A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (December 2017)

January 2018 copy

Missing:
Conversation with Fred Murray – Part 1
Marine recruiting office closed, sealed amid search for missing recruit
Robert Lee Boddie, Sr. | Fox 5 Atlanta
Special agent’s disappearance doesn’t make sense
Disappeared: Disabled Army Veteran Joseph Weber IV Missing Since 11/24/14

Cold Cases:
10 Unsolved Military Cases
Cold Case: SSG Anton Phillips, US Army, Found Stabbed to Death at FOB Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan; CID Offering $25,000 Reward for Information (2009)
Unsolved Homicide: Fort Hood Army Pvt. Justin Lewis Shot & Killed Near Vacant Lot in Neighborhood in Killeen, Texas (2017)

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ACTIVE DUTY

Stateside Deaths:
Fort Riley NCO Kevin Johnson found dead at his home
Authorities investigate after airman found dead at Altus Air Force Base
Mountain Home Air Force Base identifies Airman found dead
Air Force investigating death of airman found in dorm
Heslam: Christmas event held in honor of ‘role model’ fallen soldier
Soldier home for holidays died saving lives in Bronx inferno
Army National Guardsman rescued others before dying in NYC fire

Overseas Deaths:
I Am Nathan
DoD Identifies Army Casualty: David Brabander, 24
DoD Identifies Army Casualty: Avadon Chaves, 20
Report: American Soldier Found Dead In Niger Fought To The Death, Was Never Captured
‘This is not closure’: Navy families want answers on McCain, Fitzgerald deaths
Why is the DOD Obscuring the Cause of Death of Thomas J. Boyle, Jr.?
Fort Bliss Soldier Dies in Non-Combat Incident in Iraq
Turlock soldier dies in Iraq
DoD Identifies Soldier Killed In Iraq
Troops Who Died Defending our Freedom (2017)

Homicide Cases:
Couple killed in murder-suicide identified
Marine found not guilty in teen’s death
Man charged in 2004 murder of Army captain
Sailor From USS Nimitz Involved in Apparent Murder-Suicide
Raleigh police investigate the shooting death of local soldier
Soldier’s death in Killeen weighs heavy on friend 8 months later
Police arrest second suspect in Tacoma WA. killing of Westchester soldier Da’Quan Foster
Savannah man indicted for murder in 2004 soldier’s slaying
Husband confesses to hiding wife’s body in drum of acid
Timberville Man Pleads to Missing Woman’s Death
After 15 years, father finds peace in knowing truth about his murdered daughter
Camp Pendleton Marine killed in off-base fight

Sex Crimes Cases:
Military Court Case Uncovers Marine Sex Escapades At Air Station Miramar
Airman sentenced for on-base Christmas party sex crime involving subordinate
Sexual Assault in Military Isn’t Going Away as a Problem
Alaska Supreme Court: State wrong to deny records request

Other Crime Cases:
Sarah Palin’s Son Track Charged with Beating his Father, Called Cops “Peasants”
Ex-Marine recruit accused of planning Christmas attack was inspired by ISIS, FBI says
New York man accused of fabricating decorated Green Beret military career
SF Terror Plot Suspect Served at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton: Records
3 Army Vets Set Free After 25 Years In Prison For Crime They Say They Didn’t Commit
Burglary suspects caught stealing from father of fallen veteran
Sarah Palin’s Son, Track, Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges Again

Military Explosives:

Wrongly Convicted:
Former Soldiers Get Bail in Murder Case After 25 Years in Prison
3 Army Vets Set Free After 25 Years In Prison For Crime They Say They Didn’t Commit

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NATIONAL GUARD

Administrative:
National Guardsmen awaiting pay months after hurricanes

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VETERANS

Deaths:

Homicide Cases:
Double homicide tops 2017 crime stories
The Stacks: The Searing Story of How Murder Stalked a Tiny New York Town
Man Charged in Killings of 2 Girls Is Found Hanged in Cell
Suspected Remains of Army Captain and Her Dog Found in Shallow Grave Following Her Ex’s Arrest
Missing army vet found dead in shallow grave next to her dog
Army veteran charged with killing man over drugs near Baldwin Park
Madera police ask Christmas Day murder suspect to turn himself in, seek public’s help
Police say suspect who killed man on Christmas day is armed and dangerous
Suspected of Christmas Day murder, he was caught by police at a veterans hospital

Veterans Affairs Issues:
“Operation Deep Dive” to Examine Veteran Suicide Causes and Factors
V.A. Issues New Medical Marijuana Policy For Military Veterans
VA knowingly hired doctors with past malpractice claims, discipline for poor care
White House VA Hotline Now Fully Staffed and Operational Around the Clock to Serve Nation’s Veterans
Agency adds new positions to help Maine veterans transition from jail
Congress approves emergency funding for VA Choice, prevents delays of veterans’ care
79-year-old veteran who lived in the NJ woods for a decade has come home
VA Doctors Are Now Cleared To Talk About Medical Marijuana With Patients
Trump Signs Bill Opening VA To More Investigations
There’s something missing from research on veteran suicides
Buchanan Backs Bill to Study Painkillers’ Roll in Vet Suicides
Veteran still fighting…for medical care for those who served
Trying To Upgrade Your Discharge? The VA Has An App For That Now
Having Trouble With The VA? You Might Consider Calling Congress
Man threatening to jump from Vincent Thomas Bridge finally comes down
Veteran’s Stolen Dog Located On Christmas Eve
Utah couple’s relentless pursuit to end veteran suicide: ‘If it’s not us — then who?’
Volusia man arrested, accused of running fake veterans charity, authorities say
Woman wants service error on father’s gravestone fixed
Fort Gibson Veteran’s Service Dog Denied Access On Plane
VA Harassment Victims Share Their Stories

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Mental Health:
5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Anxiety
Is More CBD Better? The Science Behind CBD Dosing for Anxiety and Other Conditions
Why Don’t We See Men’s Pain? | Tom Golden #RPRF
10 Symptoms of PTSD Everyone Should Know
Army Reserve unit reaffirms values through speaker’s story
Depression among veterans can escalate during holiday season
‘It’s hard having someone deployed’ at Christmas
The day I rescued my human from herself
New in 2018: New mental health programs seek to ease strain on airmen, families
Some survivors are offered help, some deal alone with pain of military suicide

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MILITARY JUSTICE REFORM

Felony Crime:
Killeen Calling in Feds to Combat Crime
Air Force Academy unveils plan to rebuild scandal-ridden sexual assault office
She was late just once to her job at Hill Air Force Base. So when the 75-year-old didn’t show up last week, her co-workers began to worry.
Shuttle bus driver charged with killing colleague at former Walter Reed says he was defending himself

International Incidents:
Okinawa assault victim’s family sues former Marines convicted in 2008 attack
Marine Corps Blames Human Error For Helicopter Window That Fell Near Crowded Elementary School
Okinawa governor wants all US aircraft grounded after window fell near schoolchildren
British police confirm incident at RAF Mildenhall not terrorist-related; lockdown lifted
Shots fired in ‘disturbance’ at UK base used by US Air Force
South Koreans complain about stray rounds, noise from live-fire range

