After nearly a decade of fighting to correct an injustice, a former Airman Basic has finally succeeded in having her military discharge upgraded to “Honorable.”
The Airmen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2012, where she excelled serving in Germany supporting Patriot Express missions. Her career trajectory shifted, however, after a transfer stateside in 2015. There she endured domestic abuse at the hands of her spouse and faced a devastating lack of support from her chain of command. Instead of receiving protection, the Airman was pushed into marital counseling that worsened her trauma. The abuse, combined with untreated medical issues, led to severe sleep disorders and adjustment disorder with depression. These conditions caused her to be late for work on multiple occasions, incidents her command labeled as “misconduct (minor infractions).” She was separated with a “General” discharge, stripping her of the full recognition and benefits.
Despite this, the Airman never gave up. She built a successful civilian career, proving that the issues she faced were rooted in circumstances beyond her control—not a lack of dedication or ability. She then pursued every available appeal, courageously telling her story to military review boards even after initial denials.
On May 29, 2025, the Air Force Discharge Review Board voted to correct the injustice. The Board found her prior characterization inequitable, upgrading her discharge to Honorable, changing her narrative reason to Secretarial Authority, and revising her reentry code.
“She carried this stigma for years, but knew her service was honorable,” according to her attorney< David P. Sheldon, who represented her before the Board. “This upgrade means the record finally reflects the truth.”
Her persistence not only restores her dignity but also highlights how survivors of abuse and trauma within the ranks are too often punished instead of supported.
The case was part of the Johnson et al. v. Kendall class action settlement, which required the Air Force to review thousands of discharges under more compassionate standards of equity and clemency
About the Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC
The Law Offices of David P. Sheldon, PLLC, based in Washington, D.C., represents service members, veterans, and federal employees nationwide. The firm is dedicated to ensuring fairness in military justice, protecting veterans’ rights, and correcting injustices in service records.
Disclaimer
This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Outcomes vary based on specific facts and legal circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.