Denied By The Military

The United States Military is a world renown organization that is peopled with people of all different walks. Different backgrounds all come together to prepare to defend this nation from war. Undoubtedly in the mist of these preparations, things happen. Mental health declination is a part of that. Military personnel are trained to be armed soldiers, and therefore the military cannot safely arm those with certain conditions such as Severe Depression or PTSD

So what happens when these things are discovered?

The answer is simple, you are discharged. You are sent home from service in the U.S Military, the degree of service offered not of any particular regard, and you are discharged. According to The American Homefront Project there are five different types of discharge, ranging from honorable all the way down to a dishonorable. Any discharge short of an honorable discharge steals the benefits guaranteed at the initial sign-up. Which isn’t a problem, in most cases because mental health issues developed while on duty are covered under the honorable discharge label and the veterans are able to receive help.

Unless the military finds a way to tie your mental illness to a pre-existing condition prior to your stint in the military, in which case you are then robbed of your benefits and just discharged. With not a thing to show for your service to this country.

“ It’s crazy how this you can risk your life for this country but this country won’t risk it’s life for you.” Is a quote given by Dominick Morgan, ex-serviceman in the US Armed Forces. “It’s the Military’s get out of jail free card”.

This is a feeling that Chester Jones could concur with. This is his story!