On Tuesday 17 Jan 2023, Gunnery Sergeant Negron and Gunnery Sergeant Draher had been co-tried in a Normal Courtroom Martial on the predominant courthouse at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Level, North Carolina. The jury returned NOT GUILTY verdicts of all the intense fees on 1 February 2023.
Sadly, the jury did discover the Raiders responsible of violating an order to not drink alcohol in Iraq on the common court-martial. They had been discovered responsible of consuming whereas in Iraq despite the fact that others on that deployment had been rumored to have additionally consumed alcohol.
The consequence for Gunnery Sergeants Draher and Negron? They’re now felons.
So as to add insult to damage, on 12 June 2023, Gunnery Sergeants Draher and Negron had been notified of a brand new suggestion from the Commanding Normal of MARSOC, Main Normal Matthew G. Trollinger. This one is for the everlasting and involuntary elimination of their Marine Particular Operations Insignia (MSOI), in any other case generally known as a Raider badge. They had been to obtain NO PUNISHMENT for his or her responsible verdict for consuming, however they’re now being punished.
For each Gunnery Sergeants Draher and Negron — who’re in any other case eligible for retirement after greater than 20 years of honorable service — it appears to be like like MARSOC’s subsequent transfer will probably be to suggest that the Commandant of the Marine Corps cut back their rank upon retirement with a lower than honorable discharge. If lowered in rank at retirement, they stand to lose over six figures in retirement earnings.
Such a transfer would deny two adorned Marine Raiders some retirement advantages, however maybe extra considerably, it might be one other twist of the knife from their very own brotherhood that they’ve belonged to for his or her complete grownup lives.
Train your 1st Modification proper in posting a replica of this letter and your response letter on social media and to omni-channel media members.
Urge your elected members of Congress to take swift motion to analyze how this case has been dealt with by the Marine convening authority who repeatedly used unethical ways which undoubtedly has eroded the sacred bonds of belief between enlisted service members and their officers, which gravely damages morale and navy readiness.
Use the letter template under to put in writing to your representatives urging them to take the next motion earlier than the Marine Corps wrongfully kicks out these honorable males.
Direct that Normal Eric M. Smith, performing Commandant of the Marine Corps, meet with you in particular person to elucidate why personnel from america Marines Particular Operations Command are being kicked out of the Marine Corps regardless of receiving NOT GUILTY verdicts and that of NO PUNISHMENT.
Direct that Normal Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of the US Particular Operations Command meet with you in particular person to elucidate why personnel from america Marines Particular Operations Command are being kicked out of the Marine Corps regardless of receiving NOT GUILTY verdicts and that of NO PUNISHMENT.
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