Her husband was not only disallowed but also punished for seeking mental health treatment. Crystal Romero, the LULAC subcommittee chair for military and veterans affairs, said the main goal isto educate the civilian population to understand the problems our service members face on a daily basis.. "You hear horror stories of people trying to get help and them unable to do so," Clemons-Etheredge said. Contact us today for information that could help save their lives. At the moment Brandon Caserta was making his final long walk out to the flight line, Patrick Caserta was on the phone with the command master chief, expressing concern for his son's welfare and telling him he planned to fly to Norfolk to take Brandon to base legal and the equal opportunity office to discuss his options. Had we known that, we'd be able to do something a long time ago, but we didn't know.. DETROIT (FOX 2) - An attorney for Brandon Caserta, one of two men who were found not guilty on all charges on Friday in the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, says that the leader of the state was never in any danger and that the case presented by the prosecution was clearly not enough for a conviction. "I called the [Enlisted Community Management Branch] to ask why I got denied, and he said, 'Your senior chief had quite a few negative things to say about you.' DOD 02/11/2019 Age 20 When Brandon started SEAL training in San Diego, he excelled. You either tell them to go right now, orelse they're going to die. He always found and saw the good in people. They are being held in U.S. marshals'. Boogaloo Boys are known to wear Hawaiian shirts to showcase support for the movement. If this whole thing, you know, startsto happen;I'm telling you what, dude, I'm taken out as many of those m----- ------s (expletive) as I can. He wasa tireless athlete. He was always smiling, no matter what, Patrick Caserta said. The command, Patrick Caserta asserts, was "so hostile, corruptive and unethical," they tormented Brandon and drove him past the brink of despair. ", "And guess what? Its unclear when the channel was taken down. "They would simply have to say, 'I have a Brandon Act concern.' An annual DOD report, released in September, showed rates for active duty service members alone went from 20.3 suicides per 100,000 members in 2015 to 28.7 in 2020, with increases across all branches. ", But an anonymous message sent to squadron commander Cmdr. Caserta wasnt the only sailor who had trouble getting mental health treatment in the HSC-28 command. Marine Corps veteran Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., and Navy veteran Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., are among the sponsors of the Brandon Act: legislation that would give service members a safe phrase that would trigger an automatic referral to a mental health specialist for evaluation. The Caserta family, along with politicians and advocacy organizations, coordinated a June 25 vigil in Washington in which they remembered Brandon's life and recommitted to pushing for the Brandon Act. Prosecutors allege the men had gone there to make a down payment on. Tontitown police say they arrested Jeremy Sherland . I was stripped of all of my duties and reassigned to a position that didn't exist, Romero said. These m----- ------s need to go 100%. He deserves to have justice. The help would be provided confidentially, similar to the restricted reporting option available to military victims of sexual assault. Using a set of tweezers and creativity, Brandon constructed Star Wars characters such as BB-8. We feel that our son would be proud of us and proud that he was involved in saving others' lives. Croft, Fox, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are charged with conspiracy; three of them also face weapons-related charges. She is working for the Phoenix news bureau. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. "The climate [at the unit] was just go, go, go, do, do, do, we'll worry about any personal stuff later," MacMillan said. It will also allow Americans serving in uniform to seek help confidentially and, if necessary, outside of the chain of command. "This means continued success depends on supporting our people, giving them the tools they need to do their jobs and having their backs especially when it matters the most. "He didnt get to see the discovery of how, what a predator (FBI agent) Dan Chapel was and what a predator (FBI informant) Jason Chambers was to these folks," Hills said. It felt like meeting an old friend, Clemons-Etheredge said. If convicted, the men could face up to life in prison. "This bill will ensure our service members can get help and have no fear of retaliation for doing so, as its the right thing to do, Moulton said. She has a niece in the Army and nephew in the Marines. You knowwhen youre driving on a one-lane road, OK and someones in front of you andtheyre turning left up on a street, like a blinking