There is a class of military veterans who have no civil rights. These are the ‘military sexual trauma’ (MST) survivors.
How can I say that-every one under the Flag of the United States has civil rights? No-not everyone.
In my dictionary-under the heading of ‘civil law’ it says it pertains to the rights of private individuals and to legal proceedings concerning these rights as distinguished from criminal,military,or international rights,courts-or legal proceedings. Under the heading Civil Rights it says RIGHTS belonging to an individual by virtue of his/her status as a citizen. Under the heading Civil Law it says the body of law dealing with the rights of private citizens in a particular state or nation,as distinguished from criminal law,military law,or international law.
I am not a lawyer-I am a civilian…my dictionary says that means I am a citizen not connected with the military
I believed I have a right to a lawyer to represent me in any legal matter. I have found that this is wrong.
I am a MST survivor. I have have suffered life long residual mental health issues because of my being a ‘military sexual trauma’ survivor.
Because of my life as a survivor had finally come to the attention of the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in my region of Gainesville Florida I entered the PTSD-MST clinic for evaluation and treatment. I once thought I was alone. I learned there that there are thousands of MST survivors…some known,some like me who kept silent for many years.
During treatment I was advised to seek validation-to enter a claim against the VA system,I was told I met the entire page of criteria for PTSD and deserved benefits offered through the VA system. These benefits included medical care and perhaps financial compensation.
To apply for a claim the law required me to report my rapes to a local ‘veterans advocate’…this had to be done in my home county in Florida-Levy County. These veterans advocates are hired by the county under the direction of the Florida Veterans Affairs Office.
The advocate I met with was a former ‘gunny sargent’ well versed in combat injury-he had even won awards from Congress for work to aid veterans to obtain what is rightfully theirs. He had no experience-nor knowledge of how to care for MST survivors. The fact is-when I told him my story he looked in amazement and said “Gee…you’ never think homosexuals have a need to rape each other”…he also assumed my attackers were black. Both statements were no where near the truth,nor did they hold any valid reasoning.
I declined any further aid from the Levy County office,instead I sought the help of an attorney. I had to travel to Jacksonville Florida to find legal counsel-and the attorney took my case on an old fashioned handshake…she too was an MST survivor. She understood my pain-and understood the need for justice in these cases.
We attended a hearing in November 2007 at the regional offices of the VA in St.Petersburg Florida. My hearing was over two hours long-a length of time I understood was unusual,they say a hearing only lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.
It took one year to nearly the day for a decision-my papers were signed by the VA Judge on November 3,2008. His decision said that I am indeed suffering from PTSD and the results of why are directly connected with my military service-directly connected because I AM a MST survivor.
Yesterday a letter arrived via US Postal carrier. The letter says that my attorney is not an approved VA attorney…the question is-will my service connected disability be reversed because I chose as a citizen to find a person versed in law to represent me? My attorney is dis-qualified to represent me in the VA court (of law).
This letter not only affects me-it affects every MST survivor in the United States. It says to us-we have NO RIGHT to find legal counsel on our own! It says we must be bound by the VA system…we must use counsel which is approved by them-I understand a list of attorneys is available who are approved by the VA.
I know only about myself-yet I can only assume that every veteran chose to volunteer for military service…why? To defend our nation-to defend our flag…to defend our rights as citizens of the United States. I guess I am wrong…the letter I received yesterday surely proves that. I have NO RIGHT to select an attorney of my choice of my free will to defend me or represent me in/at a national institution-the Veterans Administration.
Our rights are being violated!
In my effort to bring justice for every MST survivor-and even every veteran have been returned in vain. I have written countless letters and emails to Congressman-and Senators. Only two have responded (unless you want to count the form letters under the heading ‘newsletters’).
Of those two-one actually set an appointment for me to meet personally with her-Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite from Florida. The meeting never took place…the Congresswoman is no longer on the veterans sub-committee. I’m talking about CIVIL RIGHTS…and a member of Congress-an elected official of our Untied States is saying…this is not my job?? Our meeting was canceled just one day before elections in 2008;and two weeks ago her office called to say “not our job”.
I know we are being wronged. I know when I enlisted at age 17 into the United States Navy I was enlisting to serve our country-OUR COUNTRY! Not merely the region where I lived-the entire United States. War was going on then-the Viet Nam War. Many of my age group refused to serve-instead they fled to Canada to be safe from prosecution,and to be safe from war. My desire to serve was so strong that I had tried to enlist in the United States Marines-a choice which would have guaranteed my duty being in the battle grounds of Viet Nam. The recruiter said I was too skinny and sent me to the Navy recruiter instead. It did not matter-Army,Navy,Marines-any branch of the military service would have been the honorable thing to do!
I’m not fully sure how government works-but I do feel that regardless of where an elected official comes from he or she should want to take up the banner and fight for the justice and rights of an American citizen…and right what wrongs exist. In this case-fight for the rights of MST survivors.
My self-personally…I never expected to seek justice for the rapes that qualify me as an MST survivor. Like many MST survivors I chose to live with my wounds in silence. I never thought anyone would care since the first day I became a survivor the officer in charge whom I reported my attacks to said “get used to it”. Once the 35 years of silence ended and I learned there were as many as 32% of female veterans and 6% of male veterans that are also MST survivors I became angry…angry that they too might have to report to a bigot such as the one I met at the Levy County Veterans Affairs Office. I decided to fight for these other ‘silent wounded’ and speak out for the RIGHTS we have had hidden from us…if not even taken away.
Yesterdays letter nearly defeated that effort. I went into a state of shock…I even wept. The hurt from ALL of my life as a survivor collected inside of me-almost allowing me to cower in retreat,the pain was that hard to bare.
I will not quit! I will continue to stand up for MST veterans rights. Our CIVIL RIGHTS! We are citizens of the Untied States. We volunteered to serve our country to defend equal rights and freedom….yet our freedom is taken away from us if we are NOT permitted to seek our own legal counsel-our CIVIL RIGHTS are NOT available to the MST survivor if we are restricted to seek defense in the offices of men who disregard us as ‘homosexuals’ or cannot understand that no matter what race a person is-that if a man is black he is automatically deemed as the culprit in a crime.
If you are reading this than you have a responsibility to assist in righting this wrong-I beg you to write your Congress and speak out against this wrong. Stand up for us as we once went forward to stand up for you. The fact of MST exists today…there are many more survivors returning to civilian life-silent wounded. Help us obtain our CIVIL RIGHTS!
Tags: civil rights for MST survivors, Ginny Brown-Waite, Levy County Florida veterans affairs, military sexual trauma, MST, veterans rights, violation of civil rights
a males life after rape 
March 1, 2009 at 9:33 pm |
Peace and Wellness
I hope that this email will deliver a little sunshine in your life today. Please be advised that I am humbled and appreciative of your courage,compassion,spirit,honesty,in giving Voice!
