Base Crimes
The military has a domestic violence problem.
AT NORTH CAROLINA’S Fort Bragg this February, Army Special Forces trainee Richard Corcoran got mad at his estranged wife, Michele. He’d gotten mad before, but this would mark the sixth and final time the Cumberland County Sheriffs Department would be called to break up a “domestic disturbance” between Corcoran and his wife. At 8:30 p.m. Corcoran arrived at his wife’s house and went after 30-year-old Michele with a gun, firing at her as she fled to a neighbor’s. (She was wounded but survived.) He shot and wounded another Fort Bragg soldier who was in the house and then shot and killed himself—all while his seven-month-old daughter lay in another room.
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He joins a band of brothers. Corcoran’s is the 10th fatality in a slew of domestic violence homicides involving Fort Bragg soldiers since 2002; in one six-week spree four Army wives were murdered by their husbands or ex-husbands. Including nonfatal incidents, there were 832 victims of domestic violence between 2002 and 2004 at Fort Bragg alone, according to Army figures.
And yet Corcoran’s attack stands out. Not only had he just attended a mandated anger-management class on-post that same afternoon—calling into question the efficacy of these sessions that the Army considers the cornerstone of its domestic violence treatment program—but Corcoran had a past that should have kept him out of the Army in the first place: He had been indicted for rape at the age of 19.
On March 1, 1989, in the town of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Corcoran and six other high school athletes sexually assaulted a retarded girl with sticks and a baseball bat. Corcoran, like all the boys, admitted being present but insisted he just watched. Four of the boys were tried and convicted in a grueling five-month trial. Three days before Corcoran’s trial was slated to begin in 1994, the victim’s parents decided it was not in their daughter’s best interest to pursue another trial. The case against Corcoran, son of a Glen Ridge police lieutenant, was dropped.
Several years later, Richard Corcoran joined the Army.
THE MILITARY HAS A DOMESTIC violence problem—or, as the Army calls it, a “spousal aggression issue.” Sometimes, when soldiers have just returned from a war zone—like Corcoran, who had spent eight months in Afghan- istan—the media speculates that post-traumatic stress may be to blame. This seems somewhat specious. The Defense Department doesn’t break down pre- and post-deployment figures, but the fact is that rates of domestic violence in the military have been high for years—two to five times higher than among civilians, depending on which study is consulted.
In the 1990s, the military quietly watched as its domestic violence rates shot up from 19 per 1,000 soldiers in 1990 to 26 per 1,000 soldiers in 1996. After three soldiers stationed at Kentucky’s Fort Campbell were charged with killing their wives or girlfriends, an alarmed Congress appointed a task force to investigate and make recommendations. Last year, according to DoD figures, there were 16,400 cases of domestic violence reported, with 9,450 of them substantiated. That’s still a rate of 14 cases for every 1,000 couples, compared with 3 per 1,000 among civilians. And consider that many soldiers spent all or part of last year deployed and thus physically separated from their spouses.
The military admits it has a problem but points out that its population is disproportionately young and poor—and, statistically, domestic violence is higher among such civilians, too. (Whether that’s because the young and poor—more likely to come into contact with the system via shelters, social services, and the courts—are just overcounted is hotly contested among experts.)
Meanwhile, domestic violence advocates assert that the military’s numbers are even higher than the DoD says. If military spouses live off-post—as 60 percent do—and call the local cops or shelter for help, they might not show up in the military’s statistics. Further, the military defines domestic violence narrowly: It has only counted incidents against a current, legal spouse—and half the 1.5 million enlisted soldiers are unmarried, divorced, living with girlfriends, dating, or busy “not asking or telling.”
Twenty years ago when the military did its domestic violence training, it was not unusual to call it a “relationship issue” and hand it over to therapists to sort out. Even today, batterers in the military are typically ordered into anger-management classes and couples counseling—both considered largely ineffective by most civilian experts.
“These anger-treatment models are not very successful because this is not an illness, it’s an attitude. It’s about people feeling like they’re entitled to do this to their wives,” says attorney Juley Fulcher, who worked on the issue for years at the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “The day you start seeing these guys go after their commanding officer because they’re pissed off and they can’t control their anger, we’ll rethink our theory,” she adds.
According to Deborah Tucker, who heads the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence in Austin, Texas, and cochaired the Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence, the military is making progress on the issue. In 2003, it agreed to adopt 194 of the task force’s 200 recommendations to improve services for victims and beef up offender accountability. Still, two years later many have yet to be implemented and that troubles her, though she adds that “some argue that what’s been done already is much faster than usual [for the military].”