yellow light. Other factors include having spent time in prison or jail, having a mental health disorder or a substance abuse problem, family violence or history of suicide, and having guns in the home, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The effort is in honor of their son, Brandon Caserta, who took his own life in 2018 while in the Navy. Brandon did not like swimming at all at first but then he learned the breast stroke and that was his favorite stroke. An investigation found that leadership at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 in Norfolk,. Hecht said HSC-28 required Caserta to get his qualifications because in the Navy, to be recommended for any special program, including aircrew transition, "the expectation is that sailors are excelling in their current positions and meeting all the necessary requirements.". If he wasnt doing sports, he was working out. "You have not performed your required duties as a watchstander (duty driver) like your peers and superiors since your assignment to HSC-28 due to the fact that you stated you are not a licensed driver. The lead petty officer remains in the Navy, never having received punitive action. However, other videos of Caserta show him armed with a semi-automatic rifle wearing a shirt that says Fuck the Government.. Tony Finau stares down Jon Rahm, Talor Gooch goes back to back, Rory McIlroy returns to the PGA Tour and more in this week's edition of Monday Scramble: Getty Images. "They made him work in gedunk for a year. When Tony Finau was stacking . In 2020, that number rose to 377. All rights reserved. One count of kidnapping conspiracy and a count . The four members of anti-government groups are facing trial on federal charges accusing them in a plot to abduct Michigan's. "He was a loving, caring, friendly kid.". The Boogaloo Boys are known to have a presence in Michigan. But the 21-year-old aircrew aviation electrician's mate striker, or AEAN, did confide to friends via text that he was depressed about BUD/S and unhappy with his rating, which he felt forced to choose from a limited selection after leaving the SEAL training pipeline. Read Next:Troops Can Finally File Medical Malpractice Claims Against the Military. Since her husband told her about the HSC-28 command, Clemons-Etheredge joined Mission 22 as a crisis and trauma counselor. Brandon Casertas bedroom was left as it was except for a few gifts arranged on his bed. Without accountability, extremists will be emboldened," said the statement by Whitmer's chief of staff, JoAnne Huls. Which is why the Brandon Act is so important because it gives them confidentiality.. This is personal, James said. Normally, sailors have to report their mental health issues to their commanding officer, who then initiates the referral. Today, our hard work has paid off. Learn more about what we do and how to find our content on our broadcast, digital and social media platforms. Brandon Hudson has more reaction after the court decision that found two suspects acquitted and two receiving a mistrial in the alleged plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer. We appreciate the prosecutors and law enforcement officers for their work on this case.". "They were filled with rage," Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils said of the defendants in closing arguments last Friday, the 15th day of trial in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "The plot to kidnap and kill a governor may seem like an anomaly. When he said he wanted to join (the SEALs), I'm not gonna say we weren't happy, but it was just shocking, Patrick Caserta said. Posted on Oct 8, 2020Updated on Oct 8, 2020, 3:05 pm CDT. An investigation later showed that Brandon had been recommended for disciplinary review because of an issue over a drivers license and his lead petty officer had created a hostile work environment by being belligerent. Sure, he regretted breaking a leg at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School two years before, an injury that forced him to drop out of training to become a SEAL, but he was a trouper nonetheless. And that smile right there is always smiling on us. His work has appeared in Vice, the Huffington Post, Jezebel, Gothamist, and other publications. Then, three weeks into SEALstraining, Brandon broke his leg. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Caserta couple is now devoting their lives to the passage of the Brandon Act, and say the legislation named after their son will help other servicemembers experiencing a medical crisis requiring psychological care without the fear of retaliation. The LULAC Presidential Medal presentation ceremony was held at the Texas LULAC State Convention . Among those is a plaque from the group Tribute to Fallen Soldiers. He touched so many lives in such a short time. Kent County Sheriff, Delaware Department of Justice via AP, DNA solves "decades-old mystery" after woman's remains found in 1995, $3 million fentanyl shipment to Maine restaurant prompts arrest, Arkansas woman indicted for selling stolen body parts to Pennsylvania man, Woman who left newborn to die next to Mississippi River learns fate, Harris, chose to testify in his own defense. "When he returned from detachment, he was counseled on leadership techniques, ways to improve his demeanor with junior sailors and given another opportunity to lead," Hecht said. According tocourt records, Caserta and his cohorts held field training exercises and plotted the kidnapping in the basement of a vacuum shop near Grand Rapids. I am the living version of Brandon Caserta, I am a living testament to the retaliation and harassment he faced, Romero said. He basically tasked us with changing the system, Teri said. Years Later, Some Are Saddled With Debt. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. Bautistas work has been published in The Daily Independent, Glendale Star and the Downtown Devil. ", They are, the directive states, a combination of "self centered attitudes, motivations, and behaviors that have adverse effects on subordinates, the organization, and mission performance.". According to the unsigned message provided by both Patrick Caserta and included in the command investigation, the LPO called subordinates his "bitches" and referred to the chiefs behind their backs as "douchebags" and "dumbasses." He played flag football for about 10 years and graduated to tackle football. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. They called him a BUD/S dud, or somebody who goes through SEALsand doesnt make it, Patrick said. He knew our background. The LPO officer and some of his peers also didnt take to his happygo-lucky attitude, Patrick said. As they learned more about the workings of the Capitol, Teri and Patrick grew more confident that the bill could be passed into law and scheduled more appointments for April 2020. Brandon left behind a suicide note in which he faulted the Navy. I went through that. Brown said he would support the idea or similar measures. Sanderson points to the grand piano, the shelves filled with ammonite fossils, the high walls covered in wood and damask paneling, and his pice de rsistance: a . But they don't talk about harassment, bullying. And we thank the jury for their service. "The real strength of our military, the thing that matters most and the thing that sets us apart is our people," added Kelly. He was always on the go. Today, a statue of an angel faces the peak, marking the place where his ashes were spread. View the profiles of people named Brandon Caserta. Cmdr. Non-Profit The Brandon Caserta Foundation will provide assistance, guidance, education, and resourc Shauna Springer isa psychologist who specializes in suicides in the military. He pressed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Brown for his support and added that the Defense Department does not favor the proposal. On Count 2: Weapon of Mass Destruction: Daniel Harris was found NOT GUILTY, On Count 3: Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device: Daniel Harris was found NOT GUILTY, On Count 4: Possession of a Short Barrel Rifle: Daniel Harris was found NOT GUILTY. He biked everywhere he went. Caserta is one of five militia members who were arrested in the fall of 2020 in an FBI sting outside an Ypsilanti warehouse. All rights reserved. Rodrguez currently also works at Arizona PBS. In a lot of big organizations, theres always a resistance to change, Kelly said. And the social media for one of them, Brandon Caserta, is filled with right-wing misinformation and violent memes. Years Later, Some Are Saddled With Debt. Disabled Veterans Sign up for a Career Change. After their son died by suicide in the Navy, the couple lobbied Congress for legislation to expand mental health services to members of the military. He could not get the help he needed. "We are so angry at them for not looking out for Brandon and the other troops. Tragically, this system failed Brandon.". On Wednesday, just before he was arrested, Caserta speculated Is it morally legitimate to initiate violence and theft against non violent people? Other posts ask similar questions. While details of the plot are still scarce, the FBI did release the names of the men behind the effort. While a single senator cannot prevent confirmations, a hold significantly delays confirmations because the Senate needs to All of these veterans, who used education benefits earned in the military to pay for the training, had signed agreements Copyright 2023 Military.com. Fox twice traveled to northern Michigan to scout the area. Suicides have risen since then. If he wasn't doing sports, he was working out. He's just playing his game. In this video, Brandon Caserta states why he was stopped and is complaining about thepolice: "Yeah, so guess what guys. According to the FBI, the men used social media to discuss violently overthrowing the government. He