I too am a MST survivor, and I know what it is like trying to find justice in a society that has written you off. Please stay strong! I stumbled on your site by fate. I was attracted to the glow of your halo…. I was taking a break from preparing paperwork for my BVA hearing. Wow! Yes, we are “Warriors without weapons. What? What! What do you do when you have done all you can and you cant do anymore? You call on your higher power and STAND! STAND! You are not standing alone……Just look to the right, the woman in the red electric wheelchair, yes, with a halo…..Yes…I am standing with you, You are not alone…
Peace
Sistahsoldier/Sistahvet85
March 2, 2009 at 1:26 am |
I am very pleased you stumbled by and found my journal…and you have personal understanding why it is I am taking the stand that I have.
I wish you all the goodness you can attract-the halo you see is an aura of good karma and peace from a High Spiritual Guide…I did not know it was bright enough that others can see it…I am glad you did!
Let us fight the system that shuts us out and wishes we would just go away…it is the only way to win and put an end to the injustice that we meet along the way.
Bless You Sistahsoldier
March 3, 2009 at 5:11 pm |
Damn dude — they REVERSED the decision? Well that is absolute kangaroo-shit. Well. We got a couple good senators from Vermont — one is actually Chair of the Judiciary Committee. So yeah I’ll send a letter pronto, bro! When it’s done I’ll get a copy to you…
March 6, 2009 at 7:40 pm |
Was the Judge who initially said “No wrong-doing” recognized by the Federal Judicial System or the State? I believe when it comes to military, you have to start with their legal beagles, and if you choose to go outside that, you have to let them know in advance that you are doing so. What you can do is revisit with a choice from the VA (that is, select an attorney from their list), and let that attorney know you also want a civilian counsel on the team. The concern the VA has is that the folks not on their ‘approved list’ may not be versed in military law.
March 12, 2009 at 4:34 pm |
I just wanted to say that I too found your site by pure accident. While attempting to find the latest studies and recognition by the VA and military service branches of this almost unacknowledged problem, I happened upon your post. I can identify with your circumstances and frustration one hundred percent. I entered the service in 1967 and absolutely loved serving my nation. By the end of the third year, I had decided that I would make serving the nation a career. However, after an incident in the summer of 1970, my entire life changed. I found myself in a situation in which there was no one to turn to for assistance. I quitely carried on, while dying inside each day. What I endured was something that I can honestly say I had never realized could happen. For the first time in my life, I experienced the depths of evil to which man can go. I went to sleep feeling great, was woke up in the middle of the night by a knock on my door, and greeted morning as a different human being. The best way to describe it would be to say that all I wished for was to stop breathing, stop thinking, stop feeling! Nothing prepares you for the outcome of that kind of assault. Nothing in my military training prepared me to deal with this kind of enemy. The worst part in many ways was that there was no one to tell, no one to ask for help, no one that could say, “You are still valubale and worthy of living.” Thirty-four years after that attack, I finally found someone who is helping me work through something that has been a burden on my soul for my entire adult life. However, I still have not found the strength, nor manner to openly tell the VA what happened. Even though the VA has finally somewhat acknowledged that this evil exist within the military, it is still a very forbidden subject. I am not menatlly prepared to see these things in writing with my name attatched. Yet, to save and help future young men and women, that needs to occur. I hope to see answers before my life ends; however, it is going to have to come out of the closets of shame for victims before that can really start to happen. The longer one goes without help, the worse it gets. This is one wound that time alone cannot heal. I am thinking of you and every other man and woman who has faced this horrible enemy. Thanks for simply allowing a place where one can respond and yet stay unknown.
March 13, 2009 at 12:03 pm |
Anderson,your words are like a mirror to me. I understood clearly everything-emotion and all that you put into your words.
I think I would encourage you to find some comfortable way to you to put your information down on paper-write every detail. Then I would locate an attorney-not just any attorney,but one that is capable of handleing a case as sensitive as these are. Carefully shop an attorney!
I would suggest that you make arrangements with the attorney-and doing this without giving any details,to place the pages you write in a secured-sealed envelope,to keep in safe and secure record.
This puts a date on your truth-registers it,if you will,and makes it a legal register of what you are saying.
I can attest that the ‘financial reward’ from the VA itself is not even going to come close to removing the horror of what you and I and others have gone through.
Somehow-taking them to task-fighting this,defending my truth…all combined has done something to me for the good.
To see that they admit this happened-it means something.
At some point it came to my mind that if I did not take up the the sword and fight this time…after all the years I endured life with this and never thought of defending myself,if I did not take up the sword this time then my attackers win once more and I remain the looser.
No…once this got opened up Anderson there was no turning back,as much as I wanted to.
I learned that as I came to terms with expressing this-opening up more and more,I have become stronger. Not fully healed-as you say,I’m not sure that can ever happen. But something has renewed in my personality…I challenged the VA system to acknowledge my injury-all of it…and I won. I won not just for me…but for any of the MST survivors who remain silent,who should come forward and hold the system accountable-empower yourself by being your strongest advocate.
I hope you comment as often as you please to…even in that-you help others. Perhaps your own blog-even if it is anonymous,to spew the remanents out…to practice your voice.
We need to change the rights of MST survivors-to eliminate the fear each one has in regards to coming forward,the more voices the more they hear!
Thank you Anderson for sharing!
Peace
March 15, 2009 at 4:29 am |
Jay, thanks for the response. To be honest, that was the first time in 38 years that I have written a single word about the horror of that night. To this day, there are nights that I never close my eyes; frozen by a fear that no man or woman should ever know. I don’t think that God ever meant for us to know that kind of fear, fear from something happening that makes no sense, fear from something that destroys so much of what you thought people were incapable of; a fear from having to face an evil that goes beyone dark. That may make no sense at all. It is truly hard to ever find the words that will adequately describe what happened. Part of it is that you don’t want to describe it. It is difficult for me to speak of it in the first person; I suppose it is a way of supporting the denial that nests within the very soul.
How do you describe the sound of your heart beating so loudly that you can’t make out other sounds clearly? To be so frozen that you can’t move; you feel like you are going to suffocate; you feel like there is nothing that will ever be normal again. Yet, you embrace everything that even look normal. It is a striving for normalcy. It is a striving for just a boring, good life; a life in which you never know that kind of fear; a life in which your greates wish and deepest prayer is that your own children and no other human being ever be able to identify or understand. Actually, it would be a relief to know that others could not understand, could not identify. As a man, you would step off a cliff to save anyone you love, anyone you know, even those you simply pass on the street to never know. Your greatest desire is that everyone remain ignorant of that kind of fear. But, on top of that, you wont someone to listen, someone to understand, someone to just admit that things society and the nation wish they could say do not happen, in reality do happen.
Jay, man, I will admit that I have great admiration for your struggle, for your willingness to take on the system. Talk about courage. You have discovered a courage that I wish I could find. Living a life of silence and secrecy to not only protect yourself, but your family, the system, and even those who would automatically say, “It would never happen to me.”
Yes, we were well trained and I think I was prepared to fight the enemy, but just not an enemy that I did not even know existed; an enemy that trained with me, prepared with me. ate with me. I think that is one major reason we freeze; which I never thought could happen. And, I will admit that my greatest fear to this day is freezing again when I am needed to protect those I love. That is the heaviest burden that a man can carry. Yes, I hope I am never called on and be tested. In my mind, I need to believe that I would not. But, to live life in a state of constant readiness is so, so heavy. It takes a toll – a huge toll. Well, buddy, I am worn out from simply writing this. I was going to send this to you directly, but pushed the wrong button and acidentally deleted your note. The best to everyone who reads this. If I don’t push send this moment, I will grow fearsome and delete this.
