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Hello,
I am a local photographer that was hired to photography a marines wedding back in July 2009. After the wedding was photographed and I completed my job, they placed their order for the portraits they wanted and requested that I deliver them to her mother - who is here locally (they are stationed out of town). When delivering the order to her mother in October 2009, I asked if they wanted the CD of all their images with the copyrights. The CD was normally $150, but I offered this to them for $100 and gave them a $50 military discount to say "Thank you" for serving our country. She said yes, took the CD and said that they would put a check in the mail. For the past 4 months I have been calling & emailing them regarding the unpaid balance. They have never answered or returned any of my emails or calls. I feel very disappointed that of all people, a marine, would be untrustworthy. I allowed the mother to take the CD with the guarantee that they would mail the payment - I trusted that they would be honest and mail the payment as they said. To make things more disappointing, I even offered them a $50 discount as a nice American "Thank You" for serving our country. WOW! I am very upset about this whole ordeal and I would like to know if I can report this marine for the unpaid debt and betrayal I have felt.
Thank You.
Melonie
Melonie:
First, I'm sorry you got 'stiffed' in payment here. However, since the mother agreed to make the payment, the Marine is not legally responsible, unless the Marine himself signed some sort of contract. I"m guessing that the mother has kept the CD and the Marine may not even be aware of the debt.
I would send, by registered mail, return receipt requested, an invoice to the last address you have (if you have the Marine's, send it there as well). If you do not rec'v payment then, take them to small claims court.
Sad, but even the Marine Corps has it's "10 percent" of problem children, and you likely have located one of them.
Do not accept excuses, you deserve to be paid, and this may be the only way to get that done.
Jason
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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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