Accountability:
FBI investigates after 70-year-old widow duped out of $225K
Army general’s promotion pulled after calling congressional staffer ‘sweetheart’
Naval Officer Who Lost Job Over Anti-War Sentiments, Hate Group Activity Reinstated
Marine Three-Star Admonished in Fallout from Colonel’s Child-Abuse Case
Federal judge to rule on admissibility of statements in Fort Gordon bid-rigging conspiracy
Ex-Marine commandant guilty of unlawful command influence in infamous urine desecration case

Other Injustices:
How Peter Mims spent a week hiding in a warship’s engine room
Deported ex-Marine wins case to return to US from Mexico
Marines Crack Down On ‘Cruel, Abusive’ Hazing At Camp Pendleton
Transgender troops can enlist, over Trump’s demand for a ban
Mold at Al Udeid Air Base Was Preventable: IG Report
Green card holders can join the Army Reserve again — after a wait

Military Policy:
#AlToo?
Investigations
#MeToo run amok
I Didn’t Know | Angry Staff Officer
I, Too, Am Thinking About Me, Too
Meet the Women Worried About #MeToo
Senator Al Franken’s Resignation
Franken Urged to Reverse his Resignation
Prominent lawyer sought donor cash for two Trump accusers
House member offices paid $342k in settlements over 4 years
Drawing a Line on Sexual Harassment
Cities Sue DoD over Gun-Check System Failures
Cities sue Defense Dept. over gun-check system failures
The Air Force Is Terrible At Reporting Its Criminals. The Other Branches Are Even Worse
U.S. Air Force unveils criminal reporting reforms in wake of Texas shooting
Unwinding bureaucracy: Start of 2018 to see major Pentagon reform
FULL LIST: Democratic Lawmakers Call for Al Franken to Resign
Trent Franks: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Convicted Man Asks For Court-Ordered Marine Service
Dear #MeToo, I’d like to introduce you to #MikePenceRules
Rolling Stone Settles Last Remaining Lawsuit Over UVA Rape Story
Lawsuit: Oberlin College sexual assault hearing process rigged, 100% conviction rate
Criminologist and FBI to Journalists: Stop Naming Mass Murderers
IG: Mishandling of sexual harassment complaints at Justice Department a ‘systemic’ problem
The US Military Has Always Been A Social Experiment
New in 2018: Services to focus on excess training, education requirements
Pentagon Leaders Looking to Make a Culture Shift Within the Military
Fifth of Fort Hood soldiers begin new year overseas
In 2018, Let’s Fight for Due Process
Propensity Evidence on Appeal

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MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL:

Publications:
Military Rape Documentary Funded and Distributed by Serial Predator and Hollywood Movie Executive Harvey Weinstein
Washington DC Veteran’s Presentation on the Current Status of the Armed Forces at Fort Hood in Texas (2017)
Dishonorably Discharged Army Veteran Robert Cox is a Person of Interest in the Disappearance of ‘The Springfield Three’ (June 7, 1992)
Keana Barnes Shot & Killed Air Force Sgt. Perry ‘P.J.’ Jennings in Louisiana; Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for 2 Homicides (2003)
Iraq Army Veteran Jonathan ‘Mike’ Gilotti Gunned Down in Front of Home in Alabama; 4 Individuals Charged with Murder, 1 Found Not Guilty (2016)
Fort Hood Army Spc. Zachary Moore Found Unresponsive in Barracks on Deployment to Camp Hovey, South Korea; CID Ruled Suicide (2017)
Fort Hood Army MSG Alva ‘Joe’ Gwinn Lead Police on High Speed Car Chase After Wellness Check Initiated; Died of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound (2017)

On This Day:
Navy Wife Dina Kichler Raped & Murdered in Mayport, Florida by John Brewer Shortly After her Husband Deployed for Six Months on USS Forestall (December 3, 1990)
US Marine Lindell Mitchell Murdered in Home on Christmas Day; Kimberly Andrews Sentenced to 26 Years to Life in Prison (December 25, 1991)
Adrianne Jones Murdered by Air Force Academy Cadet David Graham and Naval Academy Cadet Diane Zamora; Motive Was Jealousy (December 4, 1995)
Leeds, England Police Officer Ian Broadhurst Gunned Down by Dishonorably Discharged Marine and Fugitive David Bieber During Routine Traffic Stop (December 26, 2003)
Navy Vet Peggy Thomas & Jim Huden Murdered Russel Douglas of Washington; Both Convicted, Huden Sentenced to 80 Years & Thomas Got 4 Years in Prison (December 26, 2003)
Former Air Force Reservist Michelle Theer Convicted of First Degree Murder of Husband Marty Theer for the Insurance Policy; Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (December 3, 2004)
Navy Reservist Paul Berkley Murdered by Wife Monique in North Carolina while Home on Leave from Middle East, SGLI was the Motive (December 18, 2005)
Sandra Grant, 23, US Navy, Died of Natural Causes While Aboard the USS Eisenhower in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (December 31, 2006)
Marine LCpl Maria Lauterbach and Unborn Child were Murdered; Fellow Marine Cesar Laurean Found Guilty of First Degree Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison (December 15, 2007)
SSG Anton Phillips, US Army, Found Stabbed to Death at FOB Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan; CID Offering $25,000 Reward for Information (December 31, 2009)
Navy Lt CDR Fred Trayers Stabbed to Death in California by Wife Jennifer Who was Angered by Infidelity with Fellow Navy Doctor (December 4, 2010)
Vietnam Veteran Francis Patrick Fleming, US Navy, Targeted & Stabbed to Death By Brenda Nicholas & Charles Jungbluth for $60,000 Coin Collection (December 8, 2011)
Spc Mikayla Bragg Died of a Non Combat Death in Afghanistan, Army Ruled Suicide & Report Calls for Continuity of Healthcare in Deployed Locations (December 21, 2011)
Fort Hood Army Soldier Michael Bailey II Allegedly Committed Suicide, Family Petitions Military and Killeen PD to Investigate Death as Murder (December 29, 2011)
Air Force Captain William DuBois Died When F-16 Aircraft Crashed in Jordan; USAF Accident Investigation Board Ruled Rapid Descent Caused Crash (December 1, 2014)
Wrongful Conviction: Fort Hood Army Soldier Thomas Chestnut’s Guilty Verdict was Overturned by the US Army Court of Criminal Appeals (December 14, 2016)
Army Pvt. Paige Fontenot Briles Found Unresponsive in Vehicle at Fort Hood Housing in Texas; Initially CID Investigated as Homicide But Later Ruled Suicide (December 24, 2016)
Army Veteran Fernando Duarte Fatally Shot in Florida Casino Parking Lot, Prosecutors Drop Murder Charges Against Two Men who Proved Self Defense (December 25, 2016)

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Featured in Television Episode, Movie, Documentary, Theatre:
Sneak peek: Murder by Design | 48 Hours
The Final Fall – Part 1 | Village of the Damned (Investigation Discovery)
Murder and dismemberment of cheerleaders Jennifer Bolduc and Sarah Hajney on Village of the Damned
Leading True-Crime Network Investigation Discovery Lifts The Veil On Mysterious Tragedies In A Small Town, ‘Village Of The Damned’
5 Things to Know About the Jeffrey MacDonald Case | Investigation Discovery
Final Vision | Investigation Discovery (Jeffrey MacDonald, US Army)
Duty, Honor And Murder | Diane Zamora Case | Crime Documentary
Nat Geo’s Iraq War Series: Gritty, Authentic, And Army-Approved
Body of War Documentary | The Real News
Filmmakers Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro Premiere the ‘Body of War’ Documentary Featuring Anti-War Activist & Disabled Army Vet Tomas Young (2007)
The Perfect Suspect (Investigation Discovery | GI Gone: Lisa Gaudenzi, US Army (1)
The Perfect Suspect (Investigation Discovery | GI Gone: Lisa Gaudenzi, US Army (2)
The 15:17 to Paris | Clint Eastwood (1)
The 15:17 to Paris | Clint Eastwood (2)