March 18, 2009 at 12:51 pm |
Jay, what is your e-mail address? Hope you are having a good day and moving foward with your journey towards total transparency in a system that only wishes this problem would go away.
March 19, 2009 at 11:40 pm |
Wow. I am moved and almost speechless. Let me collect my thoughts…
First of all, I found your blog through Marcella’s Abyss2Hope blog and the Blog Carnival Against Sexual Violence.
Thank you so much for your courage in raising awareness about this subject. I must admit, I was not aware of the magnitude of the problem. But I do know this: The horror and violence perpetuates in our shame, discomfort, turning the other way, unwillingness to talk about it, wishing it would go away, etc. We must break the silence to break the cycle…to stop the violence.
I wish you much hope, help and healing on this journey. Stay strong!
October 31, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
Read this and I find a strange parallel all I can say is contact
Elaine Westermeyer –
Personal Trauma and women Vet Coordinator
St Pete.
Good lady she is helping me with the same as you. Same time frame same war same NAVY but I was 16 when I joined. Same outcome. I am just now starting to deal with it. It’s HARD. Good luck brother, If I can help in any way let me know.
October 31, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
I’m really glad for your advice-I am already classified at 70% disability-service connected,so they acknowledge that it happened. Bless you too brother,the more you stand up to it the more you win,if there is ever such thing. Peace
December 21, 2009 at 8:21 pm |
I currently took a polygraph exam for the military sexual trauma i suffered in the 1980s…I asked for help at the time it occurred only to be told to deal with it after I got out of the military. I tried to kill myself within 24 hours (I didnt really know how back then- took like 8 hits of acid swallowed a bottle of aspirin ate a bag of marijuana tried to buy drugs on the street to kill me lol- I hadnt done drugs I was on a nuclear sub with high clearance and stable background prior….) I ended up living on the street for years and got raped (even worse) in Los Angeles County jail….I recently asked for help in 2008 by a screener named Colleen Corson at the White City VA only to be insulted and told, “didnt you learn how to fight in the military?” she not only would not allow me to be a patient in the Domicilliary here but wouldnt even give me bus tokens to get to the mission. I had to spend 350 dollars to be polygraphed over all the things I claimed happened to me- I passed- and I volunteered to be tortured with truth drugs and more polygraphs just so that the truth would come out. Ive never had a stable job or relationship since it happened. I am barely off the streets but no one here will read my polygraph ( I turned a copy into the VA Claim center which they at least accepted) They don’t want to treat me for the military sexual trauma which started this storm of suffering…no one will help me and I get called in my file is a “pill-seeker” My personnel file has stuff taken out, missing and rewritten etc- this forced me to take a polygraph (asking the military to investigate/hand over evidence to be used against them lol) I am still suicidal- with scars and multiple attempts. I haven’t been denied on my claim….yet….but they are taking forever and cheating me every step of the way at the VA…I need help and don’t trust anyone here and have no one that will read (staff wise at VA) my polygraph. I am lost alone- and as a male I feel unique in a way that I don’t want to feel alone in. Please advise….
December 22, 2009 at 3:34 am |
You are unique-you are asking for help! The LAW says you have a RIGHT to indefinant treatment…that is THE LAW! I wish I knew your location-I could help you find help better,but…you have a legal RIGHT to treatment for MST,and pill seeker or not-you have rights! My advice at this point is to go to the VA nearest you and go to the ‘patients advocates’ office-look whomever in the eye and tell them WITH CONFIDENCE you are a MST survivor and that you know that the law says you have a right to treatment and are seeking treatment NOW! Find yourself a notebook-keep a record of what happened then,good or bad! Also-write your incident down too,what happened in military service-the rape. I promise to try to find you help-but we have a HUGE hurdle in front of us-where are you? I promise-you contact me through this and I will respond! I will help you-you need to help me do that!
December 23, 2009 at 3:20 am |
My name is Michael W. I am 42 years old and I am currently staying at the White City VA in Oregon in the Homeless Program (sigh….these names (homeless program)…killers on the male ego as if the traumas weren’t enough…) My phone number is 541-826-???? room extension is 5485. I am in the Computer room a lot doing “Incentive Therapy” helping out people when I am not here. I currently attend a twice a week “Depression” class here. They are talking about a Prolonged Exposure class for me- this is where they torture me for about 6 weeks listening to myself talk about the ordeal over and over on audio tapes….except….they want me to talk about the 2nd rape as it occurred in LA County Jail- and not the controlling trauma- the one that happened in the MEPS Center in Seattle- as I was out-processing…Thats the one that left me trying to kill myself when I reported it and no one would help me in 1988. I am scared that they will document and use the later rape to wash their hands by saying my “symptoms” reflect that issue and etc etc…. I have a polygraph exam I took regarding my entire screwed up military career…. I would like to send you a copy- feel free to do whatever you like with it….I am only 12 months into my claim (no decisions yet) and I feel I need help cause I really don’t trust anyone and my information is limited here… your help is appreciated. Sincerely, Michael Warren
December 23, 2009 at 5:15 pm |
Michael, I have emailed you personally this morning and also will try to telephone you later in the day-you are 4 hours difference-so bare with me. For your privacy-I edited your comment this morning-I fixed your name so it is just your first name in view-and fixed your telephone number,I kept a copy for myself. I am hopeful wwe see you to a success in your claim-and help try to guide you through living with MST related PTSD. Hang in there-you are a special person! Peace
December 28, 2009 at 11:23 pm |
Hey buddy just got some bad news….My case manager informed me that they will not be allowing me to attend sexual trauma treatment here at the VA- and that I would have to deal with my problems at an Outpatient, at best. I am so disgusted with this system. I want to put a fucking bullet in my head (as putting one in theirs goes against my religious convictions). I feel so betrayed AGAIN and lied to that I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I think I am going to just go somewhere after I get my check on the 3rd and OD and get this misery overwith. I have tried everything- a FUCKING POLYGRAPH exam even- just to be dismissed, as if I don’t matter. I guess I don’t. I allowed myself to believe just for a second that the VA actually might have developed a conscience or a soul-who was I kidding. No one listens anymore and even fewer believe the truth or know it when they hear it. My heart has broken for the last time.
December 28, 2009 at 11:43 pm |
Michael- It is a system! Not at all a good one…but,you quit-no matter how you quit-then,the system wins! Fight the fuckers-man-fight and keep your face in thiers! Have you contacted an attorney? You need to do that-find out if you can move to an area where there IS some help…like here-as fucked up as it is,we can find help-and justice. Killing yourself is just as sorry as shooting someone else…giving up just lets the rapist be the winner-why do that? THE SYSTEM OWES YOU THE HELP-AND…IT IS LAW,man-LAW!
