I am a female who served in the United States Army. I performed extremely well while I was in the military and as a result I was sent to a highly respected unit. While there I suffered constant and severe sexual harassment from a senior staff Non-commissioned officer. After much personal deliberation I brought the problem to my higher ups. They conducted an investigation but did not believe there was enough evidence. The same individual continued to harass me after the investigation. Although I continued to complain senior people in my unit refused to do anything about it.
Finally, I went UA (Unauthorized Absence/Away without Leave) on two different occasions for short periods of time because I felt my unit was not supporting me. My unit took the opportunity to administratively separate me from the Army with a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.
I felt that my going UA, while not the best idea, was brought on by the stress of having my own unit turn on me. I was a stellar solider up to the point when this man started to harass me and would not stop. As such I thought I was deserving of an Honorable Discharge for my time in the Army.
I was very depressed about what happen to me in the Army as it had been my dream to serve and I was very disappointed with my treatment. I turned to Attorney Will Bruzzo to represent me. Mr. Bruzzo is a former Marine himself and well versed in military law and administrative separations. He drafted and filed my Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forced of the United States (DD form 293). Mr. Bruzzo also advised me to appear at a traveling hearing which is an option for a Discharge Upgrade Request. Mr. Bruzzo prepared me for the hearing then I appeared and told my story along with submitting the Declaration Mr. Bruzzo helped me write and other papers which supported my argument.
A short time later I was advised by mail that my request had been GRANTED... Date: 3/13/13