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MISCELLANEOUS:
The Top 10 Military Stories of 2017
We Asked You For The Biggest Military Stories Of 2017. Here Are The Top 21
Soldiers Honored for Saving Lives After Afghan Suicide Bombing
Veteran Helps Bring Ex-Iraq Military Interpreter, Family to US
2 Fort Carson brigades tapped for Afghanistan deployment
They went to lunch at the Ki-Be market and ended up foiling a murder plot
Jesse Ventura Takes His Last Shots At ‘American Liar’ Chris Kyle As He Drops Lawsuit
JBLM soldier jumped from pickup truck to help rescue passengers in train crash
Iraq War Veteran Reveals ‘Hostage’-Like Sexual Relationship With Disgraced NBC Host Matt Lauer
Ohio teens charged with murder after sandbag thrown from bridge hits car, kills passenger

Related Links:
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (November 2017)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (December 2017)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (January 2018)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (February 2018)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (March 2018)

A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (November 2017)

January 2018 copy

Missing:
Lackland Air Force Base Nurse Nonnie Dotson Mysteriously Disappeared, Last Seen November 19th, 2006 in Littleton, Colorado While on Leave
Disappeared: Disabled Army Veteran Joseph Weber IV Missing from San Francisco, California Since November 24, 2014

Cold Cases:
Sneak peek: A Brother’s Mission
Murder still unsolved after 10 years
Murder remains unsolved 20 years later
CID Offers $25,000 Reward in Afghanistan Murder
Looking Back: Women’s Army Corp officer found slain near 12th, Grange in 1943

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ACTIVE DUTY

Stateside Deaths:
Fort Stewart soldier injured during live-fire exercise
Soldier killed over weekend in Texas car crash
One Air Force pilot dead, another injured after plane crash in Texas
Fort Carson soldier identified as snowboarder who died at Monarch Ski Area
Airman Found Dead Near Blacks Creek Reservoir
Report: CID agent who died by suicide resisted seeking help
Suicide suspected in death of airman stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base
Midshipman found dead at Prince George’s shooting range
Sailor found dead in a Virginia Beach hotel day before she was to report for duty
Military intelligence Airman found dead in work area at Fort Gordon
Body found in bay confirmed to be missing Navy sailor
Officials investigating Thanksgiving Day death of Fort Bragg soldier
Sailor found dead on USS John C. Stennis in Washington state
Authorities investigate after airman found dead at Altus Air Force Base
Sycamore Twp. father suing Pentagon, says son deserves Purple Heart
Veteran Who Killed Himself Amid UC Davis Scandal Discriminated Against For Service, Lawsuit Claims

Overseas Deaths:
US Navy Plane with 11 Aboard Crashes Into Pacific; 8 Found Alive
Navy Releases Names Of 3 Sailors Killed In Crash Off Japan
Army report blames ‘human factors’ for deadly Apache crash in 2015
Fort Bliss soldier dies in Iraq in noncombat incident
Army sergeant from Brooklyn dies at Iraq border base
Riverside soldier’s death while deployed in Iraq is under investigation
Additional remains of soldier killed in Niger found as US investigates ambush
Did US soldiers caught in Niger ambush fall into enemy hands?
Family Of Ranger Killed By Friendly Fire In Afghanistan ‘Completely At Peace’
Horror as US Air Force woman killed in early morning car crash close to RAF Lakenheath
Army investigating after soldier found dead by Landstuhl train tracks Oct. 9
The probe into whether SEAL Team 6 commandos killed an American soldier in Mali, explained

Homicide Cases:
Reality TV star killed Coast Guard member in DWI wreck, police say
Slain Westchester soldier remembered as a loving family man and a ‘corn-fed giant’
Determining what Happened to Staff Sgt. Logan J. Melgar
Judge refuses to release triple-murder suspect with strong military record
Sailor accused of murder at Navy party shot in self-defense, lawyer says
Police have ‘person of interest’ in Marine’s shooting death
Warrant officer accused of murder pleads not guilty
Former Marine who served time for killing man steps down from school board post
Former NASA employee gets 20 years in Gladstone slaying

Sex Crimes Cases:
Fort Eustis soldier arrested in rape case from 2009
Army medic charged with raping, killing 9-month-old daughter
Navy officer disputes attempted rape charge with ’bizarre’ defense
USAF master sergeant given six months for having sex with same child as a youth pastor
Air Force physical therapist convicted of possessing child porn, sentenced to confinement
Navy man investigated for child porn; photos possibly taken at San Diego home
Air Force Academy Informants Are at Center of Child Porn Case
Disgraced Marine charged with sex crimes involving minors

Other Crime Cases:
Marine military policeman arrested on strangling charge

Absent Without Leave (AWOL) Cases:
Love triangle led to murder of transsexual model Diane Delia

Military Explosives:

Wrongly Convicted:

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NATIONAL GUARD

Administrative:

Sex Crimes Cases:
Kansas Army Guard ignores warning signs of flight surgeon’s sexual misconduct

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VETERANS

Deaths:

Homicide Cases:
Convicted murderer attended Bergdahl’s sentencing hearing: report
Air Force retiree from Beaver County, wife among dead in Texas church massacre
Acquitted in 2010 murder, man goes to jail for attacking Columbus police officer
Coroner Identifies Remains of Missing Retired Army Veteran Found in Southern California Desert
Deaths of couple found in Otay Mesa West home ruled murder-suicide
Death of retired Killeen teacher still under investigation
Family pleads for help after Army veteran slain while helping stranger
Army veteran charged with killing man over drugs near Baldwin Park
Evidence suppression hearing set for Dec. 4 in Luc Tieman murder case
Manson family victim Jay Sebring honed hair-styling skills while in the Navy
Lee Harvey Oswald: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Army vet and former Minn. legislative aide charged in fatal shooting of his student girlfriend
Funeral services set for slain detective
Atheist Activist Kills Wife and Himself in “Suspected Murder-Suicide”
DPS Trooper killed, suspect arrested
Kidnapped Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek worker died of ‘undetermined trauma’
CVS murder case scheduled for 5-day trial in March
Son of Couple Found Dead in Murder-Suicide Speaks
Snapped: After the Verdict – Karen Sanchez
Woman’s sentence reduced in husband’s murder

Other Crime Cases:
Oxford County investigating Sheriff Wayne Gallant

Veterans Affairs Issues:

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Mental Health:

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MILITARY JUSTICE REFORM

Felony Crime:
Local victim of military sexual assault speaks out
Victims of sex assaults in military are mostly men

International Incidents:
No lawyer for detained American accused of fighting with ISIS
Okinawa-based Marines charged with credit-card fraud by Tokyo police
Vandals strike vehicles, homes affiliated with the US military on Okinawa
Ex-US military base worker who raped and murdered a 20-year-old woman jailed for life in Japan
Prosecutor seeks to investigate Afghan war crimes allegations – and claims of US torture
U.S. military in Japan banned from alcohol after 21-year-old Marine arrested for fatal crash