February 5, 2010 at 7:21 pm |
As a fellow survivor, I am glad to see this discussion. There ought to be an organization for us. A class action for us. The problem is so pervasive and probably explains why suicide rates are so high in the military now. No amount of “mental health” funding will stem the suicide rate. There should be advocates available to people serving in the military who are not sympathetic to, nor confederate of the hazers. When an individual is given an indecent ultimatum they should have a phone number to call at a call center not staffed by perpetrators. A call center with the power to remove the victim to a safe place. Inductees should receive a handbook warning of the danger and how to respond. Who would be better qualified to staff such a call center than ourselves? Let’s get organized!
February 5, 2010 at 7:33 pm |
Excellent ideas Steve-and-I AM READY to organize! Thank you for your comment-and we stand together!
March 22, 2010 at 4:29 am
I just want to say thanks for all your courage and honesty. The details in your near-daily updates have opened my eyes.
Although I can’t personally relate to your rape experience, I do value your contribution to America, the Navy, and all of us vets.
At least I understand something about sacrifice: My family has seen 50 years of service, 5 major wars, 3 Purple Hearts, and 1 POW. After 20 years of service, I joined the VA to help other vets.
We must make the system better. Please report, in writing, by name, any person who is insensitive to MST. We need to correct that problem.
March 22, 2010 at 11:03 am
Mike,thank you for your comment here-and THANK YOU for your service to the men and woman and children of the United States. My sons are both (at my insistence) military men-m oldest being an E-9 and youngest a reservist with the Coast Guard. My family has a full history of military service…to me-it is the only rel opportunity to send a young person into the world-the training and experiences (in normal conditions) are paramount for our country and the individual enlistee. The VA staff for the most part are also to be applauded! How many of usyou greet and treat and the many varied personalities and attitudes each of you come face to face with-and still you return for more! I am in awe….but-the system is bigger than you as an individual,and the system is where we need to begin repairs! If you have enough of this journal I write-you will notice that I even credit the DVA officer who made the derogatory remarks which offended me to the point I began writing this…I feel as he worked with combat related claims he was a genuine American Patriot-yet he lacked the skills to understand the nature of certain crimes-mine being rape…his views were outside of what is allowed (bigoted and…) We can do better than that! Thank you again-a very appreciated comment coming from the very place I loathe and lost faith in….the system of the VA. peace
April 30, 2010 at 1:41 am |
Hi my name is Shannon and my husband and i were both in the military he was in the Vietnam Era …both Army and Air Force …I think all MST patient have the highest level of PTSD …he filled first in Washington for Benefits and waited 3yrs. now he has waited over 6months again …he doesn’t talk about it and he has been chosen one of the few to be accepted in a 4 month program …how EXCITED i was to hear this new…we have only been married a little over a year and getting marriage counceling for it…your words touch my heart and soul and you are right ” There MUST BE SOMETHING DONE FOR ALL VETS THAT HAVE MST” he was 19 when this happened to him and didn’t report it because the Drill Sgt’ls told him they would kill him if he told…he had to get out on a homesexual discharge but “honrable”…drugs and alchol had consumed his life for years and I can only imagine the silent pain he is going thru daily ..at night in his sleep he crys out and jerks…once i touched him to try to wake him and the next morning he told me not to because he almost punched me in my face….the VA system must be changed to help anyone who has been violated sexually….i’m so glad i ran across this website GOD bless you and pray the Eddie gets his service connection benefits but most of all that the counseling will help him ….ty….Shannon Bell
June 14, 2010 at 4:51 am |
i have a gaf score of 40
was diagnosed with ptsd/mst by about 12 v.a. professionals
went through the only male mst program at bay pines florida
am a viet-nam vet
after finishing my comp and pen exams—all favorable to my case
the rater assigned to my case did not have anyone to support a negative
decsion—so they decide to send me to one more phyciatrist–non v.a.–
the rater asked the dr. if it was just as likely as not that my ptsd was related to my military trauma—
rater said it could go either way–had this shit hidden for years–they get me
admit it–now i think about it more than ever–now they do not want to comp me—
these people who decide my fate–have developed my file for denial
pray for us
June 14, 2010 at 12:30 pm |
I can say that the way the process goes to permit us some sense of justice is NOT just!
First-contact an attorney:
Hill and Ponton PA
maria@hillandponton.com
You know-an attorney is free for consulation,and is restricted as to how much the fee would be!
and…there is an attorney in Washington DC that is filing a class action against the Dept.of Defense for rape survivors!
It would be wonderful if you would share your story with her! Susan Burke-
sburke@burkeoneil.com
Yes-I will pray for you!
peace
June 25, 2010 at 1:52 am |
Wow, I wish I had connected here long ago. Thank all of you for your strength, and courage. I sent an email to the two contacts you mentioned earlier in the comments of this blog, and I hope I can put this to rest, or at least a little more tame. Anthony
June 25, 2010 at 2:50 pm |
thank YOU~I AM interested in the info regarding the class-action against the VA…good news someone else see’s how we are skrewed by the VA.
I FEAR THE PLACE!
July 28, 2010 at 10:49 pm |
Jay, thank you so much-
I am an attorney in Southern California and though I don’t practice in this area, I would be interested in assisting MST survivors any way I can. Also, I would be interested in providing any assistance re a national organization to protect and assert the rights of victims of such a heinous crime. I agree that assault rates could go down if there was unbiased advocate for the victims and the vile perpetrators knew that they would be held accountable. Please feel free to e-mail me directly and let me know if there is anything that I can do to support the victims of MST. Thanks you so much for all you are doing and may God bless you.
July 29, 2010 at 1:03 pm |
MP…I would appreciate speaking or emailing conversations about the need for MAJOR changes in the VA system and for help for male and female survivors.
Your comment is like another brick in the foundation. Each time I become discouraged someone like you writes and says I am helping someone else.
What an amazing thing to know.
My blog used to give me the email address of my comment sender-but the format changed and my computer skills are klunky…
you may email me:
jayfherron@yahoo.com
Peace
July 30, 2010 at 12:46 am |
Even now after 30 plus years I still find it hard to think let a lone admit that I too am a survivor of MST. This past Janary was the first time I told anyone so I guess this is in some way the first time I have publicly admitted it. I wonder how minnie other young sailor have lived with this nightmare? Myself I server on a distroyer and for 30 month had to live with my attackers and for 30 plus years I lived with nightmare. Like so many others I have know way to proving what happen to me and because I servered in the new modern Navy, in peace time , I to have know rights. What is left for me Well enought ranting from me.
Thanks
July 30, 2010 at 11:06 am |
If you want/need to rant you are welcome to do it here! I am never able to respond correctly-hearing your pain mirrors mine. You know this-I hear you and understand you completely. By saying MST was a crime against you is bold-if you need to vent it is good to do it in writing! Peace
August 25, 2010 at 7:49 pm |
I haved lived with this for almost 30 years and am prepared to go into Tampa Federal Court to file suit against The U.S. Govt and Dept. of Vetrans Affairs. I have correspondence from John McCain, lead chair of the US Armed Services comittee and Suzanee Nunziata, SE Regional Dept of Veterans Affairs. Mabey we should get together as a group and start speaking to the media and consider filing a class action law suit. I’ve talked to many vets throughout the years, one was granted full benefits and compensation because he wasn’t allowed to wear his sunglasses while he marched in infantry. Another vet claimed she contracted Herpes while sitting in a sitz bath.
