Comments on: Military Enlists Convicted Felons http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/ Updated information on Veteran Benefits, featured Military Bloggers, the You Served Podcast and various other news and information relevant to Veterans. Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:33:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: GIVE ME A BREAK http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-293547 GIVE ME A BREAK Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:48:20 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-293547 Sure is a lot of complaining about ex-felons in the military these days. Personally, this country would be better off if we actually allowed a 'second chance' to our ex-felons. Why? Because while you are sooo scared these people will be out to get you, you thus bar them from ever having a second chance, and you are actually adding to the criminal problem in this country by doing so! Background checks and so-forth BARS individuals from gaining employment: from becoming decent members of our society. WHATS LEFT FOR THEM? A life of gangs, drugs, crime, etc... Well, its no wonder you all are scared of the big bad ex-felon..I would be to if I was playing God over thier lives and second chances at success. "Lets give them nothing", is a bunch of self-righteous boo-boo! SO FEAR THE EX-FELONS!! FEAR US!! WE HAVE ONLY WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US - A LOWER PLACE IN YOUR WORLD!! FEAR US LITTLE PEOPLE...REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN!!!! HAHAHA!! Sure is a lot of complaining about ex-felons in the military these days. Personally, this country would be better off if we actually allowed a ’second chance’ to our ex-felons. Why? Because while you are sooo scared these people will be out to get you, you thus bar them from ever having a second chance, and you are actually adding to the criminal problem in this country by doing so! Background checks and so-forth BARS individuals from gaining employment: from becoming decent members of our society. WHATS LEFT FOR THEM? A life of gangs, drugs, crime, etc… Well, its no wonder you all are scared of the big bad ex-felon..I would be to if I was playing God over thier lives and second chances at success. “Lets give them nothing”, is a bunch of self-righteous boo-boo! SO FEAR THE EX-FELONS!! FEAR US!! WE HAVE ONLY WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN US – A LOWER PLACE IN YOUR WORLD!! FEAR US LITTLE PEOPLE…REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN!!!! HAHAHA!!

]]> By: unforgiven http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-292141 unforgiven Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:04:23 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-292141 No one deserves a second chance and shall be punished for eternity. Great and now we have created another problem which will continue to grow. Thanks. No one deserves a second chance and shall be punished for eternity. Great and now we have created another problem which will continue to grow. Thanks.

]]> By: Noel http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-289542 Noel Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:45:47 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-289542 It's sad to see that the majority of society has a tendency to be quick to pass judgement on other "American Citizens" who have made mistakes and been convicted of a felony.Especially when a lot of those people who have made wrong decisions have in fact truly changed and want to better themselves and their lives.And by what better way than wanting to redeem theirselves by wanting to serve "Our Country" and put their own life on the line for those of you whom judge without taking a good look at the person in the mirror.Granted there are those ex-felons and still active felons who continue committing crimes whom just seem not to care or have any remorse whatsoever,and have no respect or regard for the law and human life.But still that does'nt make it right for anyone to pass judgement and say all ex-felons are the same and are bad people.That's why certain military branches are taking a good look at ex-felons on an individual basis before actually enlisting them,as is stated.Society should have the same human decency and do the same instead of continuously kicking a struggling human being whom is already down and is desperately trying to get back up and make a new start.Just that in itself should speak volumes.All I'm saying is people that are truly deserving and worthy should at least be given a fair shot at proving themselves.You never know...it might be someone like me who saves your life or one of your loved one's life."Semper Fi."God Bless America! It’s sad to see that the majority of society has a tendency to be quick to pass judgement on other “American Citizens” who have made mistakes and been convicted of a felony.Especially when a lot of those people who have made wrong decisions have in fact truly changed and want to better themselves and their lives.And by what better way than wanting to redeem theirselves by wanting to serve “Our Country” and put their own life on the line for those of you whom judge without taking a good look at the person in the mirror.Granted there are those ex-felons and still active felons who continue committing crimes whom just seem not to care or have any remorse whatsoever,and have no respect or regard for the law and human life.But still that does’nt make it right for anyone to pass judgement and say all ex-felons are the same and are bad people.That’s why certain military branches are taking a good look at ex-felons on an individual basis before actually enlisting them,as is stated.Society should have the same human decency and do the same instead of continuously kicking a struggling human being whom is already down and is desperately trying to get back up and make a new start.Just that in itself should speak volumes.All I’m saying is people that are truly deserving and worthy should at least be given a fair shot at proving themselves.You never know…it might be someone like me who saves your life or one of your loved one’s life.”Semper Fi.”God Bless America!

]]> By: Rohn http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-286348 Rohn Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:16:04 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-286348 I was in the ARNG CA for 2 years. Full of felons and people that do not belong there. Frustrated, I left it. We had drugs, alc, thefts and so many assaults that a general burned my unit and staff for complaints. The guard needs a reform, kick out troublemakers, promote good troops. A draft of college grads would not be bad either. I was in the ARNG CA for 2 years. Full of felons and people that do not belong there. Frustrated, I left it. We had drugs, alc, thefts and so many assaults that a general burned my unit and staff for complaints. The guard needs a reform, kick out troublemakers, promote good troops. A draft of college grads would not be bad either.