Meanwhile, the military faces new scandals over sexual harassment in its ranks, rape at the Air Force Academy, and reports on the high numbers of sexual assaults against its female soldiers. These are behaviors that exist on a continuum with domestic violence, explains Tucker. “To eradicate domestic violence in the military—and the United States of America—will take a cultural shift that condemns violence as criminal behavior and does not excuse it because of the comportment of the victim, the alcohol or drug abuse of the offender, the stress the offender is under, or even how sorry the offender is afterwards,” says Tucker. She insists that military brass must lead the charge if change is to trickle down from the base commanders to the recruiters trawling the local mall.
FOR EVIDENCE that this has yet to happen, one need only consider Richard Corcoran’s career trajectory. Army recruiters might have suggested that even if the teenage Corcoran had just watched the assault in the basement on that winter day in Glen Ridge—as so many soldiers at Abu Ghraib apparently also just “watched”—the fact that he did nothing to stop it is not in keeping with core Army values of honor and integrity. Call it a tip-off that this prospective soldier lacked respect for women—and perhaps the law.
But maybe the Army didn’t know about the rape?
“Sure they knew,” says Essex County prosecutor Robert Laurino, who tried the first Glen Ridge case. One recruiter even came to meet with Laurino. “Are you aware of this fellow and what his background is?” Laurino recalls asking, shocked that the Army was recruiting Corcoran.
“Yes,” the recruiter told Laurino. “That’s just the kind of guy we want to turn into a man.”
Comments
It makes me sick to think that men in power get away with horrible things. I don't trust men in uniform. How sad that the guys that are payed to protect are the ones that get away with things like domestice violece, rape and I'm sure plenty of other things that the military convieniently look the other way or cover up.
Brent alllen Caenepeel will not let me see my grandaughter and the navy will not help us with this matter. we have also contacted children and family services with no help from them.... What can we do???? This guy is just getting away with whatever he wants to do.. Isn't the navy responsible for something..Maybe they don't care. No aloimony,no child support,no sharing of our grandaughter, we have not spoken to the child in 5 months... I'm concerned
Further more, we can't afford to pay for extensive legal bills because we are constantly paying for our daughter's daily expenses. We have been held hostage by this ongoing mental and physically exhausting process... I helped raise my grandaughter for 5 years and suddenly, Mr. Navy moves to Jacksonville florida and takes control of child. We feel we should be able to at least see her.
I need some help Ft. Bliss Texas. I have been beaten and put down for two years, called his first sgt to tell him nothing ever came about. My husband alaways threatented me not to turn him in 15 years military career supporting 5 children. I called 911 from a cell but they put me on hold and then he got my phone. I retalliated on 12-30. Really I snapped and didnt mean it, He neglected our sick daughter was very drunk, pushed me, calling me another females name, just made me snap. I took a loaded pistol he had on the table and shot to the floor to get his attention. He called the cops had me arrested. Not knowing anyone in Texas I sat in jail 16days, during that time he had me evicted out of the house a protection order filed for divorce. It was always said if I left I couldnt take the baby, he had one dauhjter he never seen. Anyway staying in shelters, no money , no friends, deadline to get my stuff out 2-16 or I lose the little bit I got. He kept me in the house with no vehicle so I never made friends in El PAso, CAn anyone help. The military wont get me any of his pay or help because they see him as the victim. This was his way to get his daughter. He invited me there to talk after i got out of jail and i went. Just to find he already has a new girlfriend, and once again I returned to the shelter beaten and witha blackeye but couldnt turn him in because he has a protection order against me I wouldve went to jail. He is a staff sgt e6 with alot of apparent pull and a very good liar. dulleagle yahoo com
Are you ok?
Submitted by exhumphries (not verified) on Fri Dec. 4, 2009 11:57 PM PST.
I read this when you first posted it. Unfortunately, as much as you thought I was trying to harm your life in anyway, I was trying to warn you. I didn't want anyone to have to go through what I did with him. I pray for you and that you will get your daughter once again one day.
Contacting anyone on post, Chaplain, Family Advocacy, does nothing, at least on Fort Bragg. I suggest you call Legal Aid and try to find a lawyer. Write a certified letter to the Secretary of the Army. I want to hear how this turns out for you. Seeking help on post is generally useless. you Please keep us posted. Also seek a local minister. Good Luck. You're going to need it. God Bless.
I agree, seeking help on post is useless. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline @ 1-800-799-9233 for assistance, or your local shelter.
