Update: Son back from Ft. Sill

[A Scared Mom]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I just wanted to update those of you who were kind enough to respond to my son's AWOL situation. Your advice was more helpful than you will ever know.

Here's a link to the original thread:
[url]http://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?t=371884[/url]

We took our son to Ft. Sill on Sunday, August 19th. His week at Sill was very similar to the stories already posted here. There are a few things that did help him out that I thought might be helpful to those who are facing a similar situation. He would be posting here, but doesn't have internet access.

He did not see any indication that soldiers would be staying longer than the week it takes to out-process. Everyone in there was going home on Friday - with the exception of the soldier who didn't shave one day and they gave him 4 more days of detainment. There was one soldier there who had been a deserter for 13 years and another for 7 years. Both were leaving on Friday.

_One thing that was exceptionally helpful for our son was that he arrived at Ft. Sill very prepared. Although everyone's situation is unique, our son had letters written on his behalf that were read by the 1st Sergeant when he was being questioned. Most of the content of the letters reiterated the fact that my son made a decision based on his conscience and the well-being of his family. They mentioned his good character, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm he had for serving his country. They also stated that he was very conflicted with his decision, but made one that was right for his family. All of the letters were written on official letterhead by those writing them. One letter was from a former teacher, another from his uncle who is an attorney, a third written by my son-in-law (active duty Air Force major).

_ He included documents that showed the birth of his daughter who was born while he was AWOL.

_ I also included a copy of the email correspondence I had with one of his commanding officers at AIT. This was the officer who called to inform us that our son was AWOL. We explained the situation to the officer (our son was advised to stay AWOL for over 30 days and was told NOT to return by his drill sergeant) and he was more than concerned that a drill sergeant, who was supposed to be mentoring these guys, was telling our son what to leave on his bunk and to stay gone until he was classified as a deserter. The officer asked me to email him the name of the drill sergeant. He responded, through email, that this matter would be dealt with. Keeping a copy of that correspondence was exceptionally helpful.

_ When my son met with the 1st Sergeant (and an officer was also in there) he was told that he would be given a General Discharge because of the circumstances that lead to his decision to go AWOL. Out of the 37 guys there, to his knowledge, he was the only one given this Chap. 11 General Discharge. He was even encouraged by the 1st Sergeant to stay in the Army if he desired. The Captain that was also in the room told my son that they were somewhat embarrassed by the treatment he had received while at AIT. With this General Discharge he is eligible for VA benefits, with the exception of education benefits, that are afforded to vets receiving an Honorable Discharge. He will not have to worry about any negative effects of an OTH Discharge.

Being prepared and doing our homework has certainly paid off. I am so, so thankful to those of you who offered assistance. Hopefully my son's experience can also help those in the future who are concerned about they type of discharge they might receive. The good folks at the GI Rights Hotline were also very helpful.

As a teacher of over 2500 students in my career, I can honestly say that there ARE "unique/special circumstances" when it comes to dealing with human lives. We were not happy when our son decided to leave the Army. However, until you have walked in their shoes, you will never know the pain and heartache some of these soldiers are going through.

I realize that there will be some sarcastic responses to this thread. Please save them for someone else. We genuinely want to help those in similar situations.

Thank you again for your help!

A Scared Mom

[SHORTY LONG]

Thanks for updating us; and glad to hear that our Forum was a big help to you!

[angelydiablo6]

can you please help me on this awol stuff, my husband is awol. and just want to get him discharged and on with our lives.

[SHORTY LONG]

Originally Posted by angelydiablo6

can you please help me on this awol stuff, my husband is awol. and just want to get him discharged and on with our lives.

What questions are you in need of to be answered? Here is a number to the GI Hotline, maybe you may fare better there. 1-800-394-9544

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by angelydiablo6

can you please help me on this awol stuff, my husband is awol. and just want to get him discharged and on with our lives.

Also, if you have questions, you should start a thread and ask them. It is considered rude to ask questions about your particular situation on another's thread.

[SHORTY LONG]

Originally Posted by moburkes

Also, if you have questions, you should start a thread and ask them. It is considered rude to ask questions about your particular situation on another's thread.

Thank you Morburkes. I eat crow on this one, for not only as you shared, but the [op] did not
disclose his or her State as required. Oh well, i was hungry for some crow-straw.

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by SHORTY LONG

Thank you Morburkes. I eat crow on this one, for not only as you shared, but the [op] did not
disclose his or her State as required. Oh well, i was hungry for some crow-straw.

No, hon, you did fine. You were trying to help. I'm simply telling him/her that if they have questions about their situation, they can ask in their own thread. That's all!

[SHORTY LONG]

Originally Posted by moburkes

No, hon, you did fine. You were trying to help. I'm simply telling him/her that if they have questions about their situation, they can ask in their own thread. That's all!

Thank you. Thank God for honorable Senior members.