Senate Armed Services Committee Members & House Armed Services Committee Members (June 21, 2019)

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Screen Shot 2019-06-21 at 12.54.14 PM.png — Senate Armed Services Committee (2019)

SASC Members (2019): https://www.armed-services.senate.gov

@SASCMajority (Twitter)
@SASCDems (Twitter)
SASC Twitter List (MJFA)

SASC Leadership (2019):
James Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman @JimInhofe – https://www.inhofe.senate.gov
Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member @SenJackReed – https://www.reed.senate.gov

SASC Majority (2019):
Roger F. Wicker (R-MS) @SenatorWicker – https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/
Deb Fischer (R-NE) @SenatorFischer – https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/
Tom Cotton (R-AR) @SenTomCotton – https://www.cotton.senate.gov
Mike Rounds (R-SD) @SenatorRounds – https://www.rounds.senate.gov
Joni Ernst (R-IA) @SenJoniErnst – https://www.ernst.senate.gov/public/
Thom Tillis (R-NC) @SenThomTillis – https://www.tillis.senate.gov
Dan Sullivan (R-AK) @SenDanSullivan – https://www.sullivan.senate.gov
David Perdue (R-GA) @SenDavidPerdue – https://www.perdue.senate.gov
Kevin Cramer (R-ND) @SenKevinCramer – https://www.cramer.senate.gov
Martha McSally (R-AZ) @SenMcSallyAZ – https://www.mcsally.senate.gov
Rick Scott (R-FL) @SenRickScott – https://www.rickscott.senate.gov
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) @MarshaBlackburn – https://www.blackburn.senate.gov
Josh Hawley (R-MO) @HawleyMO – https://www.hawley.senate.gov

SASC Minority (2019):
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) @SenatorShaheen – https://www.shaheen.senate.gov (MJIA)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) @SenGillibrand – https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov (MJIA)
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) @SenBlumenthal – https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov (MJIA)
Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) @MazieHirono – https://www.hirono.senate.gov (MJIA)
Tim Kaine (D-VA) @TimKaine – https://www.kaine.senate.gov
Angus King (I-ME) @SenAngusKing – https://www.king.senate.gov
Martin Heinrich (D-NM) @MartinHeinrich – https://www.heinrich.senate.gov (MJIA)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) @SenWarren – https://www.warren.senate.gov (MJIA)
Gary C. Peters (D-MI) @SenGaryPeters – https://www.peters.senate.gov
Joe Manchin III (D-WV) @Sen_JoeManchin – https://www.manchin.senate.gov
Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) @SenDuckworth – https://www.duckworth.senate.gov (MJIA)
Doug Jones (D-AL) @SenDougJones – https://www.jones.senate.gov

HASC Members (2019): https://armedservices.house.gov/meet-our-members

HASC Leadership (2019):
Rep Adam Smith (D-WA), Chairman @RepAdamSmith – https://adamsmith.house.gov
Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Ranking Member @MacTXPress – https://thornberry.house.gov

HASC Democrats (2019):
Susan Davis (D-CA) @RepSusanDavis – https://susandavis.house.gov
James R. Langevin (D-RI) @JimLangevin – https://langevin.house.gov
Rick Larsen (D-WA) @RepRickLarsen – https://larsen.house.gov
Jim Cooper (D-TN) @RepJimCooper – https://cooper.house.gov
Joe Courtney (D-CT) @JoeCourtneyCT – https://courtney.house.gov
John Garamendi (D-CA) @RepGaramendi – https://garamendi.house.gov
Jackie Speier (D-CA) @RepSpeier – https://speier.house.gov
Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) @TulsiPress – https://gabbard.house.gov
Donald Norcross (D-NJ) @DonaldNorcross – https://norcross.house.gov
Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) @RepRubenGallego – https://rubengallego.house.gov
Seth Moulton: (D-MA) @SethMoulton – https://moulton.house.gov
Salud Carbajal (D-CA) @RepCarbajal – https://carbajal.house.gov
Anthony Brown (D-MD) @RepAnthonyBrown – https://anthonybrown.house.gov
Ro Khanna (D-CA) @RepRoKhanna – https://khanna.house.gov
William Keating (D-MA) @USRepKeating – https://keating.house.gov
Filemon Vela (D-TX) @RepFilemonVela – https://vela.house.gov
Andy Kim (D-NJ) @RepAndyKimNJ – https://kim.house.gov
Kendra Horn (D-OK) @RepKendraHorn – https://horn.house.gov
Gil Cisneros (D-CA) @RepGilCisneros – https://cisneros.house.gov
Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) @RepHoulahan – https://houlahan.house.gov
Jason Crow (D-CO) @RepJasonCrow – https://crow.house.gov
Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) @RepTorresSmall – https://torressmall.house.gov
Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) @ElissaSlotkin – https://slotkin.house.gov
Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) @RepSherrill – https://sherrill.house.gov
Katie Hill (D-CA) @RepKatieHill – https://katiehill.house.gov
Veronica Escobar (D-TX) @RepEscobar – https://escobar.house.gov
Deb Haaland (D-NM) @RepDebHaaland – https://haaland.house.gov
Jared Golden (D-ME) @RepGolden – https://golden.house.gov
Lori Trahan (D-MA) @LoriTrahanMA – https://trahan.house.gov
Elaine Luria (D-VA) @ElaineLuriaVA – https://luria.house.gov

