Tag: National Guard

Georgia Army National Guardsman Sgt. Ating Eminue Shot and Killed in Atlanta; Harold Dodson Found Guilty and Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (August 30, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, Homicide, In Their Name, National Guard, Stateside Death2 Comments
Sgt. Ating Eminue
Sgt. Ating Eminue, US Army

Army Sgt. Ating Eminue was shot and killed outside a homeless shelter in Atlanta, Georgia on August 30, 2015. Harold Dodson was arrested and charged October 23rd in connection with the fatal shooting of the Georgia Army National Guardsman. A judge denied bond for Dodson in November 2015. Dodson had a history of crimes and made a living dealing drugs. He had five felony convictions before the age of 21. He will remain in jail while he awaits trial. In April 2017, the Fulton County prosecutor’s office announced Harold Dodson was found guilty and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 30 years in prison. According to the family, Sgt. Eminue was a father and served three tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Related Links:
Guardsman shot, killed outside Atlanta homeless shelter
Active duty sergeant killed while trying to help homeless
Active Duty Soldier Killed Near Midtown Homeless Shelter
Man shot outside Atlanta club identified, no arrests made
Guardsman shot, killed outside Atlanta homeless shelter
Army Sergeant gunned down and killed while helping homeless
Harold Bernard Dodson | Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta
Reward increased in death of veteran shot helping homeless man
Arrest made in Pine Street murder of Guardsman
Arrest made in murder of Army sergeant who was helping homeless shelter
Police arrest Harold Dodson in murder of Army sergeant helping homeless shelter
Man held in Georgia Army National Guardsman’s slaying
Father has message for son’s accused killer
Judge denies bond for accused killer of Army sergeant
Honoring a soldier who gave his life on streets of Atlanta
Defendant Found Guilty in Death of Army Sergeant
Man guilty of killing soldier who helped homeless
Man Guilty of Killing Army Sergeant Who Helped Homeless
Ating Eminue (1991-2015) Forever Missed

Highlights of Army National Guard Lt. Col. Teresa James’ Military Sexual Assault and DoD IG Substantiated Retaliation Case

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual Assault1 Comment
Lt Col Teresa James
Lt Col Teresa James

Lt Col Teresa James had a stellar career in the Army National Guard for over 30 years until she reported being sexually assaulted by a senior officer. Shortly after reporting the crime, she took convalescent leave for 30 days to seek medical treatment and eventually was medically retired because “she refused to come into work” according to leadership in the West Virginia Army National Guard. Lt Col James states that she asked for an extension to her convalescent leave (while continuing to seek medical treatment) or to work at an alternate location away from those who were retaliating against her. She did not want to retire and fought the forced medical retirement process but lost those appeals. She is now speaking up about the sexual assault and retaliation she experienced after reporting the assault.  This case is a good example of the complications associated with the expedited transfer policy and how it is applies to the National Guard when both the accused and the victim are permanently stationed at the same location.

In May 2016, news broke that the Department of Defense Inspector General found that a brigadier general in the West Virginia Army National Guard did in fact retaliate against Lt Col James after she reported that she had been sexually assaulted by another officer. This is the first time that the DoD IG has confirmed a report of retaliation in the military. This case highlights the need for coordinated reform on the part of the Chief, the National Guard Bureau, and all of the state National Guard headquarters. The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the States therefore only the Governor and State Congressional members have authority to enact new laws for the National Guard. The National Guard must enact it’s own policies. The DoD IG has no jurisdiction over the West Virginia Army National Guard therefore cannot court martial or admonish the individuals involved. Lt Col James is focusing on ensuring that all State’s enact legislation to protect their National Guard members.

“My whole reason for speaking out is to educate other survivors,” she said,“ ‘That you are not alone. There are people out there that will help you, and that the best thing to do if you are assaulted is report it.’” (via Charleston Gazette-Mail)

Related Links:
Lt. col. says speaking up about assault hurt her career
Serving in Silence: Rape in the National Guard
Troops who report sexual assault face retaliation
Retiring National Guard officer: Leadership should have done more in sexual assault case
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (A Taste of Creole)
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (NBC Washington)
US: Military Whistleblowers At Risk, Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Assault
WVNG Sexual Assault Claims; Female Officer: Leaders Didn’t Act Fast Enough against Superior
Reporting and Law Enforcement Facts For LTC Teresa James, West Virginia National Guard
Reporting and Law Enforcement Facts For LTC Teresa James, West Virginia National Guard 2
One-star general retaliated against LTC sex assault victim, IG finds
First time: IG confirms retaliation against rape whistleblower
Lt. col. says speaking up about assault hurt her career
IG: Rape whistleblower saw retaliation
DOD report: WV National Guard general retaliated against assault victim
Lt Col Teresa James Shares Experience with Sexual Assault & Reprisal at DoD IG Worldwide Hotline Outreach Conference
DoD substantiates its first-ever sexual assault reprisal case, but victim still waiting for relief
Serving in Silence: Sex Assault Retaliation Complaints Investigated
Retired officer tells of sexual assault, retaliation in WV National Guard
New DOD investigative unit to focus on sexual assault-related reprisals
Military Sexual-Assault Victim Tells Her Story to Social Workers Conference

NBC Washington: Serving in Silence, Survey Shows Only One Dishonorable Discharge for Sexual Assault in the National Guard (June 29, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

National Guardby Tisha Thompson

ONE-FIFTH OF THE NATION’S MILITARY ISN’T PROTECTED BY REFORMS…

What happens to those accused of rape or sexual assault in the National Guard varies dramatically depending on what state you work in.

