Jamey Michael Harding

Background

About Jamey Michael Harding

The investigations into the three individuals who repeatedly raped me while on active duty are completed by C.I.D, I publicly acknowledge these events not to brag, but to let other men who may have been victimized know that they need not suffer a lone. Additionally, it is an attempt to educate the public as to the intricacies of the struggles we as victims face. While JAG Counsel agrees that there is probable cause, the laws in place at the time preclude them from prosecuting these crimes. The reason? The United States Congress has in-fact changed the law for new cases that occur now, but the law is NOT retroactive to 1989-1990. JAG cannot court marshal these three assailants because male on male rape, at the time was classified as “sodomy,” and not rape. Keep in mind this was a huge deal during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era, because any military members coming forward with allegations,(even perpetrators) were potentially charged with “homosexual conduct, incompatible with military service.” I reported my three predators on Monday, March 19th, 1990. The Army’s answer to my allegations at the time was to throw me out with an administrative discharge, however, I faired better than most of the victims at that time. I have a fully honorable discharge, but I was forced into forfeiting most military benefits as a result. It took me from 2009 fighting for my benefits,(as my own advocate, no VSO) until September 11, 2015 to receive my benefits via The Veterans Benefits Administration. I am always available for speaking engagements and interviews regarding the process of reporting military sexual assaults. Thank you for the kind words of encouragement! My PTSD struggles and suicide attempts are a very real thing. While I wish none of these events transpired, I also recognize that surviving and becoming an advocate/activist has made me a better human being.