HASC Republicans (2019):
Joe Wilson (R-SC) @RepJoeWilson – https://joewilson.house.gov
Rob Bishop (R-UT) @RepRobBishop – https://robbishop.house.gov
Michael Turner (R-OH) @RepMikeTurner – https://turner.house.gov
Mike Rogers (R-AL) @RepMikeRogersAL – https://mikerogers.house.gov
K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) @ConawayTX11 – https://conaway.house.gov
Doug Lamborn (R-CO) @RepDLamborn – http://lamborn.house.gov
Robert Wittman (R-VA) @RobWittman – https://wittman.house.gov
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) @RepHartzler – https://hartzler.house.gov
Austin Scott (R-GA) @AustinScottGA08 – https://austinscott.house.gov
Mo Brooks (R-AL) @RepMoBrooks – https://brooks.house.gov
Paul Cook (R-CA) @RepPaulCook – https://cook.house.gov
Bradley Byrne (R-AL) @RepByrne – https://byrne.house.gov
Sam Graves (R-MO) @RepSamGraves – https://graves.house.gov
Elise Stefanik (R-NY) @RepStefanik – https://stefanik.house.gov
Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) @DesJarlaisTN04 – https://desjarlais.house.gov
Ralph Abraham (R-LA) @RepAbraham – https://abraham.house.gov
Trent Kelly (R-MS) @RepTrentKelly – https://trentkelly.house.gov
Mike Gallagher (R-WI) @RepGallagher – https://gallagher.house.gov
Matt Gaetz (R-FL) @RepMattGaetz – https://gaetz.house.gov
Don Bacon (R-NE) @RepDonBacon – https://bacon.house.gov
Jim Banks (R-IN) @RepJimBanks – https://banks.house.gov
Liz Cheney (R-WY) @RepLizCheney – https://cheney.house.gov
Paul Mitchell (R-MI) @RepPaulMitchell – https://mitchell.house.gov
Jack Bergman (R-MI) @RepJackBergman – https://bergman.house.gov
Michael Waltz (R-FL) @RepMichaelWaltz – https://waltz.house.gov

S. 1789: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2019 Reintroduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York (June 13, 2019)

On June 13, 2019June 29, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Child Abuse, Cold Cases, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Navy, Non Combat Death, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, Suicide, USAF, USCG, USMCLeave a comment

Bipartisan Support MJIA 2.jpg — Military Justice Improvement Act #PassMJIA

Sens. Cruz, Gillibrand Reintroduce Military Justice Improvement Act (June 13, 2019)

“U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and I today led a bipartisan group of senators to reintroduce the Military Justice Improvement Act, which would professionalize how the military prosecutes serious crimes by moving the decision over whether to prosecute them to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors.” –Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)

The Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) of 2019 is sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and cosponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

Editor’s Note: The below U.S. Senate list was compiled from the S. 967: MJIA of 2013 Senate Voting Record. The last time the Senate voted on the MJIA was March 6, 2014. Senator Gillibrand has reintroduced the MJIA every year since. Since 2014, the make-up of the Senate has changed. The still seated Senators who voted Yea and Nay in 2014 are listed as Yes and No in this list. The new senators who cosponsored the MJIA in 2019 have been added to the Yes list; the new Senators who stand with military brass (McSally & Ernst) have been added to the No list; and the rest of new Senators have been listed as unknown (Unk) because we don’t know how they will vote on this bill. Please contact your two Senators, these Senators, and both the SASC Members & HASC Members. Click on the Senator’s name and submit your support for the MJIA via the web or click on the Yes, Unk, or No to send them a message via Twitter. We provided an example tweet you can feel free to copy and paste or you can submit your own personalized message.

