UQR Journey Ends Successfully — Finally!
Posted: April 11, 2023 Filed under: Announcements, Client Care, Officer Resignations, Unqualified Resignations, UQR Leave a commentIn August 2021 we started work for an obligated Army officer who wanted to file a religious accommodation request for the COVID vaccine mandate. Guiding that request through a number of command channels was difficult as the services were coming to grips with a logistical nightmare on several fronts. The packet went up, only to be kicked back for “more information.” This went on for several iterations before it finally made it to a group or division level. And once there we learned that it would take many more months before the request even made it to the Surgeon General’s office making the final call.
Meantime, our client remained educationally unqualified and non-deployable because without the vaccine — and/or without a special authorization from the SECARM — he wasn’t going to any schoolhouse anywhere. Frustrating to say the least for this outstanding officer and performer, who only wanted to serve and use his professional talents for the benefit of all parties. After more than a year of being in limbo — with no end in site — we decided to morph representation into an Unqualified Resignation (UQR) request. And still there was pushback — and further packet send backs — from his command chain; all of which further added to the frustration and the lack of any meaningful service opportunities. As a friend and colleague said to me along the way, “we’re shooting ourselves in the foot with this whole COVID thing.” Amen!
It took discussions with a brigade commander, and a final buy in and support from that level, to get the action moving past division and on to US Army Reserve Command (USARC) for further processing and ultimately a final approval — nearly a year and a half after my first phone call with our client. And still there were several back and forths of the packet from USARC to the client’s local unit, due to the recent complete overhaul and migration of the Army’s digital personnel system.
It shouldn’t be this way. It shouldn’t take this much effort. This client had the wherewithal and resources to bring a team like ours on board to shepherd the process, but what about so many others who didn’t or couldn’t? Don’t get me wrong. I’ve spent a career in and around the U.S. military, and I’m a big fan for many reasons. But this latest case left me wondering how we can ever engage with and defeat enemy threats if we treat our own — our best and brightest human resources — the way my client was treated.
As I’ve said before in this space, if you or someone you know needs help navigating a UQR or a BOI/Show Cause action, give us a shout: Phone: 214 363-1828 or shoot an email: info@meililaw.com Thanks.
Some Good Results Recently
Posted: May 23, 2022 Filed under: Announcements, Client Care, Exemptions From Involuntary Mobilization, Officer Resignations, Transfer to the IRR, Unqualified Resignations, UQR | Tags: Successful Case Resolutions Leave a commentWe’ve had several UQR approvals come down from HRC the past several months, and grateful for those. Additionally, a client who was struggling and feeling “trapped” in his situation has been moved into the DES (Disability Evaluation System) track. This officer’s testimonial will soon be up on this site, and is up as of this morning on my Avvo.com site. http://meililaw.com/p/military-law-attorney-Disability-Evaluation-System-(DES)-Representation-p59366.asp. Additionally, happy to report that 3 new clients — whose cases (one exemption from Mobilization, one IRR transfer, and one COVID Vax refusal UQR) were all frustratingly stalled — have seen significant relief just in the past week/ten days. That’s a good news story any time.
If you, or someone you know, is facing an increasingly frustrating or career threatening situation, give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss whatever’s going on.
Thank you for your continued support, trust and confidence in what we do.
Bill Meili, 214 363-1828 or info@meililaw.com
Naval Aviator UQR, Federal Forfeiture Case, Security Clearance SOR Defense at CAF and DOHA, and Adult and Juvenile Criminal Matters Reduced, Dismissed and Diverted
Posted: May 31, 2019 Filed under: Announcements, Careers Saved, Client Care, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense- Adult and Juvenile, Futures Preserved, Officer Resignations, Unqualified Resignations, UQR Leave a commentIt’s been a productive month of May: An active duty Naval aviator client’s Unqualified Resignation request received a favorable endorsement yesterday from a key commander in the approval chain. We also had a Federal Forfeiture case resolve favorably this month with a refund of the client’s seized assets before a formal case was ever filed by the prosecuting U.S. Attorney’s office. In addition, we heard this week from the DoD office responsible for adjudicating many industrial, security clearance matters (DOHA) that a client’s LOI/SOR will likely be withdrawn based on our response — again without the client having to go through a formal hearing before an Administrative Judge (AJ). We anticipate that the client’s access to sensitive, classified information will be fully restored, along with his career as an overseas defense contractor.
And then earlier, two state criminal matters – one adult and one juvenile – were dismissed and diverted. The ultimate result here will likely be no final convictions on the clients’ records.