The National Guard is unlike any other branch of the military. Serving as the state militia, the governor is the commander in chief, not the president. During wartime or when they are sent overseas for a federal mission, guardsmen become federalized under Title 10 and receive all the benefits and protections offered by the U.S. Army or Air Force.

Read more here.

Related Links:
National Guard Bureau’s Response to NBC4ITeam Survey (June 22, 2015)
Serving in Silence: Two-Star General Wants to Change How National Guard Deals With Sexual Assaults (April 2015)
Military Sexual Assault Testimony to Congress in January 2013 (National Guard & AD)
Military Women: We Got Fired for Being Raped
CA Military Sexual Assault Bill Becomes Law

NBC Washington: 62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (May 18, 2015)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Navy, Sexual Assault, USAF, USCG, USMC, VeteransLeave a comment

Punishing the Victim Retaliation NBC Washington.jpg

“One of the women interviewed was Lt. Col. Teresa James, the highest ranking officer to come forward with a rape claim in the National Guard, according to a recent report by the Guard. The News4 I-Team first brought you her story when she said she believes her 34-year military career with the West Virginia National Guard was destroyed after she reported her rape. Lt. Col. James attended the news conference and told the I-Team, ‘There’s nothing else they can do to hurt me. They did everything they could possibly do. It’s effecting change. That’s why I’m out today. It’s effecting change, and if I have to speak it, shout it from the rooftops, that’s what I’m going to do.’ Read more from NBC Washington here.

Related Links:
Serving in Silence: Sex Assault Retaliation Complaints Investigated
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation
Troops who report sexual assault face retaliation
Highlights of Army National Guard Lt. Col. Teresa James’ Military Sexual Assault and DoD IG Substantiated Retaliation Case
DoD Retaliation Prevention and Response Strategy: Regarding Sexual Assault and Harassment Reports
DoD Retaliation Prevention and Response Strategy Implementation Plan
Military Sex Assault Reports Edge Up; Retaliation Persists
DoD Releases Annual Report on Sexual Assault in Military
Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military
Military Sexual Assault Reports Are Up for the Seventh Year in a Row
Pentagon: Claims of Retaliation for Sexual Offense Complaints on Rise
Reports of Military Sexual Assault, Retaliation Increase
The Biggest Obstacle to the Pentagon’s War on Sexual Assault: The Military Justice System
Military sexual assault reports rise in 2017 but fewer servicemembers faced courts-martial
Sexual assault, harassment spikes at military academies, strategies fail to stem crisis
Reports of sexual assault in the military soar
Pentagon report shows sharp rise in military sexual assaults
Sexual assaults in military rise to more than 20,000, Pentagon survey says
“A cultural rot”: Sex assaults spike at U.S. service academies
Defense Department to make sexual harassment a crime
‘It was rape:’ Wisconsin Army National Guard officer Megan Plunkett says she was retaliated against, disciplined for reporting sexual assaults
Gabbard says ‘there is still a fear of retaliation’ in the military about reporting sexual assault
Senators Hirono, Gillibrand Reintroduce Legislation to Bring Justice to Survivors of Sexual Assault in the Military
Sexual assaults in the military are on the rise. This bill would authorize Congress to intervene
Sexual Assault in the Military | C-SPAN.org

NBC Bay Area: California National Guard Military Sexual Assault Bill Becomes Law (August 21, 2014)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual Assault, USAF2 Comments

Air National Guard SealA new law passed today removes sexual assault investigations and prosecutions from the military chain of command.

California has just made a major change in the way sexual assault allegations are investigated in the state military department. On Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that requires sexual assault cases to be investigated by outside civilian law enforcement, not by military commanders.

See NBC Bay Area video here.

Related Links:
NBC Bay Area: California National Guard Culture Questioned (November 14, 2012)
NBC Bay Area: California Guard Tries to Serve Firing Papers to Member After Suicide Attempt (June 25, 2013)
NBC Bay Area | Military Women: We Got Fired for Being Raped (August 21, 2014)

NBC Bay Area | Military Women: We Got Fired for Being Raped (August 21, 2014)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual Assault, Suicide, USAFLeave a comment

Air National Guard SealNew legislation in Iowa would address sexual assault and retaliation in the National Guard

“I was one of many that had a career ended shortly because I simply reported a sexual assault,” Jennifer Norris said.

Norris retired as a technical sergeant from the United States Air Force in 2010 and also served in the Maine and Massachusetts National Guards. Norris testified before Congress that during her military career, she was sexually assaulted four times between 1996 and 1998. She says after she finally reported the attacks to her supervisor, she faced retaliation.