Do not contact him. Write a diary/journal of the abusive events (type it if possible and save to disc so that you can paste into an Affidavit). The UCMJ frowns upon adultery; thus, if he has a new girlfriend, report him to the appropriate military agency.
WRITE YOUR SENATOR, CONGRESSMAN, ETC. But, first speak to an domestic violence advocate (or another victim who can assist you think clearly) to formulate your letter. Include dates, times, witnesses, events, exhibits, reports, etc. Any and everything. Should you chose to write your SENATOR or CONGRESSMAN, include an exhibit list and properly lable the exhibits. Be specific with details.
I know you're worrying, but you've got to pick yourself up and move forward and win back your child.
Best of luck and I'd like to know the results! God Bless you!
Ft.Bliss
Submitted by Billie Humphries (not verified) on Tue Jun. 9, 2009 10:36 AM PDT.
I am the femalethat posted the fT.bLISS story. I am back in Georgia now but I was charged with a felny in Elpaso Texas. I got 5 years probation 300 hours of community service and 2000 dollar in fines. I did go to the congressman in Ga they contacted Ft. Bliss. Apparently the Sgt that answered was a friend of my husbands. SAID the army would not help because I tried to shoot him. My husband sent me an email askingme how I liked his answer. The family advocacy went through him as well. I have not seen or heard anything about my daughter. He sends my stuff back tome telling me Im not her mother. I could not afford a lawyer. I have all the emails from him, pictures of the hole in the floor, pics of beer cans where he stashed them to keep cps from finding them, and post cards where his girlfriend was sending them to him saying she was the daughters mom. No one listened. I do have a full time job, a place to live and my son now. I did manage to move my stuff out of storage although he broke most of my stuff. I have the shot records to my daughter where he didnt take her to get shots until she was 6months old. Either way im a felon now, no one would listen and help.
Are you still married to him?
Submitted by exhumphries (not verified) on Sat Dec. 5, 2009 12:18 AM PST.
Are you still married to him? If so, there is some leverage there.
Billie Humphries Update???FT Bliss
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun Dec. 20, 2009 3:45 PM PST.
Billie, Its been a while since you posted an update. I was just wondering how things were and if you had been able to see your baby again? I would love an update from you. Take care
I am a wife of a Navy diver who has taken off with my child, Hanae Caenepeel. There is a major problem in the Navy with them covering up abuse. My husband went up against the board for what he did to me, but it made my life harder to live with him and plus all they did was make him go to anger management classes.He now has relocated and took off with our daughter and I still have not seen her in 10 months now.The system is not working for me. I cant afford a lawyer and I keep getting denied for a low income lawyer.Please help me. I have now asked my congressman Allen Boyd to help me and He is working on it. The Navy will not help me if anything they are on his side.How can the Navy just turn their heads like this?
I am hoping someone reads this and makes a difference. In Jacksonville F.L. there lives my daughter Hanae Caenepeel on Mayport Naval Station in Duval county with my husband Brent Caenepeel.I have not seen her since last August. I am very sad and depressed about the situation. It hurts to not have even spoken to her since then. He cut off all ties by accusing me of beating him up and getting a restraining order against me so then I cant call her or even see her and on top of it I still cant get my things out of my house that belong to me.How can they do this .The co will not help me and the family advocate center said they cant do anything else.
Dear Jennifer Caenepeel,
Why not tell the world why you really cant see your daughter? Or should we refer everybody to the Court Records? If you need the proof, post a message and we will forward the Court Orders.
You reap what you sow.
This is just another example of the threats that woman endure when they speak out about domestic violence. Whoever is making threats about you isn't worth a response. I will respond to the "pig" because I have been talked to that way for years until I got tired of the threats and figured out how to protect myself and my child. You have to keep reaching down for strength. DON'T GIVE UP! Your only mistake was leaving your child with him long enough for him to leave. You have to fight tooth and nail. You have to pray and ask for help from the Lord. You have to keep contacting agencies until you find one to help. If all else fails, contact the local news and let them know you have a story about domestic violence in the military and that a military member kidnapped your child. They will run a story on it. Don't let him and his family threaten you anymore, take control of your life and get your kid back! If you don't have time to sleep then don't sleep! Step up and protect yourself and your child and stop being the victim that they want you to be! Don't let them win! I will pray for you to have the strength to do what you need to do. I know you can do it! Mother's are strong! YOU CAN DO IT!
