Tag: ABCMR

Army Chaplain Files New ABCMR Petition Following Court Victory

Posted on by Becky Haugen

Army Chaplain Fights for Justice

A Step Forward in Restoring Honor and Correcting Injustice

An Army Chaplain has filed a new application with the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) seeking the removal of a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) from her official record. This filing follows her decisive federal court victory earlier this summer, when the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found that the Army’s prior refusal to grant relief was “arbitrary and capricious” and remanded her case to the Board

A Career of Service, a Battle for Justice

The Chaplain’s story is one of resilience, faith, and dedication to the soldiers she served. After joining active duty in 2016, she rose to become a Battalion Chaplain in the 101st Airborne Division. Her record included consistent high marks for performance and leadership, along with deep personal commitments to the spiritual and moral well-being of her troops

In 2022, following an administrative dispute with a subordinate soldier, she received a GOMOR. While the Army initially attempted to end her career, a Board of Inquiry later determined she should be retained, recognizing that her conduct did not rise to the level of separation. Even so, the reprimand remained in her permanent record, a stain that hindered her advancement despite subsequent “highly qualified” evaluations and strong endorsements from peers and leaders

In February 2024, the ABCMR itself unanimously recommended removing the reprimand, citing her remorse, strong performance, and the unfair severity of the GOMOR. But in April 2024, that recommendation was overturned by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army. The Chaplain challenged the decision in federal court, and on July 14, 2025, the District Court sided with her, ordering the case returned to the Board for proper reconsideration

Moving the Ball Forward

Now, with her latest ABCMR filing, the Chaplain is seeking to finish what began three years ago: the full restoration of her record and her honor.

“This case is about more than one reprimand,” said her attorney, Dylan Thayer, of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC. “It is about ensuring that a decorated chaplain’s career is not defined by an isolated incident, especially after she has demonstrated unwavering integrity, remorse, and continued excellence in service.”

For the Chaplain, the filing is not simply about personal vindication. It is about correcting the record so that her service is remembered for what it truly is faithful, compassionate, and dedicated to the soldiers she was called to serve.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., is nationally recognized for its representation of service members, veterans, and federal employees. The firm has extensive experience in military law, corrections of military records, courts-martial defense, and federal employment litigation.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Army Officer Files for Correction of Military Records After Career-Ending Injustice

Posted on by Becky Haugen

Army Commander Files for Correction of Records

Attorney Dylan Thayer of The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC filed a petition on behalf of a former U.S. Army officer, seeking long-overdue correction of her military records. The filing alleges that administrative delays, wrongful documentation, and unjust proceedings led directly to the premature end of the officer’s Army career.

The case centers on the Army’s mishandling of a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) issued in 2017. Although the officer accepted responsibility and demonstrated years of exemplary service afterward, including letters of support from commanding officers and strong performance reviews, her record was never corrected in time to prevent an unfair separation. Even the issuing general later confirmed that the reprimand had “served its intended purpose” and should have been removed.

Despite this, bureaucratic delays allowed the reprimand to influence promotion and retention boards, effectively ending the officer’s military service in 2021. The filing argues that the Army Board for Correction of Military Records must now grant relief, including reinstatement, retroactive promotion consideration, and the removal of the unjust reprimand.

“This case is about fairness, justice, and the Army’s duty to uphold its own regulations,” said Dylan Thayer, counsel for the officer. “Our client gave years of honorable service and demonstrated rehabilitation, yet her career was cut short by administrative errors that the Army itself acknowledged were unjust.”

The petition also details the severe toll the separation has taken on the officer’s mental health, including treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Advocates argue that correcting her record is not only required by law but essential to restoring the integrity of the Army’s personnel system.

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

Based in Washington, D.C., the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC represents service members, veterans, and federal employees in matters involving military justice, medical boards, security clearance actions, and corrections of military records. With decades of experience, the firm is committed to protecting the rights and careers of those who serve.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this release does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC.

“Justice For A Chaplain”: Federal Court Sides With Army Officer

Posted on by Becky Haugen

A U.S. Army captain and chaplain has won an important legal victory in federal court after a years-long effort to clear her record of an unjust reprimand. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has ruled that the Army’s decision to reject a military review board’s recommendation to remove the reprimand was “arbitrary and capricious,” sending the matter back to the Secretary of the Army for reconsideration.