“I went back and was blown away at how much disdain and hatred I faced as a result of standing up for what was right and protecting other women,” Norris said. “That right in and of itself was the biggest betrayal I ever experienced in my life….When you have zero support and you are alone, it will push you to the place Jessica Brown has been. I have been there.”

See NBC Bay Area video here.

Related Links:
NBC Bay Area: California National Guard Culture Questioned (November 14, 2012)
NBC Bay Area: California Guard Tries to Serve Firing Papers to Member After Suicide Attempt (June 25, 2013)
NBC Bay Area: California National Guard Military Sexual Assault Bill Becomes Law (August 21, 2014)

Compass: Guard takes sexual assault seriously

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Felony Crime, Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

Thomas KatkusBy GEN. THOMAS KATKUS         

As commissioner for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and adjutant general for the Alaska National Guard, I am responsible for ensuring all personnel aggressively root out any harassment, hostile work environments, sexual assault or trading of sexual favors. These actions have no place in America’s work environment. This responsibility to our military family and our state workforce is nonnegotiable.

When Gov. Sean Parnell spoke at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Fairbanks last week, he clearly stated that respect is a traditional value that crosses all cultures. This is also true when it comes to the culture of the military. “Choose Respect” is not a slogan — it is a way of life for our military community, as it should be.

Read more here.

Wisconsin National Guard launches dedicated counsel program for sexual assault victims

On By AdministratorIn Army, Military Policy, Sexual Assault, USAFLeave a comment

National GuardWisconsin National Guard launches dedicated counsel program for sexual assault victims

MADISON, Wis. – Military sexual assault prevention and response programs have  gained attention over the past year as a Department of Defense report shows an  increase in reported sexual assaults. Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar, Wisconsin  adjutant general, has made it clear the issue is a top priority in the Wisconsin  National Guard as well.

“There is no place for sexual assault in the  Wisconsin National Guard,” Dunbar said. “We will not look the other  way.”

Over the past few months, Dunbar and other senior Wisconsin  National Guard leaders have visited every Wisconsin National Guard unit and  facility to convey that simple, unmistakable message.

Currently, the  Wisconsin National Guard’s sexual assault prevention and response program  provides sexual assault and domestic violence victims with emergency response  assistance, counseling and therapy referrals, personal and systemic advocacy,  and access to applicable benefits. But as of Oct. 1, Wisconsin National Guard  members coping with the unthinkable crime of being sexually assaulted by a  fellow service member have a new advocate.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116009/wisconsin-national-guard-launches-dedicated-counsel-program-sexual-assault-victims#.UnT-tiLD_mI

Alaska National Guard Updates Military Justice Code (2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Homicide, Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

National GuardSexual Assault Prevention and Response Program

Alaska National Guard unit being investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct
Alaska National Guard Responds to Allegations of Sexual Assault
Alleged Alaska National Guard Sexual Assault Victim Speaks Out
National Guard Sexual Assault Survivor Speaks Out
Rape victim says Alaska National Guard violated her confidentiality
Scathing report on Alaska National Guard forces out commander
The Three-Headed Monster
Alaska National Guard recruiter fights accusations of misconduct
Alaska National Guard Sex Abuse Scandal Threatens GOP Governor’s Re-election
National Guard documents detail chronic misconduct among recruiting leaders
Alaska National Guard condoned ‘weapons smuggling, rape, and drug trafficking’
Alaska Gov. Walker names new Guard adjutant general
First woman commander of Alaska National Guard: ‘no old boys network’
It’s time for action to protect our Alaska National Guard
State releases 4,000-plus email pages in Alaska National Guard scandal
Special Investigator’s Report on Alaska National Guard Sexual Harassment and Abuse Issues
Report: Inadequate records kept of National Guard complaints
Report cites command climate problems in Alaska Guard probe
Alaska National Guard investigation results confirm mishandling of complaints
National Guard pilot’s experience as sexual assault victim singled out
Investigator calls for Alaska National Guard reform on sexual assaults
Broken Trust: How whistle-blowers and victims in the Alaska National Guard went unheard
Alaska National Guard calls for new military code
Alaska National Guard presses lawmakers to adopt new military code
Alaska House passes bill updating military justice code
In wake of National Guard scandal, House passes reforms to Alaska military justice code
Alaska House of Representatives Unanimously Approves Code of Military Justice for the Alaska National Guard
Alaska Code of Military Justice: HB 126 and the Alaska National Guard
Legislation: Alaska House Bill 60: Military: Sexual Assault
Governor Walker Applauds Adoption of Alaska Code of Military Justice
Governor to sign update to Alaska’s military justice code

Oregon guardsman guilty of raping 11-year-old girl

On By AdministratorIn Felony Crime, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

National GuardOregon guardsman guilty of raping 11-year-old girl

BEND, ORE. — An Oregon National Guard soldier from Bend has been convicted of raping his fellow guardsman’s 11-year-old daughter.

The Bend Bulletin reports that 35-year-old Florentino Allen Valdez hung his head after Judge Stephen Forte returned the guilty verdict Wednesday, and cried as he left the courtroom.

Read more: http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131010/NEWS06/310100022/Ore-guardsman-guilty-raping-11-year-old-girl