JALA helps veteran get discharge upgrade that restores his benefits and his pride
At 17,“James Gadbury,” not his real name, enlisted in the Marines, drawn by the desire to challenge himself and step out of his comfort zone. During his three years of service, he was stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, a stressful environment where understaffing left him little time for rest, and where a toxic command culture brushed aside his mental and physical health concerns. After an incident involving other Marines occurred in his presence, Gadbury took responsibility for not intervening, which resulted in him serving time in the brig and receiving a demotion in rank. Although it was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar record of service, his plea agreement unexpectedly culminated in an “other-than-honorable” discharge, leaving him devastated and grappling with guilt and grief over his lost military career. Unfortunately, such instances are not uncommon, and the consequences can be life-altering.