Oh, Jennifer,
Make sure you write everything down! Keep a journal of every threat. I am sure you know who "Reality" is and if I was you, I would file a police report right now and get a R/O for harrassment. I am sick to my stomach right now after dealing with the Marine Corps and the way people think that military men are not responsible for hurting their wives. Then when a woman fights back to protect themselves because the military does NOTHING they are the abuser! Get real REALITY and back off! I would have you in court so fast for you harrassing me your head would be spinning!!! If you need anything Jennifer, just ask me. I have been through all of this and I know alot about the DV in the Military. I changed my identity and moved all around the country for years. When the Turd finally found my daughter and I we went to court and battled it out and I won and he got his parental rights terminated. It was a long fight though!! You need to get copies of the transcripts of any 911 calls you made while living on base or off base. Get typed transcripts or recordings of calls you made to get help, you will want that for custody. Also, copies of police reports, family advocacy records, etc. You will need to do alot of footwork but do it now before they don't have copies of the records, they discard them after 1 or 2 years or put them in storage and they are harder to obtain. I will help you.It is hard but it can be done. I did it and the pig I was married to never got in trouble or arrested for anything he did to me while he was in the military. So, it can be done even if the military gives you no help. Remember, you can do it. Oh, and "Reality" if you want someone to talk to like dirt, why don't you look in the mirror and talk to yourself! Your a sickening uneducated Pig. I will pray for you to figure out how to act like a decent human being.
HELP. What do I do? I have all the proof of abuse that was in the states but not the federal ones because they were in Cuba and Guam. They want give me them.There is also a malustation case that was closed but No one would help me because nicu took over and shut it down. Im so confused
REALITY<
YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE WHOLE STORY BUT YOU DONT BECAUSE YOU LOVE HIM UNCONDITIONALLY. WHY DONT WE GET THIS ALL OVER WITH AND GIVE ME THE DIVORCE.IF WE GO TO COURT MY CASE IS STRONG AND YOU KNOW IT PLUS BRENT WILL LOSE PARENTS RIGHTS.I HAVE ALL THE PROOF I AM NOT BLUFFING.SIT DOWN WITH BRENT AND ASK HIM WHY WANT HE TAKE ME TO COURT???BECAUSE HE DID WRONG. YOU DONT PUSH YOUR WIFE DOWN THE STAIRS WHILE SHE IS PREGNANT.. YOU DONT CALL SOMEONE YOU LOVE FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY AND TELL THEM YOUR HAVING AN AFFAIR.YOU DONT HAVE ANOTHER WOMEN WAKE YOU UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND TELL YOU HOW MUCH FUN THEIR HAVING WITH YOUR FIANCE. YOU DONT RAPE THEM,YOU DONT TREAT THEM LIKE CRAP ALL THE TIME.JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE MONEY ON HAND AND CAN HIRE A NAUGHTY ATTORNEY LIKE SISTER DOESNT MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON.IF ANYTHING YOUR EVIL TO LIE ABOUT THINGS YOUR NOT EVEN AWARE OF. ALL I WANT IS A DIVORCE WITH FULL CUSTODY.WHY DO YOU FEEL THAT I CANT RAISE HER UP RIGHT.BECAUSE IM NOT CATHLIC LIKE YOU. THE BIBLE SAYS UNITY.IN THE END WE ALL GO TO THE SAME PLACE.I AM A GREAT MOTHER IF ANYTHING I AM PATIENT AND FORGIVING. MY DAUGHTER MEANS THE WORLD TO ME.I CAN SHOW HER THINGS HER FATHER CANT.IM SURE SINCE YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SO OVERBEARING YOU THINK YOU CAN DO IT BETTER BUT AS YOU SEE YOU CANT.TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR OWN KIDS.YOUR SON...BRENT YOUR OTHER SON BRYAN WHO WENT TO JAIL FOR ABUSING HIS SON AND YOUR DAUGHTER WHO HAD AN AFFAIR AND HAD A CHILD WITH ANOTHER MAN I MEAN YOUR FAMILY IS JUST ABOUT INSANE. HOW DO YOU THINK I SLEEP KNOWING WHAT MY DAUGHTER TOLD ME AND THE DOCTOR ABOUT DADDY TOUCHING HER YOU THINK IM SUPPOSE TO JUST SIT BACK AND LET THAT NOT BOTHER ME. WHY WANT YOU LET HER BE SEEN BY A PROFESIONAL SO WE CAN GET DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS. I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AND WHO DID IT. I THINK THATS FAIR.