August 25, 2010 at 11:21 pm |
I think you should contact Susan Burke PLLC sburke@burkeoneil.com She IS filing a class action lawsuit against the Department of Defense for MST survivors. I know she is wanting to interview-please contact her: 202.445.1409 I met with her in May when I traveled to Washington DC to lobby for changes in the VA for MST veterans…she is on top of this! I am also willing to speak out and about the wrong this has been! Let me know!
August 28, 2010 at 1:46 pm |
Despite the 16 year efforts of some, the U.S. Congress has failed to protect service personnel. Therefore, do not the U.S. Senate’s reported Department of Defense (DOD) now sixty six (66) years of “EXPERIMENTS THAT WERE DESIGNED TO HARM” [8] CONTINUE? Overlooked by many in Congress is our “Pledge of Allegiance” “with liberty and justice for all” and the U.S. Supreme Court’s ignored,“EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW”!
Please have your members in the U.S. Congress give back to service personnel and veterans those rights that convicted rapists and murderers keep, e.g., “Written policy and practice prohibit the use of” [prison] “inmates for medical…..experiments.”! See page 13 of 14, REF: [6] To-date rejected is the U.S. Senate 1994 Report’s, “The Feres Doctrine should not be applied for military personnel who are harmed by inappropriate human experimentation when informed consent has not been given.” The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1987 STANLEY [3] “to harm” DOD experiment is approved by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1950 FERES [1] ‘can do no wrong’ Doctrine. The STANLEY case is one of the U.S. Senate’s 1994 “During the last 50 years, hundreds of thousands of military personnel” were subjected to “experiments that were designed to harm”.[8] It is a dereliction of duty in direct disobedience of the DOD Secretary’s 26 February 1953 NO non-consensual, human experiments.[2] During the U.S. Senate’s reported past 50 years, most of the “to harm” service records were destroyed in a 1973 National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) fire. Congress’s 1974 Privacy Act censored experiment verifying witnesses from any surviving records! To date ignored by the U.S. Supreme Court is their own, carved in stone over its entrance, “EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW”! The service personnel rights lost vs. prison inmate kept is ignored by the U.S. Congress!
“IT WAS NECESSARY “TO CONCEAL THESE ACTIVITIES FROM THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IN GENERAL,” BECAUSE PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE” UNETHICAL AND ILLICIT ACTIVITIES WOULD HAVE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS IN POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES AND WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF ITS MISSION.” See [Footnote 2/4] Page 483 U.S. 709 U.S. Supreme Court 1987 STANLEY military biomedical experimentation case. [3] The “Veterans Right to Know Act” to establish the Veterans’ Right to Know Commission was proposed in the 2005 and H.R. 4259 [109th] 2006 Congress.[9] In accordance with the necessity “to conceal these activities…” [3] a veteran’s right to get the “designed to harm” needed for treatment, and experiment identifying, evidence never became law.
After the 1987 STANLEY, Congress passed the 1988 Veterans’ Judicial Review Act (VJRA).[4] Established was the Legislative, Article I severely restricted, U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals. Its Chief Judge stated, “The Court simply identifies error made below by a failure to adhere, in individual cases, to the Constitution, statutes, and regulations which themselves reflect policy — policy freely ignored by many initial adjudicators whose attitude is, “I haven’t been told by my boss to change. If you don’t like it — appeal it.”[7] Congress dictated that, “The court may not review the schedule of ratings for disabilities or the policies underlying the schedule.”[4] Given to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is the Judicial Branch’s final authority on “the policies underlying the schedule” questions of law![5] Thereby, the withheld needed for treatment evidence and the underlying “experiments that were designed to harm” cause may not be addressed!
Each “to harm” experiment completes a Research and Development (R&D) process. Prior R&D is reviewed. The resulting Scope of Work defines what each experiment is “designed” to accomplish. The how, where, when and who is identified. The conducted RESEARCHED cause and effects are closely followed and recorded. From the results are DEVELOPED safe production, use, victim treatment and protection. Accordingly, at the time known are the recorded and withheld “designed to harm” resultant disabilities with their identifying symptoms and treatment.
REFERENCES:
[1] 1950 – Feres v. United States, 340 U.S. 135, 146 (1950). http://supreme.justia.com/us/340/135/case.html
[2] 1953 – DOD Secretary’s 26 February 1953 NO non-consensual, human experiment’s Memo pages 343-345. George J. Annas and Michael A. Grodin, “The Nazi Doctors and the Nuremberg Code; Human Rights in Human Experimentation” (New York: Oxford University Press, 1992).
[3] 1987 – U.S. SUPREME COURT, JUNE 25, 1987, U.S. V. STANLEY , 107 S. CT.. 3054 (VOLUME 483 U.S., SECTION 669, PAGES 699 TO 710). http://supreme.justia.com/us/483/669/case.html
[4] 1988 – Veterans’ Judicial Review Act (VJRA), Pub. L. No. 100-687, Div. A, 102 Stat. 4105 (8 December 1988) DVA-Chapter 4 and http://law.jrank.org/pages/6784/Federal-Courts-Court-Appeals-Veterans-Claims.html#ixzz0MIKbF8ND
[5] “United States Code (USC) Title 38, 511. Decisions of the Secretary; finality.” US CODE: Title 38511. Decisions of the Secretary; finality.
[6] 1994 – U.S. State Dept., “U.S. Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights July 1994, Article 7 – Freedom from Torture, or Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.” Electronic Research Collections (ERC)
[7] 1994 – Chief Judge and colleague statements, Court of Veterans Appeals, Annual Judicial Conference, Fort Meyer, VA., 17 & 18 October 1994. Chief Judge Frank Nebeker’s Statement STATE OF COURT – – – URL: http://www.firebase.net/state_of_court_brief.htm
[8] 1994 – December 8, 1994 REPORT 103-97 “Is Military Research Hazardous to Veterans’ Health? Lessons Spanning Half a Century.” Hearings Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, 103rd Congress 2nd Session.
[9] 2005 & 2006 – “Veterans Right to Know Act” to establish the Veterans’ Right to Know Commission was proposed in the 2005 and H.R. 4259 [109th] 2006 Congress. H. R. 4259.
August 28, 2010 at 1:58 pm |
My own military records show the experimental drugs injected in me. My own past as a teenager in Washington DC where SANDOZ chemical was manufacturing LSD for tests made by the CIA. Not only my history-theirs too,the stuff was available all over the city.
Really-exceptional point,thank you!
September 8, 2010 at 9:17 pm |
I had an interesting evaluation. They felt my evidence was credible but wanted additional information. At the end of my C&P examination on July 19th the examiner told me she was a Greish and my fate lie in her hands. She then gave a wicked laugh. I responded immediatley to the Appeals Board that I feel she is a racist and I have suffered Prejudice for many years and they have 30 days to make a decision or I will contact Ms. Burke to join the class action law suit. The examiner is of India descent so I assume what she was referring to is a Shayman or evildoer. Certainly not someone who should be giving C&P exams. My other therory is that they are also hoping we will die or go away without justice. Not me.