Example Tweet:

.@Sen_JoeManchin

Reasons we need your support:
1. Kamisha Block @USArmy: wp.me/p3XTUi-yc
2. Paige Briles #Army: wp.me/p3XTUi-5kn
3. Brandon Caserta @USNavy: wp.me/p3XTUi-8zg
4. @forthood Stateside Deaths: wp.me/p3XTUi-5oF

#PassMJIA @SASCDems

UNITED STATES SENATORS (2019)

C = Cosponsor of Military Justice Improvement Act
S = Senate Armed Service Committee (SASC) Member

State	District	Name	Party	Vote
NH	Sr, C, S	Sen. Jeanne Shaheen	Democratic	Yes
VT	Jr, C	Sen. Bernard Sanders	Independent	Yes
MN	Sr, C	Sen. Amy Klobuchar	Democratic	Yes
TX	Jr, C	Sen. Ted Cruz	Republican	Yes
NM	Jr, C, S	Sen. Martin Heinrich	Democratic	Yes
MA	Sr, C, S	Sen. Elizabeth Warren	Democratic	Yes
HI	Sr	Sen. Brian Schatz	Democratic	Yes
NY	Jr, C, S	Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand	Democratic	Yes
CA	Sr, C	Sen. Dianne Feinstein	Democratic	Yes
PA	Sr, C	Sen. Bob Casey	Democratic	Yes
CT	Jr	Sen. Chris Murphy	Democratic	Yes
HI	Jr, C, S	Sen. Mazie Hirono	Democratic	Yes
KY	Sr	Sen. Mitch McConnell	Republican	Yes
VT	Sr, C	Sen. Patrick Leahy	Democratic	Yes
DE	Jr, C	Sen. Chris Coons	Democratic	Yes
CO	Sr, C	Sen. Michael Bennet	Democratic	Yes
WA	Sr	Sen. Patty Murray	Democratic	Yes
IA	Sr, C	Sen. Charles Grassley	Republican	Yes
NJ	Sr, C	Sen. Bob Menendez	Democratic	Yes
OR	Jr, C	Sen. Jeffery Merkley	Democratic	Yes
ME	Sr	Sen. Susan Collins	Republican	Yes
IL	Sr, C	Sen. Richard Durbin	Democratic	Yes
WY	Sr	Sen. Michael Enzi	Republican	Yes
WA	Jr	Sen. Maria Cantwell	Democratic	Yes
MI	Sr	Sen. Debbie Stabenow	Democratic	Yes
NY	Sr	Sen. Charles Schumer	Democratic	Yes
OR	Sr, C	Sen. Ron Wyden	Democratic	Yes
OH	Sr, C	Sen. Sherrod Brown	Democratic	Yes
NJ	Jr, C	Sen. Cory Booker	Democratic	Yes
NM	Sr, C	Sen. Tom Udall	Democratic	Yes
KS	Jr	Sen. Jerry Moran	Republican	Yes
MD	Sr	Sen. Ben Cardin	Democratic	Yes
KY	Jr, C	Sen. Rand Paul	Republican	Yes
MA	Jr, C	Sen. Edward Markey	Democratic	Yes
AK	Sr, C	Sen. Lisa Murkowski	Republican	Yes
CT	Sr, C, S	Sen. Richard Blumenthal	Democratic	Yes
WI	Jr, C	Sen. Tammy Baldwin	Democratic	Yes
MN	Jr, C	Sen. Tina Smith	Democratic	Yes
NH	Jr, C	Sen. Maggie Hassan	Democratic	Yes
CA	Jr, C	Sen. Kamala Harris	Democratic	Yes
IL	Jr, C, S	Sen. Tammy Duckworth	Democratic	Yes
MD	Jr	Sen. Chris Van Hollen	Democratic	Unk
AK	Jr, S	Sen. Dan Sullivan	Republican	Unk
IN	Jr	Sen. Mike Braun	Republican	Unk
IN	Jr	Sen. Todd Young	Republican	Unk
NV	Jr	Sen. Jacky Rosen	Democratic	Unk
NV	Jr	Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto	Democratic	Unk
LA	Jr	Sen. John Kennedy	Republican	Unk
LA	Jr	Sen. Bill Cassidy	Republican	Unk
ND	Jr, S	Sen. Kevin Cramer	Republican	Unk
WV	Jr	Sen. Shelley Moore Capito	Republican	Unk
CO	Jr	Sen. Cory Gardner	Republican	Unk
AR	Sr, S	Sen. Tom Cotton	Republican	Unk
NE	Jr	Sen. Ben Sasse	Republican	Unk
SD	Jr, S	Sen. Mike Rounds	Republican	Unk
MT	Jr	Sen. Steve Daines	Republican	Unk
NC	Jr, S	Sen. Thom Tillis	Republican	Unk
TN	Jr, S	Sen. Marsha Blackburn	Republican	Unk
AZ	Jr	Sen. Kyrsten Sinema	Democratic	Unk
UT	Jr	Sen. Mitt Romney	Republican	Unk
GA	Jr, S	Sen. David Perdue	Republican	Unk
FL	Jr, S	Sen. Rick Scott	Republican	Unk
MO	Jr, S	Sen. Josh Hawley	Republican	Unk
MS	Jr	Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith	Republican	Unk
MI	Jr, S	Sen. Gary Peters	Democratic	Unk
OK	Jr	Sen. James Lankford	Republican	Unk
AL	Jr, S	Sen. Doug Jones	Democratic	Unk
AZ	Jr, S	Sen. Martha McSally	Republican	No
IA	Jr, S	Sen. Joni Ernst	Republican	No
MT	Sr	Sen. Jon Tester	Democratic	No
ID	Jr	Sen. James Risch	Republican	No
FL	Sr	Sen. Marco Rubio	Republican	No
ND	Sr	Sen. John Hoeven	Republican	No
RI	Jr	Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse	Democratic	No
WI	Sr	Sen. Ron Johnson	Republican	No
VA	Sr	Sen. Mark Warner	Democratic	No
SC	Jr	Sen. Timothy Scott	Republican	No
VA	Jr, S	Sen. Tim Kaine	Democratic	No
DE	Sr	Sen. Tom Carper	Democratic	No
NE	Sr, S	Sen. Deb Fischer	Republican	No
MS	Sr, S	Sen. Roger Wicker	Republican	No
ID	Sr	Sen. Mike Crapo	Republican	No
AL	Sr	Sen. Richard Shelby	Republican	No
ME	Jr, S	Sen. Angus King	Independent	No
RI	Sr, S	Sen. Jack Reed	Democratic	No
MO	Sr	Sen. Roy Blunt	Republican	No
TN	Sr	Sen. Lamar Alexander	Republican	No
SD	Sr	Sen. John Thune	Republican	No
UT	Sr	Sen. Mike Lee	Republican	No
PA	Jr	Sen. Patrick Toomey	Republican	No
OH	Jr	Sen. Rob Portman	Republican	No
TX	Sr	Sen. John Cornyn	Republican	No
NC	Sr	Sen. Richard Burr	Republican	No
SC	Sr	Sen. Lindsey Graham	Republican	No
OK	Sr, S	Sen. Jim Inhofe	Republican	No
KS	Sr	Sen. Pat Roberts	Republican	No
WY	Jr	Sen. John Barrasso	Republican	No
WV	Sr, S	Sen. Joe Manchin	Democratic	No
GA	Sr	Sen. Johnny Isakson	Republican	No
AR	Sr	Sen. John Boozman	Republican	No