The officer, a decorated chaplain with nearly a decade of service, was stationed at the prestigious 101st Airborne Division when a professional conflict led to a series of investigations. Though she was never formally relieved of duty and was recommended for retention by a Board of Inquiry, a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) remained in her permanent file, potentially jeopardizing her career, future promotions, and retirement benefits.

The Army’s own Board for Correction of Military Records agreed with the officer’s appeal and voted to have the reprimand removed. But in April 2024, a Deputy Assistant Secretary overruled that decision with a brief one-paragraph denial, offering no substantial explanation.

In a strongly worded opinion issued July 14, 2025, Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan criticized the Army’s handling of the case, stating the decision lacked adequate reasoning and failed to consider the Board’s findings. The court has now ordered the Army to revisit the matter and provide a lawful, properly reasoned decision.

“This ruling doesn’t just impact one officer, it sends a message that accountability and fairness still matter, even in military bureaucracy,” said Dylan Thayer of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, who represents the officer. “It’s a step toward restoring a distinguished career that was nearly derailed by an unexplained administrative action.”

The officer has served honorably as a chaplain supporting the emotional and spiritual well-being of soldiers under pressure. Her reinstatement into good standing would preserve her opportunity for continued service and eventual military retirement.

About The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC

Based in Washington, D.C., The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon represents military service members and federal employees across the globe in matters involving military justice, adverse actions, security clearances, medical retirement, and records corrections. The firm is nationally known for its commitment to justice, integrity, and results.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique. If you are facing an issue involving a military reprimand or adverse personnel action, contact a qualified attorney for legal counsel.

Army Veteran Seeks Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and Medical Retirement in High-Stakes Legal Remand

Posted on by Becky Haugen

A decorated Army sergeant wounded in combat and medically separated with only partial recognition of his injuries is seeking long-overdue justice through a remand application now before the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR). The veteran, who served two combat tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom, has petitioned for the correction of his military records to include a full medical retirement, retroactive award of the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and all associated benefits.

The filing follows a recent Order by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, which, on May 6, 2025, remanded the sergeant’s case back to the ABCMR for reconsideration. The Court acted on a joint motion between the veteran and the Secretary of the Army, acknowledging serious questions about the Army’s prior denials of relief.

Represented by attorney Dylan Thayer of the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, the veteran argues that the Army failed to recognize or adequately rate multiple combat-related injuries, despite clear evidence of wounds sustained during enemy engagements, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and exposure to toxic burn pits.

“This remand is not just an opportunity to revisit the record, it’s a second chance to deliver long-denied recognition and justice to a soldier who risked everything for his country,” said Thayer. “The failure to properly document and award combat-related injuries continues to be a systemic issue that disproportionately affects those who served in high-risk environments without the benefit of thorough or consistent record-keeping.”

The veteran’s petition details incidents including a stabbing by an Iraqi combatant, repeated blast exposures, and a severe knee injury, as well as psychological trauma documented by the Department of Veterans Affairs as service-connected. Despite these facts, the veteran received only a 10% disability rating upon separation and was denied the awards that would typically accompany such injuries under Army Regulation 600-8-22.

The filing also invokes the “liberal consideration” standard under 10 U.S.C. § 1552(h), which requires that claims involving PTSD or TBI related to combat be reviewed with deference to the service member’s experience and credible evidence.

Thayer added, “If this veteran had remained with his original unit a few months longer, he likely would have received the Combat Action Badge when it was retroactively issued. The only thing that separated him from eligibility was paperwork, not merit or service.”

The ABCMR is now tasked with reconsidering the veteran’s application in light of the Court’s order, new medical evidence, and expert findings. A favorable ruling could result in back pay, a corrected discharge status, and permanent disability retirement, a rare but vital remedy for service members whose sacrifices have been overlooked.

 

 

About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
Located in Washington, DC, the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in military and federal employment law. The firm has successfully represented service members, veterans, and federal employees across all branches of the armed forces in matters involving courts-martial, security clearance appeals, military record corrections, medical retirement, and whistleblower protections. With decades of experience and a reputation for aggressive and principled advocacy, the firm is committed to defending the constitutional and statutory rights of those who serve.

Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
(202) 546-9575
lhttps://militarydefense.com

 

DISCLAIMER:
This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC does not represent the individual named in the remand application unless otherwise stated. Statements made herein are based on publicly filed legal documents and do not reveal confidential client information.