Jennifer,
First you need to call The Miles Foundation at (203) 270-7861, ask for Kate Summers. Also, Google them and read what is on their webpage. They are one of the only places out there that knows anything about Domestic Violence in the Military, I know hard to understand, isn't it? You have to advocate for your self and it will be hard. People don't understand how Federal and Civilian Law is so different. You should be able to get your records from the bases in Guam and Cuba.I know you said he is Navy, right? The Marine Corps (My ex-husband was a Marine) falls under the Navy so alot of the numbers I have should be the same for the Navy.
First, go to: http://www.ncis.navy.mil/ncis/contact/foia.asp
You should start by formally requesting a copy of your records in writing under the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA). If the records are over 2 years old they forward investigative records to Naval Criminal Investigative Service Headquarters at:
716 Sicard Street SE Suite 2000
Washington Navy Yard DC 20388-5380
Email: NCISFOIA@navy.mil (better to request in writing though so you have it in writing)
Telephone: (202) 433-9290
Fax: (202) 433-9242
Second:
Get the phone number for the Navy Headquarters. I called a very nice woman named "Tib" at Headquarters Marine Corps who got all of my records for me. This number is for the Marine Corps but you may try it and ask for her and maybe she can help you find a number for the Navy or maybe they have Navy records also because the Marine Corps falls under Dept Of The Navy.
Her number is: (703) 784-9592
Look up www.refusingtokill.net
do a search: military domestic violence
Very good statistics for court!
Also go to:
http://usmilitary.about.com
Search on the to right: Domestic Violence
Read everything you find here. Good Info!
Also: the only show that has ever been done on DV in the Military was on 60 Minutes. ORDER IT! YOU WILL NEED THIS FOR YOUR ATTORNEY TO UNDERSATND! THEY ARE IDIOTS! THEY KNOW NOTHING BUT YOU NEED THEM TO GET YOUR CHILD BACK SO MAKE THEM PRESENT YOUR CASE THE RIGHT WAY!
60 Minutes, the show is called "The War At Home" they only have it on vhs so get a vcr if you don't have one. Order it, it has a Navy woman on it, her name is Annette Francis. Google her also and read about what she has went through. Her ex-husband is Navy also, you are not alone!
Start with these things, be persistent, keep calling, they will not want to give you your records, you have to bother them. They will think you are dumb and that you will give up, PROVE THEM WRONG!
By the way what state are you in?
Let me know if you need anything else. Good luck!
One more tip:
You need to save your energy for your child. Don't write his Mother anymore and try to reason with her, it does not matter. Let it go and focus on your little girl. Do not talk to anyone and DO NOT put anything else in writing. Listen to me. I know you want her to side with you, NEVER going to happen, stop contact with everyone who knows him and do not tell anyone ANYTHING you are doing. You will be your own worst enemy. You don't need people to feel sorry for you, you have moved on, life isn't always fair and bad things happen to good people, you have to work on getting your child back. Don't give anyone any heads up on your plans or getting an attorney. The element of surprise is the best thing you have right now. Trust me.
I gave you the wrong name,
Google: Annette Lafrancis
Also go to: www.militarywoman.org/domestic.htm
How many women every get there child taken from them with no contact orders without a reason? The Courts always protect the mother and child relationship. If we could put the video tape of all of the court proceedings on line, what would you have to say then? You would owe your "Sickened" collegues a big apology for how you continue to portray yourself as a victim. Would you like us to post the hand written letters you gave to the military when you personally turned over your child on your own free will? Get some counseling and be responsible for your actions. This will be the best for everyone.
As much as we would like to think that the courts always favor the Mother's, that is not true. I am a college educated, professional who almost my lost my child to a batterer who had not seen my daughter in 5 years! She didn't know who he was. You really have no idea what your talking about. Courts favoring the Mother is a MYTH! Everyone deserves a chance to get better. When woman have been abused they do many things to mask the pain. She deserves a chance to get healthy and see her child. She also needs to get to the bottom of the other things her daughter told a physician about her Father (by obtaining the medical notes from her daughter's chart). It is a horrible reality that woman become suicidal and ruin their lives because they decide to stay with an abuser. Instead of leaving, they stay and are suicidal, start drinking, go out to escape and really anyone who is reading this and is in an abusive relationship, DON'T DO THIS! As you can clearly see, you will have your childen taken. Take the power back and get out before you have to deal with this because it's alot harder to get your kids back once they are gone. Learn from this and GET OUT WITH YOUR KIDS while you can.