Military Justice Improvement Act Introduced, Sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (2019)

On May 16, 2019May 16, 2025 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Child Abuse, Cold Cases, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Navy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, Suicide, USAF, USCG, USMCLeave a comment

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Reform the Military Justice System: Introduced the Military Justice Improvement Act (2013)

2013:
S.967 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013
Tough military sexual assault bill introduced
Military chiefs oppose removing commanders from sexual assault probes
ACLU Letter in Support of the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013
Congress’s sexual assault proposals are the latest development in a long history of civilian intervention in military justice.
Why Taking Sexual Assault Cases Out of the Chain of Command Protects Our Troops
Report on the Adjudication of Sexual Offenses in Foreign Military Justice Systems
Military Stifling Support for Sexual Assault Reforms, High-Ranking Officer Says

“A bill that would remove the prosecution of military sexual assaults out of the chain of command faced defeat in the Senate on Thursday, falling just short of the 60-vote threshold needed to advance the legislation. The Military Justice Improvement Act fell five votes short, with the Senate voting 55 to 45 to invoke cloture on the bill Thursday.

The measure was the brainchild of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who spent months lobbying senators to sign onto her bill. The legislation had the support of many groups representing survivors of rape and sexual assault in the military, but it was vehemently opposed by military brass. Gillibrand even drew the support of two unlikely allies – Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Rand Paul, R-Ky.” Read more from ABC News here.

2014:
S 1752 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – Voting Record (March 6, 2014)
Action Alert: Call your Senators and Urge Them to Support the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA)
Military Sexual Assault Bill Months In The Making Fails In Senate
Was the Senate Right to Block Gillibrand’s Bill?
The Quest for Military Sexual Assault Reform
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand answers your questions on military sexual assault
Claire McCaskill Defends Her Controversial Stance on Military Sexual Assault
What Happened to the Military Sexual Assault Bill in the Senate on Thursday?
The Pentagon’s Battle Against Sexual Assault Rages On
Kirsten Gillibrand’s Sexual Assault Bill SNAFU
The Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) failed in the Senate, but a few anti-male sexual assault provisions survived, by NCFM Adviser Michael Conzachi

2015:
HRW Letter to US Senators Regarding Military Justice Improvement Act NDAA Amendment
Exploiting Sexual Assault in the Military | Center for Military Readiness

2016:
Senate vote blocked on Gillibrand’s military sex assault proposal
The war in Congress over rape in the military, explained
The Military Justice Improvement Act Ensures Justice, Despite What Its Critics Say
Women in the military deserve more than thank-yous. They deserve to be safe from sexual assault.
U.S. Military Is Still A Hostile Environment For Women
The Military Justice Improvement Act Is The Bill Congress Needs To Pass

