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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/My son is allergic to bees
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Question
My son is being discharged due to a bee allergy. I went to talk to the recruiter about it and the recruiter told me they would not discharge him unless he had ever been "diagnosed" with a bee allergy. He asked me if my son had been prescribed an eppie pen. Well, when he got to basic training they wanted to know if he had ever had a "reaction". Any reaction. The answer to those 2 questions are different. Yes he has had a reaction and no he has never been diagnosed or been prescribed an eppie pen. Anyway, he is being discharged due to the allergy. I am worried they will now say he lied. Is there anything we can do to ensure he is not getting the short end of the stick in this?
Kim:
You are right, this one is difficult. It doesn't sound to me, based on what you've said, that this would fall under 'fraudulent' enlistment criteria. Unless he told MEPS the answer was 'no' and then changed it to 'yes' at recruit training.
It seems to me that there is something you aren't being told here. The military just doesn't discharge someone based on their 'say so'. If that was the case then anyone could claim anything and get discharged. Did your son get stung and have a reaction? Did he just up and volunteer this information, or was it specifically asked at a 'moment of truth' type of thing? It just seems 'odd', that's all, that all of a sudden this would come up and he'd be getting discharged. If it wasn't asked at MEPS, or was somehow overlooked along the line, (possible), then why is it all of a sudden coming up now?
Was his reaction to bee stings severe enough to go to the doctor or a hospital? Or was it just something that could be handled with benadryl? Severe anaphalxis (I'm sure that's spelled wrong..LOL) requires the person to carry an 'epi' pen, as you know. Perhaps your son mentioned his prior sting issue, he was tested, and it was discovered that he has a potential serious issue that he didn't know about? Then this discharge would make some sense.
The bottom line is, if he wasn't asked in MEPS then there is no possibility of a 'bad' type of discharge. If he was, and didn't tell the truth, then he could certainly face 'fraudulent enlistment' issues.
Jason
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Jason, you know your stuff. Turns out he was tested with a RAST test and his allergy was severe enough that he could die from it if he does not get medical treatment following a sting (even with an epi pen). He has never had treatment for it before by a doctor or hospital but....he's pretty upset but i'm grateful. It would have been awful for him to get stung somewhere like Iraq and not get the care he needed. Thanks for your response. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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