Dear sickened
THankyou Thankyou!!!I tried before but I will keep trying to get those records.The lady at FAP told me about the freedom of information act but she couldnt tell me any more, she was discusted with how his command was dealing with it too. Thankyou
God bless
jen in panama city FL
In regards to your statement itlooks like your wrong, there is no custody established by the courts. Looks like Jennifer filed 5 times in the last 8 years and the case is just sitting still. I am familiar with this in extreme situations where the victim keeps going back. You need to do your homework. Also it looks like Brent made some false allegations alleging Jennifer had a criminal record and that she is suffering from a mental disorder. The records indicate that Brent has a criminal record leading back since 1994 . Looks as if Mellissa Caenepeel filed charges and she still has a protective order still pending. Also a Beth Caenepeel filed charges. It looks like there is some history of domestic violence. You owe someone an apology.........
I was a child in grade school while my father was stationed at Shaw AFB as the NCOL Commandant. Both my sister and I were sexually molested, yet the USAF did not have any type of recourse for this in the early '70s.
Later, I followed my father's footsteps into the USAF. While stationed at Myrtle Beach AFB, two (2) men attempted to abduct me - they were drunk and called me horrible names. They were active duty and I have no idea who they were, I was afraid and thought no one would believe me - afterall after having been molested as a child as a military dependent. I did report the incident and my supervisor told me I should have kept my mouth shut. That I was from the south and was being racist. Later, to drown my sorrows I drank too much and my supervisor took advantage of me. I kept my mouth shut.
By that time my supervisor had two (2) DUIs at his present rank of SSgt (E-5). With those DUIs he later retired as a SMSgt (E-8).
I married a few years later to another USAF member. He had divorced because his ex-wife had an affair and became pregant. He discovered the affair when our commander told him that his wife was having an abortion at Weisbadden.
He became violent when he'd drink. He had affairs and would take money from my purse. He had an affair with his ex-wife (paramour) and bought her an engagement ring while on 30-days leave while we were stationed at Platsburgh AFB. He told me he was TDY and I believed him b/c we were assigned to two different units; thus, I had no access to his paperwork. Later I was given a special duty assignment to USSPACECOM/J36; however, my husband would be reassigned elsewhere. I wrote my Senator Strom Thurmond and asked that my husband be given an assignment near mine. He was assigned to Cheyenne Mountain Security Police. It was at this assignment that I discovered his affair with paramour (his ex-wife), the TDY lie, engagement ring, etc.
By that time I had received and attended counseling at two domestic violence shelters in Plattsburgh, NY and Colorado Springs, CO. I did not trust the military. When the abuse escalated, I filed charges and for divorce (for the 2nd time, I also filed in NY, yet we reunited b/c he said he'd never hurt me again and if I left him, he'd find me).
Then, instead of investigating him, the USAF OSI began an investigation of me. OSI agents took my personal mail without a Subpoena from my mailbox at my residence located off-base. OSI agents followed me to my divorce attorney's office off base. An OSI agent went to my bank (on Peterson AFB) and demanded to know how much money I had in savings (I was also under review for my TS SCI clearance and had indicated on my paperwork my financial info).
I was ordered by OSI to take a handwriting analysis. The OSI agent did not like the way I was writing, so he yelled at me and took my hand and forced me to write in a certain manner. It was later determined by the USAF that I had forged the paramour's handwriting. Had my hand not been held and forced to write in a certain manner I've always wondered what the outcome would have been.
I was appointed a military lawyer who relayed that there were tape recordings of me threatening the paramour. However, they were never able to prove that I called her. Which I did not. I was not allowed to listen to these tape recordings. However, my supervisor and another superior were. My supervisor was SMSgt Jarry, who at the time was divorcing his wife and did not want to pay her 1/2 of his military retirement. The other was CMSgt Willie German, who as also in the process of divorcing his wife. Together, they confirmed that it was my voice on tapes that I was never allowed to listen to.
Now I admit I'm no angel. Yet, while the above was taking place, the abuse and stalking did not stop. I moved about 5X to hide from my husband. He'd drive by my house, my vehicle was damaged several times, stolen license plates, broken windows, slashed tires, stolen mail, etc. I witnessed some of these incidents and reported to police, yet he'd have an 'alibi' each time.
It was years later that I discovered his best friend, CMSgt Raimondi, was instigating the OSI investigation and alibi's.