Accountability:
Air Force: Fired commander tried to hide relationship with enlisted airman

Other Injustices:

Military Policy:
Texas mass shooting highlights failings of military justice
Number Of US Troops Killed In Plane Crashes Jumps In 2017
Pentagon IG: Military failed to report 31 percent of convictions that should bar gun ownership

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MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

Publications:
Prosecutor: Navy Petty Officer Rebecca Braswell Considered a Pure Sociopath
Joseph Snodgrass, US Air Force, Hired Hitmen to Murder Wife Julie at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines for the $400,000 Life Insurance Payout (1991)
Phonthip Ott Discovered Dead in California River; Spouse Dennis Ott, US Coast Guard, Convicted of Murder and Sentenced to Life in Prison (1992)
Dishonorably Discharged Marine & Fugitive David Bieber Guilty of Murdering Police Officer in Great Britain, Charged with Two Murder for Hire Schemes in Florida (1995)
Army Staff Sgt Paul Norris Shot Spc Kamisha Block Five Times in Iraq, Then Killed Self (2007)
Disabled WWII Army Veteran Richard Englander Murdered by Live-In Caregiver Sara Moore in New York 5 Days After Move In Date, Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison (2014)
A1C Rhianda Dillard, US Air Force, Found Dead in Offutt AFB Dorm Room; Airman Timothy Wilsey Charged with Desertion and Pre-Meditated Murder (2016)
SSgt Steven Williams, US Air Force, Pleaded No Contest to the Second Degree Murder of his USAF Veteran Ex-Wife Tricia Todd in Florida (2016)
Army Reserve Veteran Micah Johnson Murdered Five Dallas Police Officers During Black Lives Matter Protest in Texas (2016)

On This Day:
Lt Verle Lee Hartley, US Navy, Died of Arsenic Poisoning in 1982, NCIS Cold Case Squad Solved Murder 13 Years Later, Wife Pamela Plead Guilty (November 18, 1982)
Army Reservist & Drexel University Security Guard David Dickson Murdered Student Deborah Wilson & Stole Her Sneakers, Sentenced to Life in Prison (November 30,1984)
Fort Carson Army Soldier Christopher Walton Shot Outside Night Club in Colorado Springs; Leroy Davis Sentenced to 20 Years in Leavenworth by Military Courts (November 21, 1991)
Army Spouse Melinda Stewart, Army Sgt. Daniel Stewart, Jill Yousaf & Army Soldier James Catlin Conspired and Murdered Homeless Colorado Teen Maggie Fetty (November 30, 1991)
SSG Jeannette Dunn, US Army, Died of a Non Combat Related Injury in Taji, Iraq (November 26, 2006)
Spc Christine Ndururi, US Army, Died of Non Combat Related Illness at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (November 6, 2007)
Retired Marine Brian Brimager Pleaded Guilty to the Second Degree Murder of Yvonne Baldelli in Panama; Sentenced to 26 Years in Federal Prison (November 27, 2011)
Air Force Major Melissa Birtzer Found Dead at Eglin Air Force Base Range, No Foul Play Suspected (November 20, 2012)
Army Veteran Patricia MacCallum Murdered Husband Christopher for the Children, Social Security Benefits, and Life Insurance; Sentenced to Fifty Years in Oregon Prison (November 20, 2012)
Miranda Nichols, US Army, Shot & Killed by Army Boyfriend Samuel Tellu in an Apparent Domestic Dispute, Tellu Found Dead in Vehicle (November 24, 2012)
Army Veteran Tomas Young Dies at 34; Shot & Paralyzed on Black Sunday in 2004 on Peace Keeping Mission with Fort Hood in Sadr City, Iraq (November 10, 2014)
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin McEnroe Died of Wounds Sustained When Team’s Convoy Came Under Fire Entering Jordan Military Base (November 4, 2016)
Army Staff Sgt. James Moriarty Died of Wounds Sustained When Team’s Convoy Came Under Fire Entering Jordan Military Base (November 4, 2016)
Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Lewellen Died of Wounds Sustained When Team’s Convoy Came Under Fire Entering Jordan Military Base (November 4, 2016)
Army Specialist Ronald Murray Jr. Died of a Non-Combat Related Incident in Kuwait Supporting Operation Inherent Resolve (November 10, 2016)
Fort Hood Infantryman Pvt. Kevin Paulino, US Army, Died of Gunshot Wound in Peru, Indiana; Police Confirm Suicide (November 16, 2016)
Army Infantryman Sgt. 1st Class Grant Shanaman of Fort Bragg, North Carolina Found Dead in Off Post Residence (November 16, 2016)
Army Pfc. David Winchester Found Dead in Barracks at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (November 16, 2016)

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Featured in Television Episode, Movie, Documentary, Theatre:
Snapped: Preview – Keanna Barnes
Snapped: Sneak Peek – Did Michelle Do It?
The 7 best military stories from the glory days of ‘Unsolved Mysteries’
Maura Murray was Probably Murdered: “She Got Into a Car with Somebody and was Met with Foul Play”

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MISCELLANEOUS
Soldier who survived crash, being run over by bus: ‘God was over me’

Related Links:
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (November 2017)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (December 2017)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (January 2018)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (February 2018)
A Month in Review: In the News on Military Justice for All (March 2018)

Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton Picks Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine As VP Running Mate; Kaine Blocked Military Justice Improvement Act in Historic Vote (July 22, 2016)

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Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA)

Hillary Clinton picked Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia as her Vice Presidential running mate. What is interesting about this pick is at one point in a Time magazine article in 2014, Clinton showed public support of the Military Justice Improvement Act, yet she chooses Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) as her vice presidential running mate who has been blocking the bill since 2013. Of course Senator Angus King (I-ME) endorses this choice since he too has been blocking the due process bill sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Susan Collins, Senator Rand Paul, Senator Ted Cruz, and many other bi-partisan Senators advocating for constitutional rights for military personnel and veterans.

“The move was surprising in that it means that if she becomes President, the normally hawkish Clinton would go against the advice of military brass and remove the cases from the chain of command. It also must have had a little bit of a silver lining dig at McCaskill, who endorsed Barack Obama over Clinton in 2008.” ~Time (2014)

Continue reading “Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton Picks Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine As VP Running Mate; Kaine Blocked Military Justice Improvement Act in Historic Vote (July 22, 2016)”

Vox: The War in Congress Over Rape in the Military, Explained (June 8, 2016)

By Emily Crockett

Sexual assault is a huge problem in the US military. And for many victims, the process of reporting their crime and seeking justice can be as traumatic as their assault.

Most members of Congress and military officials agree that these basic facts are true, and that more reforms to the military justice system could help. But there’s a profound disagreement on how, and how much, the system needs to change.

The US Senate is expected to vote this week on the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA). Advocates, who have been pushing for the MJIA since 2013, say the reform would make the process of prosecuting sex crimes a lot easier and smoother for victims and help victims feel more empowered to come forward and report the crimes against them.

An unusual bipartisan cadre of senators support the MJIA, from Elizabeth Warren to Ted Cruz. But the Pentagon adamantly opposes it, and many senators listen to the Pentagon when it says the MJIA would undermine “good order and discipline.” So there’s still no filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority for the measure, and it’s been defeated every year it’s come up.”

