certificate, and how I hated to see such an unjust sentence (6 mos in Ft. Leavenworth, loss of retirement, and discharge from the military) for such an honorable officer.
I asked, at the very least, for suspension of the loss of retirement, if not suspension of the complete sentence.
Col. Manning listened patiently (and even once asked me to watch my tone – my ‘passion’ was showing), and said he would relay my message to Gen. Horst. He also said he welcomes phone calls and e-mails
(Robert.manning1@us.army.mil). He takes each one seriously. I plan to write an e-mail soon.
Thank you for caring.
Joni Schmidt
http://www.joni.fourpointmoms.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
Military Justice Round-up
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Thursday, December 16, 2010
Lakin Post-Sentencing Analysis
Upon hearing of the Lakin sentence, I thought it was a bit light on confinement, given that he’d skipped a 1 year deployment that 2 others had to fill (1 on very short notice).
On further analysis, I reasoned that the members had given the harshest, longest-impact option in the dismissal because that will preclude Lakin from seeing a dime of military retirement.
It also dawned on me that the members might have fashioned the sentence to confinement by showing a measure of compassion for the LTC’s stay-at-home wife and 3 young children. After all, the convening authority can give the forfeitures of pay and allowances to the family for up to six months.
More than one, but they individually are paying the price so as to dissuade any others from following.