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This is not a problem.

This is an EVERYDAY situation to those who deal with such requests. There is a process for emergency leave. The CO, his XO, the CLO, the CMS, and the Command OMBUDSMAN will all know these details inside and out.

The congressman will in most cases get a letter, referencing all of the appropriate rules and regulations, and an assurance that the situation is being handled correctly, appropriately, and within the jurisdiction of the CO.

What I have not seen from MarineMom:
Confirmation that the ill lady idoes in fact meet the definition of 'In Loco Parentis' as defined in the MILPERSMAN,
Confirmation that his presence would materially affect the condition of the ill lady, and
Confirmation that leave has even been rquested by the service member himself, as opposed to a request from MarineMom that he come home.

In the end, if the CO makes a determination that operational readiness and/or ongoing operations supercede the desire of the service member of his family to come home, then it remains his decision to make.

The congressman has no authority to intervene and can only cause unnecessary paperwork and hassle to the Marine Unit in question.

Just because someone told you that calling the Congressman/Senator etc. is a good idea doesn't mean it is true. It's a bad idea that will waste effort, energy, and emotional stress on the part of MarineMom, and it will do nothing to help the situation. I speak from experience and expertise in this area. I tried to help - if people don't want the right answer they can continue to sit in the dark all they wish.

The congressman has no authority to intervene and can only cause unnecessary paperwork and hassle to the Marine Unit in question.

While all of my first hand experience is with civilian agencies (all info on impact of congressionals on the military side being second hand) I can say that while your quoted statement above is entirely correct, political pressure can bring results.

The congressman will in most cases get a letter, referencing all of the appropriate rules and regulations, and an assurance that the situation is being handled correctly, appropriately, and within the jurisdiction of the CO.

A good CO with good folks under him isn't going to micromanage every decision. The congressional will ensure a level of micromanagement to ensure that the matter is being handled correctly, appropriately, and most importantly, expeditiously.

Putting aside our point of contention re: congressionals for a moment, I will say that you have given the best advice on the proper way to address the issue and the elements needed to be met. One other point with regard to the items you raised. How long has it been since the marine had leave to visit the grandmother. “She saw him a while ago” could have several meanings, and could be one reason the military isn’t jumping through hoops to let him go at this time.

Maybe a local Navy or Marine Officer Freeper in that area will read this and help rattle some chains. Seriously the burden of such proof should not be placed on an already distressed family who does not know protocols that even many servicemen never heard of. Most servicemen and their families have simply been told have family call RED CROSS then wait. Usually it was a matter of hours the servicemember was notified and Command assisting him home if needed.

Someone is dropping the ball here and itâ€™s not the family. The man is in states and this should not take more than a few hours. Good grief I woke up in the morning in the MED before and asked where a shipmate was and was told Captain sent him home last night because parent, grandparent, friend had died or was dying. But that wasn't in the Navy we have now either though.

Does anyone have any better advise?

MarineMom613 - PLEASE, you NEED to be listening to BlueNgold if you want results. My entire family was/is military and he is telling you EXACTLY what to do to get the job DONE.