Read more here: The war in Congress over rape in the military, explained

Related Links:
Fort Hood Army Staff Sgt. Paul Norris Fatally Shot Spc. Kamisha Block in Murder-Suicide in Iraq; Family Calls for Congressional Hearings & Independent Investigations (August 16, 2007)
Camp Lejeune Marine Maria Lauterbach & Unborn Child Murdered, Remains Discovered in Marine’s Backyard; Cesar Laurean Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (December 15, 2007)
HOR Oversight Subcommittee on National Security & Foreign Affairs Held a Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military (July 31, 2008)
Former Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) Introduced the Holley Lynn James Act (April 12, 2011)
Lauterbach Case Prompts Policy Reforms for Victims of Sexual Assault in the Military (December 25, 2011)
Air Force TSgt. Jennifer Norris Testified Before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington DC (January 23, 2013)
Stars and Stripes: ‘White House, Congress bear down on military sexual assault’ (May 16, 2013)
S. 967: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – U.S. Senate Voting Record (March 6, 2014)
Army Pfc. Shadow McClaine Reported Missing at Fort Campbell; Ex-Husband Sgt. Jamal Williams-McCray & Spc. Charles Robinson Pleaded Guilty to Murder (September 2, 2016)
Army Pvt. Nicole Burnham Found Unresponsive in Fort Carson Barracks; Death Ruled Suicide After Sexual Assault, Retaliation & a Three Month Expedited Transfer Delay (January 26, 2018)
Rep. Mike Turner Says New Military Legislation Closes a Loophole & Includes Domestic Violence Victims in the Expedited Transfer Policy Law (May 1, 2018)
Gillibrand: The Military Justice Improvement Act Would Give Service Members a Justice System That Works (July 1, 2019)
House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel: Hearings on Domestic Violence in the Military (September 18, 2019)
Rep. Seth Moulton Introduces The Brandon Act to Change DoD Mental Health Policy, Pay Tribute to Fallen Navy Sailor Brandon Caserta (June 25, 2020)
Open Letter to House of Representatives in Support of an Independent Investigation of the Murder of Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood (July 7, 2020)

S. 967: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – U.S. Senate Voting Record (March 6, 2014)

MJIA.jpeg
Military Justice Improvement Act #PassMJIA

S. 967 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – Voting Record of U.S. Senate

NOTE: INVOKING CLOTURE REQUIRES A 3/5 MAJORITY OF THE SENATE. IT IS NOT A VOTE ON THE PASSAGE OF THE PIECE OF LEGISLATION, BUT LIMITS FURTHER DEBATE TO 30 HOURS. CLOTURE IS TYPICALLY USED TO END A FILIBUSTER. A FAILED CLOTURE VOTE OFTEN PREVENTS THE LEGISLATION FROM EVER COMING TO A VOTE.

NOTE: THIS LEGISLATION NEEDED A THREE-FIFTHS MAJORITY VOTE TO PASS.

Date: March 6, 2014
Issues: Crime, Military Personnel, Women
Bill: Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013
Roll Number: 59
Yea: 55
Nay: 45
Cloture Not Invoked (Senate)

Gillibrand brings victims’ voices to Senate floor in fight for military justice -U.S.Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (March 6, 2014)

Before Senate Vote, Hirono Urges Colleagues To Pass Military Justice Improvement Act -Mazie Hirono (March 6, 2014)

Sen. Paul joined Senate colleagues to urge passage of the Military Justice Improvement Act. This piece of bipartisan legislation will combat sexual assault and other violent crimes in the military by restructuring the way in which they are reported and prosecuted. -Senator Rand Paul (March 6, 2014)

Floor Statement on the Military Justice Improvement Act -Senator Chuck Grassley (March 6, 2014)

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) went to the Senate floor to reiterate her support for the Military Justice Improvement Act of which she is an original co-sponsor and call for its immediate passage. -Senator Jeanne Shaheen (March 6, 2014)

U.S. Senator Susan Collins spoke on the Senate floor today in strong support of legislation coming before the Senate that would address the crisis of sexual assault in the military. -Senator Susan Collins (March 6, 2014)

(Washington, D.C.) — Yesterday on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) spoke in support of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-NY) bipartisan Military Justice Improvement Act (S. 1752). -[Former] Senator Dean Heller (March 6, 2014)

The Senate came within five votes of passing a major change to the military’s command structure. An amendment by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., would have stripped commanders of authority over sexual assault cases and put everything in the hands of seasoned military trial lawyers. -CBS Evening News (March 6, 2014)

Senator Ted Cruz speaks out in support of a military sexual assault bill that was blocked in the Senate. -CNN (March 6, 2014)

PBS NewsHour: Hirono Fights For Military Justice Improvement Act -Mazie Hirono (March 7, 2014)

Senator Brian Schatz’s remarks on failure of Military Justice Improvement Act passage -Hawaii247.com (March 7, 2014)

Editors Note: The Senator’s name with a link is a Senator still serving in the U.S. Senate (as of June 24, 2019). You can click on the link and it will take you to their official Senate page. The Senators without a link have been voted out, left, retired, or died. If you click on the Vote link Yea or Nay, it will take you to the Senator’s twitter page. You can thank them for supporting the MJIA or remind those who voted Nay why the MJIA is so important.