2017:
S.2141 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2017
Military sex-crime bill reintroduced
Gillibrand: Reform how military sex-assault cases are handled
Ending Military Sexual Assault: Upcoming Vote on MJIA Amendment
Military Justice Improvement Act of 2017 (MJIA) (S-2141)
Gillibrand: Military sexual assault ‘as pervasive as ever’
US military must do a better job prosecuting sexual assault cases
Over 70,000 military sexual assaults took place last year — Congress must take action

2018:
Congress: Here’s Why You Should Pass The Military Justice Improvement Act
AMVETS Takes Stand Against Military Sexual Assault Trauma by Supporting Senate Bill to Amend UCMJ
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Military Justice Improvement Act Added to 2019 Fiscal Year Defense Spending Bill
NY-Sen: Kirsten Gillibrand (D) Keeps Up The Fight To End Sexual Assault In The Military
Kirsten Gillibrand Pleads for Military to Review Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence Allegation: ‘We Have Grave Concerns’ for Their Safety
Senate Session, Part 2 | The Senate continued consideration of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes defense programs and policies for the upcoming fiscal year

2019:
Pass the Military Justice Improvement Act @SenGillibrand
S. 1789: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2019
S. 1789: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2019 [Full Text]
Military Justice Improvement Act of 2019 Would Remove Decisions on Sexual Assault from the Chain of Command
Sen. Martha McSally’s stunning rape revelation shocks Capitol Hill, prompts calls for military justice reform
Presidential candidate, Army veteran Tulsi Gabbard says military sexual assault is ‘rampant,’ at SXSW town hall
Bringing MST home, to Congress
Senator Renews Push to Distance Commanders from Military Prosecutions
Bills Pending US Congress Senate Armed Services Committee
Shanahan calls for reforms as military sexual assaults rise by 38%; highest for young women
2020 Democrats say they have plans to address military sexual assault crisis
Gillibrand re-introduces military justice bill
Sens. Cruz, Gillibrand Reintroduce Military Justice Improvement Act
Udall, Heinrich Reintroduce Military Justice Improvement Act To Address Crisis Of Military Sexual Assault
Leahy Joins Gillibrand And Others To Reintroduce Military Justice Improvement Act
Hirono Wants To Change How The Military Prosecutes Sexual Assault
Senator Martha McSally’s Responsibility to Survivors of Military Sexual Assault
McSally defends keeping military commanders involved in sexual assault cases
Gillibrand: “Status Quo” Not Working With Military Sexual Assaults

Dateline NBC Premiered ‘The Call’: Navy Dependent Meghan Landowski Found Stabbed to Death in Portsmouth, Virginia Home (May 10, 2019)

On May 10, 2019July 22, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Sexual Assault, True CrimeLeave a comment

Trailer: When a dancer is murdered in her Virginia home, investigators are hopeful they can crack the case. But after interviewing a series of suspects, detectives realize the case is much more complicated than previously thought. Could an unexpected tip lead them to an unlikely person? -Dateline NBC (S27,E32)

On April 10, 2008, Navy sailor Chris Shortt discovered his step-daughter Meghan Landowski stabbed to death in their Portsmouth, Virginia home. Meghan was 16 years old and from the looks of the crime scene, there was a struggle; Meghan fought back. Investigators learned the killer used a knife from the family’s kitchen. They found it in a gutter down the street. The police didn’t know who committed the murder but they believed it was personal and Meghan knew her attacker. Chris and Angie Shortt believed Robert Hickey killed Meghan and they called NCIS at Naval Station Norfolk to let them know what happened. NCIS questioned Hickey. Robert Hickey was a military officer who was on his way to the rank of Captain when he was accused of sexual assault by Meghan. Robert was a close friend of the family and NCIS believe he groomed Meghan for a sexual relationship. Meghan said Rob began touching her when she was 14 and by age 15, Meghan was having a sexual relationship with a 30-year-old man.

The family supported Meghan as she pressed charges against Robert but they learned from civilian investigators that Hickey’s crimes amounted to a misdemeanor in Virginia; he would spend 12 months maximum in prison. But Robert Hickey was a Navy sailor and subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Navy was investigating and planning to prosecute the case. When NCIS questioned Robert Hickey about Meghan’s murder, he invoked his right to silence. NCIS considered Hickey a person of interest because he had a lot to gain if Meghan died. Meghan feared Hickey because he had a lot to lose. But Hickey’s DNA didn’t match the DNA collected at the crime scene and NCIS had no proof that Hickey committed the crime. Nonetheless, Hickey was given an other than honorable discharge from Navy. The police also suspected Meghan’s high school friend Donald because they dated in the past but the DNA didn’t match him either. At least 80 people volunteered DNA. Investigators sent the DNA for further testing to determine the geographic ancestry identity and learned the DNA belonged to an African American.