I cannot say how scared I was when after another move he discovered where I lived. I had learned to park my car and walk to the grocer a few blocks away. He must have been following me and I would take 1 of 3 routes to the new residence and park b/c I did not want to be seen on streets he may travel. So I would walk to the grocer and he was driving around the parking lot yelling my name. He was stalking me and the OSI was investigating me. I was so scared and could not (and still don't) understand why the institution I had been a member of (that being the USAF) was treating me so horribly. That which I had believed in, did not believe in me.
My squadron commander (Capt. Coyne, who is factually gay) informed me that I'd be court martialed b/c this would be my 2nd Article 15. I had recieved on as an Airman stationed at Metro Tango, USAF, while stationed in Germany. I said I was no angel, but I would not lie.
My husband said I was the abuser and I was ordered into anger management at the Famility Advocacy Center at Peterson AFB. I was physically bruised, healing from cuts after having been pushed down the stairs, and other physicaly injuries and emotional pain, and ordered into anger management! Mr. Walter Scott said it was because my husband cried and I did not. I now have some of the emails between Mr. Scott and my husband, indicating favoritism.
I was given an Article 15, reduced from E-5 to E-4, and given an general discharge under honorable conditions. The OSI notified the Colorado Springs DA, who then dropped charges against my husband, of whom I divorced.
My husband's paramour had stoken my identity and used my credit card in South Dakota, where she now lives with her 5th husband. I contacted that credit card company and was informed that OSI had contacted them (without my permission!).
I moved back to SC and lived with my mother after my discharge in 1997. My ex-husband was promoted to E-8 and put in for PCS orders to the base nearest me, Shaw AFB along with all bases within a few hours of my residence. He hired a Private Investigator to find me, too. The PI came to my work place -- I was so scared. During his TDY to NCO Leadership School in Alabama, he drove to SC and followed me to work. He begged me to remarry him, that he'd never hurt me again and would find me whereever I went.
I remarried him in 1998, he was reassigned to Shaw AFB, promoted to CMSgt (E-9) and then we moved to San Antonio in 2002. The abuse escalated after that promotion and PCS. The affairs, he'd surf the internet "trowling" for dates at his TDY locations. I reported same to the USAF and the IG and Familty Advocacy said there was no abuse. Two more domestic violence shelters and he divorced me in 2003.
He remarried a women he had met on the internet about a year later, that marriage only lasted for a year. He then began stalking me again from afar.
I hope it ends some day. To this day my grandfather (retired Col), my father (retired CMSgt) and myself will never understand why no one would help me and why false evidence was introduced that I was not allowed to have access. I have no confidence in the military nor DOD.
The system let me down and fully supported the good old boy system.
My ex-husband is Paul A. Harvey.
The military believes that everyone -especially civilian women - are at its disposal, and that its needs should have priority over everyone else's. The amount of rape and violence connected to the military is higher than in any other social group or profession; in fact, it's the only area of life in which such behaviours are actively encouraged. The officers do nothing to stop it, and they conveniantly cover it up whenever a claim is made. It makes me sick that we're expected to bow down to these people and thank them for our freedoms. Never date a military man. They have control issues and actively embrace violence as a solution to their problems. All the deluded military wives may be happy to wake up next to a rapist every morning, but not me. I got out whilst I still could.
I agree with scared. Military men should be avoided, they are taught to be angry and explosive. Why would any woman think that they could turn that off at 4:30 and then come and eat dinner with their family and be normal. Stay away from men in the military, not only do they beat their wives/children/pets, they cheat and slepp around with dirty woman and lets not forget about all of the killings. Let us take a minute to remember the kids who have been killed for being BRAVE! Military men make me sick!
At some point, as woman we have to take some responsibility and get into counseling. I think you know who I am talking about..... Stop being co-dependant and get a life. Stop blaming everyone and fix yourself. Your woe is me is just disgusting to me, yuo need therapy, badly!