State District Name Party Vote
AK Jr Sen.  Mark  Begich Democratic Yea
NH Sr Sen.  Jeanne  Shaheen Democratic Yea
MD Sr Sen.  Barbara  A.  Mikulski Democratic Yea
MN Jr Sen.  Al  Franken Democratic Yea
VT Jr Sen.  Bernard  ‘Bernie’  Sanders Independent Yea
MN Sr Sen.  Amy  Klobuchar Democratic Yea
TX Jr Sen.  Rafael  Edward  ‘Ted’  Cruz  Republican Yea
NM Jr Sen.  Martin  T.  Heinrich Democratic Yea
MA Sr Sen.  Elizabeth  A.  Warren Democratic Yea
HI Sr Sen.  Brian  Emmaneul  Schatz Democratic Yea
NY Jr Sen.  Kirsten  E.  Gillibrand Democratic Yea
CA Sr Sen.  Dianne  Feinstein Democratic Yea
PA Sr Sen.  Robert  P.  ‘Bob’  Casey  Jr. Democratic Yea
IN Sr Sen.  Joe  Donnelly  Sr. Democratic Yea
CT Jr Sen.  Christopher  S.  ‘Chris’  Murphy Democratic Yea
HI Jr Sen.  Mazie  K.  Hirono Democratic Yea
NV Sr Sen.  Dean  Heller Republican Yea
KY Sr Sen.  Mitch  McConnell Republican Yea
CA Jr Sen.  Barbara  Boxer Democratic Yea
VT Sr Sen.  Patrick  J.  Leahy Democratic Yea
DE Jr Sen.  Christopher  A.  ‘Chris’  Coons Democratic Yea
CO Sr Sen.  Michael  Farrand  Bennet Democratic Yea
LA Sr Sen.  David  B.  Vitter Republican Yea
WA Sr Sen.  Patty  Murray Democratic Yea
IA Sr Sen.  Charles  E.  ‘Chuck’  Grassley Republican Yea
ND Jr Sen.  Heidi  Heitkamp Democratic Yea
WV Sr Sen.  John  D.  ‘Jay’  Rockefeller  IV Democratic Yea
NJ Sr Sen.  Robert  ‘Bob’  Menendez Democratic Yea
OR Jr Sen.  Jeffery  A.  ‘Jeff’  Merkley Democratic Yea
LA Sr Sen.  Mary  L.  Landrieu Democratic Yea
CO Sr Sen.  Mark  E.  Udall Democratic Yea
AR Sr Sen.  Mark  Lunsford  Pryor Democratic Yea
ME Sr Sen.  Susan  M.  Collins Republican Yea
IL Sr Sen.  Richard  J.  ‘Dick’  Durbin Democratic Yea
WY Sr Sen.  Michael  B.  ‘Mike’  Enzi Republican Yea
WA Jr Sen.  Maria  Cantwell Democratic Yea
MI Sr Sen.  Debbie  Ann  Stabenow Democratic Yea
NY Sr Sen.  Charles  E.  ‘Chuck’  Schumer Democratic Yea
OR Sr Sen.  Ron  Wyden Democratic Yea
IA Jr Sen.  Thomas  ‘Tom’  Harkin Democratic Yea
OH Sr Sen.  Sherrod  C.  Brown Democratic Yea
NJ Jr Sen.  Cory  A.  Booker Democratic Yea
NE Sr Sen.  Mike  O.  Johanns Republican Yea
NM Sr Sen.  Thomas  S.  ‘Tom’  Udall Democratic Yea
KS Jr Sen.  Jerry  W.  Moran Republican Yea
NV Sr Sen.  Harry  M.  Reid Democratic Yea
MD Sr Sen.  Benjamin  L.  ‘Ben’  Cardin Democratic Yea
KY Jr Sen.  Rand  Paul Republican Yea
SD Sr Sen.  Timothy  Peter  ‘Tim’  Johnson Democratic Yea
MA Jr Sen.  Edward  J.  ‘Ed’  Markey Democratic Yea
MT Jr Sen.  John  E.  Walsh Democratic Yea
NC Jr Sen.  Janet  R.  ‘Kay’  Hagan Democratic Yea
AK Sr Sen.  Lisa  A.  Murkowski Republican Yea
CT Sr Sen.  Richard  ‘Dick’  Blumenthal Democratic Yea
WI Jr Sen.  Tammy  Baldwin Democratic Yea
MT Sr Sen.  Jon  Tester Democratic Nay
IL Jr Sen.  Mark  Steven  Kirk Republican Nay
ID Jr Sen.  James  E.  ‘Jim’  Risch Republican Nay
FL Sr Sen.  Marco  Rubio Republican Nay
ND Sr Sen.  John  H.  Hoeven Republican Nay
RI Jr Sen.  Sheldon  Whitehouse Democratic Nay
WI Sr Sen.  Ron  Johnson Republican Nay
VA Sr Sen.  Mark  R.  Warner Democratic Nay
SC Jr Sen.  Timothy  E.  ‘Tim’  Scott Republican Nay
VA Jr Sen.  Timothy  M.  ‘Tim’  Kaine Democratic Nay
TN Jr Sen.  Robert  ‘Bob’  Corker Republican Nay
DE Sr Sen.  Thomas  Richard  ‘Tom’  Carper Democratic Nay
NE Sr Sen.  Deb  Fischer Republican Nay
AZ Sr Sen.  Jeff  Flake Republican Nay
NH Jr Sen.  Kelly  A.  Ayotte Republican Nay
MS Sr Sen.  Roger  F.  Wicker Republican Nay
ID Sr Sen.  Michael  D.  ‘Mike’  Crapo Republican Nay
UT Sr Sen.  Orrin  G.  Hatch Republican Nay
GA Sr Sen.  Clarence  Saxby  Chambliss Republican Nay
FL Sr Sen.  William  Clarence  ‘Bill’  Nelson  Sr. Democratic Nay
AL Sr Sen.  Richard  C.  Shelby Republican Nay
MO Sr Sen.  Claire  McCaskill Democratic Nay
ME Jr Sen.  Angus  S.  King  Jr. Independent Nay
RI Sr Sen.  John  Francis  ‘Jack’  Reed Democratic Nay
MO Sr Sen.  Roy  Blunt Republican Nay
TN Sr Sen.  Lamar  Alexander Republican Nay
SD Sr Sen.  John  R.  Thune Republican Nay
IN Sr Sen.  Daniel  R.  ‘Dan’  Coats Republican Nay
UT Sr Sen.  Michael  ‘Mike’  Lee Republican Nay
PA Jr Sen.  Patrick  J.  ‘Pat’  Toomey Republican Nay
OH Jr Sen.  Robert  J.  ‘Rob’  Portman Republican Nay
MS Sr Sen.  Thad  Cochran Republican Nay
TX Sr Sen.  John  Cornyn Republican Nay
NC Sr Sen.  Richard  M.  Burr Republican Nay
SC Sr Sen.  Lindsey  O.  Graham Republican Nay
AZ Sr Sen.  John  Sidney  McCain  III Republican Nay
OK Sr Sen.  James  M.  ‘Jim’  Inhofe Republican Nay
MI Sr Sen.  Carl  Levin Democratic Nay
NA None  Jefferson  Beauregard  ‘Jeff’  Sessions  III Republican Nay
KS Sr Sen.  Charles  Patrick  ‘Pat’  Roberts Republican Nay
WY Jr Sen.  John  Barrasso Republican Nay
WV Sr Sen.  Joseph  ‘Joe’  Manchin  III Democratic Nay
GA Sr Sen.  John  H.  ‘Johnny’  Isakson Republican Nay
OK Jr Sen.  Thomas  Allen  ‘Tom’  Coburn Republican Nay
AR Sr Sen.  John  N.  Boozman Republican Nay

Related Links:
S. 967 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013
S. 967 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – Voting Record of U.S. Senate
S. 967 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 – National Key Vote
Comprehensive Resource Center for the Military Justice Improvement Act
Gillibrand brings victims’ voices to Senate floor in fight for military justice
Before Senate Vote, Hirono Urges Colleagues To Pass Military Justice Improvement Act
Sen. Paul Speaks in Support of Military Justice Improvement Act
Floor Statement on the Military Justice Improvement Act
On Senate Floor Senator Shaheen Calls for Passage of Military Justice Improvement Act
Sen. Collins speaks in support of efforts to address military sexual assault
Heller Speaks About Military Sexual Assault Legislation
Senate blocks change to military sexual assault cases
Sen. Cruz: They didn’t sign up to be sexually assaulted
PBS NewsHour: Hirono Fights For Military Justice Improvement Act
Senator Brian Schatz’s remarks on failure of Military Justice Improvement Act passage
The war in Congress over rape in the military, explained
Senate Armed Services Committee Members & House Armed Services Committee Members (June 21, 2019)

Politico: McCaskill’s ‘lonely’ sex-assault stand (2013)

My Approved PortraitsSen. Claire McCaskill is on the verge of a historic victory reforming the Pentagon’s sexual assault policies.

But rather than basking in acclaim during the debate’s climatic week in the Capitol, the Missouri Democrat finds herself paying a political cost for being an outlier within her own caucus. She’s the only one of the Senate’s 16 Democratic women opposing a much more sweeping change that removes the chain of command from prosecuting sexual assault and other major military crimes.

Read more from Politico here.

“Dear @clairecmc Thanks 4 railroading the Military Justice Improvement Act. Is it true that you have never served a day in your life? #MJIA,” Jennifer Norris, a Maine-based Air Force veteran who works with sexual assault victims…tweeted, referring to Gillibrand’s legislative proposal by its official name. -Politico

Editor’s Note: It appears the original tweet has disappeared and it was never deleted by Jennifer Norris. Also the tweet is not on the web version of the article but is still part of the mobile version of the article.

Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) Cosponsored the Military Justice Improvement Act; Currently Serving as Senate Armed Services Committee Member (May 16, 2013)

Mazie Hirono
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Senate Armed Services Committee

Hawaii Delegation Backs Reforms Against Military Sexual Assaults (May 16, 2013) by Kery Murakami, Honolulu Civil Beat

New legislation would make it easier for victims of sexual assaults in the military to come forward.

“WASHINGTON, D.C. — A burgeoning scandal over sexual assaults in the military is fueling calls from congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support a bill that gives victims greater confidence that they’ll get justice. At an emotional press conference on Thursday where former service members spoke of being sexually assaulted while in the military, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined a bipartisan group in both chambers in pushing for reform. The issue was a personal one for Gabbard, who served two tours of duty in the Middle East with the National Guard. Though she was not available for comment Thursday, she told CNN earlier this month that rape culture was prevalent during her first deployment to Iraq, to the point where soldiers were trained on protecting themselves from other soldiers.”

At [the] press conference, Jennifer Norris said she was raped while serving in the U.S. Air Force. “At first I was too afraid to report my assault to my chain of command, but two years later I was forced to report due to the escalation of the behavior and the fear that I would be raped again,” she said. Norris…said she’d been reluctant to report the rape because, “in the Air Force, I witnessed first hand what happens to those who stepped forward to report their assaults. I did not want to be stigmatized for reporting my assault — as I tried to move forward with my career. Instead, the best option for me was to try and endure it, to suck it up and try and make it until I could get transferred somewhere else — only to have it happen over and over again, like a recurring nightmare.” –Honolulu Civil Beat (May 16, 2013)

Read more from Honolulu Civil Beat here.

In the News:

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono was joined today by victims of sexual assault in the military and organizations who assist victims of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) to announce new bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would reform the military justice system by removing the prosecution of all crimes punishable by one year or more in confinement from the chain of command, except crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave. -Mazie Hirono (September 25, 2013)

Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined a diverse coalition, led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), to call for the creation of a fair military justice system to reverse the systemic obstacles that sexual assault victims face. The Military Justice Improvement Act would remove the military’s chain of command’s sole decision-making power over whether cases move forward to trial. -Mazie Hirono (November 6, 2013)

Hirono Speaks In Support Of The Military Justice Improvement Act. -Mazie Hirono (November 14, 2013)

With Vote Looming, Hirono Urges Support For Military Justice Improvement Act -Mazie Hirono (November 20, 2013)

Before Senate Vote, Hirono Urges Colleagues To Pass Military Justice Improvement Act -Mazie Hirono (March 6, 2014)

PBS NewsHour: Hirono Fights For Military Justice Improvement Act -Mazie Hirono (March 7, 2014)

Senator Hirono Calls to Address Military Sexual Assault -Mazie Hirono (May 24, 2016)

Senator Hirono Presses Marine Corps Commandant for Commitment to Address Military Sexual Assualt -Mazie Hirono (March 14, 2017)

Related Links:
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Senate Armed Services Committee
S.967 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013
S.1752 – Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013
Rape victims testify about assaults in Military (March 13, 2013)
Hawaii Delegation Backs Reforms Against Military Sexual Assaults (May 16, 2013)
Tough military sexual assault bill introduced (May 17, 2013)
Hirono visits 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks (April 8, 2013)
Hawaii delegation supports bill on military sexual assault (May 17, 2013)
Women in Congress Leading the Charge on Changing the Culture of Sexual Assault in the Military (May 18, 2013)
Women in the Senate Confront the Military on Sexual Assaults (June 3, 2013)
Senate set for battle over military sexual assault (June 12, 2013)
Diverse coalition behind Gillibrand sexual assault bill (July 16, 2013)
Military Sexual Assault Bill Would Reassign Authority (July 21, 2013)
Military Sexual Assault Bill Would Reassign Authority (July 21, 2013)
Hirono Joins Colleagues To Announce Bill To Stop Sexual Assault In The Military (September 25, 2013)
Hirono Calls For Fair Military Justice System For Survivors Of Sexual Assault (November 6, 2013)
Hirono Joins Bipartisan Group of Colleagues to Call for Fair Military Justice System for Sexual Assault Survivors (November 6, 2013)
Group of senators begin push to remove sex assault cases from chain of command (November 6, 2013)
McCaskill, Blunt seek to reform military sexual assault proceeding law (November 12, 2103)
Hirono Speaks In Support Of The Military Justice Improvement Act (November 14, 2013)
Rekha Basu: An epidemic of sexual assault in the military (November 19, 2013)
With Vote Looming, Hirono Urges Support For Military Justice Improvement Act (November 20, 2013)
Gillibrand, McCaskill Resume Military Sexual-Assault Debate (February 6, 2014)
Before Senate Vote, Hirono Urges Colleagues To Pass Military Justice Improvement Act (March 6, 2014)
PBS NewsHour: Hirono Fights For Military Justice Improvement Act (March 7, 2014)
Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand And Claire McCaskill Begin To Take On College Sexual Assault (April 4, 2014)
U.S. Senators Serious About Sexual Assault (April 21, 2014)
Retaliation Against Victims of Military Sexual Assault Still Persists (December 4, 2014)
Senators demand transparency in US military justice system (December 8, 2015)
Pentagon data on child sex crimes in the military doesn’t show full picture (January 4, 2016)
Senator Hirono Calls to Address Military Sexual Assault (May 24, 2016)
Senator Hirono Presses Marine Corps Commandant for Commitment to Address Military Sexual Assualt (March 14, 2017)
Hirono, Gillibrand Re-Introduce Legislation to Address Crisis of Military Sexual Assault (November 16, 2017)
Military Justice Improvement Act Targets Sex Assaults (November 20, 2017)
Defense Department targets Air Force Academy’s use of mental diagnoses to oust cadets who report sexual assault (March 1, 2018)
Pentagon IG opens evaluation of Air Force Academy sexual assault prevention office (March 1, 2018)
Senators Hirono, Gillibrand Reintroduce Legislation to Bring Justice to Survivors of Sexual Assault in the Military (June 14, 2019)
Senate Armed Services Committee Members & House Armed Services Committee Members (June 21, 2019)
Hirono Calls For Fair Military Justice System For Survivors Of Sexual Assault
Hirono Joins Colleagues To Announce Bill To Stop Sexual Assault In The Military
Senator Hirono Calls to Address Military Sexual Assault

Lauterbach Case Prompts Policy Reforms for Victims of Sexual Assault in the Military (December 25, 2011)

Maria Lauterbach
LCpl. Maria Lauterbach, U.S. Marine Corps

The family of slain Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach is hailing recent provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act that profoundly change the way the Department of Defense will handle sexual assault charges.

The Defense STRONG Act has cleared both the House and the Senate and is awaiting President Barack Obama’s signature. Provisions include access to legal counsel for victims and the right to request a base transfer.

Lauterbach’s mother, Mary Lauterbach of Vandalia, said the new law would have made the difference in the case of her daughter, who was denied a base transfer after accusing fellow Marine Cesar Laurean of sexual assault. “Maria would be alive today if the base transfer had been available to her,” she said.