This changed the direction of the investigation and detectives began looking for African Americans in Meghan’s life. One person who became a person of interest was a counselor at Norfolk Naval Station but this individual wouldn’t cooperate with the investigation. Five months after Meghan’s murder, every lead dried up and fear was building in the community. Then a community member planned a memorial walk to help generate new leads. It was at this point someone came forward with Robert Barnes’ name. Investigators learned Meghan and Barnes were on the same bus and both participated in an exclusive arts program at school. Robert played the violin and was on his way to becoming a success story. Robert was described as a nice guy who blended in; he was fully committed to his violin music. A friend suspected Robert liked Meghan and when she asked him, he admitted it. Detectives went to the school to speak to Robert Lee Barnes and asked for a DNA sample. Eventually he acquiesced and gave investigators a used piece of gum.

The DNA was tested and the crime scene investigators reported the DNA submitted by Robert Barnes actually belonged to a girl; the police needed to talk to Robert again. In this interview, Robert Barnes admitted he was in Meghan’s house on the day of the murder. He said he went to Meghan’s house and climbed through the window after no one answered the door. He said he walked into a crime in progress; the perpetrator was wearing a mask and holding Meghan at gun point. Robert said the masked man asked him to have sex with Meghan, asked him to stab Meghan, and cut him to leave his DNA at the scene. The police believed that Robert Barnes was making this all up and arrested him. Robert’s DNA matched the DNA at the crime scene. Given the mountain of evidence against him, Robert’s defense attorney asked for a plea deal. Robert Lee Barnes pleaded guilty to first degree murder, attempted rape, aggravated sexual battery, abduction, and statutory burglary. In return, Barnes will be eligible for early release from prison in 42 years. Meghan’s parents were relieved there would be no trial.

New York Times: The Army Thought He Was Faking His Health Issues. Turns Out He Had Chronic Lead Poisoning. (April 3, 2019)

On April 3, 2019September 24, 2024 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Military Policy, National Guard, Navy, Scandals, Toxic Exposure, USAF, USCG, USMC, VeteransLeave a comment

The Army Thought He Was Faking His Health Issues. Turns Out He Had Chronic Lead Poisoning. (New York Times, April 3, 2019)

By Patricia Kime (April 3, 2019)

“…In 2005, Hopkins began experiencing wild swings in blood pressure. And he had other symptoms: crippling nausea, constant dizziness, a skyrocketing heart rate. He was given a diagnosis of common high blood pressure, and for a while he felt better by keeping himself on a high dose of a medication for that condition. He was on deployment in Afghanistan when the nausea returned, with migraine symptoms, abnormal thirst and muddled thinking. Medical tests were inconclusive, leading military doctors and commanders to suspect depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or, worse, “malingering” — the medical term for soldiers who feign sickness to shirk duty.”

“While the number of affected soldiers is small, the diagnosis can be life-changing to these troops, who for years have wrestled with unexplained symptoms that mimic traumatic brain injury or PTSD, including impaired concentration, anger, anxiety and impulsivity, as well as physical manifestations like tremors, high blood pressure, low sperm count and peripheral neuropathy.”

“Lead exposure is a known hazard of military service: The United States armed forces have fired billions of rounds of ammunition containing the toxic material since entering Afghanistan in October 2001. Troops are exposed to the metal while shooting indoors and outside; gathering shell casings; smoking, chewing tobacco or eating on ranges; cleaning their weapons; and living and fighting in polluted environments. But lead monitoring and testing programs at the Defense Department have focused primarily on service members who work on firing ranges and on the civilian staff at ranges, who are regulated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. Defense Department policy requires service members who may be exposed to high levels of airborne lead for 30 or more days a year to get a blood test for lead, with follow-up tests at least annually.”

“After he diagnosed Hopkins and another service member with chronic lead poisoning, Dorrance contacted the office of the surgeon at Special Operations Command, the Environmental Health unit at Fort Bragg and officials at Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Command to request that more troops be tested and the problem be researched. But six years after the issue was first raised, little progress has been made. The Department of Defense, which until last year annually tested blood lead levels in just 1,200 out of almost three million troops and civilian employees, has found very few cases of lead poisoning, leading Army officials to believe that there isn’t a widespread problem.”

“Dorrance and Dr. Mark Hyman, director of the Center for Functional Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, argue that this theory is wrong — and that they have the patients to prove it. Pointing to a growing body of research that suggests that lead in the bones may be more toxic than once thought, they say physicians should be considering lead poisoning as a possible cause for many unexplained symptoms in service members, especially uncontrolled hypertension, fatigue and brain fog. ‘These soldiers are breaking down, and they go to doctor after doctor after doctor, and every single one of them misses what is going on,’ Hyman said. ‘These soldiers aren’t getting the proper care. It’s a huge blind spot.'”