never placed judgement on anyone. The defense argues that the conversation had nothing to do with thealleged plot to kidnap the governor, but was merely tough talk by an angry citizenventing hisfrustration overtraffic tickets. The LPO remains at a unit in Norfolk. He would drive the command's 18-person passenger van and no longer inconvenience any other sailors by requesting transportation to and from medical appointments for his re-rate application, according to several command counseling sheets. "I've learned that my voice and my knowledge can help somebody else," Clemons-Etheredge said. And these are the guys who are actually doing it. "HSC-28 took actions to mentor the AE1 and help him improve his demeanor and give another opportunity to lead," Hecht said. Suicide rates have been increasing among members of the military and veterans alike. This story has been shared 597,292 times. "They were paranoid because they knew what they were doing was wrong and they feared they could be caught.". Brandon decided to join the Navy and worked very hard to get a Navy SEAL contract. He was always on the go. The suicide rate has steadily increased in the armed forces in the past four years: in 2019, the rate was 25.9 per 100,000 active duty members, up from 24.9 per 100,000 in 2018 and 21.9 per 100,000 in 2017. Even today, Teri regularly gets messages from relatives of other service members who are struggling. Navy policy states that the command should provide round-trip travel and allowances to family members to attend a command memorial service. A Facebook page of his showcases his far-right bona fides. Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta were both found not guilty. See 230 traveler reviews, 241 candid photos, and great deals for Clostermanns Hof, ranked #1 of 2 hotels in Niederkassel and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Casertas alleged views surface amid Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Whitmer both blaming Trump for inspiring the sick scheme, as they claim he failed to denounce white supremacy and extremism in the US. Three of the men also faced weapons charges. So, yeah, its been almost four years that thats what weve been doing.. PEORIA The mountain that sits just steps away from Teri and Patrick Casertas backyard was their son Brandons favorite hiking spot. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Teri and Patrick Caserta, and bipartisan support in Congress, our efforts will help us confront military suicide head on and save the lives of other young servicemembers." Brandon Caserta died by suicide on June 25, 2018 on the flight line at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Holly Graf perhaps the most notorious. Brandon was in karate for 17 years. (Photo by Madeline Bautista/Cronkite News). After two men were found not guilty of kidnap conspiracy charges, FOX 2 legal analyst says the federal prosecutor will likely not try the other two men. In cases like Brandon Caserta's, Springer said, "military interdependence is critical. The video that prosecutors want to show at trialwas preceded by two other videos, according to court records, including one that Caserta livestreamed to Facebook involving a traffic stop with a Canton Police Officer. It wasn't real to Adam Fox. (File photo by Brooke Newman/Cronkite News). This is more than an advocacy thing. He took swim lessons, joined the USA Swim team and swam for his high school. David Covucci is the senior politics and technology editor at the Daily Dot, covering the nexus between Washington and Silicon Valley. "There are all of these potential consequences, and while they are not common, they are common fears. 85 reviews #3 of 21 Restaurants in Niederkassel $$$$ European Contemporary Central European. He helped so many of his friends and was very supportive and compassionate. Trump motion to declare mistrial in E. Jean Carroll lawsuit denied, U.S. to let Afghan evacuees renew temporary legal status, Tornado hits Virginia Beach, likely damaging hundreds of homes, First Republic Bank seized by regulators, then sold to JPMorgan Chase, Texas man who lost wife and son in shooting shares story, Supreme Court to hear case that could curb power of federal agencies, Mental health of LGBTQ youth worsening in current "hostile political climate", Waiter killed, woman wounded in shooting at popular New Orleans restaurant, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo found dead at 46, Partial verdict reached in Whitmer kidnapping plot trial. This needs to change.". ", More:Feds: Whitmer kidnap suspect doesn't want public to hear God gave him OK. At least one other defendant, Kaleb Franks, is also pushing to keepCaserta's video comments out at trial. When they met, they ran into each others arms, hugged and cried. Caserta was among 13 men busted by the feds Thursday who planned to kidnap Whitmer and storm the Capitol building in Michigan in hopes of sparking a civil