]]> By: mark http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-285928 mark Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:58:46 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-285928 I too have a question about the criminal background! Im turning 19 next month and would like to join the military but i have both juvenile and adult records. When i was 16 I was with the wrong crowd and broke into a house they gave me mulitple felonies got a year of probation and most of the charges ajudicated and didnt get in anymore trouble until a few months ago, I got a DUI at the age of 18. Ive been looking on many sites but cant seem to get a concrete answer can anyone please help? I too have a question about the criminal background! Im turning 19 next month and would like to join the military but i have both juvenile and adult records. When i was 16 I was with the wrong crowd and broke into a house they gave me mulitple felonies got a year of probation and most of the charges ajudicated and didnt get in anymore trouble until a few months ago, I got a DUI at the age of 18. Ive been looking on many sites but cant seem to get a concrete answer can anyone please help?

]]> By: Rob http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-284944 Rob Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:48:04 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-284944 hi, i am a convicted felon and have served a term in state prison, I was arrested as a teenager, and had a very troubled life before that. I have since tried to be the best person I can and have always wanted to be in the military. Call it a dream if you will. I am now 32 and my parole is almost over. I have a wife and kids, and want to know if anyone thinks I shouldn't go to the army because I would be the "lower standard" that is talked about. I am in prime physical condition, I'll pass with flying colors any test put in front of me, and it would be my life on the line given freely for those who choose not to enlist. My question is, why not let me have a structured enviornment with rules and responsibility to guide my life in a more positive way. I want something in my life to be proud of, something that I gave for reason, not by emotion or folly. hi, i am a convicted felon and have served a term in state prison, I was arrested as a teenager, and had a very troubled life before that. I have since tried to be the best person I can and have always wanted to be in the military. Call it a dream if you will. I am now 32 and my parole is almost over. I have a wife and kids, and want to know if anyone thinks I shouldn’t go to the army because I would be the “lower standard” that is talked about. I am in prime physical condition, I’ll pass with flying colors any test put in front of me, and it would be my life on the line given freely for those who choose not to enlist.
My question is, why not let me have a structured enviornment with rules and responsibility to guide my life in a more positive way. I want something in my life to be proud of, something that I gave for reason, not by emotion or folly.

]]> By: erick http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-277055 erick Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:16:56 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-277055 so im trying to understand that with a felony,and a suspended license ,i still have the option of joining the military?please someone enlighten me on this subject.i need some amswers,life is'nt going my way..30 years old and my felony was when i was 19..do i have a chance to join the military?please help so im trying to understand that with a felony,and a suspended license ,i still have the option of joining the military?please someone enlighten me on this subject.i need some amswers,life is’nt going my way..30 years old and my felony was when i was 19..do i have a chance to join the military?please help

]]> By: Houston j http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-276406 Houston j Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:52:33 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-276406 A Marine is who i am never wanted to be anything more, After severing a honorable tour. I worked as youth counselor in a lock down facility. Moved to Colorado for 3mo w/Ex and received a Domestic violence. I was looked at as a Animal with military experience. Since then Ive been married to a lady that saw and stood with me thou the whole ordeal. 12yr later still Married, Unemployed Auto worker(Great $$$$)No criminal record since.. Only job that will take me is the Military.....Even 12yr later college degree or not..uhh you criminal record banish you hinders you trumped up or not.. Last resort Military....... A Marine is who i am never wanted to be anything more, After severing a honorable tour. I worked as youth counselor in a lock down facility. Moved to Colorado for 3mo w/Ex and received a Domestic violence. I was looked at as a Animal with military experience. Since then Ive been married to a lady that saw and stood with me thou the whole ordeal. 12yr later still Married, Unemployed Auto worker(Great $$$$)No criminal record since.. Only job that will take me is the Military…..Even 12yr later college degree or not..uhh you criminal record banish you hinders you trumped up or not.. Last resort Military…….