For more detailed information on these or other cases, feel free to give us a call any time. Office Main: 214 363-1828 or email: info@meililaw.com
Thanks, and warm wishes as we head on into the summer months! v/r Bill Meili
Practice Update on This Memorable Day
Posted: September 11, 2018 Filed under: Correcting a Military Record, Officer Resignations, PERB Appeals, Responding to a Security Clearance LOI or SOR, Security Clearance Defense, Unqualified Resignations Leave a comment1. Military Whistleblower Protection Defense. Client, a senior Active-Duty Army Officer tagged with Reprisal, was recently exonerated on all counts; This one took almost a year and a half to resolve, but extremely happy for my client and grateful for the result;
2. Security Clearance Defense. Two cases moving forward through the system: One for a DoD contractor working overseas with foreign preference and financial guideline concerns. We were asked to come aboard after the hearing to assist with submission of supplemental materials before the Administrative Judge’s final decision. We’re awaiting that decision now; Second matter pending is for an Army officer with a criminal record guideline concern. Defense here focused on mitigation of that old offense while presenting evidence of a solid, trustworthy, responsible individual moving forward since. Currently awaiting the agency’s decision in this case.
3. Reserve Medical Officer Resignation. Our client submitted his Unqualified Resignation (UQR) nearly 15 months ago. Until mid-June of this year, however, when he reached out for help, the packet was still mired in the system, and our client and his wife were extremely frustrated. We’re close to a decision now… but the wait continues;
4. Fitrep Appeal for a Marine SgtMaj. Have the utmost respect for the Marine Corps, but in this case, our client was gutted in a fitrep by a superior… so much so that it effectively ended a brilliant career. We’ve already been to the PERB and denied. We’re now before the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) … with hope that Lady Justice will soon appear!
Seventeen years ago today, I walked into a Dallas County courtroom for morning docket and the Bailiff who was a friend said I might want to go into the court coordinator’s office — “they have a TV on in there.” That’s all he said, but his look said more, so I went and saw and heard the reports of what was happening. I stayed and watched for about half an hour I think, and then headed over to my Army Reserve JAG unit — to do what I had no idea really. But that’s where I felt a need to be.
Over the course of the next few days and weeks, we briefed a readied a bunch of units … and of course, our world and lives changed. It’s been seventeen years now, and a highlight of my career throughout this stretch has been helping outstanding men and women who wear and have worn the nation’s uniform — all of whom, in their own way and time, answered the call. I’m grateful … and on this day especially, humbled. God Bless those we lost. Courage, strength and grace to those who still stand, protect and defend.
SHOW CAUSE/BOI, UQR, GOMOR and DASEB Representation
Posted: February 15, 2018 Filed under: Announcements, Careers Saved, Client Care, DASEB Appeals, GOMOR Defense, Officer Resignations, Show Cause Boards and Boards of Inquiry, Unqualified Resignations Leave a commentSHOW CAUSE BOARD OF INQUIRY, UQR, GOMOR and ARMY DASEB REPRESENTATION
Have started 2018 with some good news on several cases for clients, the latest of which is highlighted below. Last month, we were fortunate to receive an approved Unqualified Resignation (UQR) for an Army MSC officer client, and we also heard back from DASEB (DA Suitability Evaluation Board) that another officer client’s request to have his GOMOR transferred to the restricted fiche was granted. That was on a first-time request.
We also received a couple of notices last month where our requests for favorable relief were denied. Both of those cases involved BOI actions for probationary officers (less than 5 years of active federal commissioned service) with no right to a “live” Board, and with allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct as basis for the Show Cause. One of those cases is on appeal.
Earlier this week, I received word from DASEB on another Army officer who I’ve known for more than 4 years. His story is compelling. One of the best officers I’ve had the good fortune to work with over my time as a lawyer. His spirit is undiminished by his long ordeal and his character remains strong and resilient. DASEB granted his second request to transfer a GOMOR. He comes up for a second look at promotion later this year, and I’m pulling that the Army does the right thing with a selection. We would all benefit. My client’s thoughts are shared below in his testimonial.
Thank you, and if you or someone you know has a need, don’t hesitate to give my office a call or shoot an email. v/r Bill Meili
Testimonial:
“I contacted Bill Meili over 4 years ago to represent me on a Show Cause Board of Inquiry (BOI) due to a GOMOR being permanently filed in my performance fiche. The Board voted to retain me, but my career was still in doubt because the GOMOR was still in place. Since day 1, however, Mr. Meili has provided sound advice and given me hope that there is still a chance to overcome my long-ago mistake and continue my career. Bill Meili truly cares and ensures that everything is being handled fairly and with respect for the whole person concept. Recently, the Department of the Army Suitability Evaluation Board (DASEB) gave me relief, transferring my GOMOR to my restricted fiche — again with Mr. Meili as my attorney. It has been a long journey and Mr. Meili has always been available providing sound advice and guidance. It is great to know that there is someone who I may contact if in need. He excels in his craft and genuinely cares. The only regret I have is not contacting him earlier in the process!” JJ CPT, USA
Bill Meili, Attorney at Law - Military Law and Show Cause Board of Inquiry Defense 