war. But the Navy has had its share of what are considered "toxic leaders," notably even with the service's top enlisted leader, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Stephen Giordano, who retired in 2018 after an investigation found he publicly berated and humiliated his staff and treated aides like servants. His parents later discovered notes describing hazing and bullying from some members of his squadron. This year, the Philippines agreed to give the U.S. access to four more bases on the islands. Cassandra Gauthier contributed to this report. Belligerence, vulgarity and brash leadership from his LPO, or lead petty officer, played a role, according to the investigation. And I see the need for change. Im f-----ready dude. He put at least 17 miles a day on his bike and did this for about four years. They volunteered. "They aren't leading anymore. Friday morning, jurors sent a note to the judge saying they had reached agreement on several counts but were deadlocked on others. Matsuda, the anthropologist, said that to truly address the problem of suicide in the armed forces, the services should consider toxic leadership when analyzing individual deaths. He had been counseled while serving as a detachment LPO for "intolerable and unprofessional" behavior toward subordinates, and later relieved when his behavior didn't change. I'm sick of it. "Theyre afraid that if they speak out, they will be harassed or something is gonna happen. LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, is also one of the sponsors of the Brandon Act bill. When he ran into the bad people he would try to look for the good in them and try to bring it out of them. His football coach called him the Energizer bunny.. "They are working like 14 aircraft with the manning of five," MacMillan said. "Trump is not your friend dude and it amazes me that people actually like believe that," Brandon Caserta, one of the men charged with conspiring to kidnap Whitmer, said in a video posted to Twitter The bill is named forNavy Aircrew Aviation Electrician's Mate Striker Brandon Caserta, who died three years ago this month by suicide in Norfolk, Virginia. If a service member mentions the Brandon Act, that would be the safe phrase that would trigger a confidential referral for mental health treatment. This extends past HSC-28. The trial for the four men accused in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. For the most part, this strategy appears to work. In some ways, its to honor Brandon, but more importantly, legislation like this is intended to save lives in the United States Military, Kelly saidin an interview with The Arizona Republic. The article also includes the following from Whitmer: You know, Ive been a target of white supremacists efforts to kidnap me, put me on some sort of a sham trial, and execute me. This is a tragic situation. The USO, a nonprofit that supports military members and their families, notes that for active duty service members, theres an additional layer of potential stressors on top of the regular ups-and-downs of life that puts them at risk.. It requires a mental health evaluation for service members who self-report a need and allows members to seek help outside the chain of command and for cases to be kept confidential. 2023 Cronkite News. The Navy, they say, should find the toxic leadership of the LPO, and the subsequent failure of the command to stop the harassment of Caserta and other sailors, reprehensible. Join Facebook to connect with Brandon Caserta and others you may know. "Right from the beginning I kept looking for it. Yet most who may need help arent getting it. As the Daily Dot went to publish, Casertas page was taken offline. "The governor remains focused on her work on behalf of Michigan and all Michiganders. "Make no mistake, HSC-28 murdered our son Brandon. Boogaloo Boys are known to. The bill passed Dec. 15, 2021. According to the indictment, Caserta wasa member of the Michigan-based militia group, Wolverine Watchmen," whose members were also were affiliated with the Three Percenter group a similar anti-government outfit. The Casertas invited Cronkite News into their home to talk more about Brandons experience in the military and the son they adored. They deserve to get it," said Patrick Caserta. He was transferred out of HSC-28 two weeks after filing the complaint. Command leaders were aware of this abusive sailor, but they also knew Caserta wanted out of the squadron. ", This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Save. They all turned a blind eye to [his] bullying and hatred toward Brandon and others," they wrote. All rights reserved. Gretchen Whitmersaid he wanted to kill cops"as many of those mother f------ as I can" prosecutors allege, though the defendant doesn't want jurors to hear any ofthat. Asked by the Army to "think outside the box" in studying the deaths, Matsuda found that, given the opportunity, some noncommissioned officers and officers in the chain of command make their subordinates' lives a living hell. US Navy Macoy Hicks Its time to defend our defenders. It just wasnt enough. Recommend Disciplinary Review Board," stated his counseling record from June 22, 2018. This was no . "Adam Fox is usually impaired. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. On Count 2: Weapon. He learned that by doing this stuff.. Another f------cop pulled me over on my way home from work, on my way home from work and f------robbed me again dude. Madeline Bautista expects to graduate in spring 2023 with a bachelors degree in journalism and mass communication. He wanted justice, Patrick said. And the command isn't going to admit there is a problem. Reach out at [emailprotected]. We kept looking for it," Hills said. But the jury returned several hours later to say they were still unable to reach a verdict on some counts. And my (expletive)was clean bro. He was only two weeks away from Hell Week, but the leg injury proved too debilitating. The Casertas are so angry and distraught that they have offered a $25,000 reward to anyone who will come forward with information that "would lead to successful prosecution of individuals in their son's chain of command.". L-R: Brandon Caserta, Barry Croft, Adam Dean Fox, and Daniel Harris. Lawyers have signaled an entrapment defense, claiming the men were cajoled by undercover FBI agents and zealous, greedy informants. On June 25, 2018, Caserta left notes to several friends and his parents, walked out on the flight line at Naval Station Norfolk and hurled himself into the spinning tail rotor of an MH-60S helicopter. Gretchen Whitmer (D). OK? While the bad leaders weren't wholly responsible for the suicides, they did help push the soldiers over the edge, he said. Share. "This short 70-second video that was posted on Facebook says nothing about kidnapping the governor, nothing about any plot to kidnap the governor, because it has nothing whatsoever to do with any conspiracy orplot to kidnap the governor. Day or night, rain or shine, he was always there," hometown friend Destini Mohn said in a Facebook post on his memorial page. Let this (expletive)go down bro. But Brandon's father, and other sailors in the command, say the decision was made by a callous leadership cadre interested only in making mission and achieving the next rank. He had a great personality and made you laugh. ", In the last weeks of Caserta's life, his parents became so concerned about his welfare that his father called the command, hoping to speak with the command master chief. I'm sick of being robbed and enslaved by the state, period. Except that Brandon Caserta didn't drive. At one point, according to a military investigative report, a friend took Brandon to the chaplain for help with depression. Aircrew Aviation Electrician's Mate Striker Brandon Caserta, 21 died by suicide on June 25, 2018. "They killed him," he told Military.com. "It's a bit like the Catholic Church and the sex abuse scandal," he added. Newsletter: Video declaring the easiest job in the world goes viral, Fake TikTok of Boston Dynamics robot fighting racks up millions of views, FTC chair warns AI can turbocharge fraud and discrimination, *First Published: Oct 8, 2020, 11:29 am CDT, How South Carolina became a troubling new hub for QAnon. Whitmer, the commanding officer of HSC-28 at the time of Caserta's suicide, completed his command tour last month and has moved on. There must be accountability and consequences for those who commit heinous crimes. According to the Navys investigation, the treatment was likely a significant contributing factor in AEAN Caserta's decision to end his own life.. But we must be honest about what it really is: the result of violent, divisive rhetoric that is all too common across our country. All four were charged with conspiracy, accused by prosecutors of being angry overCOVID-19restrictions imposed by the Democratic governor and seeking to ignite a civil war. Gretchen Whitmer railed that President Trump was a tyrant and called all government workers your enemy.. If you or someone you know needs help, the Veterans Crisis Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-273-8255, press 1. The daily news products are produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. "Its about threats of violence.. "He literally dimed me out just to get me to man a deployment.". The plot was foiled as undercover agents and an informant were embedded in the group, whose members were ultimately arrested in a setup by the FBI. Gonzalez, who has interned with Donor Network of Arizona and reported for The State Press, is working for the Phoenix news bureau. While military service was once considered a protective measure against suicide, military suicide rates have risen steadily in the years since 9/11, both among those who have deployed and those who have never deployed.

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