Lead Poisoning Symptoms:

1. Decreased cognitive abilities, especially reduced ability to focus on, learn, and remember new things
2. Fatigue
3. Irritability
4. Abdominal pain or “stomach aches”
5. Headache
6. Constipation
7. Loss of appetite
8. Tingling in the hands or feet

Learn more here: Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Mark of a Killer Premiered ‘Charles Albright’ on Oxygen: The Eyeball Killer Suspected of Four Murders in Texas (February 10, 2019)

On February 10, 2019September 2, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Navy, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

Rookie police officers Regina Smith and John Matthews gained intelligence from the sex workers on their beat. -Oxygen (February 7, 2019)

A prostitute in the Dallas spoke to police about a man who attempted to attack her, and his possible link to the string of other murders in the Dallas area. -Oxygen (February 11, 2019)

Elizabeth Peacock discovered Charles Albright’s victim had had her eyeballs cut out. -Oxygen (February 11, 2019)

Dallas Police find one of Charles Albright’s victims lying nude in the street, with a gunshot to the head. -Oxygen (February 11, 2019)

Dallas police discover three women murdered with their eyes surgically removed. Police believe they have a deranged doctor on the loose until two rookie cops find themselves on the trail of a man with a Psycho-esque mother, a talent for taxidermy, and a hatred for women. -Oxgen (February 12, 2019)

Serial killer, Charles Albright, removed the eyeballs of sex workers in Dallas,Texas. -Oxygen (February 14, 2019)

Dr. Michael Stone explains Charles Albright’s narcissistic behavior. -Oxygen (February 14, 2019)

Officer Regina Smith recounts the night she drove Charles Albright to the Dallas Homicide Division after he had murdered several sex workers in the Dallas area. -Oxygen (February 15, 2019)

Psychologist Dr. Michael Stone makes note that there are passages in the New Testament that talk about eyes in a special way. -Oxygen (February 15, 2019)

Forensic Files:

Full Episode: A serial killer is prowling the streets of Dallas, targeting prostitutes. All the police know is that the killer has a bizarre signature. See No Evil, Forensic Files

Investigation Discovery:

Dallas has its dark side, but nothing compares the horror of a series of women found murdered with their eyeballs surgically removed. A pair beat cops use their street savvy to lead detectives to a sadistic killer and his bizarre motive. -The Eyeball Killer, Murder by Numbers (S2, E5)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.

Snapped Premiered ‘Constance Tomich’ on Oxygen: Navy Veteran Ronald Tomich Found Fatally Shot in Indiana Home on Valentine’s Day (February 10, 2019)

On February 10, 2019August 4, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Navy, True Crime, VeteransLeave a comment

Constance Tomich called 911 to report finding her husband dead in their home. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 11, 2019)

Melissa Zitterman, charged with conspiracy to murder Ronald Tomich, at 16 years old, discusses life after her release. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 12, 2019)

Former Indiana State Police Detective, Jeffrey Deckard confirms Zitterman was actually the shooter. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 13, 2019)

Law Enforcement, reporters, friends of the victim and Melissa Zitterman comment on Tomich’s sentencing. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 14, 2019)

Full Episode (YouTube):

The peace of an Indiana town is interrupted on Valentine’s Day 2003, when police receive a report of a violent murder. -Constance Tomich, Snapped, Oxygen (February 10, 2019)

ProPublica: ‘Death and Valor on an American Warship Doomed by Its Own Navy’ (February 6, 2019)

On February 6, 2019May 25, 2019 By AdministratorIn Accidents, Armed Forces, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Non Combat Death, ScandalsLeave a comment

This is footage from the deck of the USS Fitzgerald, a U.S. Navy destroyer, of the moments immediately after it was struck by cargo ship MV ACX Crystal, in the South China Sea around 1:30 a.m. on June 17, 2017. The picture goes dark for a second as the Crystal hits, then the Fitz is knocked into a 360-degree rotation. 7 sailors died. Our investigation found that the collision was preventable. Read the investigation here -ProPublica

ProPublica:
Part I: Death and Valor on an American Warship Doomed by its Own Navy
Part II: Years of Warnings, Then Death & Disaster: How the Navy Failed Its Sailors
In Navy Disasters, Neglect, Mistakes, and 17 Lost Sailors (Snapshot of Sailors)
How We Investigated the Navy’s Twin Disasters in the Pacific
Senate Committee Grills Navy Official Over 2017 Collisions, Seeking Data to Prove Conditions Have Changed
Exclusive: Footage of USS Fitzgerald After Collision w/ ACX Crystal (YouTube)