September 9, 2010 at 8:18 am |
Jerry,I do hope you have an attorney and are not filing your claim through a DVA office. I also hope you have given this information to your attorney or claim officer. The treatment I had during my C & P evaluation was less than favorable,I have filed a complaint with the VA. Interesting that you made this comment today as just an hour ago I was on a telephone conversation regarding information that there are two female evaluators who are outspoken evangelical church woman (also) and have a record of turning down vet’s due to ‘malingering’. You can count on this…my attorney will be notified about this. None of us asked for these injuries from MST. We are veterans….and we deserve respect. Thank you for sharing your experience,it is very important. I too will share these accounts with Susan Burke. Peace
October 14, 2010 at 5:09 pm |
I too am a survivor o rape in the navy. I was raped by my Chief Petty Officer in command and possibly two other men a doctor of the base and a first class petty officer. After 30 years of bottling this up I am coming forward once again. In 1980 I was invited into the officers club by this Chief Petty Officer to have a drink it was called a Kami-Kazi lit on fire. After this first drink the doctor and the other officer entered the club I then had a second drink which was served to me by the CPO. Ater that I went into an in and out of state consciousness. To make a long story short I was raped by this CPO and possibly the other two. I did not come orward right away until it happened to a second young lady then we both went to the captain . Because hers happened of base and mine happened on base our cases were seperated. The NCIS investgated my case and dropped it due to lack o evidence. I was very hurt humiliated angry . I was only 17 at the time and just married less then 30 days prior to the rape. I then found out I was pregnant it turned out to be my husbands. Needless to say the girls case was dropped also. I have not discussed this with anyone after that I was not offered counseling or nothing to help me get through this tragic time in my life so I picked up alcohol and drugs to suppress the pain. I am happy to say I am in recovery and have 4 months clean I now am getting theraphy through the VA.
I am relieved to be able to talk to people who have been through the same thing. Thank You or sharing your experience with me it helped me to write this GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THE OTHERS OUT THERE WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS ALSO. PLEASE EEL FREE TO EMAIL ME IF YOU LIKE iluvu2thestarsnback@yahoo.com Thank You
March 2, 2011 at 5:50 am |
Hello, I am a recently separated veteran; my home state, Florida. I spoke with a friend of mine who recently separated and returned to Maine. He told me not to have the VA be the ones to help me file my VA claim paperwork. Basically indicating that the VA is the Gov’t & that it would sort-of be like leaving it up to my car insurance company to determine the value of my vehicle that they were about to reimberse me for. My friend said he went to the Maine Veteran’s Advocacy to fill out his claim paperwork, and that they were not run by the VA. I have been unable to find this Maine Veterans Advocacy on google, or anything like it in Fla on google. Organizations that I do find seem to be directly affiliated with the Bureau of Veteran Affairs and the like. Can someone please direct me to an organization if Fla, dedicated towards helping vets properly fill out and file VA claims? One which is separate from the VA?
Also, I would like to extend my concern for Anderson; i found this site in search of a veteran’s advocacy organization (honestly I’m not even sure if advocacy organization is the right words for what I am looking for), and during my search I had previously learned that the VA now somehow requires me to use a VA certified lawyer; supposedly to protect me from using a lawyer that might not be effective in military/veterans issues. I immediately saw this certification requirement as a way of keeping all attorneys on a leash; for example- If a VA certified attorney does not act as the VA wishes, then the VA could simply revoke that attorney’s certification, threatening the future livelyhood of that attorney. Your story has further raised my concerns and suspicions that something is severely misguided with the VA requirement for all attorneys involved in VA disputes to be VA certified. This is akin to re-inventing the wheel. Attorneys have already long had a system of checks and balances; the BAR.
Once again any info on who can help me file a claim in Fla. would be greatly appreciated.
March 2, 2011 at 6:46 am |
“Anderson,your words are like a mirror to me.” written by JayHerron caused me to mistake Anderson as the initiator of these postings. Above verbiage should have read:
Also, I would like to extend my concern for jayherron; i found this site in search of a veteran’s advocacy organization (honestly I’m not even sure if advocacy organization is the right words for what I am looking for), and during my search I had previously learned that the VA now somehow requires me to use a VA certified lawyer; supposedly to protect me from using a lawyer that might not be effective in military/veterans issues. I immediately saw this certification requirement as a way of keeping all attorneys on a leash; for example- If a VA certified attorney does not act as the VA wishes, then the VA could simply revoke that attorney’s certification, threatening the future livelyhood of that attorney. Your detailed historical account has further raised my concerns and suspicions that something is severely misguided with the VA requirement for all attorneys involved in VA disputes to be VA certified. This is akin to re-inventing the wheel…
April 8, 2011 at 3:59 pm |
hey jay it looks like your back went to the va here in michigan for my interagtion even though they say it mst treatment NO men survior group treatment one/one we talk about perservtion not rape what on god good earth is wrong so wrong with these people at the va it just apathy/evil nonsense . no matter what the issue is men servered lost body and left on their own to fend for themselves hell what are they not going to for do for us. The is simple is about greed and money denial men and woman are not being raped yea sure !!!!sad thank you for open a door of healing my shame however god give you strength bud we need you bill from michigan
April 6, 2011 at 4:19 am |
*****I am a 70 year male suvivor of mst,in 1958 at the age of 18 I was sexually assaulted by another soldier,I did not report the incident untill 1980,where upon I was called gay and sexually confused,this was in a civilian hospital,I then went to a va hospital expecting to get better treatment,nope,they ignored my report and it took me almost 16 years of fighting the veterans administration before getting my benefits,now i want them to go back to my 1981 claim,which they are supposed to do…but so far they “aint” done it,any way Jay,keep on fighting and writing.
8been there done that
wolf wolf
May 1, 2011 at 9:51 am |
I really am thankful you commented here-not thankful for the reasons you have as a survivor,but thankful so that we can learn that what I have been saying here about MST is true and that it has affected so many lives from so many era’s and the bravery of you telling your words here are in the solutions that make all of us stronger…I just returned from a long,very special trip,and am just catching up on my emails-and I thank you for your comment and see the need to continue working for others is important. Peace
April 6, 2011 at 4:29 am |
*********PS
****BY THE WAY,THE MILITARY NOW REQUIRES THAT IF YOU ARE SEEKING TO GET OR UPGRADE A CLEARANCE (SECRET,TOP SECRET OR OTHERWISE)YOU ,MUST TELL THEM IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD COUNSELING FOR SEXUAL TRAUMA.
To Me this is just another way to make sexually asaulted soldiers keep quiet about it or not report it,it is (in my opinnion) underhanded as hell!
Wolf
October 28, 2011 at 8:36 pm |
I have read some of the post mst victims have written. I thought for many years I was the only infantry soldier in the milatary that had been through this nightmare. After 35 years I told my story only because I thought I was dying at the time. I have never told my life mate, I do not think she would understand, “hell” I do not understand myself. I have lived a secret life for over 35 years. Always wondering if people just knew, if I had some sort of visible marking that showed people my secret. This has had a power over my life I am unabe to explain. I have never been able to shake this feeling of shame, dirtyness, unmanlyness, sadness and just pure hurt that seems to be part me. Now at the age of 60, My health is suffering from the abuse I put my body through all these years and the veteran administration has made my life more hell. Just cannot seem to get a handle on this no matter how hard I try. My rape and beating was swept away by my superior officer that told me that if he heard anymore of this he would put me in jail and the jail in a jail. I never spoke of it again untill 35 years later.