I'm in need of help the military is covering up domestic violence on my ex husband. We are just separated but I will not be going back. Hes been removed 5 times by the command and withheld from gonig to Iraq over beating me up. Please why are they allowing such acts to keep gonig on in the military. Any help is needed please email me...we as in the kids and I where left homeless in OCt of 08... desirewentz@yahoo.com
I'm Desire I read what you wrote, I worte everything down AND will be going on my search asap. Im in a bind b/c of how the command was willing to allow my kids and I to be in a homeless shelter. I could have lost my unborn child the last time my ex kicked my butt. This was the 5th time he was removed. Now Im fighting much more on child supoort and so on. Please email me anyone on help...desirewentz@yahoo.com
Ladies I understand yall's hardships really..Wish [deleted] like rape, beatings, ect. didn't happen, but they do. Especially with soldiers when they've got all the stress of keeping up with work and being the sole supporter for their families like it is in most cases..JAMIE, hun I'm sorry to hear you don't trust Men in uniform. Yeah were paid to protect, but lets think about what most of them really go through while most wifes are sitting at home playing betty crocker. Your gonna say get another job when you know good and well at one point or another you knew that him having that job would support you and when it really came down to it you wouldn't ever have to worry about going hungry. Am I saying that makes Rape right?? [deleted] no, but I am saying you should rethink your fews there a little. Those Men in uniform work there ass off and I think deserve not to be bunched up in the same group as your piece of [deleted] husband. He was probably a pogue anyways
Hello Everyone,
I would like to start by saying I'm Annette the one that was on 60 Minutes I also sued the military for DV, but wasn't able to convince the judge that the military was at fault on a base for being beat. He was brought to court marital on 21 charges convicted of 14 I believe 8 of them where for beating me and he only spent 25 days in the brig. The only reason he was demoted was because he went a wall later. So you tell what laws need to change? I screamed and yelled until I got a court marshal. The Navy changed how they dealt with a member kicking out a spouse durning a divorce becuase I told them I would have the news watch them throw me out on the street with two small children at christmas after he almost killed me. Start writing congress and pentagon, everyone that you think will help that's what I did. local Newspapers wouldn't listen to me until it had broke all over the nation.
Just make a paper trail and it's not a gray area for us! God Bless All that still Suffer...
Thank you to Ann
Submitted by Sickened (not verified) on Sun Feb. 15, 2009 10:10 PM PST.
I just wanted to say "thank you" to Ann for posting a message. Also for taking the time to be interviewed on 60 Minutes. You gave me strength and for the first time I didn't feel alone walking through hell. For the first time I saw someone else who knew what I was going through and I knew I wasn't crazy. Thank you from my whole heart.
I also wanted to leave my email for anyone who needs help, email me and I will do whatever I can. Remember to read what I wrote above and follow those steps, it will help. Email: MilitaryDV@yahoo.com
My love and support to everyone.
Military DV
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun Feb. 22, 2009 8:25 AM PST.
Listen ladies first everything you tell the military they report to the command so that will come back to you in form of anger or beatings that you told the dirty little family problems. Which puts his job in trouble! There isn't any privacy laws in the military. You sign away your privacy when you talk to the military counselors read the paperwork. Thats why I went on 60 Minutes, we wanted women to understand, you have got to use other channels then the military to getting help. Document, Document, Document! I can't say it enough!
God Bless
Annette
Annette, I agree. Reporting
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon Feb. 23, 2009 9:09 AM PST.
Annette, I agree. Reporting to the command is simply a form of 'legal stalking'. The military will turn against the 'victim' b/c if a soldier is convicted of domestic violence by a civilian court, he/she is no longer allowed to carry a weapon and will dramatically affect their career. Thus, the good old boy system seems to take over. The 'perp' has access to your military records (medical, personnel, etc.) and if he has rank, then he has privilege (abusive power).
Thinking on subjects
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon Feb. 23, 2009 6:31 PM PST.
Thinking on subjects jurisdictions who has them, the military? A woman get a protective order from the military but the civilians can't enforce it, so she goes to the civilians to get a civilian protective order but the miilitry can't enforce a civilian protective order.
Then you have bases that the land is owned by the city that posses new rules, this just confuses the matter all together. But you are still on BASE! Go figure!
I have some ideas on this matter.
As the military says...It's not black and white...it's just different shades of gray!
Now ladies this was my ordeal! Go to my website..Lets make history like I did once before.
God Bless
Annette
Ladies I'm taking the time
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon Feb. 23, 2009 6:17 PM PST.
Ladies I'm taking the time to tell you here first! I've launched a website for the first time in years partly because of listening to what you are saying things are not changing, but also I've been taking time out to read what is on the web. There is a lot of misinformation on the web about DV in the military on where to turn for help. Also, closer to the heart for me misinformation about what has happened to me, misquotes, papers written about me that people have no idea what they are talking about. My purpose was not to help myself ever, nothing I ever did was for myself, it was to late by the time the public ever knew! it was for anyone that followed in my footsteps, that they wouldn't suffer the pains that I suffered, and I stated this in many of my interviews. God as my witness, I could have walked away many times, but it was my conviction that I knew this was my personal war to help others! So with that said here is my site( www.sovereignimmunity.org ) Please understand I'm on the ground floor of this and I've started a blog more to come. But you can connect me directly from there. God Bless.
Annette
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