USS Fitzgerald Casualties (June 17, 2017):
Shingo Douglass, 25
Noe Hernandez, 26
Ngoc T. Truong Huynh, 25
Xavier Martin, 24
Gary Rehm Jr., 37
Dakota Rigsby, 19
Carlos Victor Sibayan, 23

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USS John McCain Casualties (August 21, 2017):
Kevin Bushell, 26
Dustin Doyon, 26
Jacob Drake, 21
Timothy Eckels, 23
Charles Findley, 31
John Hoagland, 20
Corey Ingram, 28
Abraham Lopez, 39
Logan Palmer, 23
Kenneth Smith, 22

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In the News:

An investigation with our reporting partners at ProPublica into the 2017 collisions of U.S.S. Fitzgerald and U.S.S. McCain suggest that the Navy had ignored warnings, and postponed critical training and repairs before those deadly accidents. -NBC News

A ProPublica investigation revealed new details into two separate collisions of the U.S.S. Fitzgerald and John S. McCain that led to the deaths of 17 sailors. Robert Faturechi was one of the authors of the investigation, and joined CBSN to discuss their findings. -CBS News

DOD Releases Annual Report on Sexual Harassment & Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2017-2018 (January 31, 2019)

On January 31, 2019February 25, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, Sexual Assault, USAF, USCG, USMCLeave a comment

“Today, the Department of Defense released the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2017-2018…There were 117 reports of sexual assault received across all three academies. This is an increase of five from the prior academic program year, indicating confidence in response measures, however, surveyed measures of unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment increased compared to rates last measured in 2016. There was also an overall increase in sexual harassment.” Read more here. -Department of Defense (January 31, 2019)

To view the full report, visit SAPR.mil.

Killer Couples Premiered ‘Erika and BJ Sifrit’ on Oxygen: Lethal Lovers Murder Ocean City, Maryland Tourists for the Thrill (January 28, 2019)

On January 28, 2019October 15, 2019 By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, Military Policy, Navy, True Crime, Veterans1 Comment

A vacationing couple’s disappearance exposes the horrific crimes of a murderous husband and wife. -Erika and BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (S11,E2)

A young woman’s scrapbook offers insight into a shocking crime. -Erika Sifrit, Snapped (S8,E11)

Oxygen (Previews & Bonus Clips):

Erica Sifrit was your typical girl next door during high school, but experienced issues with anxiety and OCD at Mary Washington College. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 29, 2019)

Erika and Benjamin Sifrit’s marriage ended in thrill killings, pain, and anguish. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 29, 2019)

Scott Bernal, Ocean City Lead Detective discusses the murder trials of Erika and Benjamin Sifrit’s for the death two tourists. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 30, 2019)

Ocean City Detectives Brett Case and Scott Bernal reflect on the murder of Joshua Edward Ford and the acquittal of Benjamin Sifrit, and his potential release. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 30, 2019)

Kristen Heinbaugh, a high school friend of Erika Sifrit, reflects on the character of the person she used to know before the murders of Joshua Edward Ford and Martha Margene Crutchley. -Erika & BJ Sifrit, Killer Couples (January 30, 2019)

Forensic Files:

Full Episode: The couple spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach, and then they simply vanished. Their clothes and personal items were still in the rented condo, their car was parked outside, and there were no signs of forced entry or foul play. A week later, police would get an unexpected lead from a robbery in progress, and the evidence they found helped them to solve a crime of unparalleled violence and brutality. -Dirty Little Seacret, Forensic Files (S13, E46)

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Category: Navy

Senate Armed Services Committee Members & House Armed Services Committee Members (June 21, 2019)

S. 1789: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2019 Reintroduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York (June 13, 2019)

Military Justice Improvement Act Introduced, Sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (2019)

Dateline NBC Premiered ‘The Call’: Navy Dependent Meghan Landowski Found Stabbed to Death in Portsmouth, Virginia Home (May 10, 2019)

New York Times: The Army Thought He Was Faking His Health Issues. Turns Out He Had Chronic Lead Poisoning. (April 3, 2019)

Mark of a Killer Premiered ‘Charles Albright’ on Oxygen: The Eyeball Killer Suspected of Four Murders in Texas (February 10, 2019)

Snapped Premiered ‘Constance Tomich’ on Oxygen: Navy Veteran Ronald Tomich Found Fatally Shot in Indiana Home on Valentine’s Day (February 10, 2019)

ProPublica: ‘Death and Valor on an American Warship Doomed by Its Own Navy’ (February 6, 2019)

DOD Releases Annual Report on Sexual Harassment & Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2017-2018 (January 31, 2019)

Killer Couples Premiered ‘Erika and BJ Sifrit’ on Oxygen: Lethal Lovers Murder Ocean City, Maryland Tourists for the Thrill (January 28, 2019)

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