October 29, 2011 at 11:13 am |
You are not alone Charles! You now know this is so!!
At age 60 myself and as an MST veteran I hear you and as others will, I appluad you the strength it took to write this paragraph you wrote to all. Everything you said is exactly how it is with the way I feel, and believe others feel it too! I think we all feel a lot of emotions that never quit, being there to serve and protect, but that failed us. We were not protected! Speaking about it, as can be done by writing the past and telling it to others, helps! The ability to speak about something that has been hidden away, and in an anominous forum does empower you, because it is like sqeezing the poison out of n infected sore!
I am feeling that the VA has absolutly NO business trying to take care of those like us…it is time for changes, and perhaps the strength we wish for might come from us gathering and protesting the treatment, if only to change how it is for our juniors, those that may have salvagable lives!
Yes, the self abuse does eventually show its destructive self. I still struggle!
What helps me battle is that by every failure those who attacked me win yet one more time! By fighting my demons of drinking and drug abuse and even sex abuse (against me and my own body) I become stronger and yet, if I fail, I am weak.
I know you know what I mean! We have been created by the monsters that injured us those years ago! I am not who I was meant to be.
peace
August 7, 2012 at 11:43 am |
After 42 years I have finally found a website that truely discusses MST. I am also a survivor of a sexual assualt back in 1970 shortly after I joined up. I was only 18 years old. I never thought this would happen to a tough guy like myself. It was the biggest life altering experience of my life.
When I tried to report it, they just blew me off. In about 30 days from the assault I had orders for Vietnam. That was thier way of dealing with it. Just get rid of me. Now I had the assault and Vietnam to deal with. How much can one man take?
After discharge I became heavily involved in drugs. I had to bury my feelings. That lasted about 35 years!
After I finally got straight I went to the VA to seek help. At that point they didn’t have any programs for mens MST. They didn’t know what to do with me. I put in a claim for it and they never acknowledged it as any kind of a disabilty. They instead gave me a rating for PTSD from my combat experience. Not knowing that I was otherwise dying on the inside. I have been battling with the VA for a lot of years to be recognized as an MST survivor. Finally, when they realized I was not the only one, the put me in an MST Group. Pretty much a waste of time, but I persevere cause it’s all I got! I am going to reopen a claim for it and I am ready for the battle!!
For all you other MST victims, hang in there and keep fighting. We owe it to ourselves and to all who came after us. It is our duty to protect!! Be proud of yourselves! You have done nothing wrong!
August 23, 2012 at 2:27 pm |
Tom, You do have an ace with the current PTSD rate that you have-in addition you can add the MST PTSD-and likely have it added to your already valid VA disability!
To me-an MST group is/was difficult! In my experience-the doctor that led our group had no business being there! Ah, but l do not know the circumstance of your group setting-but l do know it was not my or the four other MST vets answer!
You and l appear to be around the same age group-same era-and l am confident that you experienced the same losses in your life since 1970 as any of us has. Somehow you survived this far-we both did-and telling the truth-it never gets any better! I just two days ago had an experience which caused me to black out…l have lost and entire day, and wondering what l did!!
Re-open your claim! I support you 100% in your statement that you must fight back-and keep fighting…ALL MST vets should pick up a fight for justice and AWARENESS!
Wishing you the best-beat them!!
peace
August 13, 2015 at 5:55 pm |
Congress’s responsibility!
Due to honorable service to our country, forever lost are those U.S. Constitutional rights granted to convicted rapists and murderers?
“To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces.” [1], is the U.S. Congress’s responsibility under the 1791 U.S. Constitution, Art. I, Sect. 8, Clause 14, plus under the Bill of Rights, Amendment VIII is the, “…nor cruel and unusual punishments.”[2] Doesn’t this mean the U.S. Congress stopping their own proven betrayal of service personnel [5] by their documented DOD, “experiments that were designed to harm” and the DOD’s “Degrading Treatment” [6] by the rape of service women? Please require your members of congress to obey their abandoned Oath of Office! Shouldn’t U.S. Service Personnel have the same U.S. Constitutional, Amendment 8, Rights [2] that convicted rapists and murderers keep under, The International, “…Freedom from Torture, or Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.”[6]?
[
The Oath of Office for the U.S. Congress is: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”[10]
[
“EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW” is written above the main entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court Building. Any ideas on how to make this happen for veterans and active duty military men and woman?
[
As proven by an EIGHT (8) times rejection of the “Veterans Right to Know Act”, a divided U.S. Congress still withholds military needed for treatment and experimentation identifying records.[4] On 25 July 2012 a U.S. Judge ordered the VA to release these records![3] Before that there is Congress’s own 1994 U.S. Senate Report, “IS MILITARY RESEARCH HAZARDOUS TO VETERANS’ HEALTH? LESSONS SPANNING HALF A CENTURY.” It records that “EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS OF EXPERIMENTS UTILIZING HUMAN SUBJECTS ARE STILL BEING CONDUCTED BY, OR ON BEHALF OF, THE DOD.” Then the “I. INTRODUCTION” with its’, “III. Findings and conclusions” states, “K. DOD and DVA have repeatedly failed to provide information and medical follow-up to those who participate in military research…” plus “N. Participation in military research is rarely included in military medical records, making it impossible to support a veteran’s claim for service-connected disabilities from military research.”[5] Also to-date U.S. CONGRESS scorned is this 1994 U.S. SENATE REPORT’S, “The Feres Doctrine should not be applied for military personnel who are harmed by inappropriate human experimentation when informed consent has not been given.”
[
This 1950 U.S. Supreme Court Feres Case determined that an accidental barracks fire death was a U.S. is not responsible “incident to service”![9] Then the 1987 U.S. Supreme Court STANLEY decision makes clear that deliberately injured, experimented on Military Personnel are “incident to service” guinea pigs![7] Approved was an injurious 1958 non-consensual LSD experiment. This experiment was in direct disobedience of the DOD Secretary’s 26 February 1953 NO non-consensual experiments order.[8] The 1987 U.S. V. Stanley Case, Footnote 4, Page 688 states, “TO CONCEAL THESE ACTIVITIES FROM THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IN GENERAL, BECAUSE PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNETHICAL AND ILLICIT ACTIVITIES WOULD HAVE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS IN POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES….”.[7] These are the still U.S. Congress ignored DOD Secretary and CIA, Inspector General’s no non-consensual human experiment statements. In 2015 Congress’s own to date ignored “HAZARDOUS” “LESSONS” learned [5] span SEVENTY ONE (71) years without correction, i.e., 1944 – 2015! (EMPHASIS ADDED THROUGHOUT)
As of 2015 the U.S. Congress has yet to make a “Rule” preventing injurious, non-consensual experiments on U.S. Military Personnel!! The U.S. Congress’s Dereliction of Duty? Any “EQUAL JUSTICE” for service women & men ideas?
