The Broken Soldier

Last week, I contacted my local district representative, Lisa Wojno (D). It has been over a week and I have had no response from her office. Please feel free to contact her on our behalf at:

Email:  lisawojno@house.mi.gov
Phone:  517-373-2275

Also, since a few people have asked, we have also contacted and received little or no help from Debbie Stabeno, Carl Levin (he wrote a letter and nothing else happend), Jennifer Granholm (one of her aides called and then never called back), and Mike Rogers (one of his staff called and never called back).

I want it to be understood that I am not attempting to harass anyone. However, as an Air Force veteran, who served his country overseas and as a current Army National Guard member, my husband deserves immediate resolution to this situation.

After contacting Fox 2 a second time, hoping to get some coverage for my husband, I received an email indicating that they have been unsuccessful. They provided phone numbers for legal advice and a VA patient advocate. However, my husband has not yet been discharged, so the VA is of little help to us right now.

Here’s the email I received:

We’ve been unsuccessful in other attempts to help.  Have you contacted VA patient advocate Paul Miller @ 313 576 3666?  Another option is free legal advice for vets through U of D Mercy @ 313 596 0262.

Thank you.

We wish you well.

Sue
FOX 2 Problem Solvers

So, no help from the military, the government, or the media. Who will help me tell my husband’s story and get him the care he has earned?

Thanks for visiting thebrokensoldier.com.

My name is Sarah Hutchinson. My husband, Jimison Hutchinson, is a member of the Michigan Army National Guard. In March, Jimison was seriously injured during training and has yet to receive care.

Go to the ‘Full Story’ page to read Jimison’s story.

As I write this, I’m still amazed an American serviceman can actually be stuck this situation. I’m sure you’ll be amazed as well.

I feel Jimison and I have exhausted all the military and governmental avenues for support and assistance. The Army wants to keep the status quo, while simultaneously minimizing the effects of negative PR. The government wishes only to use soldiers and legislation they pass about soldiers to self-congratulate and get votes. Neither are truly concerned with addressing the needs and welfare of the soldier. Nor do they wish to modify an antiquated process, like the LOD, a process designed to weed out malingerers from a peace-time force.

It is important that Jimison’s story be told.

I know other soldiers have similar stories to tell. I’d like to hear from you and share your story as well. I am currently investigating the possibility of starting a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide financial support and advice to any injured service member.

As someone who was considering enlisting, I know joining the military can be an exciting, yet confusing, process. I had no idea problems such at this existed and think they are important to address, especially as you won’t hear this type of thing from a recruiter or Army ad.

I am asking anyone visiting to pass the link along to friends, family, coworkers, members of congress, and other local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as members of the media.

There is nothing worse than seeing a loved one in such terrible pain. I only seek what is owed him, the medical care he was promised when he enlisted.

This is designed to hold those responsible for creating this situation to some kind of account, as the Army and the Army National Guard seems either incapable or uninterested in doing so themselves.

Over the next week, I’ll be posting emails, names and addresses of those we’ve contacted for assistance. So please check frequently for news and updates.

Government or media inquires, please contact:
Sarah Hutchinson
info@thebrokensoldier.com