]]> By: TJ http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-276298 TJ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:26:29 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-276298 I had not completed my probation back in 1998; I was charged with felony burglary and given a suspended punishment jail time was suppose to finish three years probation. I haven’t been in trouble since except I received some traffic violations and they were all dismissed with no criminal record. The reason I left was simply because I was young and ignorant and didn’t realized what I was doing (lapse of judgment). Once on probation I was doing perfectly fine working etc. abiding my probation rules. Looking back I was very influential trying to fit in with the crowd to be cool. Stupid Stupid! I got into a relationship that turned sour and said to myself I can’t be here anymore and left and never went back.. I have lived with this fear of screwing up ever since I don’t know what to do. I have been saving up for a lawyer to try to resolve this but don’t know where to start. … I needed to change my life… The mistakes I have made do not define my character. I admit I was lost in life from about 16 years-22years old. I was raised to work hard work and respect others but my family life wasn’t ideal, my parents divorced I grew in living two separate lives. I was always a quiet kid on the honor roll stayed out of trouble until I started hanging around with the wrong crowd doing silly kid stuff trying to be cool. Here it goes… after repetitive times starting over and losing all I had I decided one day to take a chance and try to enter the military “seeking the ultimate challenge to prove to myself and society that I am not a bad person” I entered the military, and after a year or so passed after basic and training they ran my record and found that I had a felony. I was charged with falsifying a government document and was busted down then loosing rank and getting a article 15 and was almost kicked out because of force shaping (drawdown of forces) but again my CO did not want to kick me out because of my character and work ethic and stated I would be an asset based simply on my work ethic and characters references.. Since then I have progressed superbly without any more trouble and won many awards and received an achievement medal after serving a 2 tours in IRAQ. The military is fully aware, i was interview by many federal agents at the time. But i recently return from down range and when i went through customs they pulled me aside and was informed me that i had a record and a warrant for probation violation. What is my next step, I really want to resolve this I am scared but realize this needs to be done. I had not completed my probation back in 1998; I was charged with felony burglary and given a suspended punishment jail time was suppose to finish three years probation. I haven’t been in trouble since except I received some traffic violations and they were all dismissed with no criminal record. The reason I left was simply because I was young and ignorant and didn’t realized what I was doing (lapse of judgment). Once on probation I was doing perfectly fine working etc. abiding my probation rules. Looking back I was very influential trying to fit in with the crowd to be cool. Stupid Stupid!

I got into a relationship that turned sour and said to myself I can’t be here anymore and left and never went back.. I have lived with this fear of screwing up ever since I don’t know what to do.
I have been saving up for a lawyer to try to resolve this but don’t know where to start.
…
I needed to change my life… The mistakes I have made do not define my character. I admit I was lost in life from about 16 years-22years old. I was raised to work hard work and respect others but my family life wasn’t ideal, my parents divorced I grew in living two separate lives. I was always a quiet kid on the honor roll stayed out of trouble until I started hanging around with the wrong crowd doing silly kid stuff trying to be cool.
Here it goes… after repetitive times starting over and losing all I had I decided one day to take a chance and try to enter the military “seeking the ultimate challenge to prove to myself and society that I am not a bad person” I entered the military, and after a year or so passed after basic and training they ran my record and found that I had a felony.

I was charged with falsifying a government document and was busted down then loosing rank and getting a article 15 and was almost kicked out because of force shaping (drawdown of forces) but again my CO did not want to kick me out because of my character and work ethic and stated I would be an asset based simply on my work ethic and characters references.. Since then I have progressed superbly without any more trouble and won many awards and received an achievement medal after serving a 2 tours in IRAQ. The military is fully aware, i was interview by many federal agents at the time. But i recently return from down range and when i went through customs they pulled me aside and was informed me that i had a record and a warrant for probation violation. What is my next step, I really want to resolve this I am scared but realize this needs to be done.

]]> By: hope for change http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/comment-page-1/#comment-275653 hope for change Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:00:32 +0000 http://www.vamortgagecenter.com/blog/2008/04/21/military-enlists-convicted-felons/#comment-275653 I am a convicted felon from over 10 years ago... Some of america thinks felons are "bad people". I have since cleaning up my 19 year old act, served as a volunteer firefighter for three years (medical, structure entry, wildland, wildland urban interface, and the leader of the department for technical rope rescue) until injured, completed my ged and moved on to college which I also completed, and now have a family and when my neighbors were told by me that I was a felon they lost all fear and realized that what most people did even 5 years ago really should not define the rest of their life! So I will leave it up to you all to make a change if you think it is warranted... "Should I really judge every person on the felon list like the armed robber that killed five people ", or "you know I heard of this great guy that was stupid at nineteen years old and grabed some stuff from someones house while they were not home". P.S. If I treated you bloody in a car accident, or pulled you out of your burning house maybe I should have told you I was a felon and you might have refused my help just like if I was defending your freedom overseas being shot at while you are sleeping!!!! I am a convicted felon from over 10 years ago… Some of america thinks felons are “bad people”. I have since cleaning up my 19 year old act, served as a volunteer firefighter for three years (medical, structure entry, wildland, wildland urban interface, and the leader of the department for technical rope rescue) until injured, completed my ged and moved on to college which I also completed, and now have a family and when my neighbors were told by me that I was a felon they lost all fear and realized that what most people did even 5 years ago really should not define the rest of their life! So I will leave it up to you all to make a change if you think it is warranted… “Should I really judge every person on the felon list like the armed robber that killed five people “, or “you know I heard of this great guy that was stupid at nineteen years old and grabed some stuff from someones house while they were not home”. P.S. If I treated you bloody in a car accident, or pulled you out of your burning house maybe I should have told you I was a felon and you might have refused my help just like if I was defending your freedom overseas being shot at while you are sleeping!!!!

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