Turner concurred, “In civilian life you have complete control of your movements, and if you’re in an unsafe situation you can remove yourself. In military life, the victim needs permission to take even basic self-preservation actions.”

In the News:

New provisions handed down from the Department of Defense are giving sexual assault victims in the military rights they never had before. It’s all thanks to the fight from Congressman Mike Turner and a local mother Mary Lauterbach. The provisions make certain that a victim has legal counsel throughout the whole process so they understand what their legal rights are and how to protect themselves. The provisions also remove the accused from the situation and not the victim. -WKEF/WRGT (August 15, 2013)

A major hurdle cleared for sexual assault victims in the military. Congress passed a bill that would give victims rights and protection they never had before. The push came after the tragic murder of local marine Maria Lauterbach and her unborn son. Congress approved a bill that would give military sexual assault victims legal counsel and criminalize retaliation against any victim. “If Maria had had this, she would be alive today, it’s very important.” The bill now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature. -WKEF/WRGT (December 20, 2013)

Law protecting military victims of sexual assault discussed. -WDTN-TV (May 1, 2018)

Key changes in military policy

  • By executive order, communication between victims and victim advocates will now be privileged. Previously conversations between victim and victim advocates can be subpoenaed in court, making victims reluctant to come forward. Pending legislation HR 1540, passed by both the House and Senate, provides for:
  • Legal assistance for victims of sexual assault. Previously, only defendants in the military have been guaranteed access to a lawyer.
  • Stricter training guidelines and greater oversight for Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Sexual Assault Victim Advocates.
  • Retention of sexual assault records with lifetime access for service members.
  • The victim’s right to a base transfer or unit transfer. Under the new law, these requests will be expedited, with decisions being made within 72 hours and the bias should be in favor of the victim.

Read more here.

Former Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) Introduced the Holley Lynn James Act (April 12, 2011)

[Former] Rep. Bruce Braley introduces the Holley Lynn James Act — a bill to help victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in the military get justice. The bill is named after Holley Lynn James, a constituent of [former] Rep. Braley who was killed by her husband while both were in the service. -[Former] Rep. Bruce Braley (April 12, 2011)

In Their Name:

******************************************************************

Holley Lynn James Wimunc 2
2nd Lt. Holley Lynn James, U.S. Army

“The U.S. military could crack down on internal cases of sexual and domestic abuse. That’s if a bill that [former] Congressman Bruce Braley has written becomes law. The bill is named after this former Dubuque [Iowa] woman. In 2008, Holley Lynn James’ husband killed her at their home at a military base in North Carolina. Both James and her husband John Wimunc were in the military. [KCRG spoke with James’ father] Call it a gut feeling or a father’s intuition, during the spring of 2008 Jesse James knew something wasn’t right with his daughter’s marriage. ‘We were constantly calling the unit, calling the unit and they would do something but it didn’t last very long’ (Jesse James) Two months before her death, Army 2nd Lt. Holley James filed a domestic violence complaint with police against her estranged husband Marine Corporal John Wimunc.

[Wimunc] later killed Holley, dismembered her body, then set her apartment on fire. ‘The military has never had a system of investigating and prosecuting these cases’ (Jesse James). But [former] Congressman Braley’s new bill aims to change all that. It would create an Inspector General’s office to handle abuse cases. There would be a resource department for victims and would include a neutral third party investigator. ‘This isn’t an indictment on military leaders, it’s just that people who are more qualified with the life experiences to investigate and prosecute these things need to be doing it’ (Jesse James). James says he’ll never know but a department like this may have saved his daughter’s life…John Wimunc pleaded guilty to Holley James murder and a judge sentenced him to life in prison without parole. James had two children from a previous relationship. Jesse James says the children are doing well and living with their father…”

“Last year the Department of Defense reported more than 3000 instances of sexual assault in the military. Now [former] Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley has introduced legislation that aims to bring that number down. ‘When it has to do with woman serving their country in the military, I can’t think of a better reason for people to come together and come up with a solution to an alarming problem’ (Rep. Bruce Braley). In Dubuque today, Braley spoke about the Holley Lynn James Act. It would help victims of sexual and domestic abuse in the military. The bill is named after the Dubuque native and Army 2nd Lt. [Holley Lynn James] who was killed by her husband [John Wimunc] in 2008. The bill would enlist the office of Inspector General to provide independent oversight in reported cases.” –KCRG-TV (April 12, 2011)

Related Links:
Rep. Braley introduces Holley Lynn James Act (April 12, 2011)
H.R.1517 – Holley Lynn James Act (112th Congress, 2011-2012)
To amend titles 10 and 28, United States Code, to provide for military sexual assault and domestic violence accountability, and for other purposes.
Domestic Violence, Where Does it End? (Interview with Jesse James)
Braley says Defense Department moves involving domestic violence are encouraging
Accountability for Sexual Assault Perpetrator in the Military
Battle over dedication to the military
New Braley ad pushes Senate hopeful’s ability to work across party lines
Slain soldier’s father lauds Braley
Sgt. Bill Coffin Murdered Ex-Fiancee After Civilian Courts Issued Protective Order, Judge Alleges Army Routinely Ignores Court Orders (December 15, 1997)
Army Staff Sgt. Paul Norris Fatally Shot Army Spc. Kamisha Block in Iraq After She Ended a Forbidden Relationship, Then Ended His Own Life (August 16, 2007)
Camp Lejeune Marine Maria Lauterbach & Unborn Child Murdered, Remains Discovered in Fellow Marine’s Backyard; Cesar Laurean Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (December 15, 2007)
Army Nurse Lt. Holley Lynn James Murdered by Marine Husband the Day After She Announced Divorce; John Wimunc Plead Guilty, Sentenced to Life in Prison (July 9, 2008)
HOR Oversight Subcommittee on National Security & Foreign Affairs Held a Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military (July 31, 2008)
History: The Military And Domestic Abuse (2009)
Congress Told That DOD Data on Sexual Assault and Rape in Military Is ‘Lacking in Accuracy, Reliability and Validity’ (2010)
Lauterbach Case Prompts Policy Reforms for Victims of Crime in the Military (December 25, 2011)
Air Force TSgt. Jennifer Norris Testified Before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington DC (January 23, 2013)
Evidence Reveals Army Reserve Recruiter Adam Arndt Murdered High School Student & Recruit Michelle Miller, Then Killed Self; Army Claims Double Suicide (April 8, 2013)
WMAR-2 News: Family of Katherine Morris wants Dept. of Justice to investigate death (August 10, 2015)
An Open Letter to the Senate and House of Representatives in Support of the Military Justice Improvement Act (June 1, 2016)
Army Pfc. Shadow McClaine Reported Missing at Fort Campbell; Ex-Husband Sgt. Jamal Williams-McCray & Spc. Charles Robinson Pleaded Guilty to Murder (September 2, 2016)
Military Policy and Legislation Considerations for the Investigations of Non Combat Death, Homicide, and Suicide of US Service Members (2016)
Army Pvt. Paige Fontenot Briles Found Unresponsive in Vehicle at Fort Hood Housing in Texas; Initially CID Investigated as Homicide But Later Ruled Suicide (December 24, 2016)
30 Domestic Abuse Cases in the Military That Ended in the Murder of Female Partners
48 Hours NCIS Premiered ‘Trail of Fire’ on CBS: Holley Wimunc, Domestic Violence, and the Holley Lynn James Act (June 26, 2018)
Military Families for Justice