Thank you.
David Marshall
100% disabled 1952-1956 USAF Jet Aircraft Mechanic; B.U. 1957-1961 B.S.M.E..
[
References: >>>[1] Enacted on 15 December 1791, U.S. Constitution, Art. I, Sect. 8, Clause 14. “To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces”. http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/article >>>[2] Enacted on 15 December 1791, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Amendment VIII, Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/billofrights >>>[3] 25 July 2012 U.S. Magistrate Judge LSD records decision. http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/07/23/48617.htm >>>[4] The “Veterans Right to Know Act” was proposed by H.R. 3256, 1999; S. 2953, 2000; H.R. 511, 2001; S. 405, 2001; H.R. 5060, 2002; S. 2704, 2002; H.R. 4259, 2005 and H.R. 2434, 2007. >>>[5] December 8, 1994 REPORT 103-97 “Is Military Research Hazardous to Veterans’ Health?….” Hearings Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, 103rd Congress 2ND Session. >>> [6] “U.S. Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights July 1994, Article 7 – Freedom from Torture, or Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.” “1994 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” || Electronic Research Collections Index || ERC Homepage http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/law/Covenant94/Specific_Articles/07.html>>> [7] U.S. SUPREME COURT, JUNE 25, 1987, U.S. V. STANLEY , 107 S. CT.. 3054 (VOLUME 483 U.S., SECTION 669, PAGES 699 TO 710) http://supreme.justia.com/us/483/669/case.html >>>[8] 26 February 1953 Secretary of the Department of Defense no non-consensual human experiments order. Pages. 343-345: “The Nazi Doctors and the Nuremberg Code; Human Rights in Human Experimentation” George J. Annas and Michael A. Grodin (N. Y.: Oxford University Press, 1992). >>>[9] Feres v. United States, 340 U.S. 135, 146 (1950) >>>[10] http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Oath_Office.htm
November 17, 2016 at 1:28 am |
How can can I get in touch with you?
November 17, 2016 at 2:09 am |
archerbeachrez@gmail.com
843 933 1301
peace Jay
On Wed, Nov 16, 2016 at 8:28 PM, a males life after rape wrote:
>
June 15, 2018 at 4:18 am |
Still there Jay?
June 15, 2018 at 2:48 pm |
As much as I can stand….yes!
June 15, 2018 at 4:41 pm
I found this blog by accident and I too have kept silent since 1981. I was attacked in that way at 17 years old in the Army. The guy who attacked me did it to another boy and he reported to the 1st Sgt., was called a faggot and thrown out of the Army. I hid in the latrine for an hour trying to stop the bleeding. I tried to kill myself months later and was punished mercilessly by my NCO’s. Innever said one word about what happened until December 2017 after insulting a VA employee at a Verizon store. She was the bigger person and didn’t get mad. She waited until I finished business and asked me why I was so mad at the VA and the Army so I said it for the very first time since 1981. I’ll admit it felt good that she believed me. She got me started on a claim and fast tracked me to some counselors, one of whom “yawned,” while I explained what happened. I stopped. We’ll see where the claim goes. I’ve been seeing my own provider for years now and receive medication, but I’ve had the whole list of symptoms and had to quit drinking some years ago to avoid divorce. I didn’t want a second one… I became addicted to opioids after a surgery but beat those finally. I’m just tired of being tired. Thoughts of suicide have drifted through my mind for decades every day but I have people that need me so I must endure. It was just wrong, what happened. If I could find him and give him some justice then I would. That man caused me a lifetime of agony and suffering. After reading many blogs and articles I have little faith that the VA will own what happened to me. They won’t. I’ll decide how much of a battle I’ll fight then. I just don’t think I have the fight left in me. I am glad I finally said something about it and my wife and psychiatrist now understand me better.
June 15, 2018 at 6:53 pm |
I am thankful that my writings are still serving; I understand your saying “tired of being tired”….some parts of that the reason I stopped.
I haven’t stopped caring and I am glad you followed the VA employees advice.
So now you have a claim started….let me surprise you and advise too….you will receive an automatic denial. Everyone does.
That-is a good thing-at least-it puts a valuable tool in your possession…..you then have a right to enlist an attorney.
Let me also express-the VA is not your friend in getting you help!
Also-if a counselor yawned? That should be an indicator there!
My advice includes your becoming a writer!
Follow the link and purchase this kind of notebook:
https://www.amazon.com/Mead-Composition-Notebooks-College-Sheets/dp/B000GP16R0/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1529087397&sr=1-4&keywords=composition+notebook
When you get the book(s) you and your wife sit and write your story-exactly as it happened.
Following that history-begin to list all the persons who knew this-if any-during active duty, and after-especially after…those who know for certain-something about you changed.
Nice kid then-not the same now….and-if you can encourage any of these friends, or family-to write you a statement saying that you have had an incredible change; like ex: drinking, or drug use-you did not do such before, and now?
These statements can become evidence for you!
DO NOT coach the writers-and simply explain something bad happened in the military-and you need a statement from the closest people to you-who know you changed significantly in service; and since.
You don’t have to say a word of what happened; they need not to know.
Just a statement of how you changed.
You are blessed to have a wife by your side-I believe the more you and her talk about the crime against you-the more liberated from the event you will come.
What ever you do-with the claim….as many times they reject it-you fall right back in line and keep it alive!
Re-file it in the process of the limitations they offer; I think it is 90 days.
I suggest 100% that right this very day…..research attorney’s.
Get your job done ahead of time; this is-your job!!
I do recommend Matthew Hill; Matt has a thorn in his side for MST survivors.
I have spent many hours with him on the phone; he-believed me!
It took a few years-but he received a positive judgement in my claim!
He has also done quite well for other survivors I have sent his way.
https://www.hillandponton.com/introduction-ptsd-guide/
Let me assure you….they take your case based on strength; they will do you a top notch job….a VA assigned counsel will not, unless the individual is seriously concerned for your sake; however-I know that Matt Hill cares!
Remember….you only pay them if you are awarded; and nothing until that point.
Remember this-what you ain’t got now is what it is-and if you gain this for your family-it will be justice-for you! You deserve compensation; and yes-justice.
If you care to talk-my phone is 843 933 1301….
I support you 100%
Peace
June 15, 2018 at 7:43 pm |
Thank you Mr. Herron. Your advice was very uplifting. You have done what I haven’t been able to do. Speak aloud about my victimization. You’re a very good hearted man.
June 15, 2018 at 7:56 pm |
It feels better for persons to call me Jay; you will find-the more you speak the stronger you become; opening up about the crime against us-is powerful for your inner self, it will help you learn more-about you. I know the hurting you endure-and thankfully you are walking past use of alcohol and opioids and that is power in itself. I’m 67 and finally learned that being drunk means having to wake up feeling deeper in shit than the actual cause makes you feel; and why add more misery?
Like I said-I am glad to talk…more so-guide you along this VA thing.
I hope you take my advice-and contact the attorney.
Peace
June 19, 2018 at 9:32 pm |
June 19, 2018 at 10:34 pm |
You’re absolutely right Mr. Herron.