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Question
I was wounded in Iraq on a tour in Oct. 2006, I was informed by my reserve unit that they were filing for a medical discharge for me since my injuries were to my leg and I am unable to perform as needed for my infantry job. I always ask for a status and all they tell me is the paperwork has been filed and they are working on it. My last obligated drill is coming up and they are telling me if I check-out they are going to cancel the paperwork on my discharge. Do you have any information on how I could go about checking the status. It took them 3 years to award my Purple Heart to me. I just do not know where to go from here.
Joe:
It's going to depend, really, on what YOU want as far as benefits go. A medical retirement pays you the rest of your life at your base rank, plus gives you lifetime medical care. While the paperwork may have been filed, it depends on how long ago it was done. Basically what they are telling you is if you want to wait on the paperwork, they'll extend you (Because they have to do that). If you don't, they'll discharge you and you'll basically have to go to the VA and start the process over.
If it were me, I'd suck it up and wait for the medical discharge, because in the long term, it's worth more money and benefits.
You'll likely have to jump the chain to check the status. Start with the docs and see if they know anything. If not, you'll have to go to Battalion HQ, or the next higher headquarters that you belong to to find out. Keep me in the loop and we'll take it from there.
Jason
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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...
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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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